Skiing in British Columbia (BC), Canada
British Columbia (BC) in Canada is a skier’s paradise, offering all the challenging slopes, breathtaking landscapes, buzzing ski towns and legendary après vibes your little snow-bunny heart desires. 13 destination ski resorts across 10 mountain ranges make up British Columbia, and these colossal formations, timeless and unyielding, invite you to experience a journey that will stir your soul.
Whistler Blackcomb, the largest ski resort in North America and spanning two mountains, has over 8,000 acres of skiable terrain. Further inland, Revelstoke Mountain Resort is renowned for having North America’s greatest vertical drop at 1,713 metres – not for the faint-of-heart.
Sun Peaks Resort is famed for its family-friendly environment and dry, fluffy snow, and is Canada’s second largest ski area. Less than an hour from Kamloops, it offers deep steeps and powder-choked glades, landing at a European-style ski-through village.
That’s the topline information out of the way, let’s drill down into BC’s finest slopes, stays and scenes.
Ultimate BC family destinations
When it comes to family-friendly skiing, Sun Peaks Resort stands out. With ski and snowboard lessons for kids, as well as a variety of family-friendly off-piste activities like snow tubing, horse-drawn sleigh rides and a winter sports centre, Sun Peaks will keep the young (and the young at heart) entertained. Not to mention the resort’s village is car-free, making it safe for everyone to get around.
SilverStar Mountain Resort near Vernon is another excellent option for families. The colourful, Victorian-style village is both charming and convenient – think mini-snowmobiles for kids, snowshoeing and fat biking, as well as 2.5 acres of skating magic at the natural ice bond, featuring outdoor fire and music. And the best part is, all these cool activities are included on the lift pass!
Similarly, Revelstoke Mountain Resort might be known for its challenging terrain, but also caters to the not-so-confident skier. The Turtle Creek Tube Park and Beginner Area offer a safe and fun environment, and is where the excellent local ski school holds its lessons. Off-slope, families must put the popular dog sledding on their itinerary.
Last but not least – and unsurprisingly with that much mountain (two mountains, actually) – Whistler Blackcomb has the ability to be everything to the seasoned skier, while offering much to families and beginners. The Whistler Kids Snow School is highly rated, offering lessons and activities for children of all ages, while the Coca-Cola Tube Park and the Magic Castle on Blackcomb Mountain are popular family spots.
British Columbia Adventure Seekers, unite
For adventure seekers, British Columbia offers some of the most thrilling skiing experiences in the world. Get lost in the pow of Revelstoke Mountain Resort, known for that vertiginous descent and an average of 10.5 metres of deep powder across 3,121 acres of big mountain terrain – some of it only accessible via heli-skiing and cat-skiing. Stokes’s steep runs and glades are perfect for advanced skiers and snowboarders looking for an adrenaline rush.
The most well-known of the BC line-up is, of course, Whistler Blackcomb, and while the varied terrain is great for casual and beginner skiers, there’s plenty of challenging runs to get the heart rate up. Extensive backcountry trails, accessible through guided tours, provides endless opportunities for off-piste skiing and snowboarding. Whistler’s terrain parks are also world-class, attracting freestyle skiers and snowboarders from around the globe.
Sun Peaks Resort is another that caters to all, offering challenging runs on Mt. Morrisey and expert glades on Mt. Tod. The Gils ski area often has the best pockets of champagne powder that come early and stay in place throughout the ski season, meaning steep and deep powder for those looking to push their limits. Sun Peaks also provides guided backcountry tours, perfect for exploring the pristine wilderness beyond the resort boundaries.
There’s exciting developments happening right now in Sun Peaks! When the 2024-25 season kicks off it promises to be a big one with a brand new chairlift. The West Bowl Express is a high speed, quad chair that will unlock further alpine access, a project three years in the making.
The West Bowl is a zone located in the alpine of Tod Mountain and is one of Sun Peaks’ highest elevation skiable areas. Previously serviced by the West Bowl T-bar until 2021, the brand new chair will access this region for even more skiable terrain.
Finally, thrill seekers love the community atmosphere and incredible terrain of Kicking Horse Mountain Resort in Golden, a community atmosphere where you’ll find steep canyons, high-alpine chutes and a full-speed attitude. Popular events include the Snow King Mask Parade in February, and guided snowmobile tours.
BC’s Après Ski Scene
BC’s après ski scene is as varied as its terrain. Whistler Blackcomb is deemed the epicentre, a village bustling with energy, bars, restaurants and nightclubs. The Longhorn Saloon is a Whistler establishment. You will hear the music pumping as you come off the mountain and may even see one of its famous champagne showers (the nachos are almost as legendary). The Hunter Gatherer Taphouse offers a great selection of beer, wine and cider, with a focus on local brews – try a Beer Flight of four different 5-ounce pours – and providores.
Another not to be missed Après experience is the dining on top of Kicking Horse Mountain – Eagle’s Eye Restaurant, Canada’s most elevated dining experience.
Speaking of atmosphere, few come close to Fernie Alpine Resort where everyone is there to simply have a good time. Famous for its deep powder and welcoming community, you’ll come for the great dining and world-class amenities, but stay for its soul. Must-visits include The Griz Bar, known for its lively après-ski parties, and the Brickhouse Bar & Grill in downtown Fernie, where a Mediterranean infused pub menu, loungy S-shaped booths, big arch windows and live music have locals and tourists whiling away the winter hours.
Revelstoke Mountain Resort sports a more laid-back vibe. The Village Idiot Bar and Grill is a local favourite, known for its relaxed mood and excellent pub fare. The Regent Hotel’s 112 Restaurant and Lounge offers a more upscale dining experience, perfect for those looking to unwind in style.
There is also a cool new and unique mountain experience ‘ROAM’ (The Revelstoke Outdoor Art Movement’), a perfect activity to do with the kids. This public, on-snow community art exhibition covers Revelstoke’s fascinating mountain resort history.
Sun Peaks Resort is a quaint yet vibrant après ski scene, with both Morrissey’s Public House and the Powder Hounds Restaurant offering comfort food and even more comforting local brews. Ice skating and evening sleigh rides also contribute to the full snow-holiday experience. The village also hosts events and festivals throughout the season, so make sure to keep a lookout for those.
Wherever you choose to hit the slopes, British Columbia shines as a top-tier ski and snow destination. With exceptional skiing opportunities, a variety of ski resorts, a buzzing apres-ski scene and, crucially, abundant snowfall each year, this stunning Canadian province is the best place to experience the magic of a skiing holiday.
Travelplan has a range of EarlyBird deals at British Columbia’s resorts. Click below to learn more.