British Columbia is Powder Perfection
How do you begin to explain the mountains of British Columbia? One clue to the timeless appeal of its glaciers, ridges, peaks, and canyons is perhaps found in the provincial motto—first coined in the 19th century—that is inscribed on the coat of arms. “Splendor sine occasu.” Translated from the Latin—splendour without diminishment.
From the Coast Range to the Continental Divide, the mountains of British Columbia rise and fall like frozen waves on a vast canvas of white. Skiers, snowboarders, and winter vacationers know these mountain ranges better than perhaps anyone, and it would still take a lifetime (or two) to ski or ride down each and every run at BC’s eleven major resorts.
The great thing about a province this vast— and yet remarkably accessible—is that epic snow conditions are guaranteed; part of the fun is seeking out where the very best powder might be. Fly into any international or regional airport in Western Canada, toss your ski bags into an SUV, and take to the road for a week of powder seeking adventure.
The Coast Range thrusts dramatically from tectonic forces deep within the Pacific Ocean, extending from the US/Canada border and all the way north to the Yukon and Alaska panhandle. An incredible panorama of Coast Range peaks can be seen from the summit of WHISTLER BLACKCOMB, North America’s largest ski resort, and the North American resort that has been named #1 in North America for the second year in a row by the readers of SKI magazine.
If you can imagine it, you can ski it at Whistler Blackcomb; immaculately massaged groomed slopes that run for over a vertical mile. Endless alpine bowls give way to open glades that inspire adventure and create moments of pure joy. Everywhere, the slopes are alive with skiers and riders of all ages, pursuing their perfect ski dream, turn after turn. In Whistler Village, easily navigable pedestrian walkways lead to a vast array of restaurants, nightclubs, shops, and other hidden delights.
Down in Whistler village, the shopping, dining, nightlife, and variety of activities simply never, ever stops. The fun has been happening for five decades now and 2016 will be a major “year of milestones” as Whistler Mountain marks its 50th anniversary. To get a flavour of Whistler’s storied past, tune into 50 Years of Going Beyond, an on-line documentary focusing on some of Whistler’s legendary characters. Visit the newly renovated Rendezvous Lodge and revamped Christine’s Restaurant, and plug into WB+; a new interactive platform which connects to your RFID ticket for digital feedback on your day of skiing.
The Coast Range loses its jagged edges as one moves east into the gentle, rolling forest of the Thompson Okanagan. Renowned for sunny skies during the day and champagne powder falling at night, this region has the perfect recipe for a memorable winter vacation.
SUN PEAKS RESORT is Canada’s second largest ski area, boasting 4,270 acres across three mountains. Everything from long cruisers and steeps to perfectly-spaced tree skiing and a progressive terrain park that flow into the ski-in/ski-out village. Check out the immaculately groomed 34 kilometre Nordic trail network, partake in a dogsled tour, or enjoy an evening fondue and ski by headlamp. For 2016, sample two new advanced runs on Mt. Morrisey or take a private guided tours in Gil’s to discover hidden pow stashes.
Perfectly situated in the path of storms advancing from nearby Okanagan Lake, BIG WHITE SKI RESORT receives 750 centimetres of world famous Okanagan Champagne powder. With over 17,000 on-mountain beds, skiers and boarders will enjoy this totally ski-in/ski-out village which is famous for its diverse terrain and high-value, low cost, family-friendly activities. New this year: refuel and rejuvenate in the stylish new Black Forest Day Lodge, and ride the high-capacity Magic Carpet in Tube Town. Big White has just announced new direct air access for southwestern Ontario out of Hamilton International Airport commencing on December 16.
SILVERSTAR MOUNTAIN RESORT combines Victorian era village charm, dry Interior powder snow and 3,282 acres of skiable terrain to create truly “wow moments” in a winter vacation. SilverStar’s unique My1Pass gives guests unlimited access to seven different activities including skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, Nordic skiing, skating, the Tube Town Park and 15 kilometres of fat-bike trails. New for 2016, skiers and riders can hit an additional 20 acres of expert-level tree skiing on Powder Gulch and 71 acres in the intermediate-oriented Trinity Trees. There are fat-bikes to rent and ride, too!
Moving south to the Selkirk Mountains, RED MOUNTAIN RESORT is located in Rossland, first top on BC’s famous Powder Highway. RED delivers 2,877 acres of pristine skiing unfettered by overdevelopment. In 2014, 1,000 acres of mostly-intermediate terrain was added on Grey Mountain, making RED yet more family-friendly and uncrowded. With the best tree runs on earth, epically long vertical, (cheap!) in-bounds cat-skiing, 360 degree descents off select peaks, and the friendliest locals around, it’s no wonder The New York Times voted RED their #8 Best Place in the World to Visit. Come and enjoy fresh turns that you don’t have to fight for, and find out what none of the fuss is about.
WHITEWATER SKI RESORT is just a short drive from the Kootenay lakeside town of Nelson. Often defined as “humble yet huge,” Whitewater and Nelson are an inseparable, unbeatable example of community spirit and rootsy vibe. With a dependable dry snow accumulation that totals more than 12 metres per season and a 623 vertical metre drop, Whitewater boasts uncrowded slopes with family-friendly groomers, remarkable steeps, top-of-the line tree-skiing and endless backcountry. For 2016, join the Kootenay locals in a season-long celebration of Whitewater’s 40th anniversary!
Perched above a historic mining town that still relies on nearby natural resources, FERNIE ALPINE RESORT is all adventure. Poking skyward like a giant baseball mitt, the rugged Lizard range hauls in over 35 feet of legendary Rocky Mountain powder each year. Stay up on the mountain in ski-in/ski-out accommodation, or down in Fernie at a wonderful range of lodges, motels, and B&Bs. It’s a town with great community spirit; highlights include the Family Fun Event in March, the raucous Griz Days celebration and Retro Ski Party weekends.
If you love in-bounds chutes and bowls, then KICKING HORSE MOUNTAIN RESORT is your place. With North America’s fourth highest vertical drop (1,260 metres), KHMR boasts 121 runs, four alpine bowls and 85 inbound chutes spread across 2,800+ acres of skiable terrain. Take in the view from award-winning Eagle’s Eye Restaurant, where four mountain ranges converge and create a panorama that’s second to none. KHMR’s impressive ski-in/ski-out village offers up fine dining and cozy pubs, with tubing and skating, too. For 2016, skiers and boarders will enjoy even easier access to mountain top alpine bowls.
Nestled in the majestic Purcell Mountains in BC’s southeastern corner, KIMBERLEY ALPINE RESORT basks in abundant sunshine. 80 runs ranging from open glades to gentle cruisers to thigh-burning mogul runs challenge skiers of every ability level. Dive into the Easter Bowl on the mountain’s backside or fly down the groomers on Kimberley’s front side. Kimberley even offers Canada’s longest illuminated runs for night skiing and riding sessions. Stay slope-side and ski from your door in the morning or enjoy the charming Bavarian-themed town just down the hill. For 2016, rent a fat-bike and take a spin on the Canadian Rockies longest fat-bike trail network.
Blessed with some of the finest fall line runs in BC, PANORAMA MOUNTAIN RESORT offers superbly-angled runs that go on forever. Take in the View of A Thousand Peaks and revel in what Panorama has to offer—1220 vertical metres, 2800 acres of terrain, and 120 marked runs—from wide open bowls to full-throttle cruisers. The snowfall is abundant and dry, while days are sunny and warm. Runs are neverending, and renowned for pure fun. Panorama’s pedestrian walkways exude an easy, laid back vibe and lead to a wide range of ski-in/ski-out accommodations. Relax and rejuvenate in Panorama’s famous outdoor hot tubs and pools.
The spirit of adventure burns brightly at REVELSTOKE MOUNTAIN RESORT, where loggers, miners, and railroad workers first skied more than a century ago. 65 runs—almost half of them intermediate—plunge down North America’s longest lift-served vertical of 1,713 metres. But it’s not all black diamond thrills; even beginners can easily negotiate the gentle 15.2 kilometre Last Spike cruiser. Live the dream and try heli-skiing with Selkirk Tangiers Heli Skiing, or go snowcat-skiing and backcountry skiing. The historic railroad town of Revelstoke is definitely worth a visit and offers many eclectic shops, restaurants, and cafes to suit every taste and budget. New for 2016, young (and young at heart) skiers and riders will love the new full-size terrain park.