Ski Road Trip—The Powder Highway

Serious powderhounds make the trek to the southeastern corner of BC to ski at Fernie Alpine Resort. Nearly 11 metres (37 feet) of snow blankets this resort each year, ranking it among the snowiest ski destinations in Canada. A must? Ride up the Polar Peak chairlift to one the highest peaks in the Lizard Range, and carve the steep and deep from 1,082 meters (3,550 feet).

Beyond the slopes, you can hop on a snowmobile or soak up the culture of a BC mountain town. The little town of Fernie is a hotspot for theatre, art galleries, and dining.

Surrounded by the Selkirk and Rocky mountains, Kimberley Alpine Resort is known for consistent snowfall, short lift lines, and abundant sunny days. It’s a great choice for both families and experts, with terrain for all levels and 80 runs over 729 hectares (1,800 acres) of skiable area. Stay slopeside and ski from your door in the morning, then stroll the Platzl, a pedestrian-friendly shopping area, in the afternoon. In the evening, North America’s longest night-skiing trail awaits.

Soothe your muscles for a day by relaxing in the natural hot springs at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort.

Intimate, accessible, friendly, and laidback, Panorama has long been a favourite ski destination for families. The snowfall is dry and the days are sunny and warm. Here, 129 runs stretch across nearly 1,214 hectares (3,000 acres) of terrain with panoramic views of the Purcell and Rocky mountains. Panorama’s charming village is home to Canada’s largest outdoor slopeside hot pools, and the adventurous can go heli-skiing right from the village base.

Tucked among soaring peaks in the Rocky Mountains, Kicking Horse is all about big mountain skiing: At 1,260 metres (4,133 feet), the resort claims the fourth highest vertical in North America. Kicking Horse is also home to four alpine bowls and chutes that keep skiers exploring for days. More thrills? The surrounding heli-skiing terrain is seemingly limitless.

With an impressive ski-in/ski-out village, Kicking Horse rocks the après scene too, from cozy pubs to fine dining. Case in point: The Eagle’s Eye Restaurant is Canada’s most elevated dining experience, thanks to its lofty 2,346-metre (7,700-foot) perch.

While the town of Revelstoke boasts more than a century of ski history, Revelstoke Mountain Resort (RMR) is practically brand new. Canada’s newest ski resort claims the longest lift-served vertical in North America at 1,712 metres (5,620 feet). With 69 named runs—45 per cent classified as intermediate and another 47 per cent designated as advanced—strong skiers will find themselves at home on 1,263 hectares (3,121 acres) of terrain.

It’s all about snow at Whitewater. This Kootenay mountain hideaway, set along the Powder Highway near the city of Nelson, has some of the deepest, driest powder around. An average of more than 12 metres (39 feet) of snow falls over 623 vertical metres (2,044 vertical feet). Uncrowded slopes, family-friendly groomers, remarkable steeps, top-of-the-line tree-skiing, and endless backcountry are all found at this resort, which maintains a local ski-hill vibe.

Located in Rossland, RED Mountain Resort has 1,164 hectares (2,877 acres) of pristine skiing. RED’s newest ski experience, on the flanks of Mt. Kirkup, offers adventurers the opportunity to access terrain by snowcat for just $10 per run. With 7.6 metres (24 feet) of snowfall, wide-open groomed runs, epic vertical, 360-degree descents from select peaks, and incredible tree runs, this mountain draws skiers in search of an authentic experience.

Last Updated: May 20, 2020