British Columbia ski holidays

Regularly voted as one of the best ski resorts in the world, Whistler Blackcomb offers skiers 240 runs set across two mountains, Whistler Mountain and Blackcomb Mountain. It’s easy to get there, as Whistler is only a scenic two-hour drive up the Sea-to-Sky Highway from Vancouver. And you can count on Whistler for consistent snowfall, as the area receives an astounding 10 metres of snow each season.

You’ll find a 10-passenger gondola and two brand-new replacement chair lifts here, so getting to the slopes is even easier than it used to be. Non-skiers will also love the ride to the top, as the views are not to be missed. You can also soar between the two mountains on the Peak 2 Peak Gondola, from June to October.

At the bottom of the slopes, Whistler Village has an extensive offering of fine and casual dining. There are shops, bars and all sorts of activities – so even non-skiers will find lots to do.  

Canada’s second-largest ski area, Sun Peaks is in the heart of British Columbia, just 45 minutes northeast of Kamloops, which is a short flight from Vancouver or Calgary. There’s also a VIA rail service which runs between Vancouver and Kamloops, so getting here is very straightforward.

Sun Peaks covers 4,270 skiable acres across three mountains, Mount Todd, Sundance Mountain and Mount Morrisey. Between them, there are 138 runs, many of which are great for beginners and intermediates alike. Novices will enjoy the beginner runs by the village, before progressing to longer green trails. Intermediates will find much to enjoy on all three peaks, including cruising the groomers on Morrisey. Advanced skiers will find the black diamond trails, glades and the Gils off-piste area of interest.

This place has 13 lifts, so you won’t have to wait long to get to the top, and the snow coverage is pretty decent to with about five metres of snow each year. And the ski-through Alpine village at the base of the mountains has a great selection of restaurants and shops, all within a short stroll of the accommodation. It’s the perfect place to relax after a day on the slopes.

Great for thrill-seekers, Revelstoke offers the highest vertical drop in North America at a breath-taking 5,620 feet. And, with nine metres of snowfall each year, it’s easy to see why Revelstoke is one of British Columbia’s toughest – and most rewarding – ski resorts.

In eastern British Columbia, Mount Mackenzie is a haven for intermediate and advanced skiers. There are four big bowls featuring wide-open skiing above the tree line, which is particularly spectacular after a deluge of snow.  

The resort has a selection of gondolas and chairlifts, as well as two Magic Carpets – so there’s a variety of ways to reach the runs. You can also enjoy heli-skiing at Revelstoke. You’ll be at the top of the mountain in mere minutes, and then you can ski down pristine, untracked snow. The town of Revelstoke is just a five-minute drive from the pistes, and offers charming buildings and modern hotels.

In easternmost British Columbia, near the provincial border of Alberta, Kicking Horse Mountain Resort is close to the town of Golden. Known for its frequent powdery snow – there’s an average of seven metres each season – it’s a skier’s paradise. The terrain here is difficult, and 80 per cent of the runs are suited to intermediate and advanced skiers. Make sure you’ve got your ski legs on, too, as Kicking Horse has some of the longest runs around.

You can ride to the summit on the eight-person gondola in just 12 minutes, or hop on one of the chairlifts. From the top, you can take your pick from 120 runs that wind down over 4,300 vertical feet. There’s a great selection of accommodation at the base of the mountain, with some hotels offering ski-in ski-out. Or you can stay in Golden, just a 15-minute drive away.

Winter holidays in British Columbia isn’t just about skiing and snowboarding – so, if that’s not your cup of tea, don’t worry. Snow-shoeing is one of the most popular winter activities in Canada. This once-essential mode of transport is now a fun way to get around, as you discover some tucked-away beauty spots. Walking in tennis racquet-like shoes can take some getting used to, however, so don’t be surprised if you fall over in the snow!

Fancy something a bit more relaxed? Try dogsledding, and admire the wintery landscape from a husky-led sled. Some tours even allow you to try your hand at mushing. You could take to the skies on a scenic helicopter flight over the mountains. Or stay on the ground and take a dip in Canada’s mineral-filled hot springs. And the whole family will love going zip-lining, as you zoom through the snow-dusted forests and take in the stunning views below.