Who says you have to rough it on a ski vacation? Crescendo at Big White Ski Resort near Kelowna is all about ski-in/ski-out luxury. An architectural stunner, this single-family “smart home” can sleep up to 22; it showcases a theatre, an indoor/outdoor pool and Jacuzzi, and nine-metre (30-foot) floor-to-ceiling glass windows overlooking the Monashee Mountains. Ski a different path, and opt for the Explorer Cabins at Sundance Resort. These charming slopeside retreats offer gourmet kitchens, private hot tubs, and sky-high stone fireplaces. Cue the hot chocolate.
Out of the box is second nature at SilverStar Mountain Resort near Vernon. At Queen Victoria, your Victorian home away from home promises private suites furnished with antiques, plus a hot tub, sauna, and easy access to Nordic trails. True to its name, the Purple Palace is an on-slope, purple-hued home, a quick glide from the Alpine Meadows chairlift. Here, five bedrooms can be booked separately or house a whole group. Either way, everyone will scramble for the rooftop hot tub.
For more variety, head to Apex Mountain Resort, near Penticton, to the Kowal Ski Cabin, a rustic retreat that sleeps 15, has two kitchens, three decks, a private hot tub, and panoramic views of the slopes.