Kootenay Coldsmoke Powderfest
February 5-8, 2026
Kootenay Coldsmoke Powderfest is an annual celebration of ski and snowboard culture. This grassroots flagship festival features clinics, competitions, and ski-themed arts and culture programming both in Nelson and at Whitewater.
Coldsmoke brings together a community with a shared passion for winter sport. Through a curated collection of competitions, backcountry education, arts and culture, storytelling, and clinics, we aim to connect, educate, and inspire.
It’s a chance to expand your skills, bridge connections, and immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscape that surrounds us. The spirit of Coldsmoke stays with you long after the weekend ends.
Join us at Coldsmoke, where the slopes are our canvas, and the spirit of skiing and snowboarding takes center stage.
The Festival
Nestled amidst the majestic Selkirk Mountains, beneath the gaze of Ymir Peak, Whitewater Mountain Resort emerges as the very essence of skiing and snowboarding. Here, our unwavering devotion to these exhilarating sports is at the heart of Coldsmoke.
Whitewater Mountain Resort beckons enthusiasts to a haven that is truly unparalleled. We have cultivated a retreat in the mountains where our passion for snowsports thrives, offering an intimate setting with a diverse range of world-class terrain.
Coldsmoke is the perfect opportunity for mountain enthusiasts to connect and share their passion for all that is ski and snowboard culture.
Demo Village
On the Saturday & Sunday of Coldsmoke, Whitewater undergoes a remarkable transformation, becoming the epicenter of a vibrant ski and board demo village.
This village serves as the focal point of our culture, where the soul of skiing and snowboarding finds its home. It showcases an extensive array of renowned brands, making it your sanctuary for getting immersed in product knowledge, the latest gear innovations, and the wisdom of industry experts who live and breathe these sports.
Discover, indulge, and become a part of the Whitewater Mountain Resort family, where our commitment to skiing and snowboarding is carved into every slope.
The Vibe
Beyond the slopes, our snowsport culture programming extends to a diverse array of engaging experiences including live music, industry gatherings, and inspirational talks and presentations.
We are excited to reintroduce and enhance a captivating lineup of on-mountain events that will undoubtedly capture the imagination of our audience. From the ROAM Arc'teryx Uphill Scramble to our fantastic lineup of clinics, Coldsmoke offers an array of thrilling experiences.
The Schedule Thursday, February 5
7:00pm - 9:00pm | State of the Snowpack
The Schedule Friday, February 6
9:00am - 1:00pm | Womxn’s Splitboarding 101
10:00am - 1:00pm | Jumps, Drops, & Side Hits
11:30am - 3:30pm | NBC Beer Tasting in the Day Lodge
12:00pm - 2:00pm | DJ Epoch on our on-the-snow patio
1:00pm - 3:00pm | Telemark Ski Meet-up
7:00pm - 9:00pm | Stellar Film Competition @ the Nelson United Church (Doors open @ 6:00pm)
Saturday, February 7
9:00am | Demo Village opens
9:00am - 12:00pm | Jump Turns & Steep Skiing
9:00am - 12:00pm | Jump Turns & Steep Snowboarding
9:00am - 12:00pm | Telemark Technique Tune-up
9:30am - 10:30am | ROAM Arc'teryx Uphill Scramble Check-in
10:30am - 10:45am | ROAM Arc'teryx Uphill Scramble Athlete Meeting
11:00am - 1:00pm | ROAM Arc'teryx Uphill Scramble
12:00pm - 3:30pm | Live Music w/ Flowshine on our on-the-snow patio
12:30pm - 3:30pm | Jump Turns & Steep Skiing
12:30pm - 3:30pm | Off-Piste Snowboard FUNdamentals
1:30pm - 2:00pm | ROAM Arc'teryx Uphill Scramble Results & Podium
3:00pm | Demo Village closes
3:00pm - 5:00pm | Organic Slopestyle Athlete Registration (Mandatory) - Whitewater Downtown Office
7:00pm - 9:30pm | Stories to Tell @ The Capitol Theatre (Doors open @ 6:00pm)
Sunday, February 8
8:00am - 9:00am | Organic Slopestyle Athlete Registration (only for those who can't make it on Saturday)
9:00am | Demo Village opens
9:00am - 9:45am | Organic Slopestyle Venue Inspection
9:00am - 12:00pm | Intro to Snowboard Park Riding
9:00am - 12:00pm | Off-Piste Ski FUNdamentals
9:00am - 1:00pm | Backcountry First Aid Toolkit
9:45am - 10:00am | Organic Slopestyle Athlete Meeting
10:00am - 2:30pm | Organic Slopestyle
10:30am - 2:30pm | Action Mountain Photography
12:00pm - 1:15pm | Live Performance w/ The Backstreet Butches on our on-the-snow patio
12:30pm - 3:30pm | Off-Piste Ski FUNdamentals
3:00pm | Demo Village closes
3:00pm - 3:30pm | Organic Slopestyle Results & Podium
On-Mountain Events
Clinics & Meet-ups
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Nelson Events
Title Sponsors
Coldsmoke wouldn't be possible without the support of these amazing industry brands.
Presenting Sponsors
Community Sponsors
Media Sponsors
Coldsmoke 2023
Contact
Nicoya Schmidt
Sales & Marketing Coordinator