Discover the Powder Highway with iBestTravel

Hit refresh and head north to the Canadian Rockies with your family, navigating a fabled road with a snowy name: the Powder Highway. Make this the year you begin a tradition of family travel and adventure, and awaken a sense of togetherness.

Standing on a mountainside can evoke childhood memories, filled with starry eyes and a sense of nostalgia. As winter approaches, why not revisit those youthful adventures from a different perspective? Create new memories on the slopes with your kids or grandchildren, transforming the cliché “fun for all ages” into a deeper connection.

Pick up the Powder Highway in Calgary

What better way to begin this journey than with a flight descending into a land where prairies meet mountains? Calgary, Alberta, often dubbed Canada’s ‘little Denver’, offers easy access to ski country. While it’s not as polished as the American Rockies or the Alps, and some may say it has limited nightlife, the area boasts massive peaks soaring skyward, ample light, and fluffy powder on pristine terrain. Plus, there is a 600km-plus ribbon of road dotted with authentic outdoorsy towns and backcountry lodges, complemented by ski resorts and world-class heli- and cat-ski operators.

To the north, the atmosphere feels wild and adventurous. This region, while partially undiscovered, has an extraordinary ability to bring families together. Your kids will likely be glued to the window, watching elk herds as you navigate through Banff National Park. An SUV is recommended as the road leads to deep snow in Golden, British Columbia. The town itself may seem a bit rough around the edges, but the snow-capped summits act as true sentinels, making it home to many mountain guides. Don’t miss out on Bluebird Cafe, a local haven for baked goods and strong coffee to kick-start your engines.

Adrenaline-Fueled Adventure at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort

Three hours’ drive from Calgary, cross the Columbia River and travel toward the upper reaches of stunning wetlands. At the top of a beautiful vista, Kicking Horse Mountain Resort awaits. This resort offers some thrilling stats: it features the fifth-highest vertical drop in North America and more chutes than a skier or boarder can imagine.

Kids will inevitably rush to claim their bedrooms, but there are many options available. Check out the Valley View Chalet from Lush Mountain Accommodations for ultimate relaxation. Include some Bluetooth tunes—maybe “Take it Easy” by The Eagles—and immerse yourself in the slope-side hot tub. The views are spectacular, especially at night, with one side featuring an alpine sunset glow on the Dogtooth Range while the other side reflects the wood fire’s dancing light as the kids roast s’mores.

As morning calls, embrace the falling snow and explore this expansive playground by taking a Big Mountain Private Tour, which includes a private guide for up to six people and lift line privileges. The guide provides skill-enhancing tips and selects runs that are appropriate for everyone. Is there anything better than being together, sharing stories on the ski lift? Day one serves as that perfect primer for powder adventures. Next, lift off in a private helicopter with Purcell Heli-Skiing, departing straight from the base of the resort for access to deep turns in expansive untracked terrain.

Taking it Easy at Kimberley Alpine Resort

If your thighs are still burning, head to the slopes that are a bit easier and less steep. For cruising, hit the groomed terrain at Kimberley Alpine Resort. While driving down the mist-filled valley along the Powder Highway, be sure to pop in and out of craft shops, stopping for coffee or beer (for non-drivers, of course) to breathe in that mountain fresh air.

Between Golden and Kimberley, there won’t be any resort hot springs for your group to lounge in. Instead, take a short detour halfway through this journey to the natural Lussier Hot Springs. A short path leads you to discover hot pools nestled beside a river, providing a magical experience, especially with snowflakes lightly falling.

Kimberley Alpine Resort is known for its kid-friendliness, offering trails suitable for all ages. Head to the back side of the resort to find Easter Chair, where long, groomed-to-perfection runs await with minimal crowds—ideal for families to bond and enjoy. Take your time on the lifts, savoring precious moments spent chatting and appreciating the surroundings. Then, ski right to your doorstep at Trickle Creek Lodge. Request a mountainside room for an excellent vantage point to watch all the action while relaxing on the balcony.

Endless Exploring at Fernie Alpine Resort

As you leave the Purcell Mountains and cross historic river routes through Cranbrook, consider visiting the Canadian Museum of Rail Travel before continuing to Fernie. This picturesque snow-globe valley, flanked by craggy rocks and forest-covered peaks, is renowned for deep snowfall, boasting an average of over 30 feet each winter—making it a favored stop for powder enthusiasts since the 1960s.

Historic Main St is a must-visit. Stroll around quaint shops as eyes gaze toward the looming snowy headwall framed in the windows, a hallmark of the renowned Fernie Alpine Resort. Cedar groves and mounds of snow abound in town, providing a classic Canadian scene in the woods at Snow Creek Cabin. This configuration allows all ages to engage in play and relaxation. Fernie Alpine Resort features easy green and blue runs, affording days of exploration within its five legendary alpine bowls.

In the evenings, consider signing up for a fat biking tour or sledding. With these activities located in close proximity to the mountain village, it’s effortless to retreat to Cirque Restaurant at Lizard Creek Lodge for fine dining, reminiscing about your refreshing Powder Highway adventure over a toast in the Ice Bar.

Getting Here

For an optimal experience, plan for a minimum of two nights and two days of skiing at both Fernie Alpine Resort and Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, along with one night and one day at Kimberley Alpine Resort if time is limited. Otherwise, fully immerse yourself in adventure. The Vail Resorts Epic Pass can be utilized at all three resorts for up to seven days of skiing.

The best time to visit is generally March, known as the month with the most significant snowfall. However, December (pre-holidays) and January have also provided marvelous conditions in recent years with fewer crowds on the slopes.

Alternative airport options include Canadian Rockies International Airport in Cranbrook and Glacier Park International Airport, located across the border near Whitefish, Montana, just an hour and a half from Fernie.

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