Whitewater Ski Resort in British Columbia & Escape2ski provides info on; vertical drop 2044ft/623m, total trails 82, closest airport 150mi/241km, and more.

Whitewater Ski Resort, near the city of Nelson, British Columbia is a local family-friendly ski and snowboard resort that offers big mountain terrain. It is also known for being one of the ski resorts that make-up what is known throughout the world as the Powder Highway.

Nelson, BC like many other towns of the time, was placed on the map around 1867 due to the discovery of gold and silver that attracted many people to the area in the hope of prosperity. As with many resource-based economies, when their natural resources begin to decline, so does the economy.

The history of skiing in this beautiful area started with Danny McKay, a ski jumper, who for many decades was the driving force behind the first ski hill in the Nelson area. In 1974 the Ymir Bowl, part of what is known as Ymir Mountain in the Selkirk Mountain Range, was chosen to be its permanent home.

Whitewater Ski Resort opened to the general public in its current location in 1976. Throughout its history, the ski resort has enjoyed several ownership groups with a shared vision of maintaining this beautiful area and attempting to offer an affordable mountain experience for family getaways that are filled with events like the annual winter carnival that occurs the 3rd weekend in January.

Today, Whitewater Ski Resort has expanded from its humble beginnings, to offer skiing and snowboarding on three mountain areas, Glory Ridge, Summit and Silver King. Nelson and the Whitewater Ski Resort continue to be featured in articles, magazine publications, and annual rankings as one of the best towns in North America.

On the Slopes

• Whitewater Ski Resort is tucked away in a horseshoe-shaped valley at the end of the Whitewater Ski Hill Rd. The terrain is diverse, and the Bonanza trail features top to bottom skiing and snowboarding just off the Summit Chair. There is also the intermediate terrain of Ramble On and Morning Glory located on the backside.
• Whitewater Ski Resort features one terrain park on the upper portion of the Jackpot trail near the Silver King chairlift where you can demonstrate your park skills.
• Mountain Host tours are free and for a small fee, the In Deep Resort Guides provide a 2-hour tour to the best powder stashes available at Whitewater Ski Resort.
• Whitewater Ski Resort has a dedicated team of ski and snowboard instructors ready to improve your skills through lessons and programs, such as beginner, group, private, school groups, youth programs, Ladies Day, Freeride and the Little Muckers lessons for ages 4 and 5.

Off the Slopes

• Whitewater Ski Resort has no lodging options on the mountain, but only a 30-minute drive away is the charming and historic city of Nelson, BC. Nelson has transformed itself from mining town to a tourist destination. Baker Street is the most well-known street, with a collection of restaurants, cafes, boutiques, sports stores, and lodging.
• Aside from the incredible powder, Whitewater Ski Resort's other hidden gem is the food. Check out the eclectic selection of food at Fresh Tracks Café or taste one of the locally brewed beers at the infamous Coal Oil Johnny’s Pub.
• There is also an extensive rental shop and a small retail outlet where you can spend a little time shopping for souvenirs and any items you may have forgotten to pack.
• Whitewater Ski Resort is home to the Nordic Centre that has up to 15 km of groomed trails for cross-country skiing, 10 km of snowshoe trails and 5 km of trails that allow snow biking and dogs.
• The Whitewater area is also popular for back-country activities, but we suggest that you take the time to get to know the area and be prepared as weather conditions and terrain can change quickly.
• The Whitewater Ski Resort shuttle operates daily from Nelson and drops you in front of the day lodge, for a touch of VIP service. Click on the link in the Helpful Links section below for more information.