Itinerary
This tour
starts with a
pick-up at your
hotel in Kelowna and
ends in Nelson where you will
catch a bus (at your own cost to an airport nearby where you will start your journey home; such as Castlegar, Cranbrook or Kelowna or bus all the way to Vancouver).
Day 1: Kelowna pickup
Fresh Adventures will meet you at your hotel in Kelowna where you will hop in the van and head two hours North to the rustic mountain town of Revelstoke.
The drive takes you along the beautiful cliff lined highway through 3 Valley Gap, and beside shimmering lakes. Get settled in your hotel before you hit the town for dinner as a group, or you can opt to do your own thing.
Day 2: Ski Revelstoke, Halcyon Hot Springs
Fill yourself on a hearty breakfast before we head up to the mountain for your first morning of epic big mountain skiing. Try your luck on the endless variety of chutes, head walls, pillow lines or rolling tree lines, or take a scenic ride down “The Last Spike” with views of Begbie Glacier.
When you can't ski another inch the group will head back into town for a delicious dinner. Come along on an outing across a ferry to the other side of the lake where you can soak in 104 degree Fahrenheit hot springs, beneath swirling night skies.
Day 3: Ski Revelstoke
Back to Revelstoke today for another dream ski or snowboard session! Get used to the terrain, because you're going to see a lot more of it! If you want a challenge, hike to the shoulder of Mackenzie Peak and drop in on “Mania” or “Discipline” to experience some world class steep skiing.
At the end of the day the group will go for another well earned meal, or you can roam around the quaint town on your own.
Day 4: Ski Kicking Horse
After breakfast, it's back in the van heading through Roger's Pass, famous for its avalanche tunnels and towering peaks, on the way to Golden. Take the gondola to the top of Kicking Horse to enjoy the incredible 360 degree views, before dropping in on hair raising chutes and tree runs. Although Kicking Horse has plenty of beginner terrain, it is known for the abundance of steep, gnarly chutes, tree runs and pillowy bowls. Ride top to bottom runs to torture your legs, or keep to the top on the aptly named “Stairway to Heaven” chair. Relax with views of the “Dog Tooth Range” and excellent dining options.
Day 5: Ski Kicking Horse
Hit Kicking Horse for another powder filled day with million dollar views of the Rocky Mountains. Hike past the chair to charge epic powder runs in “Whitewall” if you dare, or sip a fine glass of wine in the Eagle's Eye Lodge at the top of the mountain. Eagle's Eye is renowned for having the best ski lodge view, which is sure to drop your jaw. Don't forget to squeeze in some après at Whitetooth, a local favourite.
Day 6: "Valley of a Thousand Peaks", Lussier Hot Springs
Today you can relax and have a bit of a sleep in before heading south through the “Valley of a Thousand Peaks”, stopping in for a delightful soak in Lussier hot springs. These hot springs are a completely natural flow of hot spring water in a rock pool on the side of Whiteswan River. Ease your muscles in the hot water and take in the beautiful surrounding gorge and river. The journey then continues through Cranbrook, then heads West for Kootenay Pass. Upon climbing the rugged pass you will descend into Nelson, an almost mythical town in the heart of the Kootenays. For years Nelson has been attracting people's attention with its legendary community spirit and local based economy. This tiny town of roughly ten thousand is home to close to 80 bars and restaurants as well as countless cafes, shops and even Oso Negro, a must try coffee roaster. You will not be bored in Nelson, where you will stay for the next 3 nights!
Day 7: Ski Whitewater, Ainsworth Hot Springs
Dining and nightlife is not all Nelson has in spades. Today you will head up to Whitewater for some world class steep tree skiing, that will have you whooping with the locals in no time. Hit “Backside” for the pillow rides of your life, or see how tough your legs are on “Sproulers”. Whitewater also has tons of friendly groomed options, and lodge food that is voted the best in the world. So good in fact that they came out with a much desired cookbook. Instead of the usual ski hill microwaved poutine, try the Ymir Bowl, or healthy salads that will leave you inspired. Don't worry they have inspiring burgers too! At the end of the day you will enjoy a much needed soak in Ainsworth Hot Springs, where you can wander deep into the hand chiseled grotto for the hottest water.
Day 8: Ski Whitewater
Back to the rugged, snowy slopes of Whitewater for another incredible day of launching off everything and narrowly avoiding every species of tree. Impressive Ymir peak towers above the ski area and makes for really incredible photos. The patio at the bottom is always in the sun, and is usually a perfect place to grab a cold beer while watching the crazy locals rip down the steepest moguls on the mountain.
It's your last night of the tour so it is time to party up in Nelson. Some options might be to try Cantina for some delicious Mexican food, or Mike's Place to mingle with the lively locals.
Day 9: Departure Day
After an incredible journey, it is time to say goodbye until next time!
After breakfast, you will need to make your own way from Nelson to either Kelowna, Vancouver, Cranbrook or Castlegar airports.
Fresh Adventures can help you make reservations on a bus to get you to your airport of choice, or you can bus all the way to Vancouver.
You may be leaving, but you will always be part of the Fresh Adventures family!