THE HILLS ARE ALIVE
The fun never ends during ski season
1 Winter Kickoff in Nelson and Kootenay Lake
When: Nov. 24 – Dec 2
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, Kelowna When: Dec. 8-9
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 Sun Peaks Winter Okanagan Wine Festival near Kamloops When: Jan. 12-21
What: See Sun Peaks transformed into an outdoor wine experience as you stroll from venue to venue, wine glass in hand, along pedestrian-only village streets. Indulge in wine and food pairings, winemaker presentations, and progressive tastings over 10 grape-fuelled days. An incredible way to experience an Okanagan winter.
4 Whistler Pride and Ski Festival in Whistler
When: Jan. 21-28
What: One of North America’s biggest gay and lesbian ski weeks, Whistler Pride packs skiing, apres 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.
5 Rossland Winter Carnival in Rossland
When: Jan. 25-28
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.
6 Vernon Winter Carnival in Vernon
When: Feb. 2-11
What: This annual event, started in 1961, adopts a different theme each year. In 2018, the theme will be “Carnival in Wonderland.” Don’t miss 10 days of fun, including a snow sculpture competition, a parade, and a nighttime lantern Nordic ski. The highlight? Watch the sky come alive during the Hot Air Balloon Fiesta.
7 Freeride World Tour at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort When: Feb. 3-9
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 second stop after Hakuba, Japan, and it is the only stop in North America. Come be a spectator, and get in some powder days while you’re here.
8 Kootenay Coldsmoke Powder Fest at Whitewater Ski Resort When: Feb. 23-25
What: This popular grassroots 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.
9 Griz Days at Fernie Alpine Resort
When: March 2-4
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.
10 Beer Goggles at RED Mountain Resort
When: March 16-17
What: This craft beer festival, held at the base of RED Mountain Resort, kicks off with a welcome party where you can meet the faces behind B.C.’s breweries and mingle with your fellow aficionados. Beer Goggles is the perfect pairing of B.C.’s flourishing craft beer scene and one of its most renowned mountain communities.
11 High Notes Festival at Panorama Mountain Resort When: March 23-28
What: Check out this alpine music festival, in its second year at Panorama Mountain Resort. The event will feature some of Canada’s best independent artists — last year’s lineup included legendary blues man Jim Byrnes. The festival will kick off a series of spring events at Panorama, so check their calendar for more.
12 Snowbombing at Sun Peaks Resort
When: April 5-9
What: One of Europe’s most popular mountain music festivals will hit Canada again this year as more than 50 artists — ranging from live bands to worldrenowned DJs — descend on Sun Peaks Resort. You won’t want to miss an unforgettable four-day, four-night party.
13 World Ski & Snowboard Festival in Whistler
When: April 6-15
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.