A Guide to Thrive in Winter
Let’s get straight to the point; winter tends to overstay its welcome. With major snowstorms lasting into April earlier this year, Mother Nature definitely took longer than expected to bestow warmer temperatures upon us Canadians.
Living in this wonderful, snowy nation, there are some crucial lessons to learn in order to thrive in the ‘Great White North’. Most importantly, is realizing the importance of making the best of your environment and conditions (especially the long winter months we so often endure).
Our initial instincts are to stay warm and cozy during blizzard-stricken months, huddled indoors with blankets, warm drinks, a crackling fire and taking in an unhealthy amount of Netflix, while silently praying that our neighbour or significant other will shovel the walkway. Winters have such great potential though, why surrender such glorious opportunities to see the remarkable beauty Canada boasts in its backyard?
Exploring the outdoors throughout all four of our Canadian seasons is a revitalizing experience for us, which should be taken advantage of to refresh our frame of mind. It’s a chance to discover new adventures just a snowball’s throw away. We’re all familiar with making the most of warm temperatures during the summer months with patio season and backyard lounging in full swing. The winter landscape can be just as inspiring too, when given the chance.
If you need more convincing, here are a few of Canada’s premiere winter activity destinations:
Fernie, British Columbia
The shops, cafés, restaurants and pubs along 2nd Avenue in Fernie are some of the Canadian Rockies’ hidden gems, with surrounding mountain peaks looming over the glow of its downtown streets.
Located just down the road, Fernie Alpine Resort is home to some of Canada’s most legendary powder, with an average snowfall of 30ft. From epic downhill skiing to leisurely snowshoe and groomed cross-country skiing trails, the resort has activities for the whole family. It also offers plenty of weekly programs to get you outside and even yoga classes to help you find your winter Zen. Their on-mountain accommodations along with a local shuttle to town make for a perfect introduction to Canada’s winter activities.
Kimberley, British Columbia
If you’re looking for a classic mountain town, you’ve found it. The town of Kimberley embodies the Canadian spirit with humble, welcoming locals and a relentless passion for nature. Kimberley is home to craft beers, great local dining, the oldest building in Canada and a variety of activities to enjoy outside.
With stunning scenery of the Kootenay mountains, Kimberley Alpine Resort is just minutes from town and offers great facilities and terrain for people of all skiing and snowboarding ability levels – from first-timers to seasoned slope shredders. Looking to stay on level ground? Try the area’s expansive snowshoe trails, cross-country skiing network or check out fat biking, one of North America’s favourite new activities (mountain bikes with wider tires for better grip in snow conditions).
Golden, British Columbia
One of the most famed locations along the Powder Highway, Kicking Horse Mountain Resort and the town of Golden are conveniently located along the TransCanada Highway and ready to provide you a mountain experience like no other. Drop into Whitetooth Brewing Co. for locally crafted beers, or the Northern Lights Wildlife Wolf Centre for an up-close learning session with these amazing animals.
Delving deeper into nature, Kicking Horse Mountain Resort offers Canada’s highest dining experience, the Eagle’s Eye Restaurant at 7,700ft. Once you’re fueled up, hit the slopes of the Catamount Chair to learn the basics on your skis or snowboard, or bring your little ones to the tube park and natural ice rink at the base of the resort. Advanced skiers head to the top via the gondola for wide ranging bowls, ridges and chutes. If staying grounded is your preference, Golden is primed with world-class snowmobiling, along with plenty of rentals and tours available.
Life’s too short – and winters are too long – to miss out on a lifetime of adventure. Let winter activities revitalize your soul and help you look forward to the inevitable snowfalls each year. Meet Mother Nature halfway on this one and discover how rewarding Canada’s winter climates can truly be.
- Published in News
Musical History Tour with Brian Wright in Stemwinder
MUSICAL HISTORY TOUR
With BRIAN WRIGHT
In the STEMWINDER
March 5 & 6
1 – 4pm
Starting with 1930s BLUES, showing the link into 50s Blues and Rock and Roll. We then work our way through the 60s, 70s, 80s, and the 90s. This is a participation event so be prepared to pick up a shaker and shake your bootie.
Black Spur Ultra #5
108k • 54k • Relay • Vertical Climb
Kimberley Alpine Resort – Kimberley, BC
August 23-25, 2019
From the creators of the Sinister 7 Ultra, we are proud to bring you the Black Spur Ultra; a race wrought from the winding, technical single track that trail runners dream about. No pavement, big climbs through rugged terrain, and stunning scenery. In its first year many racers dubbed Black Spur an “instant classic”. Hosted at Kimberley Alpine Resort, you can walk to the start line right from your hotel room.
Black Spur Ultra Distance Options:
– 108k solo
– 54k solo
– 108k Team Relay (teams of 2 to 6)
NEW!! The first annual Black Spur Vertical! Saturday, August 24th
You have six hours to do as many laps to Kootenay House and back as possible. The people with the greatest number of laps, and then the fastest time on their total laps, will be on the podium. Push yourself, but watch your time; you only get credit for each complete lap.
With one central area and three loops, this is one of the easiest races your support crew or family will ever attend. Kimberley is also the perfect place for a getaway or family vacation.
To register and for more info: http://www.blackspurultra.com/
For Trickle Creek Accommodation Rates: Aug 2019 Black Spur Accommodation Rates
Men’s Gold Medal Ice Hockey LIVE @ Stemwinder
Watch LIVE on big screen the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics at Stemwinder Bar and Grill
Experience the Olympics in a whole new way with FREE 3D Virtual Reality Glasses and take home an Olympic Schedule book courtesy of CBC!
Schedule of LIVE events @ Stemwinder:
- Men’s Gold Medal Ice Hockey
8:00pm, Saturday, February 24
For more info call 250. 432.0326
Women’s Snowboard Big Air Final Live @ Stemwinder
Watch LIVE on big screen the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics at Stemwinder Bar and Grill
Experience the Olympics in a whole new way with FREE 3D Virtual Reality Glasses and take home an Olympic Schedule book courtesy of CBC!
Schedule of LIVE events @ Stemwinder:
- Women’s Snowboard Big Air Final 5:30pm, Thursday, February 22
- Men’s Snowboard Big Air Final
6:00pm, Friday, February 23 - Men’s Gold Medal Ice Hockey
8:00pm, Saturday, February 24
For more info call 250. 432.0326
The Rail Jam at KAR
The Rail Jam presented by Kimberley Alpine Resort & The Choice
Age: 10 + Ski & Snowboard
Register: $10 in Slopeside *kids under 16 must have a parental consent*
Practice Runs: 4-6pm
Competition Starts: 6pm
Outside BBQ and Beer Garden, Awesome Prizes
After Party: 9pm at Stemwinder Bar and Grill
Check out this video of the 2015 Mayhem on the Mountain Rail Jam 2015 Rail jam
Free Live Music @ Stemwinder
Enjoy apres ski LIVE music @ Stemwinder Bar and Grill
Date: February 24 & 25, 2018
Time: 3pm – 6pm
*All ages welcome. Minors must be accompanied by an adult*
Free Live Music @ Stemwinder with Mile High Club
Enjoy apres ski LIVE music with Mile High Club
Date: Friday, Feb 8 8pm – 10pm
Saturday, February 9, 2019 3pm – 6pm
*All ages welcome. All minors must be accompanied by an adult*
Mile High Club Live @ Stemwinder
Enjoy apres ski LIVE music with Mile High Club
Mile High CLub is the East Kootenay’s premier high energy party band playing only dance floor fillers from everything from current Top 40 hits to 80’s classics!
Date: December 31
Time: 4 – 6pm
All minors must be accompanied by an adult
Free Live Music @ Stemwinder with Oliver Mcquaid
Enjoy apres ski LIVE music with Oliver Mcquaid
Date: Thursday, February 15, 2018
Time: 8pm – 11pm
*Night Skiing 5:30pm – 8:30pm*