Table Of Contents
Known for
Largest ski resort in North America with the ultimate ski village
Highlights
Massive variety of incredible terrain
Easy to access from Vancouver
Full of amenities and après ski to keep everyone well entertained
Expensive place to ski and crowds can be an issue
24/25 Ski Season:
- Opening Date: Invalid Date* (Estimated open date based on historical data)
- Closing Date: Invalid Date* (Estimated close date based on historical data)
Closest airports
Vancouver Intl. Airport - 85 miles (2 hour drive)
Why Ski Whistler Blackcomb
As the largest ski area in North America and the vast variety of terrain to go with it, it’s safe to say Whistler-Blackcomb has rightfully earned its spot on this list. The skiing here is world-class and the impressive size of the terrain is backed up by some of the most impressive terrain around including 200 runs, inbounds backcountry, bowls, glaciers, tree trails and five terrain parks! A destination within itself, Whistler Village has everything you’d ever want from a ski village. There are endless options for pretty much anything with an abundance of accommodation, dining options, lively nightlife venues and a long list of non-skiing activities.
2. Big White
Known for
Canada's favourite family resort and one of the best places for powder skiing
Highlights
Tons of powder
Biggest ski-in/ski-out village in Canada
Largest night skiing area in Western Canada
Low visibility and can get crowded
24/25 Ski Season:
- Opening Date: Nov 26 2024* (Estimated open date based on historical data)
- Closing Date: Apr 06 2025* (Estimated close date based on historical data)
Closest airports
Kelowna Intl. Airport - 38 miles (1 hour drive)
Why Ski Big White
Big White is incredibly family-friendly because it has a convenient resort base and relatively mellow slopes. Skiers and boarders will have access to plenty of powder to learn on with the resort receiving over 300 inches of powder on average per year. To top this off, Big White’s entire village is covered by ski-in/ ski-out accommodations which makes it extremely accessible, especially if you have little ones. For visitors that want a bit more diversity, you can find a network of snowshoeing paths, a tubing hill, snowmobiling and an ice rink!
3. Sun Peaks
Known for
Canada’s second largest resort after Whistler-Blackcomb and less crowded too
Highlights
Family-friendly mountain and village, lots of apres ski activities
Diverse terrain with impeccably groomed slopes
Not as crowded as Whistler
Somewhat less snowfall compared to surrounding resorts
24/25 Ski Season:
- Opening Date: Nov 19 2024* (Estimated open date based on historical data)
- Closing Date: Apr 11 2025* (Estimated close date based on historical data)
Closest airports
Kelowna Intl. Airport - 130 miles (2.5 hour drive)
Kamloops Airport - 38 miles (50 minute drive)
Why Ski Sun Peaks
As Canada’s second largest ski resort with over 4,270 acres of skiable terrain, Sun Peaks offers a crowd-free, family-friendly ski resort that spans across three different mountains. You will be able to find ski-in/ski-out lodging in the village base with a number of bars and restaurants to dine at. Sun Peaks is incredibly well laid out with an inter-connected lift system between the three mountains for over 130 runs. The resort is very reasonably well-priced and has childcare and ski school facilities. Sun Peaks is located just a 45 minute drive from Kamloops Airport and is accessible by shuttle buses from Kamloops and Kelowna.
4. Revelstoke
Known for
Ideal resort for avid intermediates and advanced skiers
Highlights
Biggest vertical drop in North America; loads of snow
Slopes are generally less crowded
Cat-skiing and heli-skiing available from the same base
Limited dining at the base village and slopes are not ideal for beginners
24/25 Ski Season:
- Opening Date: Dec 04 2024* (Estimated open date based on historical data)
- Closing Date: Apr 14 2025* (Estimated close date based on historical data)
Closest airports
Kelowna Intl. Airport - 120 miles (2.5 hour drive)
Why Ski Revelstoke
Revelstoke is home to some epic skiing with an unparalleled vertical that is longest in North America at over 5,577 feet. Revelstoke is most suited for intermediate skiers and boarders and above. What makes Revelstoke so attractive to many visitors is the accessibility to back-country skiing, cat-skiing and heli-skiing due to the abundance of snow and diversity of terrain. However, the resort is not the easiest to travel to, located around 2.5 hours from Kelowna and 5 hours from Calgary. Nevertheless, this makes Revelstoke a must-stop destination for thrill-seeking ski enthusiasts that values no crowds.
Known for
Crowd free slopes with quality snow, epic expert terrain and a relaxed base village
Highlights
Tons of light, dry powder
World-class expert terrain
Nearby town of Fernie has dog sledding, climbing wall and more
Basic amenities at the base
24/25 Ski Season:
- Opening Date: Dec 04 2024* (Estimated open date based on historical data)
- Closing Date: Apr 14 2025* (Estimated close date based on historical data)
Closest airports
Calgary Intl. Airport - 190 miles (3.5 hour drive)
Why Ski Fernie Alpine
Sitting on the famously dubbed ‘Powder Highway’ should give an idea of what to expect at Fernie Alpine. Given its location in BC’s interior, snowstorms tend to lose their moisture far to the west, allowing light and dry snow to fall on Fernie. Best of all, it gets loads of it and hidden powder stashes can be found wherever there are fresh tracks! The deep and steep lines off their five – yes five – bowls are also sure to please. The base village offers basic accommodation, dining, and limited activities. While there are a few cool concerts and events throughout the season, the town of Fernie down the road has more variety for everything above.