British Columbia
British Columbia is the birthplace of heli-skiing and home to breathtaking scenery, unparalleled vertical and massive terrain across 10 mountain ranges, 13 major ski resorts and more than 50 cross country ski areas.
Terrain for everyone
The 13 major ski resorts make British Columbia a ski destination that offers something for everyone. With epic annual snowfall, ranging from 4-14 metres, you can find plenty of deep powder stashes, shred alpine bowls, carve turns on perfectly groomed slopes, practice your freestyle in terrain parks, enjoy beginner slopes or ride the massive vertical.
Explore the family friendly resorts of Sun Peaks, Big White and SilverStar in central BC, discover world famous Whistler Blackcomb, with more than 8,000 acres of terrain and previous host of 2010 Winter Olympics, enjoy the wide open runs at Panorama or the powder seeker havens of Fernie, Kicking Horse and Revelstoke. No matter where you choose to spend your next ski holiday, you will find something in British Columbia that’s just right for you.
Discover North America’s longest lift serviced vertical
Want 1,712 metres of lift serviced vertical terrain? Yes please! Look no further than Revelstoke Mountain Resort for North America’s longest vertical, accompanied by 13 metres of fresh powder each season. Take on the extensive terrain featuring high alpine bowls, gladed terrain and groomed runs, then cruise down The Last Spike trail which winds its way back to the village base situated only 512 metres above sea level.
Ski straight to your door
Wake up, eat your breakfast, click on your skis and head straight to the lifts. There is nothing quite like stepping out your door, skiing all day and then returning right to your door at the end of the day. An abundance of ski-in ski-out accommodation such as slope-side cabins, hotels and condos leaves you with more time for skiing and après and post ski activities. In places like Sun Peaks you can even ski right up to your local coffee shop or restaurant in time for your dinner reservation.
Skiing is just the beginning
Share new adventures and experience the amazing BC winter landscape with your friends and family. For something different ride a fat tyre bike through the snow, climb an ice tower, ski under the stars or get involved in authentic Canadian activities such as curling, ice hockey or family ice skating. Take exciting rides on tubes, bob sleds, sleighs and mountain coasters, or explore remote back country trails by snowmobile and guided snowshoe or dog sled tours through snow covered forests.
Ski the POWDER HIGHWAY®
Hit the road and discover the ultimate ski road trip in the south-eastern corner of BC. The Powder Highway travels through the Kootenays and heads to the heart of the Purcell, Monashee and Rocky Mountains. Here you will find copious amounts of powder snow, quaint and funky towns and eight adventure-loaded ski resorts all packed with vibrant, friendly locals to help. With the added bonus of cat and heli-ski operations in the mix, the POWDER HIGHWAY® really does have outstanding ski options.
Dine at the highest elevated restaurant in Canada
Discover and enjoy outstanding views from 2,346 metres above sea level. Kicking Horse Mountain Resort’s Eagles Eye Restaurant is Canada’s highest elevated restaurant, and with some of the best views in Canada visiting it is a must do – whether it’s for a meal, a drink or just that photo opportunity. Take in the full experience of Canada’s highest elevated restaurant by booking a stay in one of the suites, wake up to stunning scenery, clip on your skis and head down the mountain for guaranteed first tracks.
Heli-Ski at the birthplace of it all
Over 50 years ago, Hans Gmoser, a legendary adventurer whisked a group of people into mountains by helicopter. Shortly after, the first commercial heli-skiing operation was born in British Columbia. Here you will find some of the world’s best powder and amazing heli and cat-skiing terrain.
For the ultimate thrill seekers’ adventure, fly by helicopter to reach wild mountain terrain, long runs and ski unbroken powder in minutes. From single, multi day or week long adventures, you can give it a go where it all began.
Ski at Canada’s largest resort
Only a 90 minute drive along the scenic Sea to Sky Highway from Vancouver, you will find the largest ski resort in Canada, Whistler Blackcomb. With two side by side mountains, Whistler and Blackcomb are connected by the record breaking Peak2Peak Gondola, giving you access to over 200 groomed runs, 16 alpine bowls and three glaciers on 8,171 acres of terrain. Off the slopes, Whistler offers plenty to do from ziplining, snowmobiling and snowshoeing to its glamorous après lifestyle.
Soak up the atmosphere
After a day on the slopes you won’t have to look far for somewhere to refuel, relax and soak up the BC atmosphere.
Take off your boots and explore the friendly villages of the ski towns and resorts. Whet your appetite with delicious cuisine adventures such as fondue dinners and elevated après dining or unwind in natural hot springs.
Breaking Records
Connecting Blackcomb and Whistler, the Peak2Peak Gondola not only has the longest unsupported lift span in the world reaching 3,024 kilometres but it is also the highest lift of its kind with an elevation of 436 metres. Take a ride on the record breaking gondola to experience amazing 360 degree views of Whistler village, lakes, snow-capped peaks, glaciers and forests.
To book a beyond ordinary ski/board experience to British Columbia, Canada including flights, transfers, accommodation, lift passes and activities call the Active Travel Experts at travel&co NZ Toll-Free: 0800 555 035 or click here for our latest offers.
Banner image: Destination BC | Blake Jorgenson