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attention to why I love winter in this region: the myriad outdoor recre-
ation. Fittingly, Radium Hot Springs is a convenient waypoint along
British Columbia’s mythical Powder Highway, a route that connects
eight distinct ski resorts known for diverse terrain and some of North
America’s best snow conditions. While I’ve tackled — some would
argue insanely —all eight in a single feast, biting off half proves a much
more palatable trip, so the next morning I turned south and headed
toward Panorama, one of the Highway’s diamonds in the snow bank.
For some reason, Panorama remains in the shadows of B.C.’s
alpine culture even though the 4,019-foot vertical drop and 2,847
skiable acres are far from bunny hill–type statistics. Perhaps it’s
because steep and deep is what establishes big mountain bragging
rights, and Panorama is a self-proclaimed intermediate hill, happily
catering to anybody and everybody who wants to buckle in to a
pair of skis or strap on a snowboard — including advanced riders
who can enjoy the 25 percent of runs that do require expertise.
To me, Panorama’s inclusion is the perfect reason to come,
especially when traveling with multigenerational or mixed-ability
groups. Panorama understands not everyone wants to catch first
chair and ski through lunch, as evidenced by the panoply of snow-
play options at the resort. Snowshoeing and cruising around on a
fat-tired mountain bike are low-key possibilities, and Nordic skiers
will find more than 12 miles of groomed trails here.
Panorama’s aptly named Summit Hut adds even more luster
to the winter snow globe. It’s perched nearly 9,000 feet high and
offers fondue dinners followed by a headlamp-illuminated group
ski back down to the village. My partner wasn’t crazy about the
thought of carving post-dinner night turns all the way from the top,
so we agreed to après at Elkhorn Cabin, a traditional log structure
located mid-mountain. Make reservations and order the raclette,
an authentic Swiss meat, cheese, and veggie dinner you prepare
to your exact specifications on a personal grill.
Peak to Peak
Some of the Powder Highway’s ski areas are located a few hours
from Radium Hot Springs, but it takes barely 30 minutes to get to
the Fairmont Hot Springs ski resort, certainly the area’s quaintest.
Bring a beginner to this petite hill for a few days and he or she will
build the confidence necessary to swoosh down the region’s bigger
IntervalWorld.com INTERVAL WORLD ■ Fall 2015 41
Kelly Funk/All Canada Photos/age fotostock; Henry Georgi/Resorts of the Canadian Rockies/SKIRCR
Fernie Alpine Resort
has epic bowls and
glades aplenty, not to
mention a happening
après scene.
RESORT DIRECTORY:
CLIMATE: Average high
temperatures from December
through February range from
the low 20s to 30°F in Radium
Hot Springs. It can be much
cooler up on the ski mountains,
though, so be sure to pack
plenty of warm gear.
DON’T MISS: The Olde
Tyme Candy Shoppe, where
you can stock up on your
favorite vacation sweets —
pack some away for when you
get back home!
CURRENCY: Canadian dollar
SALES TAX: 12%
TIPPING: 15% to 20% is
standard at restaurants and
bars.
INTERVAL TRAVEL:
RENTAL CAR:
Recommended
VISITOR INFORMATION:
Tourism Radium Hot Springs
Association
250.347.9331
fast FACTS