The 13 Best BC Ski Resorts
With 13 ski resorts across the province, it’s no wonder visitors flock to British Columbia for their wintertime activities.
In addition to skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling, most of these resorts offer vibrant nightlife in addition to their resort activities. Some have dog sledding, others have ice rinks, while all have something special for the entire family.
Here’s where to find Canada’s best ski resorts, and more specifically, the best ski resorts in British Columbia.
Some of Canada’s Best Ski Resorts:
1. Apex Mountain Resort
Located in the heart of the Okanagan region, Apex Mountain Resort is the only mountain in the area facing northeast. Apex currently operates 12 snow guns, meaning there’s never a lack of snow in the winter. With Apex being one of the smaller resorts in BC, you’re better off coming for winter activities such as snow tubing and ice skating rather than nightlife. We recommend Apex Mountain Resort for those seeking days filled with light and airy powder.
2. Panorama Mountain Resort
We recommend Panorama Mountain Resort to experienced skiers and boarders, as around half of the runs in the resort are rated black diamond. The resort, located in the Kootenay Rockies, has nearly 3,000 acres of terrain across 4,265 vertical feet of fall line perfection. They also have an excellent terrain park as well as heliskiing, snowmobiling, fat biking, paragliding, ice skating, and more.
3. Fernie Alpine Resort
Fernie is one of the most beautiful resorts in BC
Close to the Albertan border is Fernie Alpine Resort. The resort hosts several camps and daily lessons for both children and adults. Pick between steep all-mountain camps, family coaching sessions, backcountry basics, and even a guided Fernie experience that brings you around the best snow and runs. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, hop on a snowmobile or enjoy the mountain town with art galleries, restaurants, and more. We suggest Fernie Alpine Resort to those seeking a lesser-known ski vacation.
4. Silverstar Mountain Resort
132 runs across 3,282 acres are what you’ll find at Silverstar Mountain Resort. If that’s not enough for you, take a ride on the high-speed Powder Gulch Quad to access double black diamonds and steep chutes on the backside of the mountain. We recommend Silverstar Mountain Resort to the park rats, as there are two Terrain Parks with jumps and a vast selection of features.
5. Kicking Horse Mountain Resort
Enjoy big mountain skiing at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort. The resort, which has the fifth-biggest vertical in North America, also has four alpine bowls and chutes that offer endless opportunities for exploration. You can also enjoy Canada’s highest elevated dining experience at the Eagles Eye Restaurant, located 7,700 feet high. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, guests can enjoy snowmobile tours and the Northern Lights Wildlife Wolf Center. We recommend Kicking Horse Mountain Resort for those who want a true skiing/snowboarding adventure and aren’t looking to do much outside of the resort.
6. Big White Ski Resort
Big White is ideal for those who want ski-in, ski-out access.
Big White Ski Resort is Canada’s largest fully ski-in and ski-out resort village. The resort, located in Kelowna, boasts 16 lifts, 119 runs, and 1,254 hectares of skiable terrain. In addition, there are 25 kilometres of Nordic and dog-friendly wilderness trails. We recommend Big White Ski Resort for families.
7. Whitewater Ski Resort
Filled with family-friendly groomers and endless backcountry, Whitewater Ski Resort is truly for everyone. Just 20 minutes out of Nelson, Whitewater is perfect for those wanting to get out of the resort and explore the city they’re visiting. Nelson also has an abundance of accommodation and hot springs, restaurants, and a thriving arts and culture scene. We recommend Whitewater Ski Resort to those looking for an alternative holiday.
8. Mount Washington Alpine Resort
Located in beautiful Vancouver Island is Mount Washington Alpine Resort. The mountain receives over 11 meters of snow annually and features beautiful glades, powder bowls, and 1,700 acres of in-bound terrain. There are also 55 kilometres of cross-country ski area and 25 kilometres of snowshoe trails. Guests can also enjoy a tube park and fat biking through the snowy trails. We recommend Mount Washington Alpine Resort to those seeking an island adventure or gorgeous snowy alpine.
9. Kimberley Alpine Resort
Kimberley Alpine Resort is known for its short lift lines, sunny days, and consistent snowfall. Located by the Selkirk and Rocky Mountains, the resort has 80 runs with terrain for all levels. In the evening, resort guests can enjoy night skiing on the longest-lit run in North America, an ice skating rink, dog sledding, snowshoeing, and more. We recommend Kimberly Alpine Resort to intermediate skiers and snowboarders, as over 40% of the mountain is rated blue.
10. Sun Peaks Resort
Don’t let the name fool you; Sun Peaks Resort has Canada’s second-largest ski area with 4,270 acres of skiable terrain. With 13 chairlifts, two alpine bowls, and 138 trails, you won’t be getting bored anytime soon. You can also enjoy dog sled tours, fat biking, horse-drawn sleigh rides, guided ice fishing, helicopter skiing, ice skating, snow limo tours, and more. We recommend Sun Peaks to those wanting to partake in all sorts of winter activities.
11. Revelstoke Mountain Resort
Revelstoke is a city for the adventurous. Revelstoke Mountain Resort mirrors this fact and features the longest descent in North America. The resort is known for its big mountain terrain, legendary powder, and small-town vibes. The city itself has hot springs, historical museums, and over 40 restaurants, all located just a 10-minute drive from the resort. We recommend Revelstoke Mountain Resort to those seeking a small-town feel with a big resort mountain.
12. Red Mountain Resort
There’s so much to do at Red Mountain Resort. Located in the BC interior in the Monashee range, the resort has 119 total marked runs, 2850 skiable acres, and 2919 feet of vertical drop. In addition to regular skiing and boarding, guests can enjoy snowmobile touring, heliskiing, powdercats, and cat skiing. We recommend Red Mountain Resort to adrenaline junkies.
The Best Ski Resort in British Columbia:
13. Whistler Blackcomb
There’s really only one mountain in Canada that’s on the radar of those around the globe: Whistler Blackcomb. The resort is home to two skiable mountains, dozens of restaurants and locally-owned shops, as well as a lively nightlife scene. Those visiting the resort can spend their days exploring over 200 marked runs, 16 alpine bowls, and three glaciers, as well as an unlimited amount off-mountain activities. We recommend Whistler Blackcomb to those hoping to enjoy world-class skiing and the best apres in Canada.
So Which Should You Visit?
Although Whistler Blackcomb is our number one ski resort in Canada, you can’t go wrong with any ski resort in British Columbia. With gorgeous trees, dumps of snow, and lovely people, you’re sure to have the holiday of your dreams.