Plan Your Trip > Regional Guides > Ultimate Guide to Canada's Powder Highway
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Avant Ski's Ultimate Guide to the Powder Highway, Canada
Do you dream that each day is an opportunity for fresh tracks, steep lines, and a chance to explore some of the best powder skiing in the world? If so, the Powder Highway Canada may be for you. The Powder Highway is a world renowned road trip through the heart of the best skiing in British Columbia and Alberta.
The full Powder Highway (powder hwy) is a ~700 mile (1,127 km) loop and hits some of the best, if not-underrated, ski resorts in the Canadian Rockies. From the champagne powder capital aka Kicking Horse, to the breathtaking scenery of Panorama Mountain Resort, the Powder Highway is a journey that encompasses not only great skiing, but also an opportunity to visit some of the most authentic ski towns in North America. While the trip can be completed many ways, we recommend about two weeks to travel the Powder Highway. Our ideal itinerary involves stops at 6 of Canada’s best resorts, including Revelstoke, Kicking Horse, Panorama, Fernie, Red Mountain, and Whitewater. Given the Powder Highway’s proximity to the spectacular area of Banff, we also recommend visiting the resorts of Ski Big 3.
Image Courtesy of Northstar Resort
The Powder Highway gets its name from the impressive snow quality that encompasses this small corner of British Columbia and Alberta. Even more alluring, many of the resorts and towns here tend to offer better value than their larger and more well known peers throughout North America. The sheer concentration of incredible ski resorts, helicopter and cat skiing operators, hot springs, ski towns, and more, all lead many to revere a few weeks spent traveling along the Powder Highway as the trip of a lifetime.
Use our guide to familiarize yourself with the powder highway map and get a sense of tremendous potential for skiing and riding in this region. When you are ready to book the adventure of a lifetime, click here to start planning or send us an email @hello@theavantski. We partner with the best hotels and tour operators in the region.
Getting to and Around the Powder Highway
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There are several options for traveling by plane to the Powder Highway, though all will require renting a car once you arrive. Keep in mind, the Powder Highway takes you through the heart of the Canadian Rockies in winter, and a stout vehicle with 4wd and snow tires is a must.
Though there are a number of ways to travel the journey, we’ve built this itinerary around what we feel is the most accessible way to experience the Powder Highway. The airport in Calgary AB is the easiest for most as it's fairly large, services a number of domestic and international flights, and sits just 172 miles (3.5 hours) from your first stop in Golden BC and Kicking Horse Mountain Resort.
Alternative airports include Spokane WA or Kelowna BC. Those who choose to fly into Spokane find themselves ~121 miles (2.5 hours) away from Rossland BC and RED Mountain Resort. While Spokane is a great option, servicing a number of US domestic flights, one caveat is that renting a car in the US would require that the car also be returned on the US side of the border.
The Powder Highway takes you through some of the most breathtaking scenery anywhere in the world and can include numerous pit stops in towns like Banff (only 80 miles and 1.5 hours from Calgary) or at various hot springs or cat-skiing operations. Take some time to plan your route and even plan on rest days to explore all the hidden treasures that British Columbia and Alberta have to offer!
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POWDER HIGHWAY RESORTS BY REGION
North Lake Tahoe, Large Resorts
Northstar (Tree Skiing & Family Friendly)
Palisades Tahoe (Extremes & Olympic Village)
North Lake Tahoe, Smaller Resorts
Boreal (Terrain Parks & Night Skiing)
Diamond Peak (Steep Tree-skiing & Views)
Homewood (Deep Snow & Lake Views)
Mt. Rose (Local Vibe & Chutes)
Sugar Bowl (Deep Snow & No Crowds)
South Lake Tahoe
Heavenly (Nightlife & Lake Views)
Kirkwood (Steep Terrain)
Sierra at Tahoe (Family Friendly & Trees)
Central Sierras
China Peak (Value, Great for Starting Out)
June Mountain (Remote, Families & View)
Mammoth (Size & Variety)
Best for Steep Tree-skiing & Lake Views
Travel Time: ~3.5 hours drive from San Francisco
Alberta
Bear Mountain (Terrain Parks)
Closest to L.A. (Mountain High)
Snow Summit (Snow-making)
Boreal, North Lake Tahoe
Best for Terrain Parks & Night Skiing
Travel Time: ~3 hours drive from San Francisco
Best known for its world class terrain parks and teaching programs, Boreal exceeds expectations for a resort with a modest 380 acres and 500 feet of vertical. Located just off of Interstate 80, Boreal is also one of the easiest resorts for a day trip from the Bay Area. The resort prides itself on a hassle-free lesson and rental process. Not surprising then that Boreal is where many long-time, regional skiers got started. With dedicated learnings areas, gentle terrain, reasonably priced lift tickets and a variety of family friendly activities, Boreal stands out amongst the nearby, smaller mountains.
Boreal is home to Woodward Tahoe and its 8 terrain parks are some of the best in California. Woodward is a year-round action sports training facility and adventure hub. Though terrain for more advanced skiers/riders is limited, the terrain parks, night riding, and affordability make Boreal a popular destination for regional college students.
Getting To: From the Sacramento/Bay Area driving time of 1.5/3 hours. Take I-80 Take I-80 East towards Reno; then take exit 176 to Boreal Ridge Road
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Special Programs: Feel Good Fridays are excellent value; purchase an all day lift ticket for $25 on 5 Fridays — one per month selected by the resort — throughout the season AND $5 from each ticket purchased will go to local charity. Kids ages 8 and under receive a free season pass with the purchase on an Adult Unlimited Pass. Woodward Day Passes are available for 2 hour sessions with access to all of Woodward's facilities including the 33,000 square foot indoor trampoline gym, skate park, and foam pit.
HESITATIONS
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Boreal is not known for long runs or steep terrain; Intermediate and Advanced shredders may feel limited
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There are no on-site accommodations; visitors should look to Truckee, ~10 miles away by car for lodging
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When the forecast calls for snow, be prepared, given Boreal’s close proximity to the Donner Summit, highways can shut down.
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Beware, lesson prices do not include the cost of rental equipment or lift tickets
LET'S GO
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Convenient as its gets for a Tahoe day-trip; ideal for those just starting out
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Home to some of the best, most progressive terrain parks in the region
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Reliably great conditions with 400+ inches of average annual snowfall and snow-making on 40% of terrain
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The only mountain in Tahoe that offers night skiing; don’t miss the Sierra sunset!
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Non-skiing activities including tubing, an indoor skate and trampoline park, a snow sports museum, and nearby XC skiing will keep everyone entertained
QUICK STATS
Passes: Boreal has its own season pass; choose unlimited access or night skiing only. The 3-Pack is excellent value for skiing three days of your choosing. Woodward Membership works on a monthly basis.
Rates: Go-Time Progressive Day Ticket Rates. Unique program at Boreal under which ticket prices drop the later in the day you start. Book ahead and pick your start time for savings.
Terrain: 41 named trails, 8 terrain parks (Woodward)
Terrain Mix: 30% Novice, 55% Intermediate, 15% Advanced
Average Annual Snowfall: 400+ inches
Vertical Drop: 500 ft
Lifts: 8 total - 2 quads, 3 triples, 1 doubles, 2 surface lifts
Diamond Peak, North Lake Tahoe
Best for Steep Tree-skiing & Lake Views
Travel Time: ~3.5 hours drive from San Francisco
Don’t be fooled by Diamond Peak’s seemingly underwhelming stats — 655 acres and 30 trails. At Avant Ski, we know the true test for any resort is what’s inside those stats. That is where Diamond Peak has major bragging rights with arguably the best view of Lake Tahoe, a top notch terrain park and an excellent ski school. Diamond Peak is the perfect antidote to the big resorts and their big crowds. A notable amount of the resort’s 1,840' vertical drop is comprised of steep, dreamlike tree-skiing that often takes days to get tracked out.
Owned and operated by the town of Incline Village, Diamond Peak is just minutes from town and has a modest amount of short term rentals and hotel rooms nearby. Located in easy driving distance from Truckee, South Lake and Reno, Diamond Peak makes for the perfect day-trip add on. Plus, bring your pass from another resort and receive $20 off a Diamond Peak day ticket.
Getting To: From the Sacramento/Bay Area driving time of 2/3.5 hours. Take I-80 East Truckee to HW267 Tahoe, to HW28 Incline Village. Diamond Peak is located only 20 miles from Truckee, 25 miles from South Lake and 27 miles from Reno. NV (~35 minutes driving). Flying: Access via Reno International Airport or commercial or private charter into Truckee
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Special Programs: Kids under 6 Ski & Ride FREE. Diamond Peak is one of the only resorts to participate in the Bring Your Other Pass Program — season pass holders of other resorts receive $20 off here, even on days when the other pass maybe restricted. Unique Transferable Passes can be used and shared by anyone designated by the purchaser and Parents Interchangeable Tickets that allow parents with young children can share a ticket when one parent needs to supervise the kids
HESITATIONS
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No true expert/extreme terrain; though there is plenty of steep stuff to delight the more advanced shredder
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Close-by parking is limited; additional parking along Country Club Diver requires a shuttle ride
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Mostly West-facing aspect means the snow melts a bit faster, especially in the springtime
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Limited food options, primarily traditional ski resort cafeteria fare
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Far from the Sierra Crest, storm totals here can be slightly less than other Tahoe Resorts
LET'S GO
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Find untracked powder stashes days after a storm
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Lakeview is the perfect mellow groomer; it runs top to bottom for 2.1 miles with breathtaking lake views the entire way
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The children’s ski school has great teaching terrain and kids 6 and under ski free
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More reasonable lift tickets; day passes run ~$100 and sometimes less mid-week
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Terrain Variety. There is something for everyone along with snow-making on 75% of its named trails
QUICK STATS
Passes: Diamond Peak has its own season pass with various options for access and ages; passes come with 65 bonus lift tickets to partner resorts and discounts for services on the mountain
Rates: Unlimited season passes for adults start at a reasonable $494; day tickets are also available
Terrain: 30 named trails, 13 named gladed areas, 500 acres of off-piste tree-skiing
Terrain Mix: 18% Novice, 46% Intermediate, 36% Advanced
Average Annual Snowfall: 300 - 350 inches
Vertical Drop: 1,840 ft
Lifts: 7 total - 2 high-speed quads, 2 quads, 3 doubles, 1 surface lift
Homewood, North Lake Tahoe
Best for Laid-back Tree Skiing & Lake Views
Travel Time: ~4 hours drive from San Francisco
You didn't hear it here, but... Homewood is THE Tahoe mountain to visit when the snow is deep. Often overlooked for its larger neighbors, Homewood is the place to skip the lines and get straight to the snow. The tree skiing is top in the region and the lake views are second to none. Just 280 steps away from the lake, it almost feels like your lap will end in the water.
Homewood opened in 1962, though has been owned and operated by JMA ventures, a San Francisco-based, development company, since 2006. The owners have been working on a Master Plan to expand the resort to include lodging, more parking, faster lifts and other amenities. The lake views here are unrivaled and the mountain has 1,650 vertical feet and over 1,200 acres with room to grow. Though the Plan has faced delays, the potential for this resort is exciting and one to watch.
Getting To: From San Francisco, take I-80 E to Route 89 South. Follow 89 around the west shore of Lake Tahoe to reach the resort. The main parking lot at the lodge is a close walk to tickets, lifts, ski school, and food.
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Special Programs: Loyalty program for season pass holders. Returning season pass holders save $200 on their season pass, and returning family pass holders save $600.
HESITATIONS
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Lodging and dining at the resort are limited. Consider a day trip or stay in nearby Tahoe City
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More advanced skiers and riders may feel constrained; only 15% of the terrain is rated "expert"
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Snow-making coverage is limited
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The lift system is slow; most of the lifts are not detachable, but there are no lines
LET'S GO
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Still under the radar, head to Homewood to avoid the crowds and find more powder
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The panoramic views of Lake Tahoe are some of the best in California; it's hard to find scenery like this anywhere else in the U.S.
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Easy to access from Tahoe City, only ~10 minute drive and there are buses
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Laid-back, family-friendly, local vibe pairs well with reasonable lift ticket prices
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Plus, over 750 acres of snowcat-accessed terrain above the main ski area
INSIDER TIPS
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Top Trails. Rainbow Ridge (best views!); Intermediate — Bonanza; Advanced — The Shoulder on Quail Face
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For the kids. Head to the dedicated, on mountain snow play area for sledding and outdoor fun; Nearby, Tahoe Treetop Adventures offers ropes courses and zip-lines for kids (and adults)
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Favorite Dining. West Shore Cafe, right across the street, on waterfront views of Lake Tahoe and local, California cuisine. Sunnyside, en route to Tahoe City, has a full bar and fresh, fish tacos
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Favorite Après Spot. The Pioneer Cocktail Club in Tahoe City serves craft cocktails with a lively atmosphere
QUICK STATS
Passes: Homewood has its own season pass with access to 2 days at 12+ other ski areas around the U.S., as well as nearby Diamond Peak and Tahoe-Donner
Rates: Season passes have five options by age-group as well as a family pass. View rates here. Day tickets start at $64 and savings are available with the 3-Pack
Terrain: 67 trails; 5 terrain parks
Terrain Mix: 15% Novice, 40% Intermediate, 30% Advanced, 15% Expert
Average Snowfall: 450 inches
Vertical Drop: 1,650 ft
Lifts: 8 total - 2 six-packs, 2 quads, 2 triples, 2 surface lifts
Mt. Rose, North Lake Tahoe
Best for Sustained, Steep Terrain
Travel Time: ~4 hours drive from San Francisco
Mt. Rose is synonymous with tons of snow, a lack of crowds, and of course, The Chutes — home to some of the best in-bounds expert skiing in the United States. The resort is privately owned and ticket prices are relatively low (starting $100/day for adults). Layer in a lack of crowds and challenging terrain, and there is no doubt a visit is well worth the extra 30 minutes drive from Truckee.
With two base lodges, easy parking, and ideal teaching terrain, Mt. Rose is as much a family resort as it is an expert skier's dream. Families can opt for a packaged lesson deals that includes a lift ticket and gear. More advanced riders will revel in Mt Rose's legendary steep terrain and breathtaking views. Plus, with a base elevation of 8260', the highest in the region, it's hard to beat the snow quality here.
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Getting To: From Sacramento/ Bay Area: Take I-80 East to Truckee and then SR-267 into King's Beach; then, head North on HW28 to Incline Village, NV and follow SR-431 North towards Reno until you reach the resort. From Reno: Take HW580/395 South to the exit for SR-431 (Mt. Rose Highway). Follow the highway up the steep and curvy grade to the resort. **SR-431 is very steep and curvy. Approach with caution and 4-WD and/or snow chains are essential.
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Special Programs: Mt. Rose is one of the best value resorts in the Tahoe area. Season passes include discounts on retail, F&B, tuning, rentals, and a 20% discount at the Patagonia store in Reno. For those with flexibility, the MyPass deal for $275, enables the passholder to select a day of the week, non-holiday, and ski that day each week of the season.
HESITATIONS
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Wind Holds. Nicknamed Mt. Blows, this resort is subject to frequent wind closures given its high elevation
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This is a no frills resort; there are no on-site places to stay or après venues
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Access to the resort via SR-431 can be hazardous during storms; closures may even occur
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Relatively small acreage; this would not be our first choice for a multi-day trip
LET'S GO
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Sitting over 4,000 vertical feet above Reno and the Carson Valley, the scenery is hard to beat
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Some of the best quality snow in the Tahoe region. Mt. Rose rarely sees rain even during warmer storms
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The Chutes are an experts paradise — north facing with ~1,000 vertical feet of 40-55 degree steeps
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Easy to reach. Located on the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe, Mt. Rose is only ~15 minutes from Incline Village and ~35 minutes from the Reno airport by car
INSIDER TIPS
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Top Trails. Beginner — Galena; Intermediate — Kit Carson Traverse/Kit Carson Bowl; Advanced — El Cap
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For the kids. Head to the Wizard Chair by the Main Lodge to access great beginner terrain
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Dining. On mountain dining is limited to the main lodges and is primarily traditional, cafeteria-style
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Favorite Après Spot. Alibi Public House, brewery in Incline Village, or head Truckee for more options or Reno for more night life
QUICK STATS
Passes: Mt. Rose has its own season pass
Rates: Season passes have five options ranging from $275-745 per pass based on restrictions and day of the week. View rates here. Day ticket rates vary by time of year
Terrain: 60+ trails; 2 terrain parks
Terrain Mix: 20% Novice, 30% Intermediate, 40% Advanced, 10% Expert
Average Snowfall: 350 inches
Vertical Drop: 1,800 ft
Lifts: 8 total - 2 six-packs, 2 quads, 2 triples, 2 surface lifts
Sugar Bowl, North Lake Tahoe
Best for Deep Snow & Having the Place to Yourself
Travel Time: ~3 hours drive from San Francisco
For the passionate skier seeking, deep powder, and very few crowds —look no further than Sugar Bowl. One of the closest resorts to the Bay Area, Sugar Bowl sits at the top of Donner Summit and makes for a perfect day trip with friends or family. This no frills resort consistently reports the largest base and highest storm totals in North Lake Tahoe, averaging 500 inches of annual snowfall. Sugar Bowl is a true standout in Tahoe for those who put skiing above all else.
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Shhh — this hidden gem is one of the best kept secrets in Tahoe. Sugar Bowl easily compensates for its smaller acreage with eye-popping views and impressive terrain variety. From double blacks to family friendly greens, Sugar Bowl is the ultimate place to progress from the bunny slopes to the steeps.
June Mountain, Central Sierras
Best for Family Friendly with Great Back Country Access
Travel Time: ~5 hours drive from Los Angeles
June Mountain, often in the shadow of its behemoth neighbor, Mammoth, is a real gem and well worth a visit. Those who take the quick trip up the I-395 will be rewarded by a more mellow mountain and the charming village of June Lake. The mountain is the town's heartbeat in the winter, rife with breathtaking views, short lift lines, and fresh snow that can stay fun for days after a storm. Most well known for being family friendly with plenty of beginner and intermediate terrain, experts will reap the benefits of fewer crowds and enjoy the vast lift-accessible backcountry terrain.
Once in town, take a walk down the main street for shops, restaurants, and local watering holes that easily exceed expectations for a town with a population less than 1,000 people. The surrounding lakes provide excellent scenery, and the mountain views will have you taking notes to prepare for a return visit in the warmer months.
Getting To: June may be one of the more remote mountains in California, unless you're making a joint trip to Mammoth. About 3 hours south of Reno on I-395, turn onto June Lake Loop (Route 158, second entrance, the first is closed in winter). After a quick drive through the center of town, you'll see the parking lot on the left.
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Special Programs: Kids under 12 Ski & Ride FREE. Save more with options to bundle multiple days and rental gear.
HESITATIONS
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The mountain is upside down, meaning the steepest terrain is at the bottom. Ample snow is essential to open the more advanced areas and beginners will need to ride a lift down at the end of the day
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Lifts are limited; there are only 7 of them and most are are older/slower
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Remote location; nearly 3 hours from Reno and more than 5 hours driving from the Bay Area or Los Angeles, it is a trek if you don't live in the area
LET'S GO
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Crowds are scarce and lift lines are non-existent
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Family friendly with dedicated learning areas; kids under 12 ski free
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The access from to backcountry terrain from the gates within the resort is some of the best in California. A guide is recommended along with bringing a beacon, shovel, and probe
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Local mountain feel, yet accessible to Ikon Pass Holders
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Après options punch well above the weight of this small town
INSIDER TIPS
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For the kids. Bucky's Bonfire — hang out with the June Mountain mascot, Bucky, have some hot chocolate, and take a lap with the group
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Favorite Dining. Ohanas 395, a Hawaiian food truck located at June Lake Brewing is contributor Mike Friece's pick for best food in ANY ski town. Eagle's Landing is a perfect for a sit down meal with amazing views of the Eastern Sierra
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Favorite Après Spot. June Lake Brewing has a variety of local beer; T-Bar Social Club has a fun atmosphere and a variety of live music performances
QUICK STATS
Passes: June has its own season pass and the Ikon Pass offers unlimited access; Mammoth lift tickets are also valid
Rates: June adult season passes are $619, kids under 12 ski free. Day tickets are also available
Terrain: 41 trails, lift-accessible backcountry
Terrain Mix: 15% Novice, 40% Intermediate, 45% Advanced
Average Snowfall: 250 inches
Vertical Drop: 2,590 ft
Lifts: 7 total - 2 quads, 4 doubles, 1 surface lift
Our Top Ski Shops in the Bay Area
Sports Basement | 11 locations in the Bay Area
One stop shop for buying or renting with a huge selection of skis, boots, gear and apparel. They offers great value rental packages for the day, weekend or full season. Each location is a large sports equipment warehouse with a sizable winter sports area. More than a store, Sports Basement is a community hub that hosts ~7,000 events a year.
Demo Sport | Marin
True to its name, Demo Sports is our go-to for demoing skis, boots, poles, and snowboards. They have a solid selection of skis and boots and an outstanding selection of bindings. They also have backcountry equipment. Apparel and gear are more limited. This is an independent, family owned store and the owner, Steve, loves to talk skiing.
California Ski Company | Berkley
This is our top pick for custom boot fitting in the East Bay. The selection of skis is outstanding too. Apparel and gear are more limited. Remember to make an appointment for boot fittings far in advance at this family run store.