There’s a lot more to Nelson, British Columbia than just fabulous skiing and snowboarding, so while you’re on vacation, be sure to explore everything Nelson has to offer. From the hustle and bustle of today’s bigger resorts such as the likes of Whistler, the combination of Whitewater Ski Resort and Nelson is an experience that’s good for the soul. The Nelson area is an all season affair for anyone with a passion to live life to its fullest. From the pinnacles of four mountain ranges to the glacial clear depths of Kootenay Lake, FUN runs in the region’s veins. Unlike the coastal Whistler Mountains, the winter weather here is temperate and cool enough to generate what the Kootenay’s are infamous for – dry, light powder.

Twenty minutes from Whitewater Ski Resort, the funky town of Nelson is a place where local history meets a modern day entrepreneurial spirit. Nelson’s historic Baker Street is the hub for adventure sport outlets offering the world’s proven names in equipment and clothing (for example, Patagonia, Salomon, Sierra Designs, Merrell etc.) for each and every fresh-air activity. Meticulously restored heritage buildings house one of a kind boutiques filled with local artist’s work, an array of outdoor equipment and clothing stores, cafés, diverse restaurants and rockin’ bars – heritage with a twist.

Ski vacations are more than time outdoors, what sets Nelson apart is a collection of unique inns, hotels, motels and guest homes that offer warm hospitality to Whitewater guests, while artistic eateries dish up delicious meals. Known for our thriving arts scene, visual arts, theatre and live music are plentiful in the town’s cultural centres, night-clubs and theatres. Shops, inns, hotels and restaurants moonlight as galleries, displaying the varied work of the many artists who have found inspiration in Nelson.

When your skiing vacation and the winter weather wear you out, there’s relaxation and revitalization waiting indoors in Nelson’s array of spas and fitness centers. Local spas are warm and inviting offering a full spectrum of delightful treatments. Nelson has a newly renovated recreational facility fully loaded with a fitness center, jacuzzi, sauna, steam room, pool and the best part, a kiddie pool and waterslide!

Thermal springs, like those at Ainsworth Hot Springs, steam and simmer along the shores of Kootenay Slocan and Arrow Lakes. A short 40 minute drive north of Nelson, Ainsworth is a must after a long day at play. Regardless of the weather, the pools are always inviting and open until 9:00 pm daily. If you find it hard to leave, you can take advantage of their great Ski and Spa packages. The pool opens 90 minutes earlier in the morning for hotel guests only.

You’ll need to fuel your body after a full day of skiing or snowboarding in the powder. Of course, try out Whitewater’s Fresh Tracks Café for our renowned food delights or head to the Coal Oil Johnny’s for a ski apres. Venture out to some of the world’s greatest culinary classics served up in unforgettable settings along Nelson’s downtown Baker Street. If you’ve got the energy to cook yourself, be sure to check out the “organic” section of Nelson, there are many healthy and fresh food store options.

In order to make vacation plans it’s always nice to know what kind of weather Mother Nature has in store. Be sure to check out Whitewater Ski Resort’s website, www.skiwhitewater.com for current local weather conditions. While you’re there, download free wallpapers for your desktop!

We welcome you to come to Whitewater Ski Resort and Nelson for a day, a week, a month, or for the whole season! It’s a guaranteed ski vacation of fun activity, culture, and relaxation.