Get the Most out of Your Next BC Ski Vacation

Everyone wants the best value and a ski vacation is no exception. The good news is it’s easy to get more out of your winter getaway in British Columbia—just invest in a little advance planning.

Get a package deal

Savings await for those willing to do a little homework. Sign up for resort email alerts and scan for discount packages. Buy a well-priced ski-plus-lodging or ski-plus-accommodation-plus-activities combo, or get in on one of the many buy-in-advance discounts. Whistler Blackcomb’s lodging, lift tickets and heli-skiing package can save you up to 40 percent. Another example is Kicking Horse Mountain Resort in Golden, which has “stay four nights, get the fifth free” offers.

Americans: Save while you can

Right now, U.S. dollars go far in Canada, sometimes affording Americans as much as 25 percent more. With the currency exchange rate hovering at around $1.30, that means $100 U.S. equals $130 Canadian. So book now to take advantage while the rates remain favourable.

Buy tickets beforehand

Whatever you do, avoid getting lift tickets the day-of at the mountain base. These tickets are by far the most expensive. In fact, the earlier you buy, the more you save. Sun Peaks Resort in Kamloops offers as much as 40 percent off to those who buy lift tickets early, and buying online saves, too. Vernon. If you’ll be skiing a lot, snap up a season pass good at multiple resorts spanning Canada and the U.S.

Ski the shoulder

Time of year is a factor. Most BC resorts are open until April, though Whistler stays open all the way through May. Consider scheduling your trip during late spring when rates are generally lower. Not only is it usually less crowded with short lift lines, many BC resorts offer special deals at this time of year.

Do it all

If you can get five things for the price of one, why not? Some resorts offer lift tickets good for other fun activities, too.

Get off the beaten path

Try one of BC’s quieter resorts, which are usually less expensive. A good choice is Rossland’s Red Mountain—unspoiled and pristine, say the pros, with lots of vertical and cat skiing over three mountains that hammered with dry powder each season.

Eat in—and save

Stay at a B&B, which includes breakfast so you can forego expensive food, and long lines, at the ski hill. Book a hotel suite or condo with a kitchenette (or shared vacation home) so you can stock the fridge with food and eat breakfast before you head out each day. You can also pack bag lunches and store them in lockers that most resorts offer in the main lodges. Then enjoy a simple home-cooked meal at the end of the day, ideally after a soak in your hot tub on the deck with some board games by the fire after dinner. It’s much more relaxing to stay in!