KOOTENAY PASS
To share any info your have on backcountry skiing at Kootenay Pass, or to get the lowdown from others, check out our backcountry skiing forums on the region. Kootenay Pass lies between Salmo and Creston at an elevation of 1775m (5823’) at the highest point of Highway 3. Part of the 1133 hectare Stagleap Provincial Park, the pass is famous for early and late season snow, as well as being the highest highway-served pass in BC that is open year round (even if it is closed every now and then due to avalanche danger). To get a snapshot of what the pass looks like every 15-30 minutes, click here. Looking at the featured webcam is an excellent way to see what you are in for prior to heading out for a day’s tour. Be happy when the sign usually appearing next to the highway is buried in snow.
We've included four routes for ski touring at Kootenay Pass as they are a good representation of the area’s “greatest hits” and feature a range of tours for all skill levels. Some longer (Lightening Strike) some short and sweet (Cornice Ridge)—select your route depending on conditions, your skill level and the free time you have. Unlike the Rossland and Whitewater sections we profile on the site, the tours of Kootenay Pass are all completely backcountry. There are no lifts, no lodges and fewer people nearby. Accordingly, be very well prepared and be sure to check out the Kootenay Boundary Avalanche Forecast page on the Canadian Avalanche association website. Enjoy this Kootenay classic and play safe!
(This map is not meant to be used as a navigational aid but rather a visual indication of the route description.)
NORTH SIDE: 1. Cornice Ridge |
SOUTH SIDE: 2. Baldy Rocks 3. Crags to Monk Creek 4. Lightening Strike |
For a full listing of backcountry huts, cabins and lodges check out the Interior Mountain cabins/huts/lodges page over here.
Backcountry skiing is an inherently dangerous activity that requires experience and knowledge to travel safely. Any of the routes on this site may be dangerous depending on conditions. You are responsible for your own safety in the backcounty—the team behind backcountryskiingcanada.com disclaim any responsibility for any injury resulting from people travelling on routes described on this site. To read our Terms of Use and get all the details, read HERE.
Note that we have included condensed versions of the various route descriptions below. For a more detailed description of the routes—including details on access, ascents and descents—pick up a copy of the “offline” West Kootenay Touring Ski Touring Guide. Just click on this shortcut!
CORNICE RIDGE
This is a great tour to get familiar with the Pass terrain and enjoy a relaxed couple of hours in the mountains. It’s also an excellent way to do a little reconnaissance on other, more challenging routes nearby.
ROUTE: #1
ACCESS: North side of Highway 3
MAP: 82 F/3
TIME: 2 hours
ELEVATION GAIN: 365m/1200’
ATES RATING: Simple (1)
Full route description—including details on access, ascents and descents—in the Guide.
This tour has a quick turnaround time and the summit offers up a 360° view of Kootenay Pass. The bottom shot, called Lunch Box, is excellent after snow but may conceal buried ski tracks just below the surface. Approach with caution.
ROUTE: #2
ACCESS: South side of Highway 3
MAP: 82 F/3
TIME: 2 hours
ELEVATION GAIN: 365m/1200’
ATES RATING: Challenging (2)
Full route description—including details on access, ascents and descents—in the Guide.
This is a classic Kootenay Pass tour with a moderate skin-up and some excellent south-facing, open lines. Yo-yo off the ridgeline into Monk Creek and take one of two routes out.
ROUTE: #3
ACCESS: South side of Highway 3
MAP: 82 F/3
TIME: 3 hours
ELEVATION GAIN: 396m/1300’
ATES RATING: Challenging (2)
Full route description—including details on access, ascents and descents—in the Guide.
This is a big tour with a moderate uptrack and a long, fantastic shot through big trees into Twin Lakes Basin. It’s the furthest options from the highway so be prepared, and have fun.
ROUTE: #4
ACCESS: South side of Highway 3
MAP: 82 F/3
TIME: 3.5 hours
ELEVATION GAIN: 335m/1100’
ATES RATING: Challenging (2)
Full route description—including details on access, ascents and descents—in the Guide.
