Set off on a road trip along The Powder Highway in Canada

Located deep in the heart of British Columbia, Canada, The Powder Highway is a route that takes you directly from one world-class ski area to the next. A total of 8 ski areas that all do something different but all have the charm of the Canadian wilderness, champagne powder and absolutely fantastic nature. The absolute ultimate road trip for the true snow lover, whether you ski or snowboard.

It’s not so funny that it’s called The Powder Highway, because every year the areas get an average of over 10 meters of snow. The snow is usually drier and airier than the one we know from the Alps. It is also called “champagne powder” (powder snow).

Book the trip to The Powder Highway

For the last 5 years we have organized road trips to our favorite ski areas along The Powder Highway and of course we will do it again in 2022. On our road trip along The Powder Highway we will be in the ski resorts:

• Fernie Alpine Resort
• Kimberly Alpine Resort
• Whitewater
• Maybe a detour to Red Mountain Resort (depending on snow conditions)
• Revelstoke Mountain Resort
• Lake Louise Ski Resort

We visit 3 of the same areas as in previous years, but have also discovered two new areas that we would like to share with you. We have upgraded the hotels we stay in and not least the transport around The Powder Highway. We have teamed up with a local mountain guide, who makes sure we get on well on the country roads, but also in the mountains. The mountain guide ensures that we get the ultimate off-piste experience, as he knows from day to day where to find the best off-piste runs.

If there are more than 6 people, our own Danish experienced ski instructor and mountain guide also come along. In total, there is room for a maximum of 12 people on the trip. Both the local mountain guide and our Danes have 100% control over safety and make sure you feel safe on the mountain.

The ski areas on our Powder Highway round trip average between 6.5m and 15m of snow and we’ve selected the best ski areas for us. We have selected 4 (maybe 5) to maximize skiing and minimize driving time. We want to make the most of our trip and have the best possible Powder HIghway experience.

Experience The Powder Highway:

We love nature experiences and for us, Canada has always been high on our “bucket” list, simply because we believe the Rockies are one of the best off-piste mountain ranges in the world.

Join us for 11 days in a minivan to our absolute favorite off-piste areas in the company of a group of like-minded powder enthusiasts. Many choose to travel alone and several know each other from before. We bond quickly as a group and it’s always really nice to be away.

Our trip starts at  Calgary airport where we all meet, then we go straight to Fernie where our road trip begins. With five world-class bowls, natural hot springs and endlessly fascinating mountain scenery, Fernie is becoming one of North America’s most popular ski areas. Fernie receives up to 11 meters of snow a year and has skiing for all levels, both groomed runs and deep snow. The majority of the slopes are below the tree line. In addition, Fernie is a cozy town with lively après ski. Fernie is not overrun yet, so there is plenty of room on the hill.

After a good day in the mountains in Fernie we go to Kimberley which is a new area we have added to our road trip.

Kimberly is a nice little laid back town and the area is very underrated in our opinion. There are not as many people as in the more popular areas and the place can feel a bit secluded which is perfect for us who want the mountain to ourselves. Kimberly has 80 slopes, a drop height of 752 meters and always good snow and slightly sunnier days than some of the other areas. And then there is never a queue for the lifts

WhiteWater at Nelson is the next stop. It’s a fun hippie town known as a “Nirvana” for all off-piste fanatics, and a “must do” ski area. WhiteWater is also known for not having many guests, so you have all the off-piste to yourself. Depending on the snow conditions and what the mountain guide judges, we can take a detour to the old mining town of Red Mountain. The area is known for its varied terrain, all below the tree line.

The journey now continues to Revelstoke, which is 512 meters high, but has the highest point at a whopping 2,225 meters. Revelstoke is known for its unprepared “bowls”, which are optimal for off-piste-hungry skiers and snowboarders. In Revelstoke, there is the possibility of both heli-skiing and catskiing, if you want to go the extra mile after the adventure. Write to us and hear more about prices at travel@dbpadventures.com

The last stop is Lake Louise, which is known for its absolutely stunning nature. More than 10-12 meters of snow falls annually. Here there are steep pistes, hump pistes, large bowls of powder and large drops, all covered in the most delicious champagne powder. It is also in Lake Louise that many of the major ski competitions are held.

After this, the trip goes back to Calgary.

See the video from our trip in 2019

How does off-piste work in Canada?

Off-piste in Canada is not like you know off-piste from the Alps. A distinction is made between in-bounds and out-bounds. In-bounds cover an entire area, piste as well as off-piste, which mountain guides secure against avalanches every day. The exit is outside the area where the mountain guides secure. We will mainly be driving off-piste in the inner areas.

The clear distinction between in-bounds and out-bounds makes off-piste and champagne powder accessible to skiers and snowboarders of all levels. One of the many benefits of going to Canada.

What is champagne powder?

The Rocky Mountains are known for their champagne powder and the name simply comes from the large amount of snow that falls each year. The snow has a very low water content, which means that the snow is extremely light, dry and loose and turns into the most delicious powder snow.

Is Canada for you?

Our off-piste road trip in the Rockies is for those who want to stand in the well-known Canadian champagne snow and experience some of Canada’s fun and slightly different ski resorts and are hungry for adventure. If you’re already convinced that our off-piste road trip is for you, you can read a lot more here about the practical details of traveling to Canada and see great photos from The Powder Highway.