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February 3, 2024

Road Tripping the Powder Highway Like a Ski Bum

Located in the southeastern corner of British Columbia, the Powder Highway is an unrivaled destination for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts. With the highest concentration of alpine resort, backcountry, cat, heli, and nordic skiing/riding in the WORLD, this place is an absolute paradise for winter sports.

But just how big is the Powder Highway? Brace yourself, because it’s absolutely gigantic! With a combined tenure of 7.2+ million acres, this expansive playground is calling out to all adventure seekers. Locally known as the ‘Kootenays’, this ski/snowboard mecca is home to over 100 ski operators along the route.

So, if you’re a ski bum or an aspiring “dirtbag” (as the locals affectionately call it) looking to experience the Powder Highway on a budget, we’ve got you covered. 

A duo of skiers downhill skiing at Fernie Alpine Resort.

FAIRMONT HOT SPRINGS SKI RESORT & PANORAMA MOUNTAIN RESORT

The Fairmont Hot Springs RV Resort, offering winter RV sites.  It is also the home  to one of the largest natural hot springs (and they resort has its own family ski mountain).  For budget hotels/motels, stay at the Invermere Hostel (during the winter months, the Invermere-Panorama free shuttle stops right next to the hostel).

Photo courtesy of Panorama Mountain Resort; photo by Kari Medig

FERNIE ALPINE RESORT

The Fernie RV Resort is open all winter offering the winter camper and RVer a full-service and affordable option to enjoy your favourite snow activities (rentals by the month).  Another budget offering is the Raging Elk Adventure Lodging with their relatively new deluxe pods – perfect for the price-conscious solo traveller. 

Photo courtesy of Raging Elk – Deluxe Pod Room

KICKING HORSE MOUNTAIN RESORT

The Golden Golf Club & RV Resort is a close proximity to Kicking Horse Mountain Resort and offers year-round RV sites.  The Dreamcatcher Hostel, in a renovated heritage building is located in the heart of downtown Golden.

Photo courtesy of Kicking Horse Mountain Resort

KIMBERLEY ALPINE RESORT

There are no hostels or winter RV parks in this community. Check out the North Star Motel  for economical winter season rates (a 10-minute drive to the ski resort).

RED MOUNTAIN RESORT

There are no winter RV Parks in this community. Check out the Nowhere Special Hostel just a short walk from the hostel to the lifts at RED Mountain Resort.  And, Shadow Mountain Hostel is located in downtown Rossland, a short drive to the resort and Big Red Cats.

Photo courtesy of Nowhere Hostel Rossland

REVELSTOKE MOUNTAIN RESORT

Boulder Mountain Resort offers RV sites & Glamping options.  There are a variety of motel/hotels that offer economic nightly rates, including the Alpine Inn & Suites, Northwinds Hotel Revelstoke, Revelstoke Lodge, Super 8 by Wyndham Revelstoke and Swiss Chalet Motel.

WHITEWATER SKI RESORT

Looking for a place to park your RV? Look no further than Whitewater’s Hummingbird Lodge! They have 10 amazing overnight RV Campsites available for self-contained units. Whether you want to make a reservation or just walk-in, they are here to accommodate you, depending on availability. Stay for a maximum of 14 consecutive nights and remember & the maximum RV length is 35 feet.

Budget accommodation, includes the Adventure Hotel, Alpine Inn & Suites, Dancing Bear Inn and the Villa Motel located in Nelson’s thriving mountain community.

RV rentals are available in Calgary, AB or Vancouver, BC.  Shuttle services are available to most ski resorts from each our funky mountain towns.  Here is a Map and info on other winter camping options in BC.  And, tips on “Winter Camping for Beginners in BC“. 

Revelstoke Mountain Resort, photo by Bruno Long

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