Whitewater Ski Resort
Whitewater Ski Resort
4.5
About
Whitewater Ski Resort, quietly legendary, is hard to describe to those who have not had the privilege to experience its true authenticity and abundance of snow. Over 12 meters (40 feet) of snow falls each season on 2044 vertical feet of uncrowded slopes of family-friendly groomers and bumps, remarkable steeps, top of the line tree-skiing, and endless backcountry. Some come for the legendary skiing, and some come for the legendary food. Whitewater serves up proper Kootenay hospitality with its internationally acclaimed menu that has inspired four National Best Selling cookbooks. Whitewater. Pure, simple and real…DEEP
Suggested duration
More than 3 hours
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listing
Full view
The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
72 within 3 miles
Attractions
22 within 6 miles
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
250 reviews
Excellent
181
Very good
49
Average
9
Poor
2
Terrible
9
David C
Spokane, WA121 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
Just a quick review and some travel tips. We drove up from Spokane for the day. If heading through the Nelway border crossing please remember it opens at 8:00 AM so you will miss the opening runs at the resort. You can go up through Colville as well which is a 24 hour border crossing but adds time to the journey. We were there on a Sunday so the lines at the two lifts by the lodge got a little long, but not bad. The mountain has runs for everyone. If you want to hike in and drop into some impressive bowls that’s available too, just have to get back country clearance at the customer service booth. Also, my son had a binding issue as the boots were apparently not adjusted for correctly here in Spokane. The very helpful maintenance staff adjusted them for us right there and it took maybe 15 minutes. My son does have demo bindings so that did make the fix easier anyhow. Friendly staff from all over the world. Shout out to Emma from Aus for being patient with a gift card transaction issue! The exchange rate works in our favor as well. Lodge food was quite good, all be it a little slow, but most items are custom builds with quality ingredients. Whitewater is a really nice challenging mountain. Give a try.
Written January 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
pt201858
Nelson, Canada6 contributions
Feb 2021
Feb. 26, first time up this weird season...was impressed with Covid protocols, felt safe. Had avoided due to Covid, but happy I went up. The snow, as usual, was great!
Written March 7, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bumpjumper
Roanoke, VA5 contributions
Jan 2015 • Friends
Just got back from a wonderful trip up to BC where my crew and I spent some time skiing Red Mountain and Whitewater (about 20 minutes outside of Nelson). I guess the weird thing was that Whitewater is a fair bit higher than Red Mountain (which is actually 3 mountains...Granite, Red, and Grey) but was foggy all the way to the top every day. This contrasted with Red as the base area there was socked in (every day) but the top was clear. Granted, we stayed at each resort less than a week but after talking with some other powderhounds I can't help thinking visibility can be a major problem @ both resorts. Too, even though WW was higher the snow that began falling (heavily) Friday afternoon turned into rain sometime during the night + crushed our hopes of a powder day Sat. (what was left was a frozen crust that was miserable to ski on...at least until it had been broken up by other skiers). But I suppose this is the risk you take when skiing BC. That said, the resort DOES get a lot of snow (over 40 ft. annually according to On The Snow stats) and lift tickets are on the cheap side. Too, if you're a, "back country," hike to the pow type you can find it in abundance there (remember, we're talking Canada not the US).
Beyond the weather the logistics in getting to the mountain are good. The place is small so there isn't any place to stay on the mountain. Typically you've got to drive/ride up from Nelson as we did. With our own 'burban the route only took about twenty minutes as the snowplows did an exemplary job. The nearby town of Nelson is quaint and quiet (about 10,000 people), with wonderful vistas of the surrounding Selkirk mountains and Koontenay lake. Hotel accommodations are good, with the Hume hotel standing out as on of Nelson's oldest historic landmarks. We were fortunate to stay there and I can tell you the place oozes a wonderful character that makes you feel immediately at home. The rooms are fairly large with enough room that you can spread your ski stuff about. The food there was very good (if you like creme caramel you should order it here...it's the best I've ever had) and the people are very friendly. Room rates were about C120 a night...cheaper on average than the Best Western...which is oddly owned by the same guy who owns the Hume. Lastly, don't let the elevator catch you out: it goes BUMP! when it comes to a stop.
So now it kinda feels like it's time to wrap things up here. A summary should include the fact that Whitewater + Nelson both have Cat skiing available. (Unfortunately we didn't get that far.) And for those who are new to skiing, the mountain might prove a bit daunting. Check the trail map and believe it. There are a lot of trees with some very deep snow. If you go in there be CAREFULL OF THE DEADFALL. There's enough of that too. And by the way, if you're lucky enough to get to experience this place ask a local about the fog. You kinda have to pry the answer out of them.
Beyond the weather the logistics in getting to the mountain are good. The place is small so there isn't any place to stay on the mountain. Typically you've got to drive/ride up from Nelson as we did. With our own 'burban the route only took about twenty minutes as the snowplows did an exemplary job. The nearby town of Nelson is quaint and quiet (about 10,000 people), with wonderful vistas of the surrounding Selkirk mountains and Koontenay lake. Hotel accommodations are good, with the Hume hotel standing out as on of Nelson's oldest historic landmarks. We were fortunate to stay there and I can tell you the place oozes a wonderful character that makes you feel immediately at home. The rooms are fairly large with enough room that you can spread your ski stuff about. The food there was very good (if you like creme caramel you should order it here...it's the best I've ever had) and the people are very friendly. Room rates were about C120 a night...cheaper on average than the Best Western...which is oddly owned by the same guy who owns the Hume. Lastly, don't let the elevator catch you out: it goes BUMP! when it comes to a stop.
So now it kinda feels like it's time to wrap things up here. A summary should include the fact that Whitewater + Nelson both have Cat skiing available. (Unfortunately we didn't get that far.) And for those who are new to skiing, the mountain might prove a bit daunting. Check the trail map and believe it. There are a lot of trees with some very deep snow. If you go in there be CAREFULL OF THE DEADFALL. There's enough of that too. And by the way, if you're lucky enough to get to experience this place ask a local about the fog. You kinda have to pry the answer out of them.
Written February 1, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carolyn1950091
Vernon, Canada5 contributions
Jan 2021
The resort is doing a great job this trying year, even on a day with lousy conditions (after rain and 3 cm of new snow, it was like skiing the groomed runs on ball bearings).
If they can get foot rests on at least 1 chair, I would return. I thought my ankles were going to fall off with the weight of the skis and boots dangling from the chair. Maybe I'm slightly older and spoiled, but I really wanted to ski and if I'm in agony by 2 pm, it really puts a damper on the day. I ended up using the old fashioned ski pole straps on my skis and balancing the poles under the back rest. (My younger ski friend had never seen this done - we used to have to do it all the time before foot rests became standard on most chairs.)
If they can get foot rests on at least 1 chair, I would return. I thought my ankles were going to fall off with the weight of the skis and boots dangling from the chair. Maybe I'm slightly older and spoiled, but I really wanted to ski and if I'm in agony by 2 pm, it really puts a damper on the day. I ended up using the old fashioned ski pole straps on my skis and balancing the poles under the back rest. (My younger ski friend had never seen this done - we used to have to do it all the time before foot rests became standard on most chairs.)
Written January 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jeff P
7 contributions
Feb 2020
Planned a five day trip to Nelson with a plan to ski three days at Whitewater with family. First date of Skiing was great and we foolishly bought a three day ski pass. Next day we got a late start (.trying to a place to eat breakfast in Nelson was difficult, either closed or not open till 9) Got to the hill at 10:30 and parking lots were full- no parking and no skiing. No sign or notice at the bottom of the hill. We drove all the way up and around all the parking lots and were told that we were out of luck. Won’t be back again to this place. Love Nelson but not worth planning a ski holiday if you can’t ski.
Written February 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bev h
1 contribution
Jan 2022 • Family
Nelson and WW have lost the vibe. So busy, long lineups for tracked out runs. People are snobby and don't smile anymore. Vaxxed and unvaxxed segregated. The artists that made this place cool seem to be gone.
Written January 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Escotia1984
Lima, Peru26 contributions
Feb 2016 • Couples
We toured 9 BC resorts over three months and Whitewater was one of the most memorable. Amazing snow, lots of steeps and really laid back vibe. Only wish we could have stayed longer (we will definitely go back).
Written May 19, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shaymc
Fruitvale, BC Canada25 contributions
Oct 2015 • Family
My Wife Sherry and I Skied Whitewater in Nelson and Red Mountain in Rossland for 25 Years before New Knees, New Hips and TOO MANY BIRTHDAYS curtailed our Skiing. We have also Skied Many of the other Mountains in BC including Whistler - Blackcomb, Apex, Silver Star, Grouse, Cypress, Hemlock, and Big White - and we are TOTALLY CONVINCED that we have the Best Skiing on the Planet right here in our own Back Yard in the Kootenays - Far away from the Long Line-ups and Exorbitant Prices at Whistler - This is the Best Kept Secret in Canada because Whitewater and Red Mountain offer the Best Skiing in Canada at the Best Price.
Warren Miller is the undisputed King of Ski Movies. He has skied and filmed Everywhere on the planet. As reported in one of the premier Ski Magazines, the Reporter asked one of his Photographers - 'Where is the Best Powder you have Ever Experienced?" - and his answer was - Whitewater in Nelson BC.
Come and Enjoy some Wonderful Skiing in the Kootenay area of BC.
Warren Miller is the undisputed King of Ski Movies. He has skied and filmed Everywhere on the planet. As reported in one of the premier Ski Magazines, the Reporter asked one of his Photographers - 'Where is the Best Powder you have Ever Experienced?" - and his answer was - Whitewater in Nelson BC.
Come and Enjoy some Wonderful Skiing in the Kootenay area of BC.
Written October 16, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mouse1963
Coquitlam, Canada19 contributions
Dec 2014 • Family
We went sking on christmas day. the staff was great and indicated it was a busy day. However even on this busy day the line up's were small compared to other ski resorts.
The chairs are starting to show their age but still function fine. As a beginner skier I found the green runs were more difficult and comparable to blue level runs at Big White or Apex.
The chairs are starting to show their age but still function fine. As a beginner skier I found the green runs were more difficult and comparable to blue level runs at Big White or Apex.
Written January 25, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Biodan
Nelson, BC2 contributions
If you like deep snow, steep tree lines, and access to some fantastic lift assisted backcountry, Whitewater is for you. As soon as the tracks get skied out in bounds, people head for the hills to track out the backcountry. Many of the lift access backcountry feed back into the ski resort, so its a quick ski down to the lodge from some great food. With over 45 ft a year of the white fluffy stuff, there is nothing a person could like more
Written August 11, 2009
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anyone could advise me transportation option between Fernie and Whitewater in Jan 2022. Thanks
Matstew
1 contribution
Is there many options for beginners to intermediates? I’m thinking of bringing my kids and wife and worried they will not have much choice of terrain to chose from?
Wendy D
Christchurch, New Zealand100 contributions
I am an intermediate skier and really enjoyed Whitewater. I rode the Silverking Chair which has good Green and Blue options. There is also a small rope tow for absolute beginners. The summit chair has good challenging groomed blue runs "motherload" and "Bonanza" however you need ot be a confident intermediate for these.
Ruby M
7 contributions
Hi
Is there a place in a lodge for someone who prefers to bring their own food? If so, is there anything available like a microwave?
The on mountain food sounds fantastic but i have a very specific diet and to avoid any risks prefer to bring my own.
Thank you
Ruby
BobFarr2000
Saanich, Canada226 contributions
Yep - lower level of the lodge has Microwave and a smaller snack bar too. Bag lunches are ok there too ..
icuski2
Boise, ID301 contributions
Anyone know of a better deal on Whitewater lift tickets other than direct or thru Liftopia? Going for just one day next week- midweek.
Thanks!
OKfunseekers
Penticton, Canada78 contributions
We got a deal when we stayed at The Best Western Baker Street in Nelson...included accommodation, full breakfast and lift ticket. It was a good deal.
Have fun at Whitewater, such terrific skiing!!...be sure to have lunch at Fresh Tracks. Amazing food.
Whitewater Ski Resort (Nelson) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Whitewater Ski Resort
- Hotels near Whitewater Ski Resort:
- (0.12 mi) Hume Hotel & Spa
- (0.08 mi) The Adventure Hotel
- (0.10 mi) Stirling All Suites Hotel
- (0.16 mi) Mistiso's Place Vacation Rentals
- (0.09 mi) Mountain Hound Inn
- Restaurants near Whitewater Ski Resort:
- (0.04 mi) Canadian 2 For 1 Pizza
- (0.11 mi) Cantina Del Centro Nelson
- (0.06 mi) Jackson's Hole & Grill
- (0.12 mi) Kootenay Tamil Kitchen
- (0.15 mi) Broken Hill
Whitewater Ski Resort Information
Excellent Reviews | 181 |
|---|---|
Very Good Reviews | 49 |
Whitewater Ski Resort Photos | 106 |