Hidden deep in British Columbia’s Kootenay Mountains, Snowwater Village is the ski retreat you dream about—but few actually find. This isn’t just another luxury lodge; it’s a carbon-conscious, helicopter-accessible hideout where the snow piles higher than the wine list (and that’s saying something).
With room for just 12 guests at a time, it’s the kind of place where the wilderness feels untamed, but the heated floors and organic bath products ensure you’re never roughing it.
“a tiny, carbon-neutral ski village in British Columbia so exclusive, even Google Maps occasionally forgets it exists.“
Here, sustainability isn’t an afterthought—it’s built into the DNA. The lodge runs on clean energy, replants forests to offset its footprint, and serves meals so locally sourced you’ll wonder if the chef foraged your salad from the backyard.
But let’s be honest: You’re really here for the skiing. With 40 feet of annual powder and a private helicopter on standby, Snowwater delivers terrain so pristine, you’ll swear you’re the first person to ever carve through it—even if your guide politely reminds you that, no, you’re not.
The Hook: A Village Unlike Any Other
Imagine a place where the helicopter is your lift ticket, the trees outnumber the guests 100,000 to one, and the only thing deeper than the powder is the wine cellar. Welcome to Snowwater, a six-lodge micro-village in British Columbia’s Kootenay Mountains that redefines alpine escapism—with a conscience.
This isn’t just skiing; it’s a masterclass in how to balance indulgence and sustainability. (Yes, you can have your organic cake and eat it too, especially when it’s made with wild huckleberries.)
The Skiing: Your Private Powder Playground
Forget lift lines and crowded runs. Snowwater’s 150,000 acres of terrain are accessed via private helicopter or snowcat, delivering you to slopes so untouched, your tracks might as well be autographs.
- The Stats: 40+ feet of annual snowfall, 4:1 guest-to-guide ratio, and zero competition for fresh lines.
- The Backup Plan: On storm days, their pioneering snowcat fleet ensures you’ll still ski—no “down days” allowed.
- The Vibe: Guides who double as powder whisperers, tailoring runs to your skill level (while diplomatically ignoring your questionable technique).
Pro Tip: The Bonnington Range’s “Valkyr Chutes” are where you’ll want to prove yourself—preferably before the post-ski charcuterie platter dulls your reflexes.
The Lodges: Rustic Meets Ridiculously Luxe
Snowwater’s handcrafted timber lodges are where backcountry charm and five-star comforts collide. Think:
- Heated floors that feel like walking on sunshine.
- Organic bath products so lush, you’ll regret packing your own.
- Beds dressed in down so cloud-like, you’ll debate skiing at all.
With only 12 guests max, it’s like having a national park—and a Michelin-starred kitchen—to yourself.
The Apres-Ski: Sustainably Decadent
At Snowwater, indulgence has a green thumb. The lodge’s culinary team works magic with hyper-local ingredients (ever tried spruce-tip-infused cocktails?), while the wine cellar’s European imports ensure you won’t feel too virtuous. Meanwhile, the Evergreen Spa offers massages that border on spiritual experiences—ideal after a day of claiming (read: surviving) the backcountry.
The Bottom Line
Snowwater isn’t just a ski destination; it’s an argument against compromise. Here, you can chase adrenaline by morning and sip small-batch Scotch by night, all while leaving a footprint lighter than your skis on fresh powder.
The only catch? Once you go, you’ll measure every other ski trip against it—and most won’t stand a chance.
Snowwater Village Photos
Here are a few photos from them showcasing the life a Snowwater Village during the winter season. There really isn’t anything else like it here in this part of the world. Such a magical place and we hope they go another 30 years.
