Whitewater/Nelson Activities

The region around Whitewater Ski Resort and Nelson BC, Canada, is powder central. Not surprisingly most winter activities make the most of the abundant snow.

Whitewater Backcountry Skiing

There are various mountaineering operators that provide backcountry tours in the Whitewater and Nelson region.

Summit Mountain Guides provide avalanche skills training and daily guided ski touring for individuals and groups.

Kootenay Backcountry Guides only offer private guiding and custom trips which include ski touring, snowmobile access backcountry skiing, and helicopter drops.

Alternatively Ymir Lodge provide ski touring accommodation in the fabulous backcountry. The packages have the options of being guided or self-guided.

Cross Country Skiing

Nordic ski trails are located at the Whitewater ski resort and start from the day lodge. The 6.1 kilometres of trails are suitable for beginner and intermediate skiers. The Mountain Learning Centre provides lessons if required. Nordic rates are very inexpensive per day or for a season pass.

Nelson Cat Skiing

Cat skiing on the famous Powder Highway is legendary and there are a handful of cat ski operations in the area.

Retallack is a legendary cat skiing operation in the region. Based about an hour north of Nelson, Retallack provides multi-day packages that include accommodation, meals and the powder. This is not cat skiing for the faint of heart! Like most multi-day cat skiing in Canada, it can be really difficult to get into.

Nelson Heli Skiing

Stellar Heliskiing is based out of Nelson and Kaslo (a little north of Nelson). They provide magnificent single day and multi day heli skiing packages. It’s highly likely that you’ll need to pre-book your Stellar Heli Skiing adventure well in advance.

Snowwater heli skiing provides the ultimate in steep and deep. Snowwater provide multi-day all inclusive heli ski packages with upscale accommodation and divine cuisine.

Adventure Activities

Dog sledding is a great activity for the romantic, the adventure seeker, the family or anyone who wants a howling good time. Spirit of the North Kennels operates dog sledding tours out of Salmo, south of Nelson. The tours travel along 7km of beautiful groomed trails through woods, fields and along the Salmo River.

Leisure Activities

Go to the Visitor Information Centre (91 Baker Street Nelson) and pick up a brochure for a self-guided heritage walking tour of Nelson. The walk explores the history of downtown Nelson and the buildings, including information on the architecture. Some of the hotels also stock these brochures as well as information on a driving tour of the area.

If you want to get high, a great way to see the area is with a scenic helicopter tour - try High Terrain Helicopters.

Relaxation

When skiing has worn you out, a visit to the Ainsworth Hot Springs might be required to revitalize the body. The resort is about a 45 minute drive north of Nelson. Amidst the majestic scenery of the Purcell Mountain and Kootenay Lake it features three hot pools, a lounging pool and a stream-fed cold plunge pool. The hot springs are somewhat novel because parts of the hot pools are inside small caves.

If you’re in need of a day spa treatment, there are a few Nelson day spas and the rates are generally affordable relative to other ski destinations.