British Columbia has everything from world-class ski resorts to powdery backcountry trails and lively mountain towns. This province’s sprawling backyard transforms into a snowy playground where adventure awaits around every corner. For skiers and snowboarders, BC is heaven on a stick.
With so many world-class resorts to choose from, it’s hard to make a choice, so why just go to one, when you could visit two? Or three? Even better, visit five in one unforgettable BC snowy road trip. Here are some great options to consider that will get you in the snow flow in British Columbia.
First stop, Vancouver
Any BC ski trip should start or end with a couple of days of fun, food and frivolity in Vancouver. Hire a bike and cycle around the Stanley Park Seawall, visit Granville Island Public Market and maybe do a food tour, visit Vancouver Art Gallery, do the Cliffwalk and cross the bridge at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, and, if you want some snow action, visit Grouse Mountain, Cypress Mountain and Mount Seymour, all within around 30 minutes’ drive from the city centre. While Vancouver is the entrée for a ski holiday, Whistler, a 1.5-hr drive away on the Sea to Sky Highway, is the main course and dessert rolled into one.
Whistler
Whistler and Blackcomb mountains are a dynamic duo, with 3,306 hectares of terrain to carve up, including 16 bowls and three glaciers. There are more than 100 marked runs on each mountain, so you will never get bored. The PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola links the two peaks, or ride gondolas up from Whistler Village, Creekside or Blackcomb base areas. Whistler Village is a big part of the joy of a winter snowcation, with its accommodation, dining and shopping, and so much to do off the slopes. Zipline through snow-topped trees, go snowshoeing, dogsledding or snowmobiling, or soak in the legendary Scandinave Spa thermal hot pools.
Sun Peaks, SilverStar and Big White: Okanagan delights
Point your skis into the Okanagan – rich in produce, wine and most certainly snow.
Experience Sun Peaks, a 4.5-hr drive from Whistler or a short flight from Vancouver to Kamloops, with its three mountains and intimate ski-through village. It will win you over before you even finish your first run. Skip between the trees on Morrisey, tackle Headwalls, Cariboo or Sting, or play in the freshies in West Bowl with its new chairlift.
Double the fun with a few days at SilverStar, a 2.5-hr drive from Sun Peaks. The trail map is dotted with a sea of black and double-black diamond runs – if this sounds like you, you’ll spend a lot of your time stomping Attridge and Vance Creek. Once you’re in the groove, the double-black chutes that drop off the Aunt Gladys cat track off the back side of Powder Gulch will keep your massage gun busy for days.
The Okanagan is also home to Big White, another BC gem that shines for everyone from beginners to experts.
BC’s Powder Highway
BC’s Powder Highway is an ideal part of Canada for skiers who love to ski and snowboard multiple resorts.
For those chasing powder and soul, BC’s Powder Highway is a snow-lover’s pilgrimage. This scenic loop through the Kootenay Rockies links together some of Canada’s most legendary ski resorts – each with deep snow, authentic mountain culture, and far fewer crowds than the big-name resorts.
Highlights include:
- Fernie: Known for its deep snowpack and dramatic bowls. Expect laid-back local energy and over 10m of annual snowfall.
- Kimberley: A welcoming village atmosphere and sunny slopes make Kimberley ideal for beginner and intermediate skiers.
- Panorama: Home to long, flowing cruisers and an on-mountain hot springs experience you won’t find anywhere else.
- Kicking Horse: This one is for the adventurers. Big vertical, deep bowls, and terrain that will challenge even the most confident skiers.
- Revelstoke: With the biggest vertical drop in North America and a reputation for steep-and-deep, it’s a must for advanced riders.
- Whitewater: Located near the quirky town of Nelson, Whitewater delivers serious snowfall and a local, down-to-earth vibe.
- RED Mountain: Uncrowded, authentic, and a favourite for its tree skiing and independent spirit.
No matter where you go, add all the fun snow activities with everything from dog sledding to snowmobiling, ice fishing to snowshoeing, and sleigh rides to ice skating – all served with a side of BC camaraderie and plates of poutine. What’s not to love about that?
For packages and bookings and more great road trips pairings, contact Mogul Ski World.
