Hey Pete, I would check out Whitewater 20min outside of Nelson as it is based at 5200' and you are right in the alpine so lots of good touring options. Then there is Kootenay Pass with lots of great skiing, you can get some details on both of them on this site here and here, but for the full details you need to buy the guide, which I believe they sell on this site.

Other than those two spots, Rogers Pass is always good, routes here. And you could check out the cabins of the Bonnington Traverse which are really nice, cozy but nice. Info for those are here.

Not much beta on the snow pack this time of year but I suspect it is likely melt freeze crust, good skiing in the afternoon though. Post some pics of your adventures when you get some time as I am interested it if is still good out there.

Good luck.

I think Powder gave a pretty good assessment of the stuff around Nelson but Rogers Pass may be your best bet (especially if you want to take the high road). There`s  bunch of good stuff here on the site. Just poke around the Touring Locations and Forums. I say the skiing would be fun but variable--look out for cornices.

awesome - thanks for the guidance.  We will check out those areas, and report back ...

Anyone have guidance on a good free / cheap place to camp in the Nelson and Rogers pass areas?

If you are staying in Nelson, check out the Dancing Bear in (the hostel that is more like a B+B) and if you are up at Kootenay Pass you can stay at the Ripple ridge Cabin for free. At Rogers pass you can camp pretty much anywhere or the Glacier Park Lodge (which we have reviewed)has skiers rates if you tell them that Backcountry Skiing Canada sent you (it is actually cheaper to stay here for two people than booking the huts). 

Hope one of these works out for you, let us know how your adventure unfolds.

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