Top winter resorts in the Kootenays

These popular Kootenay resorts provide some of the best winter recreation opportunities

Kicking Horse Mountain Resort in Golden is a must-see for snowboarders and other winter sport enthusiasts. — Photo courtesy Kicking Horse Mountain Resort

When people think of winter recreation, the Kootenays automatically come to mind. It's no surprise, given the selection of top-quality resorts that have been established here. These are just a few of our favourite places for winter fun.

Kicking Horse Mountain Resort in Golden, B.C.

This resort is situated next to the Rockies in the Dogtooth range of the Purcell Mountains, and is surrounded by six national parks. Kicking Horse boasts the second highest elevation in Canada, and also offers Canada's first walk-in gondola cabins on the Golden Eagle Express. You can even dine at Canada’s highest elevation restaurant, the Eagle’s Eye.

For more information, visit the Kicking Horse Mountain Resort website.

Whitewater Ski Resort in Nelson, B.C.

With a reputation for legendary snowfall and a 623-metre vertical drop, this resort has earned its place among the best winter resorts in Canada. Whitewater Ski Resort is excited to announce it will be joining the Powder Alliance pass program for the 2015-2016 winter season.

For more information, visit the Whitewater Ski Resort website.

Fairmont Hot Springs Resort in Fairmont Hot Springs, B.C.

This four-season hot spot offers a range of winter activities, and a spectacular ski hill with 14 diverse runs, a ski chalet, ongoing ski hill activities and natural mineral hot springs to enjoy after a day on the slopes.

For more information, visit the Fairmont Hot Springs Resort website.

Red Mountain Resort in Rossland, B.C.

Red Mountain Resort boasts regular seasonal events and celebrations, not to mention all kinds of winter recreation, such as skiing, snowboarding, cat- and heli-skiing, backcountry touring and snowsports lessons, to name only a few.

For more information visit the Red Mountain Resort website.

Kimberley Alpine Resort in Kimberley, B.C.

At Kimberley Alpine Resort, you can enjoy cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, kids activities, and of course, downhill skiing amidst alpine scenery that will take your breath away.

For more information, visit the Kimberley Alpine Resort website.

Fernie Alpine Resort in Fernie, B.C.

With a mild climate and epic snowfall, Fernie is a natural place to go skiing this winter. At Fernie Alpine Resort, you can enjoy the luxury of a five-star mountain chalet, and other blissful amenities to enjoy after an exhilarating day of winter sports.

For more information, visit the Fernie Alpine Resort website.

Revelstoke Mountain Resort in Revelstoke, B.C.

Offering 515,000 acres of terrain, Revelstoke Mountain Resort has 1,713 metres of lift-accessed terrain (the most vertical in North America), 3,121 acres of fall line skiing, two high alpine bowls, and 65 named runs. It also offers lift, cat-, heli- and backcountry skiing.

For more information, visit the Revelstoke Mountain Resort website.

Panorama Mountain Village

Last but certainly not least, Panorama Mountain Village is an epic winter wonderland. This resort has some of the best terrain in the world for downhill, cross-country and heli-skiing, snowmobiling and snowboarding. You can even rent a fat tire bike and go biking in the snow. There is a spa, dining establishments, shops and entertainment - in short, you will never get bored.

For more information, visit the Panorama Mountain Village website.