The Ultimate Guide to Skiing and Boarding in British Columbia, Canada: Top Resorts for Aussies
British Columbia isn’t just one of the world’s great ski destinations — it’s a snow-covered playground packed with variety, charm, and serious vertical. For Aussies chasing winter, BC delivers the goods: dry, deep powder, vast terrain, and some of the most scenic alpine towns you’ll ever set foot in. Whether you’re travelling with the family or looking to challenge yourself on steep chutes and back bowls, there’s a resort here with your name on it.
Getting to BC is easier than ever. With direct flights from Sydney and Brisbane to Vancouver, and smooth onward transfers to major resorts like Whistler Blackcomb or Sun Peaks Resort, it’s an accessible snow escape for families and groups alike. Most resorts offer ski-in/ski-out villages, top-tier ski schools, and a welcoming, relaxed vibe — making them ideal for everyone from first-timers to powder hounds.
And it’s not just about the skiing. These towns come alive off the slopes with cosy cafés, buzzing après-ski bars, boutique shopping, and outdoor adventures like tubing, dog sledding, or even heli-skiing for the bold. Add in a dose of friendly Canadian hospitality, and you’ve got all the ingredients for an unforgettable alpine holiday.
Whistler Blackcomb: North America’s Premier Ski Destination
Whistler Blackcomb stands as the crown jewel of North American skiing, boasting over 8,100 acres of skiable terrain across two majestic mountains. With more than 200 marked runs, 16 alpine bowls, and three glaciers, it offers an unparalleled variety of skiing experiences. The resort’s state-of-the-art lift system ensures minimal wait times, allowing visitors to maximise their time on the slopes.
Beyond the slopes, Whistler Village pulses with energy, offering a huge variety of dining, shopping, and entertainment options. The après-ski scene is vibrant to say the least, with popular spots like the Longhorn Saloon and Garfinkel’s providing the perfect setting to unwind after a day on the mountain.
There are a number of other activities in Whistler that you can do both on and off the mountain including snowshoeing, Snowmobiling, ice skating, tubing, ziplining, PEAK 2 PEAK gondola, Scandinave Spa, dog sledding, bobsleigh, Whistler museum and more.
Sun Peaks Resort: A Family-Friendly Alpine Haven
As Canada’s second-largest ski area, Sun Peaks Resort offers a unique blend of expansive terrain and intimate village charm. The resort features 4,270 acres of skiable terrain, catering to all skill levels. Recent developments include the addition of the West Bowl Express chairlift, providing access to previously untouched areas of the mountain.
Sun Peaks Resorts’ European-style village provides ski-in/ski-out accommodations, making it an ideal choice for families and groups seeking convenience and comfort. The resort also offers a bunch of winter activities beyond skiing, such as snowshoeing, dog sledding, and ice skating, ensuring entertainment for all ages.
Revelstoke Mountain Resort: The Adventurer’s Playground
Revelstoke is a paradise for thrill-seekers, offering the most vertical in North America at 1,713 metres. Known for its deep powder and challenging terrain, it’s a favourite among advanced skiers and snowboarders. The resort is also expanding its infrastructure, including new chairlifts and luxury accommodations, aiming to enhance the overall guest experience.
The town of Revelstoke retains a charming, laid-back atmosphere, providing a perfect balance to the adrenaline-filled days on the mountain. Why not explore local eateries, boutique shops, and cultural attractions, and immerse yourself in the authentic mountain lifestyle? For a true local experience, look out for the Revelstoke Grizzlies playing ice hockey at the ice rink in town – it’s always a fun night out!
If you’re after a great Aussie-owned café in town, serving proper flat whites and a great craft beer scene, a visit to Dose Coffee is a must.
Kicking Horse Mountain Resort: For the Seasoned Skier
Kicking Horse is known for its steep chutes and deep powder, attracting seasoned skiers looking for a challenge. The resort offers over 1,300 metres of vertical drop and a variety of terrain that tests even the most experienced. Its remote location provides a tranquil setting, allowing visitors to immerse themselves fully in the alpine environment.
After a day on the slopes, you can unwind at the Eagle’s Eye Restaurant, Canada’s highest dining experience, offering panoramic views of the surrounding peaks.
Panorama Mountain Resort: Adventure and Relaxation
Panorama Mountain Resort, nestled in the Kootenay Rockies of British Columbia, is a renowned ski and snowboard destination offering a unique blend of adventure and relaxation. The resort boasts a vast, snow-covered landscape with excellent grooming and a wide range of terrain, catering to all skill levels. Beyond skiing, Panorama offers diverse activities like hiking, biking, and hot pool soaking, creating a complete mountain experience.
The resort also provides various accommodation options, from cozy condos to luxurious chalets, ensuring a comfortable stay.
SilverStar Mountain Resort: A Colourful Winter Wonderland
SilverStar stands out with its vibrant, mid-mountain village and diverse terrain. The resort offers a balanced mix of runs suitable for all skill levels and is particularly known for its excellent cross-country skiing facilities. The charming village atmosphere, combined with a range of activities, makes it a favourite for families and those seeking a relaxed ski holiday.
You can enjoy a variety of dining options, from casual eateries to fine dining, as well as cool experiences like horse-drawn sleigh rides and snowshoe tours.
The best part is all non-ski activities are included as part of the lift pass, offering extra value. And you can’t go past Bugaboos, the best high-altitude bakery in SilverStar.
Fernie Alpine Resort: Powder Paradise
Fernie is famed for its legendary powder and varied terrain spread across five alpine bowls. The resort’s consistent snowfall and challenging runs make it a hotspot for powder hounds and advanced skiers. The historic town of Fernie adds to the appeal, offering a rich cultural experience alongside the skiing adventure.
The après-ski scene in Fernie is much more laid-back, with venues like the Griz Bar providing a cosy atmosphere to relax and tell your days skiing and boarding stories. Fernie also offers on-snow fat biking, a unique and fun family activity.
Kimberley Alpine Resort: A Hidden Gem
Kimberley offers a quieter alternative with a friendly atmosphere and diverse terrain. The resort features a mix of runs suitable for all levels and is known for its night skiing opportunities. The Bavarian-themed town adds a unique charm, providing a cosy backdrop to the skiing experience.
For a ‘local’s experience’, you will love the live music and food at the Stemwinder Bar & Grill.
CMH Heli-Skiing: The Pinnacle of Powder Adventure
For those seeking the ultimate ski experience, CMH Heli-Skiing offers unparalleled access to British Columbia’s vast and untouched backcountry. As the world’s largest heli-skiing operator, CMH boasts over 3 million acres of skiable terrain across 11 distinct lodges nestled within the Columbia Mountains.
Whether you’re a seasoned skier or looking to elevate your holiday to extraordinary heights, CMH provides tailored experiences to suit various skill levels. Their Signature Trips offer classic heli-skiing adventures, while the Powder Intro program is designed for confident intermediates new to heli-skiing.
Each lodge offers a unique atmosphere, from the historic Bugaboos—known as the birthplace of heli-skiing—to the remote Galena, famed for its deep powder and challenging terrain. Guests can expect comfortable accommodations, gourmet meals, and the camaraderie of fellow adventure seekers.
Safety is paramount at CMH. Guests receive comprehensive training on avalanche safety equipment, including transceivers, probes, and shovels, ensuring a secure and enjoyable experience.
And while heli-skiing often gets cast as an adrenaline sport for the boys, CMH has a growing community of women and family riders — from first-time heli guests to seasoned pros — all carving their own lines through the deep BC powder.
For Aussie travellers, CMH Heli-Skiing represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore some of the world’s most pristine ski terrain. Travelplan offers bespoke packages to CMH lodges, handling all logistics from flights to accommodations.
BC – The Wrap Up
British Columbia’s ski resorts offer a diverse range of experiences, from the bustling energy of Whistler Blackcomb to the serene slopes of Kimberley, we’ve covered the biggest ones here but there are many more resorts in BC, just chat to a friendly Travelplan rep if you are after something more boutique. For Australian travellers, BC provides the perfect blend of adventure, culture, and relaxation.
Looking for current deals on BC ski packages? Explore Travelplan’s latest BC offers here — including early-bird specials, bonus nights, and lift pass discounts.
Travelplan offers tailored ski packages to all the resorts in BC, so if you are ready to embark on your next ski adventure, contact Travelplan today to explore the best ski packages to British Columbia’s top resorts.
To talk to one of our Ski Travel Experts – Phone 1300 SKI SKI (1300 754 754)
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