Cranbrook is the gateway to the Powder Highway, an epic route that connects the largest concentration of ski resorts (and heli- and cat-skiing operations) in the world. Ski two resorts in one weekend, and enjoy the après-ski scene in this friendly mountain town.
Disclosure: Thank you to Cranbrook Tourism & SnowSeekers for making this trip happen! All words and opinions are my own.
When you’re on a roadtrip, getting there is half the adventure. We begin our journey to Cranbrook on the Cowboy Trail and make a quick detour to Lundbreck Falls before continuing west on the Crowsnest Highway (Hwy 3). Our next stop is the Burmis Tree, a limber pine that has stood here for 700 years. Although the tree is no longer alive, it is a symbol of resilience – and is Canada’s most photographed tree. We drive through Frank Slide and Fernie, and past herds of bighorn sheep, before turning north on Highway 93 for the final stretch.
Tucked between the Rockies and Purcell Mountains, Cranbrook is the largest urban centre in the east Kootenays with a population of 20,000. While it is large enough to support a diverse dining scene (from authentic Thai and Indian food to farm-to-table eateries), it maintains a small town feel. You’re always close to nature, and you never need to worry about traffic jams. After a day of skiing, you can go to the theatre, bowl, enjoy the aquatic centre, or go to the spa. By day, endless mountain adventures await!
Discover more winter fun in Cranbrook in my SnowSeekers story: https://www.snowseekers.ca/story/cranbrook-your-base-camp-adventure-powder-highway
Ski Central: Kimberley Alpine Resort is located half an hour north of Cranbrook, and Fernie Alpine Resort is an hour away, so it’s easy to hit both hills in one weekend. If you’re from Calgary, you also have the option to drive home via Hwy 93 and ski at Fairmont Hot Springs Ski Area, Mount Revelstoke, or Kicking Horse on the way home.
When You Go
Read more about Cranbrook in our SnowSeekers story: https://www.snowseekers.ca/story/cranbrook-your-base-camp-adventure-powder-highway.
Cranbrook is located 4 hours 15 minutes from Calgary in southeast B.C. Drive in via Fernie (Highway 3) and depart via Highway 93 so you can ski Fairmont Hot Springs, Panorama, or Kicking Horse on the way home.
Canadian Rockies International Airport (YXC) is located 13 minutes north of Cranbrook and has daily flights to and from Kelowna, Vancouver and Calgary. http://flyyxc.com/
To make the most of your time in Cranbrook, visit Cranbrook Tourism https://cranbrooktourism.com/
Are you into ice fishing? Hook into this story: https://www.zenseekers.com/story/cranbrook-will-get-you-hooked-zen-fishing
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