Signature terrain
Tree skiing
Glades and steeps that hold snow for days after a storm—Whitewater’s reputation among powder skiers and riders.
Guide · Whitewater Mountain Resort
The Whitewater
ski trip guide.
Deep, dry Selkirk powder, famous tree skiing and a resort that has kept its soul. Here’s how to plan the trip—and where to come home to at night.
- ~12 m
- Average annual snowfall
- 1,367
- Acres of skiable terrain
- 614 m
- Vertical drop (2,014 ft)
- 45 min
- From The Nest Estate
The mountain
Why skiers love Whitewater.
Set in the Selkirk Mountains just south of Nelson, Whitewater is known for consistent, light snow and steep, gladed terrain—without the crowds or lift-line culture of bigger destination resorts.
Plus a handle tow
Four chairlifts
A double, a triple and two quads serve the terrain, keeping laps quick on powder days.
Retro and relaxed
Lodge food
Whitewater’s lodge kitchen is a local legend—plan on lunch on the mountain.
For every level
Nordic & lessons
Cross-country trails, rentals and snow school make it work for mixed-ability groups and families.
Plan the trip
Getting there.
About 7–8 hours
From Calgary
A classic Powder Highway road trip west through the Rockies. Winter tires are required on BC highways.
About 3.5–4 hours
From Spokane
North through the Nelway border crossing—check its reduced winter hours before you go.
Fly to Castlegar
From Vancouver
Daily Air Canada flights to West Kootenay Regional Airport, then about an hour’s drive to the estate.
Daily
Driving to the hill
From the estate it’s about 45 minutes to the Whitewater base via Nelson—grab coffee on Baker Street on the way.
Where to stay
Powder by day. Hot tub by night.
The Nest Estate’s three private chalets sit on 20 acres above Kootenay Lake—quiet mornings, big views, and a hot tub waiting after the last run.
Up to 8 guests
Eagles Nest
Ski-crew headquarters: three bedrooms, a games room with pool table, a covered six-person hot tub and parking for trucks and trailers.
Up to 4 guests
Ravens Nest
A king bed and a private hot tub under a timber-roofed deck—made for couples.
Up to 4 guests
Robins Nest
A cozy lake-view tiny chalet with a big cedar deck and ductless heat.
Good to know
Questions, answered.
How far is Whitewater from The Nest Estate?
About 45 minutes by car, driving through Nelson.
How much snow does Whitewater get?
Around 12 metres (about 39 feet) in an average season.
Do I need four-wheel drive?
Winter tires are required by law on BC highways through the winter months; four-wheel drive isn’t needed to reach the estate.
Can a group stay together?
Yes. Book all three chalets for up to 16 guests, each with its own private space.
The Nest Estate
Your powder
base camp.
Three private chalets, two hot tubs and 45 minutes to Whitewater.
See winter at the estateAvailability alerts
First to know
when dates open.
Powder weekends, fall midweeks and last-minute openings—straight to your inbox a few times a season. No spam.
Three private chaletsCheck availability