Whitewater
Whitewater Ski Resort Review
The retro Whitewater (aka WH20) is a step back in time. The ski resort is simple and laid back, but real powderhounds don’t need anything more considering Whitewater receives a whopping 13.5 metres of snowfall annually. This is powderhound nirvana!
The best thing about this resort is that you don’t have to share the fresh powder with the crowds. Whitewater is essentially a community ski resort. They don’t attempt to compete with the bigger resorts and prefer to retain their charm rather than trying to attract the crowds. Currently it’s a low profile resort, but it’s starting to gain some notoriety by winning various awards for the terrain and the powder. The new owners may develop the resort a little and put in some accommodation, but traditionalists and powderhounds need not fear. The mantra of the resort will remain “pure, simple and real….deep”.
Where is Whitewater Ski Resort?
Sitting within the Powder Triangle of British Columbia, Whitewater Ski Resort is in the Selkirk Mountains. This area is renowned for the plentiful dry snow. Whitewater is 15 minutes (19 km) southeast of the town of Nelson BC.
The closest regional airport is Castlegar (unaffectionately known as Cancelgar), and the closest international airport is Spokane (WA, USA) from which various transport options are available.
Whitewater Ski and Snowboard Terrain
The main lift infrastructure at Whitewater consists of two slow double chairlifts that run up the ridges of Ymir bowl. No one seems to mind the slow pace of the chairlifts, as this keeps the crowds away.
The
Whitewater ski area is an off-piste paradise with steeps, bowls, glades and chutes, and the resort attracts many backcountry skiers who tackle the out-of-bounds areas. There are also gentle beginner areas, groomed cruisers and a terrain park.
Snowmaking is definitely not part of the resort infrastructure as Mother Nature ensures that it is not required.
WH2O Ski Resort Facilities In keeping with its no-frills status, the
Whitewater resort facilities are limited but adequate. These are contained within the day lodge and include a cafeteria, rental shop, ski school and childcare facilities.
Nelson BC
There is currently no accommodation on-hill at Whitewater, but there are various accommodation options in the town of Nelson only 19km away. One major plus is that
Nelson BC hotels and other accommodations are very inexpensive.
Nelson is a ski town but it’s a far cry from a glitzy resort town. Life is unhurried in Nelson, the culture is relaxed yet cosmopolitan, and there are various great
Nelson restaurants.
Nelson has a mining history and is the heritage capital of BC. The town features many preserved buildings from the turn of the century, with the historic ambience being most evident on Baker St. The town is colourful, both literally and metaphorically. There are lots of “rainbow” and “organic” people that reside in Nelson and a strong alternative culture exists. Nelson has an eclectic mix of boutiques, organic shops, hippie tea cafes, and adjunct therapies on offer. Nelson is also a vibrant arts community with local artists in residence.
For old movie buffs, Nelson is famous for the setting of the Roxanne film starring Darryl Hannah and Steve Martin (with the really big nose!!).
Cat Skiing Near Nelson & Whitewater
Nelson is an epicentre of snowcat skiing, an activity that powderhounds find very addictive.
Wildhorse Cat Skiing is based 25 minutes south of Nelson in Ymir. Wildhorse offer single day or multi-day packages, and have the best value for money cat skiing in North America.
The base for
Valhalla Powdercats is in South Slocan, a 20 minute drive from Nelson. Valhalla offer day skiing and have very cheap standby rates. The sexy terrain is their major drawcard.
Retallack Cat Skiing is located about one hour north of Nelson. Retallack offer multi-day packages that include accommodation as well as standby day skiing. Retallack is well suited to strong and fit skiers and riders.
Big Red Cats are a very slick operation that can cater well to a variety of ability levels because they take out multiple snowcats. BRC are based at Red Mountain, about an hour southwest of Nelson.
Why Ski or Snowboard at Whitewater?
Whitewater might be simple, but it’s for real powderhounds who don’t need the frills associated with the big resorts. Families also love WH2O for the inexpensive lift tickets and ski school. Food and
Nelson accommodation is also very affordable.
The resort certainly earns the right to be part of the powder highway. It’s probably the capital of the area and considered by many aficionados to have the best skiing and snow conditions in North America. And if that’s still not enough to fuel your addiction for powder, the region also has lots of cat skiing operations. Pack your snorkel!