December
Snow-shoeing (or X-country skiing) at Kootenay Plains Ecological Reserve

Kootenay Plains (named after the Kootenay Indians) are a 10 minute drive from Aurum Lodge.

This ecological reserve with its exceptional plant and wildlife community is over-wintering ground for many elk (wapiti), deer, mountain sheep and other members of the local fauna.

It is also rich in history and has been used extensively by native Americans as hunting grounds and travel corridor over the mountains. It is still used today by many Indian bands as meeting place and site of their sundance ceremonies in summer.

Sundance and sweat-lodges can be seen in the place and a visit to an early pioneer cabin is also part of your discovery tour which can last from an hour to an entire day.

This area is popular in winter with ice climbers.