A spectacular alpine destination in British Columbia’s southeast corner, this stunning region of lakes, glaciers, jagged peaks, natural hot springs, and offbeat, charming towns won’t be BC’s best-kept secret much longer.
Fernie, for example, an historic mining town of Victorian brick, surrounded by more than a thousand hectares (2,500 acres) of skiable slopes and bowls, was recently named one of Canada’s best ski towns. Seven other Kootenay Rockies alpine resorts, including Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, near Golden, and Panorama Mountain Village, near lnvermere, are highly ranked for runs, powder, and facilities, without the crowds. Come summer, the lift-accessed hiking and biking are second to none. Revelstoke Mountain Resort has the highest lift-accessed vertical in North America and is the only resort world-wide to offer lift-, heli-, and cat skiing from one village base. Add dozens of other ski operators offering backcountry, heli, and Nordic options, and it’s no wonder people are drawn to the region’s Powder Highway.