Heading to British Columbia? Christie Hampton gives SnowsBest her ‘best of’ resorts.
British Columbia, Canada’s westernmost province, is a hub for some of the world’s best ski resorts. The vast region is dominated by mountain ranges and, in winter, temperatures fall to levels that will have you clutching at your hand warmers and thanking the gods for thermal underwear.
Climatically, topographically and latitudinally speaking BC was built for two things, big snow and epic skiing. Here’s my guide to the best of the best.
BEST FAMILY RESORT
Silver Star Mountain Resort
This quaint resort could also win an award for ‘best impersonation of a Disney town’. It’s ski, ski out Victorian style village is colour coded to pastel perfection and, at night, it’s lit up like any child’s dream fairy kingdom. The place is truly a kid’s delight and offers the facilities to match including a world-class ski school along with loads of off-snow activities. Parents will love the convenience of staying slope-side with majority of accommodation within walking distance to the runs as well as cafes and restaurants.
BEST BIG MOUNTAIN RESORT
Revelstoke
Revelstoke prides itself on being a resort for ‘real skiers’, a testament it can back up by offering the most vert in North America. Its stats read like skiing’s version of the ultimate fantasy football team. 9 – 12 meters of snow annually, 1,263 hectares of fall line riding, 2,225 meters elevation, 47.5% advanced terrain and one high speed, eight person gondola that will take you a whopping 1,081 vertical meters in minutes. It’s also the only resort in North America that offers lift, cat and heli skiing from the village base. So put that in your touque and smoke it.
BEST GROOMER RESORT
Panorama Resort
Panorama is one of the less known BC resorts but when it comes to wide open, fall line groomers, this place has got the goods. 75% of the runs cater for beginners to intermediates, with many of them winding straight to the doors of your on-mountain accommodation. The resort’s grooming team pride themselves on presenting picture perfect runs daily, which match the resort’s magical scenery and make Panorama Resort a ‘must do’ destination for those who live to cruise.
BEST POWDER RESORT
Fernie Alpine Resort
Fernie could well be called the powder capital of the Rockies, receiving over 11 meters of snow annually, much of which, thanks to its climate and geographical location, falls as pristine powder. The Resort is located in the southeast corner of BC, an area often referred to as the ‘Powder Highway’ due to the fact that it’s home to one of the highest concentrations of ski resorts in the world. Fernie is special, however, because its snow is super dry and its terrain varies from ultra steep chutes and drops to quiet, lonely, snow laden glades, along with plenty of slack/side country options to choose from.
BEST ALL ROUNDER
Whistler Blackcomb
Without a doubt Whistler Blackcomb is the jewel in BC’s icy crown. It’s the biggest resort in North America and includes two mountains, 3,306 hectares of skiable terrain and 37 lifts. But it’s not just the resort’s stats that make it impressive. Whistler certainly has ‘the whole package’, so it doesn’t matter whether you’re just gaining your ski legs or you’re ready to audition for TGR’s next movie, this place will definitely deliver.
BEST NIGHTLIFE
Whistler Blackcomb
The fun at Whistler Blackcomb certainly doesn’t stop when the sun goes down. In fact you could say this is when the good times really kick off. Whistler’s village is teeming with nightspots, offering everything from chilled wine bars with cozy fireplaces to live music venues and of-the-hook dance clubs.
BEST KEPT SECRET
Mustang Powder
You may never of heard of Mustang Powder but some of the world’s best skiers and snowboarders definitely have. Tanner Hall, Riley Leboe and the late, much loved JP Auclair have all ridden and filmed movie segments there, and with good reason.
Mustang Powder is a cat skiing operation located deep within the BC interior and receives the greatest annual snowfall per season of any cat-accessed area in the world (with the exception of Alaska). Our suggestion would be to book early. Like, really early. The operation only takes a limited number of groups per season and these spots are filled way in advance with regulars given priority.
BEST ‘CULT’ RESORT
Red Mountain
There’s (apparently) a saying that goes, ‘how do you know someone’s skied Red? They’ll tell you about it’. Like the cool kid in high school, Red Mountain has a kind of rock star appeal that draws people to its tree-laden, powder-filled piste. While gaining in popularity, the Resort still has an ‘undiscovered’ vibe to it. There is a lot to love about Red Mountain, including the fact that it’s a relatively cheap place to ski. If you want to know more just ask someone who’s been there…
BEST HELI OPERATION
Last Frontier
If you want to get off the beaten path, away from the crowds and grab a taste of the BC wilderness then you better hail yourself a helicopter. Last Frontier Heliskiing offers a choice of two operations. Bell 2 Lodge is buried deep within the BC Interior, not far from a town called Smithers, and Ripley Creek Inn can be found near Terrace, which is hollering distance from the Canada / Alaska border. Either option will give you access to boat loads of high alpine terrain and the opportunity to ski your fill of untouched powder amid BC’s awe inspiring peaks.
Best Package Deal from Ski Max Holidays
Ski Max Holidays have a 7 night deal staying in a twin share deluxe studio suite at Summit Lodge in Whistler Backcomb including a six day ski pass each from $899 per person. Valid for travel from November 20 to December 17. Book and pay before August 31.
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