Despite its setting in one of the most romanticized ski destinations in the entire world, Fairmont Hot Springs maintains a quiet, welcoming air. The setting is Canada's Powder Highway, a geographical location in southeastern British Columbia that boasts more ski resorts, heli-ski operations, cat-ski services and back-country lodges than most anywhere else in the world. Chiseled experts and vert-counters go elsewhere, but those looking to unwind, relax and take some turns with family and friends head to where the Rockies give way to the Purcells for a stay at Fairmont.
Identification
Fairmont Hot Springs is the smallest ski resort in the Powder Highway area, an area dominated by huge resorts and huger back country. The resort offers 13 ski runs for all abilities with two chairlifts and a magic carpet surface lift. The runs are divided evenly among beginner, intermediate and advanced, and there is a terrain park for novice to intermediate skiers and riders.
Ski Facilities
Fairmont prides itself in providing a comprehensive, family-friendly ski experience in spite of its intimate size. Its setting between the Rocky and Purcell ranges provides big mountain scenery within a small, friendly resort. The mountain has a base chalet with dining facilities for breakfast, lunch and apres ski; equipment rental; and a ski school that provides lessons for beginners through advanced skiers and riders. The resort also holds weekly races and other events throughout the winter. According to its website, Fairmont plans to expand the ski area to include a tubing/tobagganing hill, hockey rink and other amenities.
Hot Springs
Fairmont's skiing may be modest, but the resort is about more than just making turns. A full- or half-day lift ticket includes a bonus that you won't find at other ski resorts: free entrance to one of the largest hot spring pools in Canada. The resort offers naturally fed, mineral spring water divided in a hot pool that stays around 102 degrees F, a swimming pool that's kept at 89 degrees F and a diving pool at 86 degrees F. The pools are drained and cleaned each day.
Other Skiing
Perhaps the most intriguing part of Fairmont Hot Springs is not the skiing at the local resort, but the idea of pairing a ski trip to one of Canada's larger, more exhilarating ski resorts while coming back to soothe the muscles at the sprawling hot springs resort. Just 18 miles up the valley, you'll find Panorama in Invermere, British Columbia, a resort that claims 2,847 acres of terrain and a hefty 4,000 vertical feet. RK Heli-Ski is also based in Invermere. Other nearby resorts include Kimberly, Fernie and Kicking Horse.
Misconceptions
Beware that there is a separate Fairmont Hot Springs resort located in Montana. While not a ski resort, the resort advertises skiing at nearby Discovery Ski Area as one of its winter activities. Verify that you're researching and booking the right Fairmont Hot Springs vacation.
Member Comments