This story was originally published in July 2018.
Did you know that British Columbia, Canada, has the longest lift-serviced vertical in North America? Or that you can go cat-skiing for $20? Or that you can dogsled through a winter wilderness and ski through an alpine village?
Here are 10 reasons why a BC winter experience–on and off the slopes–should be your next adventure.
Revelstoke Mountain Resort gives skiers and snowboarders access to the continent’s longest lift-serviced vertical at 1,712 metres (5,620 feet). The best part? The village base is only 512 metres (1,680 feet) above sea level, which means you won’t be short of breath plowing through the 10.5 metres (34.4 feet) of powder the resort sees on average each season.
British Columbia has an abundance of ski-in, ski-out accommodations and resorts, including Canada’s largest ski-in/ski-out village, Big White Ski Resort. This means less time getting to and from the slopes, and more time for cruising down runs, après, and post-ski activities. Options include private slopeside cabin rentals, hotels at the base of gondolas, and ski-in/ski-out condo rentals.
BC is home to 13 destination ski resorts that are situated across the province, meaning more room to move, minus the crowds. A hidden gem in the South Okanagan, Apex Mountain Resort boasts 5,000 acres (2,023 hectares) of accessible backcountry terrain, and a high chance you’ll have some runs all to yourself. Surrounded by the Selkirk and Rocky mountains, Kimberley Mountain Resort is well-known for its short lift lines and abundant sunny days, so you can maximize your time on the slopes. If you’re looking for a more intimate experience where you can rub shoulders with the locals, try Panorama Mountain Resort.
Where else in North America can you ski on three different mountains while gazing down upon a major metropolis? By travelling less than 30 minutes from downtown Vancouver, you can ski at Cypress Mountain, Grouse Mountain, or Mt Seymour before heading back into the city for an evening on the town. Glide down perfectly groomed night-skiing runs while the city lights twinkle below.
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Winter promises myriad reasons to play in the snow beyond the slops. In British Columbia, most ski resorts offer dogsledding, with glides through the forest pulled by a team of mountain-loving sled dogs. Cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, or a stroll through an alpine village are all great ways to spend time between laps down the mountain or on rest days.
Sip a cold one while scoping your next-day lines at a cozy mountain lodge 2,346 metres (7,700 feet) above sea level. The views from Eagle’s Eye Restaurant at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort are some of the best in Canada. A meal, or just an après, at Canada’s highest-elevation restaurant is a must-do. You don’t even need to come down: You can book a stay in the Eagle’s Eye Suites. That means guaranteed first tracks from your own private mountain-top retreat.
There aren’t many places in North America where you can ski on a mountain while taking in views of the ocean. There are fewer still where you can ski in the morning and surf in the afternoon. On Vancouver Island, you can do it all. Grab first tracks at Mount Washington, then head to Tofino and learn to surf Chesterman Beach or tackle the swell at Long Beach. For lovers of both swell and snow, Vancouver Island is paradise.
The ultimate ski road trip is found in BC’s southeastern corner. This powder-seekers’ loop travels through the Kootenay Rockies and deep into the heart of the Rocky, Purcell, and Monashee mountains. Eight lift-service alpine resorts, two dozen cat-ski and heli-ski operations, and backcountry lodges punctuate the landscape. Ski them all, or choose just a few—BC’s Powder Highway will not disappoint.
It’s a few quick turns from the top of the Grey Mountain Chairlift at RED Mountain Resort to the Mt. Kirkup Cat Skiing pickup spot; you could ski right past the sign among the trees if you weren’t paying attention. If you spot it, toss the driver a cool $20 and jump in. Listen to the instructions carefully and study the trail map as you creep along the snowcat trail to the slopes of Mt. Kirkup. Pick your line—open runs or tree skiing on advanced terrain—and float on untracked powder back to the lifts.
More than 50 years ago, Hans Gmoser—legendary climber, mountain guide, and backcountry skier—whisked a few intrepid skiers into the Bugaboo Mountains by helicopter. Soon after, the world’s first commercial heli-ski operation was up and running. Now, BC is home to dozens of heli-ski operations, providing access to remote alpine terrain. Choose from one-day boutique operations to week-long adrenaline getaways, and give it a go where it all began.
North America’s largest ski resort is a short, scenic 1.5-hour drive from Vancouver. Whistler Blackcomb spans two mountains, connected by the record-breaking PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola. Big is a theme here, thanks to more than 200 marked runs, 16 alpine bowls, three glaciers, and vertical drops of more than 1,493 metres (4,900 feet). If that’s not enough, Whistler’s après scene and endless off-mountain activities, paired with its lively mountain-town vibe, will be sure to help make a ski holiday here unforgettable.
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If you have either an Ikon or Epic Pass, then it makes even more sense to visit BC. Both passes offer multiple resorts to enjoy, including deals on lodging. Consider this your invitation to join us for another great year of skiing and snowboarding here in BC.
Each resort offers something slightly different, so it’s definitely worth a few days at each one. Epic Pass holders get unlimited access to Whistler Blackcomb, and seven days at the following:
The Ikon Pass offers passholders five different resorts to choose from in BC, each offering 7 days of access:
Find out more about skiing in British Columbia by visiting www.hellobc.com/ski
Be sure to check DriveBC before heading out on any road trip and be aware of the winter tire and chain regulations across the province from October 1 to March 31.
Explore the latest special offers and deals for winter activities and skiing in British Columbia.
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