Coldsmoke Powderfest 2025 Photo Journal
It was the first time in history Kootenay-based ski manufacturers and artists had their work on display at a dedicated event showcasing top-sheet designs, but it definitely won’t be the last. KORE was the title sponsor of the three-day 2025 Coldsmoke Powderfest, held in Nelson last February and one of the most popular aspects of it was the Top Sheet Art Gallery at the Capitol Theatre on February 22.
On display were Instinct Skis from Rossland and Trapper Snowboards from Revelstoke. There were also skis and snowboards from Ullr Brand in Nelson and Kindred Snow, a company based in Merville on Vancouver Island. There were 12 artists who were featured included Joost Winckers, Stephanie Gauvin, Duane Murrin, Turbo Bambi, Marie Moose, Jessa Gilbert, Jess Leahey, Scott Dickson, and Tanner Crow.
Stories To Tell
The same night of the Top Sheet Art Gallery, KORE hosted the “Stories To Tell,” event, an evening of live storytelling by people in the powder sports industry.
Baldface Resort Manager Rebeckah Hornung was the MC for the night and she spoke about some of her experiences working at Whitewater Ski Resort and then introduced:
- Journalist Jayme Moye who presented tales from her local adventures
- photographer Lauren Powers who gave a slideshow of snowboarding in the region
- artist Jess Leahey who also displayed samples of her work
- ski legend Chic Scott who shared stories of the early days of ski touring in the Kootenay Rockies
- and professional freeskier Chris Rubens.
In-Person Speaker Series
Revelstoke skier Chris Rubens was also featured at the first-ever in-person KORE Speaker Series event at the Nelson Innovation Centre on February 20. He was joined onstage by Nelson-based gear engineer Cam Shute of Dark Horse Innovations and Jayme Moye was once again the MC for the night.
The duo spoke to a packed audience about the relationship between pro athletes and gear manufacturers as well as the future of sustainable equipment development. One attendee later wrote on a post, “What an unforgettable night! I made so many amazing connections and the vibes were world class. A great group of people and a great event hosted by some knowledgeable speakers. Thank you so much.”
Demo Village
A final aspect to KORE’s involvement of the 2025 Coldsmoke Powderfest was a presence at the Demo Village outside Whitewater Ski Resort’s lodge on February 22 and 23 that displayed KORE members’ products.
KORE had three tents on site showcasing everything from headlamps and snowboards to backpacks and sleeping bags, all designed in the Kootenay region including:
- Lynx OGT
- GOSO Cookware
- Durston Gear
- Passage Hat Co.
- Shishka Outdoors
- Trapper Snowboards
- Ghostrider Equipment
- Slopedeck
- Kindred Snow
- Waist Deep Skis
Launched in 2006, the Kootenay Coldsmoke Powderfest is a grassroots gathering where mountain enthusiasts of all levels celebrate ski and snowboard culture. It includes a variety of events that take place in the city of Nelson and at Whitewater Ski Resort including clinics, competitions, a film festival and other ski-themed arts and culture programming.
KORE is looking forward to once again being involved in the 2026 festival.
