Winter in BC is something else. Magical, terrifying, mystical, and mighty, it is a season that frightens many but absolutely exhilarates others. If you fall into the latter camp, this blog is for you. From full days spent in the snow to cozy evenings by the fire, you do not just love winter, you thrive in it.
When you think about a winter getaway, it is not about escaping the season; it is about leaning into it. Lucky for you, we have gathered the three best Prestige communities for winter lovers.
ROSSLAND
Endless outdoor adventure, a welcoming community of like-minded people, and snow. So much snow. For winter lovers, it does not get much better than Rossland.
This picturesque mountain town sits just six minutes from one of the best ski hills in the province. RED Mountain sees an average of 168 inches of snow annually and boasts 2,919 feet of vertical, making it a dream for skiers and snowboarders alike. Downhill skiing not your thing? Rossland has no shortage of trails for fat biking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. Winter in Rossland is not endured, it is embraced.
On days when the slopes can wait, the town’s three cozy cafés are well worth a visit. Try each one at least once. They are perfect for people-watching and striking up conversations with locals about their latest adventure. It will not take long to understand what Rossland is really about: community. There are no chain stores here, only well-loved local staples, a thrift shop that helps fund the hospital, and friendly faces everywhere you go. Grab a coffee to go and wander through town, and you will see houses proudly displaying signs that read, “Gone Skiing.”
RADIUM
Wild spaces in every direction, steaming hot springs, and a community built for people who do not mind a little snow on their boots. Radium is not a place to admire nature from a distance; it is where you step straight into it.
Set at the crossroads of Kootenay National Park, Yoho National Park, and Banff National Park, with Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park and the Columbia Wetlands nearby, Radium offers rare access to some of the most spectacular protected landscapes in the province. Winter here feels vast and untamed, and the community reflects that same rugged, wilderness-minded spirit.
Just a short drive away, the Windermere skating track adds another layer of magic. Set directly on the frozen lake, with open skies and mountain views in every direction, it is a stunning way to experience the season.
For skiers and snowboarders, Radium sits within easy reach of three standout destinations, all within 35 kilometres. Panorama Mountain Resort offers a full alpine experience, with 2,975 acres of terrain and 133 trails. Fairmont Hot Springs Resort delivers a family-friendly ski area, conveniently paired with a soak in the Fairmont Hot Springs Pools. For those who prefer Nordic skiing, Nipika Mountain Resort is a Columbia Valley favourite, with more than 50 kilometres of groomed cross-country trails.
After a full day spent outside, Radium’s iconic hot springs are non-negotiable. Slipping into warm mineral water as steam rises into the cold mountain air feels less like an activity and more like a reward. It is the perfect counterbalance to crisp winter days spent exploring.
photo credit: Talon Gillis
SMITHERS
Snow-draped mountains, frozen lakes, and a town that feels like winter the way you imagined it as a kid. Smithers delivers small-town Canadian winter in its purest form, where cold days are meant to be filled, not avoided.
With Hudson Bay Mountain rising just outside town, skiing is a way of life here. The resort offers reliable snow, uncrowded runs, and a laid-back atmosphere that keeps the focus on the joy of being on the mountain. For those who crave something deeper and wilder, Smithers is also a gateway to cat skiing, heli-skiing, and backcountry ski touring, with vast terrain and serious snowfall to match.
Winter in Smithers stretches far beyond downhill turns. Chapman Lake becomes a hub for ice fishing once the ice sets in, while snowshoe trails wind through forests and open terrain in every direction.
Snowmobiling is a major part of winter life here. The Smithers Snowmobile Association grooms trails across several areas and maintains six mountain cabins throughout the valley, creating access to expansive terrain and multi-day adventures. Trail user fees support the club, helping keep the network maintained for locals and visitors alike.
When the pace slows, classic winter pastimes take centre stage. Outdoor rinks and frozen local lakes invite you to lace up your skates, while the Smithers Civic Centre and Arena offer indoor skating throughout the season. For something truly timeless, B&T Wagon and Sleigh Rides provide horse-drawn sleigh rides through the snowy countryside, straight out of a postcard.
No matter which community you choose, you will find people who understand that winter is BC at its best. From the snowy slopes and welcoming streets of Rossland to the rugged landscapes and steaming hot springs of Radium, to the small-town charm and endless outdoor adventures of Smithers, one thing is clear: winter is something you live, share, and celebrate together. Winter is not something to endure; it is something to embrace in all its magic, but you already knew that, fellow winter lover.
To make your winter getaway even better, Prestige Hotels and Resorts is offering Stay for 2, Night 3 is Free from January 1 to March 31, 2026. Prestige Rewards members can stay two nights at any participating location and enjoy a third night free. You can use the free night during the same stay or request a voucher to return before April 30, 2026. To book, simply call the Prestige location of your choice and ask for the Stay Two Nights, Get the Third Night Free promotion.
