It’s the stuff of legend and lore — a place where the snow falls for days, weeks, and even an entire winter season without hardly letting up (and if it’s not snowing the temperatures are surprisingly mild), a place where jumping on a helicopter or snowcat is about as easy as hopping on a chairlift, a place that boasts some of North America’s most down-to-earth— and fun— ski towns. We’re talking about the revered Canadian province of British Columbia (BC).
This region is on the lips of every skier or snowboarder who appreciates bottomless snow and some of the world’s longest vertical skiing — you read about it in ski magazines, you even dream about it. If you’ve been dying to experience what all the buzz is all about, read more to discover the best resorts to ski in British Columbia.
The Coast Mountains – Whistler Blackcomb
The Coast Mountain Range of British Columbia is home to the big kahuna of ski resorts, Whistler Blackcomb. Boasting an impressive 8,171 skiable acres, this beautiful behemoth is comprised of two massive mountains — Whistler and Blackcomb Mountain. Both mountains offer everything from picture-perfect, wide-open groomers to high alpine couloir lines, plus they’re connected via the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola — the world’s largest unsupported cable car.
Related: Best Of – Whistler Blakcomb’s Steeps
But Whistler’s impressive size doesn’t stop on the mountains, the ski resort offers its 2 million annual visitors three world-class, Tyrolean-style villages, which are fully equipped with lodging and dining options to suit every preference, plenty of shopping, and British Columbia’s best nightlife scene.
For anyone looking to experience a complete Canadian ski or snowboard getaway with relatively easy access, all-time terrain and modern amenities, Whistler Blackcomb Ski Resort is a quality choice for nearly every skill level.
Ski the Powder Highway
Within a 630-mile loop in Southwestern British Columbia lies every skier and rider’s dream: the Kootenay Rockies, aka “The Powder Highway.” Seven alpine ski resorts (Revelstoke,Red Mountain,Kicking Horse, Fernie, Panorama,Whitewater, and Kimberley) nine heli-skiing operators, 16 snowcat guides, 21 backcountry ski touring outfitters, and an average of 30 feet of light, fluffy snow per year only touch the surface when describing this renowned powder paradise.
Though this area of British Columbia has one of the highest densities of ski operations in the world, it has maintained a sense of authenticity, which can be experienced by visiting its many unique and funky towns or by talking to its down-to-earth locals.
Related: A Ski.com Guide to the Powder Highway
A trip to the Powder Highway isn’t a typical ski vacation; it’s the one you’ll remember for a lifetime. With so much to explore and so many different itineraries to experience in this single area of B.C., it’s a part of the world you will probably find yourself coming back to year after year.
Note: A Powder Highway expedition is best suited for expert skiers and riders who don’t mind a lot of mountain driving in the winter months.
Kelowna & The Okanagan Valley
If convenience, beautiful weather, epic scenery, and plenty of snow are high on your British Columbia ski vacation must-haves, then the Okanagan Valley ski resorts should top your list. These resorts include Sun Peaks, Big White, and Silver Star, all of which are located fewer than 2.5 hours from Kelowna International Airport. Despite these Canadian gems being incredibly accessible — and United Airlines makes it even easier now thanks to added frequent, reliable, and daily non-stop flights from Los Angeles’ LAX to Kelowna International Airport (YLW), lift lines are virtually non-existent and the powder hangs around for days after a storm.
Ready to book your ski or snowboard vacation to British Columbia? Get a free quote today and be matched with a Mountain Travel Expert who can take care of the entire package including flights, lodging, lift tickets, equipment rentals, and more.