Finding outdoor winter activities to do in the Kootenays comes easily to some, but sometimes we all need a little inspiration! Maybe you’ll see some of your favourite winter pastimes on this list, and if not we aspire to guide you towards exciting destinations and activities to enrich your winter adventures in the Kootenays.
Weather not right for outdoor winter activities? Here’s a list of indoor winter activities for you instead!
1. Night Skiing at Salmo Ski Hill
One of the main draws in the Winter, the Kootenays draw people from around the world to experience the call of the mountains the best way we know how: cruising down that beautiful powder at the hill, or touring through the backcountry.
Today we’d like to focus on a hidden gem – Salmo Ski Hill. This hill is smaller than those found at Whitewater or Red Mountain, but fills a unique niche in the Kootenays.
It offers night skiing!
If you’ve never been night skiing, the hill (featuring two T-bar lifts) is fully lit in the evening to enjoy these groomed runs after the sun sets.
Due to its lower elevation, the Salmo Ski Hill is most affected by mild weather conditions, but when the snow gods decide to let loose, it’s an absolute blast.
We also recommend this activity for those new to skiing, as the runs are generally on the easy side. Your mileage may vary.
💲Prices
- $28 for a night pass for an adult
- See their website for more pricing info (including season passes)
🗓️Schedule:
Check the Salmo Ski Hill Facebook page to confirm the hill is open, especially when there hasn’t been snow lately.
- Night ski: 5:30-9pm Monday – Saturday (as of Winter 2024)
- Saturday/Sunday 9am-3:30pm
🍔 Food:
Check out Bear’s at the Salmo Ski Lodge for an apres ski bite right by the hill.
- Hours: 11am-3pm; 5pm-9pm
2. Cross-Country Skiing
Not a night owl? Cross country skiing is a great low-impact way to get out in the winter.
Discover the sheer joy of gliding gracefully over pristine trails, surrounded by the serenity of winter’s beauty. This low-impact, full-body workout is a great way to keep up your cardio fitness while also getting lost (metaphorically😉) in the beauty of nature.
There’s so many places to cross country ski in the Kootenays, but if you’d like to get started, you can’t go wrong with Nelson Nordic Ski Club!
They offer lessons for those who are new to the sport or just looking to improve their technique, with classes in both classic cross country and ski-skating. The Kootenays offer endless options for nordic skiing, with over 300 kilometres of groomed tracks, and many more just off the beaten path.
Here’s a Few Areas to Explore Around the Area:
- Castlegar – Paulson Recreation Area: Just past Nancy Greene Lake (named after the Rossland ski legend), this nordic haven boasts a 45-kilometer trail network catering to all skill levels. From family-friendly loops around Mud Lake to challenging backcountry trails, Paulson offers diverse terrains complemented by the Viking Centre and four warming huts.
- Rossland – Black Jack Ski Club: Black Jack welcomes classic and skate skiers to 50 kilometres of meticulously groomed trails. Featuring 2.5km of night skiing, a biathlon range, and a trailhead cabin, Rossland has so much to offer for nordic skiing enthusiasts.
- Slocan Valley Rail Trail: Weaving through forests and meadows, the groomed rail trails follow the Slocan River. Follow the trail from the Playmor Junction, or head up further north to the trails near the ghost town of Sandon, Valhalla Hills Nordic ski area, or Wensley Creek for scenic skate and classic skiing.
- Nelson (Apex and Busk Areas): Embrace the classic Kootenay experience with 25 kilometers of groomed trails near town. The Apex and Busk areas offer challenging climbs, night skiing, and multiple warming huts. Further up the Whitewater Ski Resort road, enjoy five kilometres of groomed trails looking up at Ymir Peak.
- Kootenay Lake Communities (Balfour, Kaslo, Crawford Bay): North of Nelson, ski around the perimeter of Balfour Golf Course, or ski across Kokanee Springs Resort fairways in Crawford Bay. Head north to Kaslo for 12 kilometers of groomed classic trails maintained by the Kaslo Nordic Ski Club.
💲Prices
Compared to downhill skiing, nordic skiing is a more affordable option.
Prices vary by region, but expect to pay some trail fees if you’re just dropping in. Some trails are available by donation, and some are free, but the larger organized ski clubs offer day passes (<$20) and season passes($100-215). Check out the links below for details.
🔗 Links
Nordic Pulse has an up to date interactive map showing when trails were last groomed. Check it out to plan your next ski day here.
Castlegar: https://www.castlegarnordic.ca
Nelson: https://nelsonnordicski.ca
Rossland: https://skiblackjack.ca
3. Outdoor Skating
Another weather-dependent activity, outdoor skating rinks can be found scattered throughout the area, providing opportunities to experience a classic Canadian activity. These charming rinks, tucked into the peaks and valleys of the Kootenays, offer free admission and are illuminated during the evening hours, adding a touch of magic to the skating experience. Whether gliding under the starry night sky or enjoying a daytime skate surrounded by snow-capped mountains, these outdoor rinks offer perfect moments of winter fun for locals and visitors alike.
Here’s a few places we know about. Drop us a comment to add your favourite spot to our growing list.
- Nelson – Lion’s Park (Uphill), Morning Mountain (Blewett)
- Castlegar – Kinnaird Park
🔗 Lion’s Park Skating Rink Facebook Page
🔗 Morning Mountain Skating Rink Facebook page
🔗 Castlegar’s Outdoor Skating Rink facilities webpage
4. Go for a Stroll at the Blewett Canal
In between Nelson and Castlegar there is a canal that diverts water from the Kootenay River into the Kootenay Generating Station. Elevated above the bank of the river lies a fairly straight, level path that goes along the length of the canal, making this a relaxed path appropriate for all fitness levels.
Because of its width and grade, this is a really nice walk in the winter.
Snack Detour
🍔 If you’re hungry after your walk, it’s a good opportunity to check out the Dam Restaurant & Bar for a burger (or cheesecake slice!). It’s only a few minutes down the road from the canal.
Links
🔗 Kootenay Canal – BC Hydro’s webpage
5. Go Snow Camping
Snow camping beckons adventurers to embrace the winter wonderland of the Kootenays, offering a unique and immersive outdoor experience. Amidst the snow-covered mountains, create a shelter out of the snow itself – a cozy retreat amidst the frosty the wilderness.
Most often formed high up in the mountains, quinzhees are sleeping shelters made of compacted snow. Bring a shovel, a very warm sleeping bag, and some friends to help with the process. Even in bitter cold temperatures, the insulating properties of the snow keep the internal temperature of your quinzhee around 0 degrees Celsius. After you’re done sitting around a warm fire, tuck into a warm sleeping bag inside your shelter and you’ll be cozy all night! Make sure the weather is cold enough to properly freeze your snow shelter for safety.
While the challenges of cold temperatures and snowy terrain require proper preparation, it’s a winter experience you’ll never forget.
Links
Here’s a guide we liked on how to build a quinzhee.
The Kootenays offer an abundance of exhilarating experiences for outdoor enthusiasts throughout the winter season. Whether you’re drawn to the thrill of skiing, the tranquility of snowshoeing, the excitement of ice fishing, the adventure of snow camping, or the enchantment of outdoor skating, there’s something for everyone to enjoy here. Embrace the magic of winter with these five outdoor activities to do in the Kootenays, and create some new memories!
