In two words, you can sum up Whitewater Ski Resort: Steep n Deep. With its steep inbounds terrain, easy backcountry access, and more than 40 feet of snowfall each year, Whitewater checks all the boxes. Add in the award winning, five star caliber food in the day lodge at an affordable price, and the resort already stands out. Combine that with the funky charm of Nelson, its vibrant ski town vibe, and its standout dining scene, and it’s an easy winner in our book.
How Whitewater Got Its Name
Whitewater usually describes that frothy, churning part of a river where the current goes full turbo over rocks. So why name a ski resort Whitewater? I mean… the last thing skiers or riders want to think about is snowmelt, right? But in this case, the name is spot-on. The resort sits smack in the crosshairs of an atmospheric river—nature’s own moisture conveyor belt. Add in the local geography, which stirs up storms like rapids in a canyon, and you get weather that froths, churns, and absolutely dumps. We’re talking more than 40 feet of snowfall every year. For powder hounds? Yeah… it’s the stuff of daydreams.
Built by Locals, Fueled by Snow: The Origin of Whitewater
Nelson once had a small ski hill much closer to town, but after several winters of terrible snow in the 1960s, the community started searching for a better location. When they found it, the new ski area was built almost entirely by volunteers. In 1974, with help from the Riblet Corporation, a company known for manufacturing mining tramways the two main chairlifts that still stand today were constructed.
Whitewater’s original owners, Mike and Shelley Adams, built the resort around three core principles:
- Maintain a strong community connection
- Serve the best food
- Deliver the best snow quality possible
They owned and operated the resort for 34 years before selling it to Knee Deep Corporation in 2008. Even with new ownership, those same principles continue to guide the resort. And the new owners’ passion for snow quickly became clear. In 2010, recognizing the need for more accessible terrain, they purchased the High Noon Chair from Vail and relocated it to Whitewater nearly doubling the mountain’s terrain and vertical.
Climbing to the Kingdom: First Views of Mt Ymir
After a peaceful evening in Nelson, it’s just a short 20 minute drive up Canada Route 6. After around 2,000 feet of ascending, you’ll take a left onto the service road to Whitewater. At first, it feels like any well maintained mountain road, smooth surface, gentle curves, nothing out of the ordinary.
But as you gain elevation, the road starts to change. The surface gets rougher, bumps appear more frequently, and towering snowbanks line the way. The switchbacks tighten as you wind higher. On your right, you’ll spot the Glory Chair and a small parking lot. You can stop here, but we recommend continuing up to the main lodge. The pavement gives way to gravel, hugging the mountainside, until suddenly the view opens up.
There it is, the first unmistakable landmark, Mt. Ymir. Nearly 8,000 feet tall, it looms over the resort like a king surveying his kingdom. Everywhere you look, the terrain is breathtaking. Nestled right in the center of this horseshoe shaped canyon is the main lodge, the perfect starting point for your Whitewater adventure.
Fall Line Fun: Exploring Whitewater’s Terrain
First and foremost, Whitewater Ski Resort is an experts mountain. Beginners and intermediates can still have fun here, but they will not find as many options as at other mountains on the Powder Highway. Expect steep, sustained fall line skiing, big chutes, wide glades, and technical terrain it is every bit as good as you imagine.
The mountain is divided into two main areas. The Glory Chair area offers nearly 2,000 vertical feet of continuous fall line skiing at a pitch slightly steeper than intermediate. The main area around the day lodge is shaped like a catchers mitt, with terrain flowing naturally back to the two main lifts, Raven and Summit.
Backcountry
Here the open boundary policy is embraced. The only caveat is, follow the rules. Before heading out into the backcountry, its standard to check in with ski patrol. Departure and return times are mandatory. A review of the days avalanche report and current conditions are provided. On a busy day, reports of over four hundred people in the backcountry are not unusual. Out of bounds adventure is alive and well here!
Beginners / Intermediates
Looking for something a little less extreme? Check out Morning Glory or Ramble On, which is off of the Morning Glory Chair. Bumps and rolls curving through the forest are definitely fun and will keep all entertained. One thing to note is that these runs funnel you into a cat track that winds its way down to the base of the chair. Still too much? Head over to Silver King for the most gentle terrain on the entire resort.
Expert
The Steep n Deep moniker rings true here. Over 64 percent of Whitewater’s terrain is rated most difficult or expert, and with more than 400 inches of snow annually, that steep pitch becomes even more enjoyable. From every lift, challenging terrain is easily accessible and filled with glorious glades.
Take the Summit lift and head over to Glory Ridge for the longest sustained pitch on the mountain. If that isn’t technical enough, drop down the Summit Side into Terra Ratta, where tight trees and cliffs will put your skills to the test.
Whitewater’s Award-Winning Legendary Lodge Eats
While most ski resorts offer either gourmet food at outrageous prices or cafeteria style meals that leave you wanting more, Whitewater is in a class of its own. The food is affordable and genuinely fantastic. In fact, it’s so good that locals from town often come up just to eat without even skiing.
Why? Shelley Adams, the original owner, is a three-time national best-selling cookbook author. Even though she no longer owns the resort, Shelley still skis at Whitewater, and her award-winning recipes are still served at the lodge.
One standout dish is the Backside Bowl, an Indian fusion rice bowl with tender chicken pieces drenched in a flavorful curry sauce. The spicy buttery notes make it irresistible, leaving you warm and satisfied on a cold day. It’s served with fresh naan to mop up any leftover sauce. Pair it with a local beer from Nelson Brewing Company, like the Faceplant Winter Ale, and you’ve got the perfect post-ride meal.
