Whitewater Backcountry
The backcountry around Whitewater Mountain Resort, just outside Nelson, is known for its steep, consistent snowfall and classic Kootenay powder. Using the resort's lift access, we can get your group into prime backcountry terrain quickly, saving the long skin for the descents. The zone offers everything from tight tree runs to more exposed alpine lines, making it a great option for guests who want resort-adjacent convenience without sacrificing the backcountry experience. It's also one of the best areas for guides to read terrain and snowpack in real time, since the access makes it easy to adjust the plan as conditions change throughout the day.
Hummingbird Pass, located a few kilometers before Whitewater Ski Resort, offers lower-angle treed lines, which is ideal when the snowpack is touchy or you're new to backcountry skiing. For those who'd rather skin than ride the chairlift, it also holds steeper terrain for a bigger day out.
Where we ski : 5 Miles Basin, Black Queen, Scott's Knob and Ymir bowl, Ymir Peak, Kutetl creek, Sealous Pass... and the rest is secret ;-)
Access : An easy 25min from Nelson BC. Winter tires mandatory, AWD or 4x4 vehicule is recommended on snowy days but not mandatory
Kootenay Pass
Sitting high on Highway 3 between Nelson/Salmo and Creston, Kootenay Pass is one of the snowiest places in Canada, and it shows. The terrain here ranges from mellow, sheltered glades perfect for building confidence to big alpine bowls and ridgelines for those chasing a bigger day out. Access is straightforward with no lift required, just a short skin from the highway pullout, which means more time skiing and less time getting there. It's a favorite for groups wanting variety in a single tour, since you can move between protected tree skiing and open alpine terrain depending on conditions and how the day is shaping up.
Where we ski : the classic Cornice Ridge, Baldy Rocks, the Muffin, Lightening Strike Ridge, Lost Creek Pass, The Crags,... but we have many other options ;-)
Access : An easy 50-minute drive from Nelson, BC. Winter tires are mandatory, and AWD or 4x4 is recommended on snowy days but not required. Parking is a highway pullout directly on Highway 3. Note that on big snow days or warm spring days, the highway may temporarily close for avalanche control work (check DriveBC before heading out)
