Whitewater Ski Resort’s 40th anniversary is not the only anniversary celebration at the resort this year. Feb. 19 to 21 marks the 10th annual Kootenay Coldsmoke Powder Fest.
The largest event on the resort’s event calendar, this weekend celebrates the Kootenay’s passion for powder with something for everyone to enjoy. Offering over 25 various clinics from the industry’s best, four different on-mountain competitions including the crowning of the King and Queen of Coldsmoke, and evening socials to entertain into the evening, there is no excuse not to join the celebration of the winter.
The weekend kicks off on Friday, Feb. 19 with clinics both in and out of the ski area boundary. Many clinics are back by popular demand such as the Love the Board with Kendra Star, Whitewater Tour, and Freeskiing Kootenay Style taught by the same coaches that has Whitewater’s Freeride Team on the podium at the Freeride WorldJunior Championships in Andorra.
Clinics are not only for skiers and snowboarders but also tele-markers, splitboarders and all those that enjoy sliding through the snow that the Kootenay is so well known for. Make sure to check out the Coldsmoke Monty packages to save yourself some money.
If you are more interested in competitions, not to worry. There will be a lot of that going around too. Register in the ROAM randonee, the Village Ski Hut powderkeg slopestyle, the North Face backcountry olympics, or the poker run — where there is always top of the line prizing for best costume. Think that you could come out on top competing in all of these on mountain competitions?
Then register in all four and try for your spot as King or Queen of Coldsmoke. Not only do you walk away with bragging rights but also a full outfit from the North Face, a season pass for Whitewater for next year, and a locally sculpted trophy for your mantle. Not enticing enough? New this year, Stellar Heliskiing will provide both the King and Queen with a day of heliskiing.
All the fun doesn’t happen on the slopes — there is a lot happening off the snow too. Join the celebrations both Friday and Saturday night in Nelson. Friday night’s social, the Coldsmoke opener Mountain Culture Elixir, will showcase some of the region’s best photographers and filmmakers as well as a few laughs followed by great prizes.
New this year the Saturday night social has shifted to Nelson’s Hume Hotel where the Spirit Bar will kick the night off with the Mountain Mingler reception with great appetizers and complimentary tasting from Nelson Brewing Company, Kootenay Distillery, and Todd Creek Cider.
Once you are done mingling, join the after party with live music from local talent Red Eyed Soul and Elliott Brood. Make sure to take time to visit the Coldsmoke Village throughout the weekend for one of the industry’s largest public demo villages offering over 25 different brands of product.
Early bird registration for all of the Kootenay Coldsmoke Powder Fest events end Wednesday, Feb. 17 but events tend to sell out, so do not wait and miss out.