The phrase “west coast is the best coast” originated not as empty sloganeering, but as a legitimate observation. In the case of Canada, British Columbia’s natural western wonders are unrivaled: towering old-growth forests, cloud-piercing mountains, pristine rivers and lakes and the Pacific Ocean hem in this great northern paradise. In the winter months, these elements come together to create the ultimate snow-sport playground.
From the Coast Mountains to the Rockies that line the province’s eastern border, there’s a vast world of skiing and snowboarding to explore. The west is indeed best: temperatures are more moderate than skiing destinations in the east; there’s an infinite amount of powder; and the thick, old-growth forests mean even in the dead of January, your ski paradise will be green. Here are some of the best ways to connect with B.C.’s expansive wilderness, both on and off the slopes.
Explore TONS of Terrain
BC is practically all skiable terrain. Okay, that’s a slight exaggeration, but between just three ski areas—Whistler Blackcomb, Sun Peaks Resort and Kicking Horse Mountain Resort—you can find almost 16,000 acres of slopes. Whistler Blackcomb, tucked in the Coast Mountains, boasts over 8,100 of these acres between more than 200 runs (not to mention three glaciers). It would take years to cover all that ground, so you’d better get started.
Carve Unlimited Powder
Kicking Horse is called the Champagne Powder Capital of Canada for a reason. The mountain’s legendary light powder lures in skiers and snowboarders each year who look for snow that’s both reliably plush and constantly fresh. Whether you’re seeking groomed or untamed runs, you can’t go wrong with British Columbian snow.
Brave the Intense Verticals
Downhill in the Canadian mountains is no walk in the park. Though there are beginner-friendly runs and areas at all mountains, there are also routes that’ll push even the most experienced skiers and boarders to new skill levels. At Sun Peaks—Canada’s second largest ski area—steep and typically ungroomed trails like Chute, Expo and Challenger on legendary Tod Mountain are as fun as they are intense. Give these a try if you feel like leveling up this winter.
Meet the Locals
Western Canada is home to an abundance of the nation’s wildlife, including some of its most remarkable creatures like elk, caribou, mountain goats and lynx. You’re practically guaranteed to glimpse at least one of these specimens on your BC ski trip. In fact, one of the runs at Kicking Horse will take you right by a hibernating grizzly. Shhh.
Discover the Great Outdoors
When you’re not shredding the mountainsides, you must explore the great western frontier in other ways. Sun Peaks is surrounded by mountain lakes that are ripe for ice fishing, but be warned: rainbow trout won’t give up without a fight. If fishing isn’t your jam, consider renting a pair of snowshoes or a snowmobile for some backwoods adventuring, or strap on some blades for ice skating in the mountains.
Work up an Appetite
A ski resort is only as good as its après scene, and resorts in BC have the post-hill game on lock. Dine at the highest restaurant in Canada at Kicking Horse’s Eagle’s Eye Restaurant (it sits at an incredible 7,700 feet), or in the lively nearby town of Golden, which is packed with bars and bistros to suit your fancy. Sun Peaks hosts the Alpine Fondue and Evening Descent at its mid-mountain lodge for a taste of the swiss alps. We’d tell you about Whistler’s nightlife, but we’re pretty sure its reputation precedes it. Needless to say, there’s no shortage of after-dark fun.
Dig Deep and Discover Hidden Gems
The mountains, like most of Canada, are still ruled by the wild; most of them are unsullied by human interference, and so are packed with off-the-beaten-path beauty. Sun Peaks’ Gil’s is an in-bound, hike-in only area that’s rumored to offer some of the most elite powder in the province. It’s hushed and majestic, so venture here for the true Canadian winter experience. Or, kick it up a notch at Kicking Horse or Whistler Blackcomb with heli-skiing for an experience you’ll never forget—and never stop bragging about.
