Cool Towns in The Great Wilderness
The sheer size of The Great Wilderness defies comparison—yet, for millennia, people here have carved out lives in its farthest corners.
In BC’s mountain towns, winter is a season to be embraced and celebrated. Locals and visitors alike take part in winter carnivals, food- and drink-focused events, music festivals, and displays of athleticism and skill. The over-18 crowd will find plenty to celebrate, and there are also some fabulous events for families.
Here are some of BC’s winter events not to be missed.
1. Winter Kickoff in Nelson and Kootenay Lake
Charming downtown Nelson. Photo: Kari Medig
When: January and February
What: Gear up for winter, Kootenay style. Celebrate with local food and drink, boutique shopping along streets lined with heritage buildings, and with art and cultural offerings by the area’s many talented artists. While you’re here, don’t miss a dip in a nearby hot spring. The perfect way to get into the holiday spirit.
2. Big Reds at Big White in Kelowna
When: Early December
What: Rub elbows with some of the Okanagan Valley’s most notable winemakers, and sample their new releases. The valley is known internationally for its exceptional red wines, with popular varietals including Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Syrah, and Malbec.
3. Whistler Pride and Ski Festival in Whistler
When: late January
What: One of North America’s biggest gay and lesbian ski weeks, Whistler Pride packs skiing, après ski social events, comedy nights and themed parties into eight days of festival fun. Watch (or join in) as skiers and snowboarders descend, flags waving, into Whistler Village as part of a unique pride march.
4. Rossland Winter Carnival in Rossland
Revelers at the Rossland Winter Carnival. Photo: Steve Ogle
When: late January
What: Founded in 1898, the Rossland Winter Carnival is one of Canada’s oldest winter celebrations. There are fire spinners, a carnival parade, an ice palace, live music performances, and a bobsled race right down the town’s Spokane Street. The epitome of small mountain town carnivals, it doesn’t get more authentic than this.
5. Vernon Winter Carnival in Vernon
Look up. Waaaaaaay up. Photo: @LisaMazurekPhoto via Twitter
When: early February
What: This annual event started in 1961, you don’t want to miss these 10 days of fun including a snow sculpture a competition, a parade, and a nighttime lantern Nordic ski. The highlight? Watch the sky come alive during the Hot Air Balloon Fiesta.
6. Freeride World Tour at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort
The stunning terrain around Kicking Horse Mountain Resort. Photo: Reuben Krabbe
When: early February
What: Kicking Horse Mountain Resort will proudly host this five-stop international tour of some of the best skiers and snowboarders in the world. Kicking Horse is the only stop in North America. Come be a spectator, and get in some powder days while you’re here.
7. Kootenay Coldsmoke Powder Fest at Whitewater Ski Resort
A colourful descent during the Coldsmoke Powder Fest. Photo: Steve Ogle
When: late February
What: This popular, grass-roots event is a celebration of all things powder. There are off-piste adventures, backcountry clinics, randonee rallies and a film festival. Clinics offer hands-on learning to get you out there, safely enjoying the backcountry powder. All the reason you need to visit this powder mecca.
8. Griz Days at Fernie Alpine Resort
When: early March
What: The biggest party in Fernie includes hockey tournaments, lumberjack shows, fireworks, parades, and street parties. The Dummy Downhill, held at Fernie Alpine Resort, is the local favourite. Watch competitors build dummies, strap them to skies, and launch them off gigantic ski jumps. That’s some good ol’ Canadian fun.
9. Battle of the Brews at RED Mountain Resort
Warming up by the fire at Beer Goggles. Photo: Steve Ogle
When: January
What: This craft beer battle, held at the base of RED Mountain Resort, kicks off with a party with local Rossland brewery and guests at Rafters. Pair BC’s flourishing craft beer scene and one of its most renowned mountain communities.
10. World Ski & Snowboard Festival in Whistler
Taking a break to refuel at Whistler Blackcomb. Photo: Leo Zuckerman
When: mid-April
What: Sport and culture collide over 10 days in April, when this legendary mountain community hosts a celebration of skiing, snowboarding, music, photography, art, film, and comedy, all within an atmosphere of general revelry. The energy in the village is electric—you won’t want to miss it.
For information on skiing in BC and ski offers, visit hellobc.com.
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