Skier Ability Assessment

Ski Ability:Please read through this carefully to choose what your ability rating is.

About the Kootenay Coldsmoke Powder Festival

The Kootenay Coldsmoke Powder Fest is a grass-roots gathering where both experienced and debutant backcountry skiers and snowboarders can celebrate the culture of backcountry pursuits amongst breathtaking scenery and world renowned snow.

Accommodations In Nelson, BC

Whitewater Ski Resort has no accommodation located directly right on the hill, but there are several choices in nearby Nelson, many of them that offer ski and stay packages. The city of Nelson is located only about 15 minutes from the ski hill.

If you are looking for local accommodations for the event check out our list of Hotels, Motels and Inns located in the area.

Cancellation & Refund Policy

In the unfortunate event that you are unable to attend the festival, we will do our best to assist and accommodate. Please click the read more link to view the full policy details.

Clinic General Information

Welcome back to the sixth year of the Kootenay Powder Festival!  We are very excited to offer another amazing year of clinics - some tried and true from years past and also several new offerings to entice locals, visitors, and coldsmoke veterans alike.  As always our stellar group of instructors and guides are stoked to share their expertise in the hopes of giving you a most memorable Kootenay experience. 

We are proud of the festival's educational focus reflected in the eclectic offerings of our clinics and tours.  Aimed at helping develop skiers/riders of any level into...even better ones, we hope you will take the time to check out each clinic's individual description and create your own coldsmoke path of powder enlightenment...

Coldsmoke Demo Village

Featuring the latest in backcountry skiing/snowboarding, free-ride skiing/snowboarding and avalanche safety equipment, from our fantastic outdoor and ski/snowboard industry sponsors.

ARC'TERYX, Rossignol, ROAM Shop, Gericks Cycle and Sports, Sacred Ride, Artist Jean Francois and MORE.

Whitewater, Nelson, BC, Canada Map

For maps and details about getting to Nelson, BC and Whitewater Ski Resort click "Read More...".

Driving to Whitewater from Nelson? Head south out of Nelson along highway 6 (towards Salmo). Travel for approx. 12 km until you see the sign for Whitewater. Turn left and head up the mountain for another 6 km. Park and enjoy!

Shuttles: Schedule

Shuttles are available between Nelson/Whitewater and Spokane/Nelson throughout the festival.

There is also a special package for Coldsmoke participants who will be flying in to the Spokane airport.

Whitewater Ski Resort - The Venue

With an Average Snowfall 1200 cm or 40 feet, need we say more?! Whitewater Ski Resort is one of the most renowned free ride/backcountry destinations in Western Canada.

Both the inbounds and backcountry terrain of this area provides a fantastic natural terrain park with its beautiful runs, natural launches, cornices, faces, gullies and gentle glades.

Ski Canada has rated Whitewater as having the Best Deeps, Best Bowls and Best Glades. The climate consistently provides tons of dry snow, year after year.