Super, Natural British Columbia Ski Guide 2014/15 - www.BritishColumbia.travel/ski
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Super, Natural British Columbia
Ski Guide 2014/15
www.BritishColumbia.travel/ski
A ONCE IN A LIFETIME TRIP
YOU’LL WANT TO DO EVERY YEAR.
With 13 world-class resorts that extend from the Pacific Ocean to the down for a moment and take in the beautiful British Columbia scenery.
Rockies, British Columbia Canada is one of the world’s most diverse It’s sure to give you just as much of a rush as the runs do.
and amazing ski destinations. From big verticals to relaxing runs,
When you’re ready to take off your skis, there are plenty of other
there are enough experiences here to keep you coming back for the
diversions just waiting for you. Great restaurants and a laidback West
rest of your life.
Coast attitude complement the good vibes you bring off the slopes.
Discover the most abundant and ski-worthy powder here in British
A British Columbia holiday is just so unbelievable that you’ve got to ski
Columbia. And with a huge amount of acres per skier, you’ll rarely wait
it to believe it.
in line-ups or get stuck in crowds. Though you’ll definitely want to slow
2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Everything you need 4 Map of BC ski resorts & areas 6 Panorama Mountain Village 8 Accolades
to get started. 5 Apex Mountain Resort 6 Red Mountain Resort 9 Vancouver ski areas
5 Big White Ski Resort 7 Revelstoke Mountain Resort 10 More BC ski areas
5 Fernie Alpine Resort 7 Silver Star Mountain Resort 11 Off the slopes
5 Kicking Horse Mountain Resort 7 Sun Peaks Resort 12 Other ski activities
6 Kimberley Alpine Resort 7 Whistler Blackcomb 14 More winter fun
6 Mount Washington Alpine Resort 8 Whitewater Ski Resort 15 Information for visitors
3
DISCOVER
DISCOVER THETHE DIVERSITY
DIVERSITY OFSKI
OF BC BCRESORTS
SKI RESORTS & AREAS
& AREAS
BC SKI RESORTS
Resorts may include lodging options, restaurants,
and various amenities and services.
1 Apex Mountain Resort
FORT NELSON
2 Big White Ski Resort
3 Fernie Alpine Resort CANADA
4 Kicking Horse Mountain Resort
5 Kimberley Alpine Resort
6 Mount Washington Alpine Resort
7 Panorama Mountain Village
USA
8 Red Mountain Resort
9 Revelstoke Mountain Resort
10 Silver Star Mountain Resort FORT ST. JOHN
11 Sun Peaks Resort A
12 Whistler Blackcomb Q
13 Whitewater Ski Resort
H SMITHERS
BC SKI AREAS O
Ski areas can range in level of amenities from basic ski 0 50 100 150 200
lifts to resort-type offerings. N Kilometres
A Bear Mountain Ski Hill
B Crystal Mountain U
C Cypress Mountain PRINCE GEORGE R
D Fairmont Hot Springs Ski Area
E Grouse Mountain V
F Harper Mountain
G Hemlock Resort
M
H Hudson Bay Mountain
Pacific Ocean
I Manning Park Resort
J Mount Baldy
K Mount Cain WEST 9 4
VANCOUVER NORTH 11 CALGARY
L Mount Seymour VANCOUVER
C E KAMLOOPS F
M Mount Timothy Ski Area L K WHISTLER 10 T 7 D
N Murray Ridge Ski Area
O My Mountain Co-op, Shames Mountain 6 12 B KELOWNA CRANBROOK
5
P Phoenix Mountain 2 3
G 1 13
Q Powder King Mountain Resort VANCOUVER VANCOUVER J P
I 8
R Purden Ski Village
S
S Salmo Ski Hill VANCOUVER
INTERNATIONAL
AIRPORT VICTORIA USA
T Summit Lake
U Tabor Mountain Ski Resort SPOKANE
V Troll Ski Resort Airport SEATTLE
Apex Mountain Resort BIG WHITE SKI Resort
Heavy precipitation and low humidity is a recipe for the best snow The resort lives up to its name with an annual average of 7.5 m (25 ft)
you can hope for, and you’ll find it at this mountain resort right in the RUNS: 68 of dry Okanagan champagne powder. As Canada’s largest totally RUNS: 118
centre of the Okanagan Valley. Bowls, chutes, glades and impeccably VERTICAL: 610 m (2,000 ft) ski-in/ski-out resort village over 17,000 guests can experience the VERTICAL: 777 m (2,550 ft)
groomed cruising runs flow perfectly from the resort’s impressive peak, ease and convenience of skiing virtually to their doorstep. Combine a
while double black diamonds leave you breathless. And the new ski/ TERRAIN: 450 ha (1,112 ac) picturesque alpine village with the 16 lifts and 118 runs that span over TERRAIN: 1,119 ha (2,765 ac)
snowboard-cross course, plus two terrain parks with tables, rails and 1,119 ha (2,765 ac) of vast and varied skiable terrain and you’ll have
sliders, make it a no-brainer destination for skiers and boarders. There’s 16% beginner created an amazing ski experience. And this is only where the fun 18% beginner
also an NHL-sized hockey rink, a 1 km (0.6 mi) outdoor skate loop and a begins at Big White. Spa treatments, carnival nights, snowmobiling,
48% intermediate 54% intermediate
tube park. The ski-in/ski-out village area features licensed childcare, retail tubing, skating, dogsledding and ice climbing are just a few of the in
shops, restaurants and après-ski bars to suit all tastes. 36% advanced resort activities available that have made it an award winning family 28% advanced
resort. Top it all off with a unique dining experience at one of the over
ApexResort.com one hundred cottage wineries in the region.
BigWhite.com
FERNIE ALPINE RESORT Kicking Horse Mountain Resort
Photo: Henry Georgi Photo: Mark Shannon
Does big mountain skiing with a small town vibe appeal to you? Welcome to the champagne powder capital of Canada—home to
Then Fernie is your resort. With up to 11.3 m (37 ft) of snow each season, RUNS: 142 Rocky Mountain vistas, 1,260 m (4,133 ft) of extraordinary vertical, and RUNS: 129
the peaks here often receive more snow than any major resort in the VERTICAL: 1,082 m (3,550 ft) a world-class resort village. So if you’re looking for a fresh adventure, VERTICAL: 1,260 m (4,133 ft)
Canadian Rockies. This powder paradise also features five massive look no further. Kicking Horse offers something for everyone: the
alpine bowls, plus endless chutes, cliffs and glades. And the Polar Peak TERRAIN: 1,013 ha (2,503 ac) Learning Centre caters to first-timers, the wide-open groomers are great TERRAIN: 1,133+ ha (2,800+ ac)
chairlift means that Fernie has the most runs and most vertical in the for intermediates, and four alpine bowls offer over 85 inbound chutes that
Canadian Rockies. It’s a place where the beginner feels right at home 30% beginner will challenge even the most experienced skiers. Plus, the Eagle’s Eye 20% beginner
and the expert can find nirvana. Beyond the stellar slopes, try a dogsled Restaurant, Canada’s most elevated dining experience, boasts spectacular
40% intermediate 20% intermediate
or snowmobile ride. Whatever you try, you’ll see that this is a truly views from an eye-popping elevation of 2,350 m (7,710 ft). At the end
unforgettable destination. 30% advanced of the day, take advantage of the impressive ski-in/ski-out village. 60% advanced
SkiFernie.com KickingHorseResort.com
5
Kimberley Alpine Resort Mount Washington Alpine Resort
In the heart of Kimberley lies the ultimate family-friendly alpine destination. Ski or board some of the deepest snow on the West Coast. How much
It’s a magical place in the Purcell Mountains where you can relax, recharge RUNS: 80 snow? How about a staggering annual average of 11.5 m (38 ft)? Take in RUNS: 81
and forget all about city life. Beginner skiers and boarders will instantly VERTICAL: 751 m (2,464 ft) the unbelievable ski-to-surf views with the Pacific Ocean as a backdrop VERTICAL: 505 m (1,657 ft)
bond with the meticulously groomed powder trails on the front side of and check out the towering mountains of Vancouver Island’s interior from
the mountain. The tree-lovers will love the hundreds of acres of gladed TERRAIN: 728 ha (1,800 ac) the mile-high summit. Explore over 55 km (34 mi) of cross-country trails TERRAIN: 688 ha (1,700 ac)
skiable terrain. Consistent snow conditions, incredibly short lift lines and nestled in one of BC’s oldest and most stunning parks. While there, try
seemingly endless sunny days make this a skier’s playground. To top it all 20% beginner snowshoeing the 22 km (14 mi) of gentle slopes and rolling hills. If you’re 14% beginner
off, dogsledding, ice skating, snowshoeing and live music will lure you to learning to ski or snowboard, check out the Easy Acres learning area.
42% intermediate 35% intermediate
one of many ski-in/ski-out accommodations in this charming family resort. Five Magic Carpet lifts will get you safely up the slopes for one of the best
38% advanced learning experiences in North America. The vibe here is pure Vancouver 51% advanced
SkiKimberley.com Island so enjoy the beautiful scenery, the friendly laid-back atmosphere
and a day with endless possibilities!
MountWashington.ca
Panorama Mountain Village Red Mountain Resort
You could say this destination resort is one of the family-friendliest. Known as the big serene mountain with a small town feel, Red Mountain
New for this season is a quad chairlift which will access long runs that RUNS: 120 is also famous for its incredible tree skiing. New for 2014/15 is in-bound RUNS: 110
are ideal for beginner and intermediate skiers. With a stroll through the VERTICAL: 1,220 m (4,000 ft) cat skiing on 79 ha (195 ac) of terrain. Just last winter, RED expanded over VERTICAL: 890 m (2,917 ft)
village—everything is within walking distance—enjoy Panorama’s easy 400 ha (1,000 ac) of new skiable terrain with something for everyone:
ambience while you take in beautiful views. Known to have a variety of TERRAIN: 1,152 ha (2,847 ac) great cruiser runs, wide-open groomers, south-facing intermediate TERRAIN: 1085 ha (2682 ac)
terrain, the resort’s consistent fall-line cruisers and the Tanyton Bowl’s terrain and eight expert chutes. During the season, even at the busiest Lift Accessible
backcountry-style terrain provide a “best-of-both-worlds” experience 20% beginner of times, there is enough room here to carve out your own tracks at your 1,699 ha (4,200 ac)
that appeals to all levels of skiers. You can even easily try heli-skiing— own pace. After an exhilarating day of skiing, check out the Rafters Bar Controlled Recreation Area
55% intermediate
Panorama specializes in taking out first-timers and trips depart from the located at the newly renovated baselodge. Powder magazine has named
village. After a day filled with activity make sure you take the time for an 25% advanced it North America’s No. 1 Ski Bar for its lively music and great food. Need 16% beginner
après ski soak in Canada’s largest slope-side hot pools. somewhere to stay? Kick back in one of the newest luxury condos at the
foot of the resort or in the heritage ski town of Rossland. 47% intermediate
PanoramaResort.com
RedResort.com 37% advanced
6
Revelstoke Mountain Resort Silver Star Mountain Resort
Revelstoke Mountain Resort is an amazing destination with the highest This vast mountain with three distinct faces has runs for beginners
lift-serviced vertical in North America, plus cat-skiing, heli-skiing and RUNS: 65 looking to cruise down the slopes, through to steep and deep terrain RUNS: 115
backcountry skiing, all from one village base. The terrain options are VERTICAL: 1,713 m (5,620 ft) for those adrenaline-seeking experts. This resort has it all: deep powder, VERTICAL: 760 m (2,493 ft)
endless, with majestic alpine bowls, legendary glades, lofty rolling meticulously groomed cruisers, and some of the best tree-skiing in
groomers and a base-area beginner slope. Need more? Feel your pulse TERRAIN: 1,263 ha (3,121 ac) Canada. The mix of dry Okanagan powder, mild temperature, and TERRAIN: 1,240 ha (3,064 ac)
start to race with another half-million acres of heli-skiing terrain and three sunshine make for the perfect snow experience. Alpine lift tickets include
alpine bowls for cat-skiing. The village features ski-in/ski-out lodging at 7% beginner free, unlimited access to 55 km (34 mi) of daily groomed Nordic trails, 15% beginner
The Sutton Place Hotel as well as great dining options. And the authentic 16 km (10 mi) of snowshoe trails, Tube Town Adventure Park and
45.5% intermediate 40% intermediate
ski-town atmosphere of downtown Revelstoke is minutes away, offering a ice skating at Brewer’s Pond. A colourful mid-mountain village offers
variety of restaurants, cafés and shops. 47.5% advanced exceptional ski-in/ski-out access with plenty of shops and restaurants 45% advanced
to suit all tastes. This winter wonderland is about as wonderful as it gets.
RevelstokeMountainResort.com
SkiSilverstar.com
SUN PEAKS Whistler Blackcomb
Sun Peaks is consistently rated as one of the top ski resorts in Canada due Whistler Blackcomb is consistently ranked the No. 1 mountain resort
to its reliable and consistent powder and an award winning ski-in/ski-out RUNS: 126 RUNS: 200 +
in North America for many good reasons: it has the most skiable terrain
village. The resort is opening more than 200 ha (500 ac) of new, advanced VERTICAL: 882 m (2,894 ft) in North America, one of the continent’s longest snow seasons, the VERTICAL:
terrain for 2014/15 season, adding to its already massive acreage. world-record-breaking PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola, and a vibrant mountain WHISTLER 1,530 m (5,020 ft)
Canada’s second largest ski area now features over 1,700 ha (4,200 ac) of TERRAIN: 1,700 ha (4,200 ac) culture with what is arguably the best après scene anywhere. Kid-friendly BLACKCOMB 1,609 m (5,280 ft)
skiable terrain that encircles the ski-through village in a unique 360-degree features like the Whistler Kids snow school, the enchanted Tree Fort and
layout. The charming and picturesque village, plentiful dry powder and 10% beginner Magic Castle, ensure families are happy and busy. This winter guests are TERRAIN: 3,307 ha (8,171 ac)
clear blue skies will inspire winter enthusiasts to indulge in other classic 58% intermediate invited to try new Whistler Village Gondola cabins for the breathtaking 18% beginner
Canadian winter activities. Enjoy dogsledding, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, ride up Whistler Mountain. The cabins seat eight passengers with their
ice skating and more. Popular activities such as Fondue Dinner and 32% advanced gear in outside racks, increasing lift capacity by 12 per cent through four 55% intermediate
Evening Descent, First Tracks, and kids’ nights are being offered more additional cabins and greater loading efficiency.
frequently this season. 27% advanced
WhistlerBlackcomb.com
SunPeaksResort.com
7
Whitewater SKI Resort
Deep in the Kootenay Rockies and along the Powder Highway,
Whitewater is a resort renowned for epic snowfalls. An average RUNS: 81
of 12 m (40 ft) of light, dry, powder falls onto 620 vertical metres VERTICAL: 623 m (2,044 ft)
(2,044 vertical feet) of uncrowded slopes of family-friendly groomers,
remarkable steeps, top of the line tree-skiing, and endless backcountry. TERRAIN: 479 ha (1184 ac)
Small crowds ensure fresh lines in the open bowls or through the
numerous chutes and glades. End your day at the lodge with a locally 10% beginner
inspired meal from an acclaimed menu that has inspired three national 32% intermediate
best-selling cookbooks. Whitewater is just a 15-minute drive from
Nelson, an eclectic city that features great restaurants, accommodations, 58% advanced
hot springs and cat- and heli-skiing. So if you’re looking for your life’s
truest skiing experience, you’ve found it.
SkiWhitewater.com
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Each one of our 13 ski resorts has had accolades bestowed upon it from the world’s premier ski and travel publications.
That means you’re sure to end up with an award-winning resort, no matter which one you choose.
APEX MOUNTAIN RESORT KICKING HORSE MOUNTAIN RESORT PANORAMA MOUNTAIN VILLAGE SUN PEAKS RESORT
Best Weather One of Top 5 Biggest Vertical (West) British Columbia’s Mountain Resort of the Year #2, Best Overall Resort
Ski Canada Magazine (2011) Ski Canada Magazine (2009) BC Alpine Ski Association (2011) SBC Resort Guide Editors’ Choice Awards
(2013/2014)
BIG WHITE SKI RESORT KIMBERLEY ALPINE RESORT RED MOUNTAIN RESORT
Awarded Best Family Ski Resort Best Tree Skiing Most improved North American resort WHISTLER BLACKCOMB
Snow Action Magazine – Australia (2014) Ski Canada Magazine (2012) World Snow Awards (2013) #1, Top 10 Ski Resorts in North America
Freeskier Magazine (2014)
FERNIE ALPINE RESORT MOUNT WASHINGTON ALPINE RESORT REVELSTOKE MOUNTAIN RESORT
Best Winter Trips Biggest Snow Top 10 Ski Resorts in the World WHITEWATER SKI RESORT
National Geographic (2012) Ski Canada Magazine (2012) Snow Magazine (2014) Top 10 Emerging Ski-Towns
National Geographic (2013)
SILVER STAR MOUNTAIN RESORT
Best Family Resort
Okanagan Life Magazine (2013)
8
VANCOUVER SKI AREAS
B grousemountain.com
A cypressmountain.com C mountseymour.com
Need a quick ski or snowboard fix while you’re in Vancouver?
Hit one—or all three—of the local mountains for spectacular views
and great runs within 30 minutes of the city.
A B C
WEST Cypress Mountain is conveniently Grouse Mountain will thrill everybody. Mount Seymour is a must for anyone
VANCOUVER NORTH
VANCOUVER located near downtown Vancouver. Even the ride up the mountain is who just can’t get enough snow-filled
A
B The freestyle ski and snowboard venue something special. The Skyride provides adventure. With four terrain parks,
C
for the 2010 Winter Games, Cypress panoramic views of the mountain and the everyone from beginners to hardcore
has the most terrain and greatest Vancouver skyline that are truly stunning. professionals will come away with a smile
vertical of Vancouver’s mountains, and And, once at the top, you’ll discover one of on their face. Skiing, snowboarding, or
also boasts Canada’s most popular Vancouver’s favourite winter playgrounds. snowshoeing pristine and beautiful
VANCOUVER cross country skiing area. With a Everything from great local skiing, mountain trails are just a few of the
massive snow-tubing park for thrill snowboarding, snowshoeing and ice activities to be had here. There’s also the
VANCOUVER
INTERNATIONAL
seekers, plus snowshoe tours for those skating, to great restaurants with views as Enquist Snow Tube Park and tobogganing
AIRPORT who like a slower pace, people of all breathtaking as the menu items. hills for those who like less of a challenge.
kinds will find the winter experience But locals will tell you just about anything
that’s perfect for them. you choose will delight, even if it’s just
relaxing at the cozy restaurant.
9
BC SKI AREAS
Bear Mountain Ski Hill Five minutes from lovely Dawson Creek, this is the perfect place to enjoy a few runs and then relax in the
Dawson Creek
There are many other bearmountainskihill.ca lounge overlooking the hill. And for the night owls out there, Bear Mountain offers night skiing.
ski areas throughout BC. Crystal Mountain Westbank Families love this resort in West Kelowna. It offers great skiing and, as a nice touch, you ski free on your
crystalresort.com (West Kelowna) birthday. Hopefully, you weren’t born in July.
These mountains are
playgrounds waiting to Fairmont Hot Springs Ski Area
fairmonthotsprings.com Fairmont Hot Springs This is the place to be for great snow conditions and everything you need to take advantage of them. And
it’s all only a few minutes’ drive from the world-famous hot springs.
be discovered. Take a
Harper Mountain Kamloops Get in all the skiing and boarding you want, and don’t miss the fun and adventure of Snow Town Tube
road trip and seek out harpermountain.com Park. Then hit the lodge to sit by the fireplace and get some hot eats.
a brand new adventure. Hemlock Resort The Hemlock Valley is one of the best-kept secrets in the Lower Mainland. It gets one of the best snowfalls
Agassiz/Mission
hemlockvalleyresort.com around and, besides skiing and snowboarding, it has a four-lane tube park.
Hudson Bay Mountain “It’s always been about the powder” just about says it all. You’ll find plenty of the white stuff here and
Smithers
hudsonbaymountain.com won’t soon forget the adventures you had in this awesome wilderness of snowy beauty.
Manning Park Resort Manning Provincial Park Visitors get access to amazing groomed Nordic trails as well as excellent snowshoeing trails. And winter
manningpark.com camping is available for the really adventurous.
Mount Baldy You’ll get everything you expect from an awesome BC ski resort, plus an 18-hole championship Frisbee
Oliver/Osoyoos
skibaldy.com golf course.
Mount Cain If you’re on Vancouver Island, you’ll want to be on Mount Cain. This family-friendly mountain offers great
Woss
mountcain.com skiing and virtually no line-ups.
Mount Timothy Ski Area The skiing here is excellent, but what makes this place special is the laidback vibe and smaller crowds.
Lac la Hache And when you get off the slopes, the log day lodge is a great place to just put your feet up and enjoy
skitimothy.com the vistas.
Murray Ridge Ski Area This is a breathtaking spot for anyone looking to enjoy some family-friendly skiing that’s not going to eat
Fort St. James
murrayridge.com into your wallet too much. Mom and Dad, and the little ones, will be glad they came.
My Mountain Coop, Shames Mountain If you’re into backcountry skiing, this is the place to do it. There’s nothing but endless untouched powder
Terrace
mymountaincoop.ca just waiting to be cut through here.
Phoenix Mountain Locals call this “the best little mountain in BC”. And if you visit this winter playground, you’re sure to
Grand Forks
skiphoenix.com agree.
Powder King Mountain Resort The name alone lets you know what you’re in for. Powder King gets an awesome 1250 cm (492 in) of
Mackenzie powder per year. And it falls on everything from beginner runs to drops that only the most adventurous
powderking.com will attempt.
Purden Ski Village Strap your skis on and hit the hills at central BC’s largest ski mountain. It’s got dry powder runs, treed runs,
Prince George
purden.com and you’ll never have to complain about crowds here. It’s central BC’s hidden gem.
Salmo Ski Hill This West Kootenays favourite is famous for its night skiing on full-lit runs. But a visit during the day will be
Salmo
skisalmo.com just as fun.
Summit Lake Summit Lake is all about affordable skiing for the whole family. It’s got everything you could ask for from a
Nakusp
skisummitlake.com great ski trip – except an expensive price tag.
Tabor Mountain Ski Resort There are more than a dozen runs of fun here that are sure to please anyone looking for nice slopes and
Prince George
tabormountain.com good powder.
Troll Ski Resort Quesnel Don’t worry, this ski resort is a lot more beautiful than its name would suggest. Take in the views while you
trollskiresort.com take on the mountain. 10OFF THE SLOPES
After a big day on the slopes,
it’s time for a big night out.
BC’s 13 resorts are home to
some of the best après-ski
you’ll ever experience. Join
the fun as the evening kicks
RETAIL THERAPY RELAXATION IS AN ART FORM HERE
into high gear—or shake off the Sometimes just wandering around a When you have scenery this serene
day’s excitement by finding charming alpine village is exactly and beautiful, it’s only natural you’ll
something more relaxing. what you need. Pair your stroll with a want to enhance it with some
few great buys and that’s some time sensuous treatment at a luxury spa.
Either way, you’re sure to enjoy well spent. You can browse for hours Massages, full body wraps, or
an après-ski adventure that’s here and find quaint souvenirs, acupuncture are the order of the day
sporting equipment, beautiful here. As the stress melts away, rest
as celebrated as our slopes. Aboriginal art, or the latest skiwear assured that the snow will still be
for when you’re recharged and ready there for you when you want to get
for the slopes again. back on the runs.
CUISINE AS FRESH AS THE POWDER HIGH-ALTITUDE NIGHTLIFE
When you slip off your skis, award- Nightlife is alive and well at the
winning restaurants offer a more resorts too—but with an alpine twist.
elegant dining experience while And depending on what you like to
quaint cafés offer the perfect casual do, your après-ski can easily turn into
break. And just about everywhere après-après-ski. Pubs and clubs and
you go, your meal will be paired with everything in between means
exquisite mountain views. everyone gets what they’re looking
for after dark. So whether you’re in
need of a relaxing glass of wine, or a
hopping dance floor, it’s all here.
11OTHER SKI ACTIVITIES
HELI-SKIING In BC, we know there’s
& CAT-SKIING nothing more exciting
than strapping on a pair of
It’s no wonder these two types of epic skiing were
skis and hitting the slopes.
born in BC. With ten massive mountain ranges, plus
equally massive snowfalls, BC is the perfect place But we also know that
to get your adrenaline going. Plunge into touching those skis down
untouched powder, diverse terrain, and descents on powder that hasn’t been
from the highest peaks.
touched by anyone else is
Whether you take to the skies by helicopter, or track even more amazing.
your way up the mountain on the treads of a snowcat,
you’ll find the skier’s paradise you’re looking for. Just
imagine the chance to ski an area more than 100
times the size of BC’s largest ski resort — and you’re
sharing it with only a few other people.
And the different ways you can experience the
skiing are just as incredible as the skiing itself. Go
for a multi-day excursion for maximum thrills or just
go for a day trip. Check out remote destination
lodges featuring hot tubs and gourmet meals or
in-town hotels with great après-ski nightlife just
around the corner.
So come to BC and explore heli- and cat-skiing.
You’re sure to discover something you won’t
soon forget.
12OTHER SKI ACTIVITIES
Skiing doesn’t have to BACKCOUNTRY SKIING CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING
be fast to be fun. Taking
it slow and taking in the In BC, sometimes it’s nice to get off the beaten path BC is where you need to be if you’re looking for world-
and create some of your own paths. And the BC class trails groomed for classic and skate skiing. Every
scenery is often the way backcountry is the perfect place to do it. The terrain winter, the abundant and consistent snowfall turns the
to go. And it’s nice to have offers a wide variety of experiences for skiers of all province into a cross-country skier’s playground.
time to catch your breath— kinds. Discover hidden powder stashes anywhere from
If skiers have all the time in the world, they could
alpine bowls, rolling slopes, and steep chutes to
especially when your peaceful glades, epic ridges, and wide glaciers.
criss-cross the province and visit more than 50
cross-country skiing areas. And, of course, most of
surroundings can take
And when you’re not pushing forward in the wilderness, BC’s major ski resorts have incredible trails waiting
your breath away. there are plenty of great places to lay your head and get for you. At Whistler Olympic Park, skiers can even
some rest. Backcountry accommodations are as diverse tackle the same trails where athletes competed for
as the terrain. Go for luxury fly-in retreats, cozy alpine gold during the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and
cabins or rustic backcountry huts. Though where you Paralympic Winter Games.
stay may depend on how much adventure you can
For the more adventurous, provincial and national
handle. Check out a guided backcountry ski tour for a
parks offer less crowded and more peaceful trails, plus
day trip, multi-day excursion, or hut-to-hut traverse, or
loads of chances to spot wildlife just hanging out in
just strike out on your own.
the great outdoors with you.
Go backcountry once and you’ll always go back.
Wherever you go, you’re sure to get a ski experience
that won’t disappoint.
13MORE WINTER FUN
SNOWSHOEING
BC provides the trails, powder and pristine winter scenery
for one of North America’s fastest-growing winter sports.
Fasten on a pair of snowshoes and wander our trails at your
own pace. It’s perfect for families seeking a fresh air activity,
adventurers wanting a cardio workout and outdoor lovers.
TUBING/TOBOGGANING
Relive those childhood winter days hurtling down a hill on a
crazy carpet. BC is slider heaven with various designated
toboggan areas and snow-tube parks. Enjoy the thrill and
excitement of sliding down the hill on a toboggan or in a
specially designed tube.
DOGSLEDDING
Dogsledding is a unique way for you to explore BC’s
wilderness in winter. Gliding quietly along snow-covered
trails, the sleds are pulled by teams of enthusiastic dogs and
offer a memorable backcountry experience. Scenery along
the route can include mountain views, frozen lakes or
There’s more to BC mountains than powder-filled meadows.
just skiing and snowboarding.
During your vacation, why not mix it up SNOWMOBILING
Snowmobilers have plenty of places to play in BC. There’s a
and take advantage of the abundant wide variety of terrain, including groomed trails, massive
winter activities available throughout BC, glaciers, and hillsides topped with fresh snow. Beginners
can zip along established routes, while advanced sledders
many of which can be enjoyed at your will revel in steep and remote riding areas.
favourite resort or ski area.
14INFORMATION FOR VISITORS
Key Travel Information
For important information regarding currency exchange, customs, and other
travel information, visit www.BritishColumbia.travel. WATCH BC
SKI VIDEOS >
Departure Location & TRAVEL DURATION
(Times are approximate)
To Vancouver To Calgary YouTube.com/HelloBC
London 9.5 hours London 9.5 hours
Frankfurt 10.5 hours Frankfurt 10 hours
Amsterdam 9.5 hours Amsterdam 9.5 hours
Sydney 14 hours Sydney 17 hours PLAN YOUR
Auckland 13 hours Auckland 16.5 hours BC SKI HOLIDAY >
Seattle, Washington is also an airline gateway into British Columbia.
INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES SERVICING BRITISH COLUMBIA www.BritishColumbia.travel/ski
Air Canada, Air New Zealand, Air Transat, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines,
British Airways, KLM, Lufthansa, Qantas, United Airlines and Virgin Australia.
Airlines Servicing British Columbia’s Ski Resorts
Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, Central Mountain Air, Pacific Coastal Airlines and WestJet.
PASSPORT INFORMATION
For all travel into Canada, visitors must present their passports.
For updates, please visit the Canada Border Services Agency
website at http://www.cic.gc.ca/English/visit/visas.asp.
For individuals travelling from the United States to Canada, please visit the
U.S. Department of State website at www.travel.state.gov.
ROADS, ROUTES & RAIL
For driving routes, road conditions, and information on border delays in
British Columbia, please visit www.DriveBC.ca.
VIA Rail and Amtrak all offer scheduled trips to destinations within the province.
For more information on rail travel options, please visit www.BritishColumbia.travel.
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2014 Destination BC Corp. — All rights reserved. “SUPER , NATURAL BRITI SH COLUMBIA”, “SUPER , NATURAL” and “HELLO BC” and all associated logos/trade-marks are trade-marks of Destination BC Corp.You can also read
