Shred the slopes at Canada’s coolest ski resorts
Sponsored by Destination British Columbia
By Craig Tansley
British Columbia (BC) is home to some of the world’s best ski resorts among some of the world’s snowiest mountain ranges. Nowhere epitomises Canada’s laid-back ski culture more.
Big White Ski Resort.Credit: Destination British Columbia
Here you’ll imbibe local craft beers at lively après ski bars and restaurants in the company of Canada’s most eclectic locales. All after a day spent skiing and riding deep, dry powder snow.
With many of these resorts connected by the Powder Highway – a ski bum’s Shangri La: home to some of the biggest and best ski areas on earth, as well as some of the planet’s best backcountry operators – being here should be at the top of any adventure lover’s bucket list.
Fernie Alpine Resort
Nestled in the mountains of BC’s southeastern corner three hours’ drive south of Calgary, Fernie Alpine Resort is that ski destination you came to Canada for.
It’s one of the genuine powder snow ski capitals of the world (it receives over nine metres of snow a season) and it’s one of the steepest resorts on Earth. So, core skiers will love this place. Plus, it’s huge – there’s five alpine bowls – meaning it caters for every ability.
Despite its ski kudos, it’s the stunning downtown that is the city of Fernie’s best asset – an eclectic blend of historic buildings and modern architecture, offering boutique shopping, dining, attractions, and activities of a more relaxed nature.
But what sets Fernie apart is its sense of community. The chance to enjoy delicious après mixes in the town’s oldest bars, where Canada’s most hardy snow lovers gather to share stories from the slopes – a money-can’t-buy experience.
Fernie is the best of both worlds, with incredible skiing and a bustling downtown.Credit: Destination British Columbia
Kicking Horse Mountain Resort
Here’s a Canadian secret for you. Kicking Horse Mountain Resort contains some of North America’s best expert terrain, with over 60 per cent of the mountain graded black or double-black. Located in the heart of BC, its light, dry snow never stops falling. Yet there’s never, ever a crowd.
Gather in the nearby town of Golden for some of Canada’s most “rustic” après vibe and share local craft beers with some of the most enthusiastic skiers. You’re part of the legendary Powder Highway here: a network of roads with eight ski resorts and some of the world’s best cat and heli-skiing operations.
There are five huge bowls to ski offering incredible views. But the best view of all comes served with après drinks and bites at Canada’s most elevated restaurant, Eagle’s Eye, on top of the mountain.
Kicking Horse is a paradise for the ultimate skiing enthusiasts.Credit: Destination British Columbia
Revelstoke Mountain Resort
Here’s one of the world’s most revered ski locations. You’ll find Revelstoke along the historic Canadian Pacific Railway. Home to original old brick architecture of the late 19th Century and surrounded entirely by mountains, the town of Revelstoke is touted as the heli-skiing capital of the world.
For such a small destination, there’s a bar and restaurant scene that won’t quit every night of the week throughout winter. But while the après scene is always lively, there’s hardly ever a lift line at Revelstoke Mountain Resort, home to the most vertical drop in North America.
That’s because a lot of locals prefer to ski the world’s best backcountry ski conditions in the wilderness next to town. Sample Canada’s famous ski cuisine like poutine (fries, gravy and cheese curds) and s’mores. And check out some of Canada’s most awarded craft breweries.
Enjoy Revelstoke’s world-class skiing and lively atmosphere.Credit: Destination British Columbia
SilverStar Mountain Resort
Located in the Okanagan Valley in the centre of BC, SilverStar Mountain Resort is what Canada might look like in the movies. SilverStar’s colourful, mid-mountain village is a dreamy, old Canadian town surrounded by the Monashee Mountains.
At night the town is lit up by fairy lights like a winter wonderland. Its architecture is as colourful as an artist’s palette. Think reds, yellows, blues, greens surrounded by dry, white snow.
There are no cars either – it’s pedestrian only, or you can ski right out of your accommodation onto one of BC’s greatest resorts. There are 132 ski runs and you can expect over seven metres of snow in a season. Families will love SilverStar, but there’s enough après fun and local characters to meet to make it fun for every kind of snow lover.
Visit SilverStar Mountain Resort to experience a Canadian winter wonderland. Credit: Destination British Columbia
Big White Ski Resort
Big White Ski Resort has the most ski-in-ski-out accommodation options in Canada. In fact, it’s the largest entirely ski-in-ski-out destination in North America. No matter where you are, you can strap on your skis or board and get to the slopes.
Beginners and intermediates will love this place – over 70 per cent of the runs here are for you, making this the perfect family destination. Though the tree skiing here is legendary – you’ll even find snow ghosts, where snow blasted trees take on monster-like shapes.
Also located a four-hour drive from Vancouver in the heart of Okanagan wine country, there are lots of après ski options, expert terrain parks and steeper slopes for more advanced skiers. While over seven metres of snow a season will keep any skier happy, families will also find plenty of off-mountain activities like ice skating, tubing, and firework shows.
Big White is the largest entirely ski-in-ski-out destination in North America.Credit: Destination British Columbia
Book your next ski holiday
Experience vast mountain ranges, incredible snow, and laid-back Canadian culture first-hand on your next ski adventure with these selected packages from Destination British Columbia’s ski tour partners:
Elevate your ski experience in British Columbia, Canada. Visit HelloBC.com/ski
Sign up for the Traveller Deals newsletter
Get exclusive travel deals delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up now.