Explore the best winter activities in the West Kootenays

Wow & Pow

In the Nelson & Kootenay Lake region the winter season delivers big wow and pow.

WOW Factor

There's brightly decorated historic main streets with galleries, artisans, theatres and boutique shops. Dozens of charming cafes, brewpubs and restaurants invite visitors to indulge in apres-ski all season long. A few restaurants in Nelson will have outdoor patios to give you a unique, Kootenay experience - pretty awesome. Relaxing is also a valued activity in the region with yoga, spas and our famous Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort.

Check-in at one of our boutique hotels, motels and resorts or vacation rentals all around Kootenay Lake. You'll find the perfect place to stay: safe, clean, quiet and private.

POW Factor

The stillness of winter is punctuated by a flurry of outdoor activities throughout the Kootenay Lake region. Legendary POW makes Whitewater Ski Resort, cat & heli skiing, and ski touring areas a bucket list destination for skiers. Nordic skiing and snowshoeing in Nelson and Kaslo offers family friendly recreation, while indoor and outdoor skating rinks are ideal for a classic Canadian pastime.

Winter Accessibility

If you love the mountains in the winter, but gearing up and heading to the slopes is not your thing, we have a spectacular idea: Kootenay Lake Aviation has made the accessibility of the mountains incredibly easy by offering year-round flying tours from the comfort of their high wing three-passenger aircraft. They're conveniently based at the Nelson Airport and their sightseeing tours are ideal for folks of all ages and abilities.

Come and enjoy the winter wonderland of Kootenay Lake by soaring above incredible snowy mountain peaks. You could even fly over Whitewater Ski Resort and wave at the family and friends below!

Looking For More?

Visit our Event Calendar, made in partnership with Kootenay Coop Radio, to stay up-to-date with events happening in our region.

Events Calendar

If you're looking for some new things to experience, check out our Trip Ideas for families, adventure seekers, cultural explorers, and those looking to chill and relax. Download the Kootenay Lake Road Trip App for fun and informative self-guided tours. We hope you will stay inspired, add us to your bucket list and come find awesome all year round! #findingawesome

Whitewater Ski Resort

Just 25 minutes from downtown Nelson, Whitewater Ski Resort is a world-class ski destination that still enjoys a well-deserved laid back reputation.

Enjoy BC cat skiing and bc heli skiing in our region

The Best Cat Skiing and Heli Skiing in BC

We are the Cat Ski Capitol, because of this well-designed terrain, precipitation, and temperatures, with more Cat Ski operations here than anywhere else in the world.