Ski in BC: Canada is Calling, Always

Skiing here is unique—it’s big, rugged, and remote, and it will push you in a good way. This vast wilderness also comes with a side of big-hearted, laid-back Canadian hospitality that includes a back slap, a bear hug, and, if you’re lucky, a freshly baked cinnamon bun. Yes, checkered flannel shirts, toques (beanies), and ice skates are de rigueur, maple syrup is a staple condiment for everything, the locals put cheese and gravy on their fries, and—quelle horreur—drink clamato juice with their vodka.

But they’re kind and welcoming, too, and will invite you to come along as they throw axes at bullseyes while drinking beer in Revelstoke, cling to wire cords and zipline over snowy forests in Whistler, scream for blood in the bleachers at ice hockey matches in Vernon, and sip a cup of Grand Marnier-infused coffee served from a flaming, long-barrel gun at Apex.

Once you’ve clicked into your skis or snowboard, make your mark on the snowy canvas of BC mountains—accented by rugged ridgelines and blue-bird skies. And what a canvas it is, thanks to 10 mountain ranges, 13 major ski resorts, and a ton of cat- and heli-ski lodges from the rugged Southwest Coast to the deepest interior Kootenay Rockies.

The heritage mining town of Fernie, for example, serves up a Main Street in the shadow of a five-bowl ski resort, filled with mountain legends, both real (you’ll likely meet them) and mythical (you’ll hear about them). Nearby Panorama Mountain Resort is known for uber groomers and a back bowl for the adventurous looking for a patrolled backcountry-style ski experience. Oh, and you can lace up along the world’s longest ice-skating trail near Invermere.

Kicking Horse Mountain Resort will school you with 60 double blacks on the mountain, and Kimberley Alpine Resort is the hidden gem down a side street you never knew existed; Fairmont Hot Springs is a family favourite; and those who like it steep and deep will find their groove at RED Mountain Resort (and join the locals at 5 pm at Rossland Beer Company).

You’ll find the Nelson locals sculling caffeine at Oso Negro before hitting the cult-classic Whitewater Ski Resort. Add the infamous 1,700 metres of vertical at Revelstoke Mountain Resort to the mix on a guided, free mountain tour, and you’ve conquered the highway.

There’s no doubt that life’s an adventure in British Columbia and we haven’t even mentioned the dog sledding, ice climbing, fat biking, light shows, horse-drawn sleighs to fairy cottages in the woods, and jaw-dropping vistas that will touch you when you arrive, crawl into your heart, and tug at your soul, begging you to stay for life.

One thing’s for certain: You’ll be back. It would be rude not to, eh?