Located in the heart of the Selkirk Mountains, Whitewater Ski Resort is a haven for snowboarders, offering deep powder, rugged terrain, and stunning mountainscapes. Known for its consistent snowfall and diverse terrain, Whitewater is a destination that feels both remote and welcoming—a true hidden gem.
With over 600 meters of vertical terrain and an average snowfall of more than 40 feet annually, Whitewater delivers some of the best snow in North America. This powder playground offers expansive options for riders of all levels, whether you’re dropping into open bowls of chest-deep powder, navigating tree lines, or cruising perfectly groomed runs. The variety of terrain gives you the freedom to experiment and explore. For the more adventurous and progressive riders cliffs and pillow lines await, making it the ideal venue for the Research & Development (RnD) event. The mountain is a snowboarder’s paradise, with incredible in-bounds options to get the legs warm and easily accessible side-country for photo and video opportunities if getting the shot and soft powder landings are your thing.
Whitewater is known for its care and respect for the mountains and offers a variety of avalanche safety and backcountry courses for all levels of riders.
Off-mountain, Whitewater’s mountain-focused vibe continues. The Fresh Tracks Café serves up delicious, locally sourced foods to your plate and palate, and there are a handful of awesome restaurants to choose from. Known for its innovative approach to resort dining, aka “pow chow,” Whitewater is well aware of the fact that great food is just as important as great snow.
Whitewater is just a 20-minute drive from Nelson, BC, which is a vibrant, iconic town with an eclectic vibe. Nelson is also known for its amazing food and laid-back atmosphere. Invited RnD riders will have the pleasure of staying at The Adventure Hotel—this is not just a hotel, it’s a budget-friendly sanctuary, complete with a sauna, it’s the perfect spot to unwind after a long day on the mountain.
The athlete lounge at RnD will be the go-to spot for riders to kick back and recharge. With couches, a ping pong table, and a projector showing event footage. Riders can also access foam rollers, yoga mats, and Theraguns for recovery, plus enjoy Empire Coffee and snacks to stay fueled. It will be the spot to relax and connect.
From Whitewater’s epic terrain to the vibrant allure of Nelson, this is more than a destination—it’s an experience. At Research and Development, riders will get to push their limits and take care of themselves in a way that only the Kootenays can provide.
