Canada
Craving the Mountains but not the Crowds? Visit the Kootenay Rockies!
by Jennifer Merrick
What do you picture when you think of the Canadian Rockies? Most of us conjure up the iconic images of Banff and Lake Louise with their turquoise glacial lakes and snow-covered jagged peaks. Stunning to be sure. Over 4.5 million people from all over the world visit these national parks every year to marvel and vacation in their beauty. But the glorious mountain scenery is not confined by the borders of our parks.
Drive from Banff and head down Highway 93. In less than an hour, you’ll find yourself in the East Kootenay region of south-eastern British Columbia surrounded by mountains, the Rocky Mountains to the east and the Purcell Mountains to the west. In this alpine wonderland, there are natural hot springs, ski resorts, hiking/biking trails and friendly communities. What you won’t see are millions of tourists.
Our family had the pleasure of visiting the towns of Cranbrook and Kimberley on our winter holidays. When we arrived at the Kimberley Alpine Resort to do some much-anticipated skiing, we were flabbergasted. Why weren’t there more cars in the parking lot? Where were the lineups at the lift? It was especially hard to comprehend because of what the resort offered. We’re talking about 1, 800 acres of terrain, a 2,464 ft vertical, an award-winning ski school, 80 trails and the fine white powder snow this region is famous for.
On the slopes, surrounded by snow-covered evergreens and mountain vistas, there were times we had this magic all to ourselves. In the village, there were accommodations, restaurants and snack bars to enjoy an apres-ski drink or meal. The vibe was family-friendly, and everyone was welcoming.
“It’s the kind of place you have to go out of your way to find,” said our volunteer ski guide. “But people love it when they do.”
An avid lifetime skier from Calgary, he now winters in Kimberley. He told me the black diamond runs here were on par with any he’s done in the region and that the snow is more consistent.
What does he like the most? “The people,” he answered without hesitation. As he showed me the easiest way to get down the mountain, he talked about his beloved mountain community. By the time we were finished, I was ready to move here myself.
We only had a few days, unfortunately, but we made the most of them on the slopes and off.
Après Ski Breweries
Heid Out Restaurant in downtown Cranbrook was a local favorite with award-winning craft brews made on the premises and original dishes that showcased the flavors of the region. It was here in its convivial atmosphere that we enjoyed the tastiest meal of our trip. Another Cranbrook brewery won the medal for the most fun. Encore Brewery not only had crisp beer with quirky and alliterate labels like Liftoff Lager, a ludicrously luscious lunar lager, but it was also a bowling alley. We had a blast competing with each other for top scores and the last piece of delicious pizza.
Heavenly Hiking
Next to the Kimberly Alpine Ski Resort is the Trickle Creek Golf Course, where multi-use trails are maintained during the winter months.
To my delight, the paths led to lookouts with panoramic views of the misty mountains and through stands of evergreens with their boughs adorned with snow. As I walked, a sense of peace fell over me. The tranquility was no doubt facilitated by the fact that in two hours of hiking, I saw only two other people.
A mountain paradise without the crowds. I’ll be back.
