Why Nelson ? ................Soap Box
Why Nelson?
I just got back from a week in Nelson for ski touring. Was is worth it? I will let you decide for yourself.
Nelson is not a resort town, nor a ski destination for the rich and famous. They're is No ski-in ski-out condos in Whitewater. What it is: a real town with nice people. I haven't felt this welcome in any other town.
When you see the car plates in the parking lots, you know everyone is converging for one thing: powder and backcountry. Idaho, Colorado, Washington, Alberta.
The backcountry is easily accessible via the road for free ( Evening ridge) and with the resort lifts (20$ one way ticket). The ski shuttle that leaves the city for whitewater is 7.50$ one way. It goes at most hotels in town. You can come back during the day for free by hitching a ride with anyone leaving the resort. It's a nice way to meet local people.
If you need to rent an avalanche beacon, you can go at ROAM and Valhalla on Baker street (the main street). 30$ for probe, shovel and beacon. They also have anything you need for backcountry skiing.
If you want to take a day off, you can go to the Nelson sport center (NDCC) which has a pool, sauna, spa and fitness center for about 5$.
For restaurants, you'll have no problem finding something good. My personal favorites: Thor's Pizza on Victoria street, and Oso Negro Café on Ward street.
Best bar in town: Mike's Place Pub, on Ward street.
You want to stay for an extended period, then that will be more difficult. The job market in Nelson is not easy for real jobs. It is the same story for finding long term accomodations. You have a family? Nelson has lots of small kids. It seems very kid friendly.
If you want to rent a room for about a week, you have lots of options: The Mountain Houd (59$), the Dancing Bear Inn, Hume Hotel, The Prestige. You can get a ride with the ski shuttle from all these hotels.
After looking at all possibilities for your backcountry destination, why pick Nelson? Snow, access and Mountain orientation! It snowed a meter during the week i was there. If you like tree skiing, then you will love Whitewater. I skied all day by myself and did not see anyone in the woods. You feel as if you're by yourself at the resort.
When it rains in Nelson, it snows at the mountain. So do not fear. No wet snow like Whistler.
Why so few people flock to Nelson and Whitewater? one word: Castlegar !
The Castelgar airport is infamous for flight cancellation. Expect to stay a little longer and be flexible in your departure date , you might have to take a bus out to Kelowna or Cranbrook Airport to leave Nelson. In my opinion it is a small price to pay for a very special destination.
If i could, would i live there? Give me a real job in Nelson, and i'm gone! Would i move my family there? You bet!
Not convinced? See below for backcountry goodness!
