Embrace the ‘epic-ness’ of the Kootenays as our unmatched champagne powder blankets the peaks – a beckoning call for adventure only we can answer. The Powder Highway’s, alpine resorts, backcountry lodges & guides, cat–heli operators & Nordic clubs are not just preparing, but eagerly anticipating the upcoming season and this year’s La Niña winter!

Gearing up for the winter season just got a whole lot easier! BC’s Powder Highway is now more accessible than ever. Alaska Airlines blazes the trail with a new direct route from Los Angeles, CA (LAX) to Kelowna (YLW). Not to be outdone, WestJet is multiply the nonstop flights from Toronto, ON (YYZ) to Kelowna by two. Furthermore, they’re committing to daily, non-stop, year-round service between Kelowna and Seattle, WA (SEA).

WestJet to transition WestJet Link to WestJet Encore increasing capacity into the Canadian Rockies International Airport (YXC); 11 x weekly Calgary-Cranbrook, 3 x weekly Vancouver-Cranbrook. And, Pacific Coastal Airlines is delighted to unveil a new expanded winter and Christmas schedules. This step forward guarantees enhanced accessibility and added flexibility for their valued travellers (from October 27, lasting till April 26, 2025), between Trail (YZZ) to Vancouver (YVR).

WHERE TO PLAY

At Baldface Lodge, we are excited to ring in their 25th anniversary in the 2025 winter season, marking a quarter of a century of outstanding snowcat operations. Situated at 2,042 metres (6,700 feet) in the sub-alpine region of the Selkirk Mountains – they gift their guests with a spectacular variety of riding experiences. Spanning across an impressive 12,500 hectares (32,000 acres) of incredible terrain, you will discover open bowls, exciting steep forests, captivating mid-alpine tree sections, and a host of natural terrain features including log drops and enticing mini-pipe gullies.

Spearheading the heli-skiing movement six decades ago amidst the majestic Bugaboos granite spires in the Purcell Mountains, was no small feat. It marked the inception of successful commercial heli-skiing and announced the grand launch of CMH Heli-Skiing.

Their esteemed founder and acclaimed Mountain Guide, Hans Gmoser, navigated the maiden trip on April 5, 1965. This landmark event ignited an entire industry and revolutionized skiing. In 2025, they are celebrating 60 years of uniting people through a shared winter reverie.

Eleven and Kingfisher have joined forces to redefine skiing adventures. Experience world-class, lightly dusted, deepest-powder terrain over 121,406 hectares (300,000 acres) in the heart of Central Monashees, the Pinnacles and Valhalla Mountains, all under the guidance of thir seasoned experts. For an unparalleled and personalized journey, choose their private experience. Featuring a superior 3:2 guest to guide ratio, it grants you full command of the extensive terrain.

Unleashing bold, innovative experiences this season, Kicking Horse Mountain Resort’s Winter Sports School is redefining adventure for adult skiers and snowboarders. Premiering exhilarating programs such as First Tracks, Mogul Monday clinics, and Trees and Skis Eco Tours, they are pushing boundaries like never before. Maintaining a momentum, and are also continuing crowd favourites like Rippin Betties Camps and Big Mountain Camps.

At RK Heliski, they have conquered over 50 seasons, leading the way in deep powder Canadian heliskiing and snowboarding. The legendary Jumbo Valley, along with countless others, features impeccable gladed tree runs while the towering Purcell Mountains, with elevations of over 3, 000 metres, they offer breathtaking open bowls and glaciated runs.

Step into Selkirk Snowcat Skiing’s monumental 50th season in 2024/25, let’s remember their legacy in being the trailblazers of the first snowcat skiing operator in the ski industry. This is indeed a tremendous reason to cheer!

Nestled amidst majestic peaks, Selkirk proudly boasts a skiing terrain that is often held up as one of the finest globally serviced by cat. Their road network scales an awe-inspiring altitude of 2,530 metres (8,300 ft), posing irresistible invitations to savour expansive alpine bowls, tranquil glades, thrilling but navigable forests, and challenge-ridden steep slopes and chutes. For all their esteemed customers who have planned their trips with them this season, ensure your bags are packed with retro ski suits, and a ton of stoke!

In Selkirk Tangiers Heli Skiing, 46-year journey, they announced that both their A-Star Small Group and Classic Bell 212 packages now offer unlimited vertical. Gone are the days of getting concerned about reaching your vertical limit. This season is all about relishing limitless turns and exploiting every run to ultimate satisfaction. Their unlimited vertical promise empowers you to extract the maximum juice out of your heli skiing adventure.

The Selkirk Tangier’s team has diligently utilized the summer to elevate our massive 202,343 hectares (500,000-acre) tenure to new heights. They have been actively engaged in brushing and glading with the objective of perfecting our terrain and delivering an unrivalled skiing/riding. These remarkable enhancements made are not just boosting the quality of tree runs, but also unveiling new areas for untouched tracks within their extensive network of over 400 established runs.

Last season, Whitewater Ski Resort introduced with their brand new Fixed-Grip Quad Chairlift; named “Raven Chair” (the Yutlxʷ / Qukin chair, is pronounced “Yew’tulhh” in the Interior Salish dialect and “Goo-kin” in the Ktunaxa language). Prepare to be whisked away to the majestic Silver King Ridge from the main base area. This incredible upgrade, offers access to over 65 hectares (160 acres) of jaw-dropping gladed skiing and a selection of freshly groomed runs. The expansion is set to elevate your experience at Whitewater Ski Resort with epic verticality – at over 40 meters (or 140 feet) longer than the Summit Lift!

Whitewater proudly proclaims the unprecedented expansion into the iconic Ymir Bowl with an addition of 24 hectares (60 acres) of inbounds terrain. Offering four brand-new runs to their trail map, they are broadening their horizons in a way never before seen at the resort. As they venture into the exciting realm of south-facing open alpine terrain for the first time, prepare to elevate your on-mountain experience and seize the unforgettable opportunity for extraordinary turns and awe-inspiring views.

CELEBRATING MOUNTAINS

Dive headfirst into the adrenaline fueled sphere of the Freeride World Tour (February 7-13, 2025) – a competitive freeskiing and snowboarding event. Athletes are challenged to inspect the venue visually, a daunting 400-meter high, 45-degree slope peppered with cliffs, trees, and natural terrain. It’s their responsibility to chart an impressive path that will convince the judges. Opportunity strikes but once, they have only one shot to shape their victory. Notably, Golden and Kicking Horse Mountain Resort have proudly been the sole North American stops on the Freeride World Tour since 2018.

Prepare to witness the Natural Selection Tour staging its Phase Two Snowboarding Competition at Revelstoke from March 10-17, 2025. Gear up to experience the spectacular YETI Natural Selection Revelstoke, comprising two exhilarating, live competition days in the monster terrain just outside Revelstoke Mountain Resort’s boundary. It’s a competitive challenge where Mother Nature herself decides the two optimal days for the competition. Expect twenty-four fearless riders hurtling down the naturally amplified and feature-rich terrain in Revelstoke.

WHERE TO STAY

Experience the ultimate winter getaway at BaseCamp Resorts’ Northwinds Hotel Revelstoke. Formerly known as ‘Days Inn Revelstoke’, this hotel offers comfortable and affordable accommodations in the heart of Revelstoke, BC. With easy access to all the natural splendours of the area, including the renowned Revelstoke Mountain Resort, your adventure awaits.

Experience the timeless charm and unmatched luxury at The Edelweiss Village Resort – an extraordinary landmark in Golden, BC. Steeped in history, these homes served as the abode for pioneering Swiss Mountain Guides, hand-built by the Canadian Pacific Railway in the years 1911 & 12. Recently revitalized and renovated with meticulous attention to detail, the six chalets of The Edelweiss Village Resort seamlessly blend historic allure with avant-garde amenities. Soaring to new heights, these resort harmonizes the vibrant Swiss alpine lifestyle with the majesty of the Canadian Rockies.

Experience invigoration and restoration like never before at the Elk View Lodge, Fernie. They announced a diverse selection of wellness services. Enjoy the healing powers of Music Medicine, find alignment with Axiatonal treatments, or ground yourself with their authentic Reiki and Meditation sessions.

VRGE Hotels was born out of a bold vision to redefine the hotel experience along the historic Powder Highway. Their hybrid approach seamlessly blends classic charm with contemporary design, providing a vibrant yet serene haven for you to unwind after hitting the slopes. VRGE Hotel, in Revelstoke, isn’t just accommodation — it’s your springboard to an enriching adventures!