Skithekootenays
by Melissa MacDougall
Canada is known for many things: Maple syrup, poutine, Tim Horton's, hockey and snow. They are all part of the nation's identity. When we think maple syrup, we think the iconic symbol on our flag. Poutine: Quebec. Tim Hortons: every street corner.
While Whistler has won the hearts of celebrities and athletes for good reason and was used as the main stage in the 2010 Olympics, it's become easy to forget what's available in eastern British Columbia - the region of the Kootenays.
Winding itself through the towering peaks of the Monashee and Selkirk ranges and down into the Slocan Valley, the Kootenays are a densely forested mountain range marking the perimeter around the 65-mile-long Kootenay Lake, one of the largest freshwater lakes in the province. The Kootenay River meanders along and merges with the Columbia, extending the diverse geography that this land is noted for.
Adventure stretches far and wide within the region and doesn't limit tourism in any one season. Palatial mountaintops offer perfect ski conditions and many hills offer some of the best champagne powder available on the continent. Alpine activity can be found not only on one mountainside, nor two, but three.
Situated in the southeastern corner of the province - in the Canadian Rockies, the small town of Fernie evokes an earthy quality from the waters of the Elk River, to the snowcapped peaks that frame it. Revered for its 29 feet of legendary powder, Fernie Alpine Resort has secured itself as a top contender in the realm of skiing. The varied terrain extends itself across five bowls, the most in North America, with usability for all skill levels. The culmination of edge and exhilaration are brought forward with a challenging rail park and Catskiing. Traditionalists manage to rival thrill-seekers with just as much enthusiasm when it comes to recreation.
Kimberly, British Columbia, boasting a European-esque nature to it, lies in the southeastern region of the Kootenays. Overlooking the Kootenay River Valley, Kimberly delivers stunning views of the Rockies. Multiple festivals and the Kimberly Alpine Ski Resort draw crowds throughout the year, but it's the sheer beauty that has us coming back for more. With an impressive 1,800 acres to experience, Kimberly Alpine Resort divides itself down 68 trails and an additional twelve awaiting skiers in the glades. Mild temperatures and high snow levels equal the ultimate conditions for the death-defying sport of heli-skiing.
Rossland, home to Red Mountain, goes backward and forward in its history. With a continued devotion to active mining, Rossland is also committed to taking the rural town to new heights. Activity swells from summer through winter with some of the best bike trails available on the continent. Red Mountain, listed as one of the Top 10 Resorts in North America by Forbes Magazine, kicks things up a notch in the way we view skiing in British Columbia. Spilling over 1,600 acres of ski-able terrain across two mountains, we are presented with wide open groomers and powdery glades. Brilliantly branching out its ability levels amongst beginner, intermediate and advanced runs, Red Mountain is able to capture the attention of all ages. Mulch-faceted, Red Mountain delivers freestylers with a recently upgraded terrain park packed full of jumps and jibs.
Important resources: Weather - Road conditions Dump stations