The Crowsnest “Powder” Highway 3 runs into the foothills of the Canadian Rockies, through BC’s Kootenay region, and across BC’s only Desert, before it descends through the coastal range to end at the mouth of the Lower Mainland. The Powder Highway is the shortest route to the coast. There are heaps of powder pockets along highway 3 from the internationally acclaimed to the secret Kootenay Powder cult classics you probably have never heard of.

Starting from the East our first stop is at Castle Mountain Resort, Castle is known for its deep powder and no crowds. Castle’s base area sits at 1410m (one of the highest bases in the rockies) and rises 863 meters to 2,263m.

Another 30 min east and we find Pass Powderkeg home of the 1966 Southern Alberta Winter Games. Pass Powderkeg offers 2 t-bars, 400m of vertical, and skiing for 8 bucks on Thursday nights.

Entering into the BC rockies region we find the local Wapiti ski hill in Elkford. For $20 a day ride the “Moose Caboose” up 308m spread over 7 runs. The Wapiti ski hill is run completely by volunteers.

Moving deeper into the BC Rockies we end up in Fernie Snow Valley, home of the famous Island Lake Lodge, Fernie Alpine Resort and 10m of annual snowfall. Between the two operations that access the alpine bowls of the lizard range, there is access to over 10,000 acres of skiing!…. right from the highway.

Leaving the rockies we enter the West Kootenays and come to Salmo Ski Hill, famous for its night powder skiing and easy-going west Kootenay vibe.

Moving up to Red Resort in the old mining town of Rossland, birthplace of skiing in Canada. Red is one of Canada’s great, undiscovered ski destinations. Red is famous for its classic Kootenay powder, and classic ski town feel.

As we enter into BC’s only desert we find Phoenix Mountain “the Best little mountain in BC.” Phoenix has one t-bar that services some great terrain, and, in my opinion, the best terrain park on the Powder Highway! After being closed for 4 days, check out the Thursday Night Powder Specials for 10 bucks.

From the summit of Phoenix Mountain you can see across the desert to Big White, and our next stop on the Powder Highway, Mt. Baldy Ski Area.

Mt. Baldy has one chair and a t-bar accessing some of the Okanagan’s finest champagne powder.

The final stop on the Powder Highway is at the beginning of the Coastal Range at Manning Park.

Next time you drive across BC, take the Powder Highway 3.