Three not-to-be missed eateries are located on the Powder Highway in the southeast corner of British Columbia, Canada. Also known as Route 95A, the legendary roadway connects seven incredible ski resorts and joins Route 97A leading to the eighth ski paradise, Silver Star Mountain Resort.
From luxury fly-in retreats to rustic backcountry lodges and back-to-reality basic highway motels the Powder Highway stages a variety of basecamp jumping off points to float the legendary pow. By the time the pale hues of coral and peach kiss the surrounding peaks after a day of face shots in the steep and deep these three gourmet hot spots will provide an opportunity to unwind, refuel, tantalize your taste buds, and then some.
Fresh Tracks Café, Whitewater Ski Resort, Nelson, British Columbia
Sure they get 40 feet of the white and light every year, boast challenging tree runs and leave lots of the 1,184 acres of terrain ungroomed as nature intended. Yes, they are only 10 minutes outside Nelson, the funkiest town in Western Canada. But what really draws skiers and diners to Whitewater Ski Resort is the renowned Fresh Tracks Café, a day lodge cafeteria like no other.
Fresh, creative, wholesome meals inspired and originally created by former co-owner Shelley Adams defy expectations of typical cafeteria food. Shelley’s best selling cookbooks feature many of the daily recipes. My favourite mid-day treat is The Glory Bowl, brown rice topped with the freshest of fresh grated beets, carrots, almonds, spinach leaves, with cubes of tofu under sprigs of watercress. And from her latest cookbook, the purple one, my go to choice for entertaining friends at home is Moroccan Lemon Chicken Tagine with Couscous. Make it a day ahead to reheat and enjoy after a day outdoors. skiwhitewater.com & whitewatercooks.com
Eagle’s Eye Restaurant, Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, Golden, British Columbia
Perched at an altitude of 7,700 feet overlooking the Purcell Mountains, Eagle’s Eye Restaurant is Canada’s most elevated dining experience, the jewel in the crown of Canada’s champagne powder capital. Chef Mathieu Boucher is known for his use of local quality ingredients. Unexpected dinner starters like Elk Venison Duo or Lobster Raviolo lead into inspired mains Duck Cassoulet or Wagyu Beef. The 8-person snow globe gondola soars heavenward 4,000 feet up the mountain to deliver you in just 12 minutes to the expansive 130-seat dining room with a view of five of the six surrounding national parks. Can’t wait for dinner? Try the Wild Boar Poutine for lunch. Canadian, eh? Perfect location for a destination ski wedding. kickinghorseresort.com
Paradise Camp, Silver Star Mountain Resort, near Vernon, British Columbia
Since 1958 local, national and international skiers have flocked to Silver Star Mountain Ski Resort, the third largest ski area in British Columbia, the big mountain with a small town feel. But there’s more than Alpine skiing. Silver Star, combined with adjacent Sovereign Lake Nordic Club, boasts 60 miles of groomed cross-country trails earning them a top five spot in USA Today’s Reader Choice Awards. And back in the woods, miles of snowmobile trails.
Paradise Camp is open during all ski days serving breakfast and lunch for alpine and Nordic skiers. Some evenings it’s open for dinner. Getting there after dark is half the fun. Classic and skate cross-country skiers can sign up for the Fire and Ice magical moon or headlamp lit ski through the snowy woods, snowmobilers can wind their way up past breathtaking views of the Monashee Mountains and, wrapped in cozy blankets, those who’ve had enough of the outdoors for the day can ride up in the vintage snowcat, The Putnam Express. All routes lead to Paradise Camp, where a three-course romantic gourmet dinner awaits in a rustic Silver Mine inspired, historic setting. The perfect Canadian experience. Chef Maurice Vautour creates bacon wrapped scallops, followed by tequila salmon or grilled maritime chicken, then a dark chocolate torte. Okanagan wines, from some of the regions’ 200 vineyards, are featured. skisilverstar.com
Where To Stay:
Nelson: Built in 1898 this refurbished gem, The Hume Hotel, has more charm and intrigue than it knows what to do with. Don’t miss drinks and dinner in the cozy historic Library Lounge. humehotel.com
Kicking Horse: Website offers a range of ski-in, ski-out choices. kickinghorselodging.com
Silver Star Mountain Resort: Website offers a variety of ski-in, ski-out choices, many in the historic gaslight-themed village. skisilverstar.com
