The 10 best ski resorts in British Columbia

Whether you’re planning your next adventure or just checking out some new riding spots for fun, British Columbia is an epic and wonderful place packed with top-tier resorts drenched in some of the world’s deepest snow. From sprawling groomer-rich mega-resorts like Whistler to off-piste-focused slackcountry pow playgrounds like Whitewater, British Columbia has it all – and so does this list.

We’ve rounded up the 10 top resorts BC offers and provided all the insider details right here. If you’re not stoked to ride already, you’re about to be. So, save those pennies, pack up those skis and snowboards, and get ready for some fun, because there’s no place on earth like BC. And what better way to gear up for an epic trip than with a new pair of ski pants or a pow-ready ski jacket?

Best ski resorts in British Columbia

Whistler Blackcomb

Whistler Blackcomb is liable to top every list of the best resorts in BC for good reason. It’s a colossus in size and scope, with two mountains that trump most other resorts on their own, let alone when combined. Serviced by high-speed gondolas and lifts from the base, Whistler has so much to offer for all levels and types of rider.

With nearly 40 feet of snow annually, Whistler offers lots of pow days, and thanks to its high-altitude bowls, there’s plenty to ride. If groomers are your thing, you’re spoilt for choice. They’re endless, expertly groomed, and perfect for cruisey laps all day long. Park rats will find their fill, too, with features for all levels on both mountains. And for those just starting, there are lots of easy green and blue trails to choose from.

Despite its myriad pros, there are a few things to keep in mind. Number one: the stoke is high here, so you’ll find lots of loud music and partying, especially at après around the base. Next, prepare for busy slopes and town center. It’s best to prepare for sizable queues for the gondolas and certain lifts (especially Seventh Heaven). But if none of those things bother you, there’s no better resort in BC – or maybe the world!

Revelstoke Mountain Resort

Revelstoke is a famous resort nestled on the edge of Glacier National Park. It’s not famous for its location specifically but for what that location brings. And that’s 45 feet of snow every winter season. A true mecca for freeriding, there are more pow laps at Revelstoke than maybe any other resort in the world. And with its easily accessible back and slackcountry, anyone who loves to feel powder under their edges will find no better place to whet their proverbial whistle.

Revelstoke’s mountain is accessed from a single central base station, where you’ll find a high-speed gondola to take you to the mid-station. Now, with all its snow, you can get lap after lap in, enjoying tree-skiing and plenty of action. But take one of the chairs higher, and you’ll open up endless glades, pow fields, pillows, and cliffs that’ll put your knees through their paces like nowhere else. While there are tons of groomers and parks to enjoy, the resort is special for its freeriding – and those wanting to take advantage of that will have the most fun.

The town is lively and compact, making it easy to walk around. And at just four hours from Calgary by car, it’s also relatively easy to access. Most of the accommodation is reasonable in price and luxury. But, there are a few nicer hotels and apartments dotted around. For some post-ride drinks, Chubby Funsters and the Village Idiot provide loads of fun. Still, it’s perhaps best to keep your mind sharp for the riding: it’ll take all you have physically and mentally, but boy, is it worth it!

Big White Ski Resort

I know what you’re thinking: just 25 feet of snow per year? That’s nothing! Well, let us remind you that a lot of houses aren’t even 25 feet tall, so don’t worry – that’s still an insane amount of snow! Saying that, though, Big White isn’t trying to be Revelstoke or Whistler. Instead, it’s doing its own thing, and frankly, the thing it’s doing is pretty epic!

Big White’s village is a pretty sizable one with several ‘stations’. These lodges all have lifts, which means you can catch your first chair from one of a few spots. And with six lifts heading upwards from the base, lift lines aren’t crowded (unless it’s a powder day!). Big White is awash with runs of all grades, and thanks to the way it’s spread across the mountain, they’re never busy and always expertly groomed.

‘Catch’ tracks run around the resort’s perimeter, so you’re always free to dip off the groomers and into the trees, which keep their powder all season long thanks to the super stable, semi-dry, and cold climate that Big White enjoys. Of course, you won’t find as many steeps as in Revy or Whistler. But, you’ll have access to endless terrain for all levels, amazing parks, and a stellar family-friendly village packed with restaurants and bars. And if you prefer to find accommodation off the mountain, Kelowna is less than an hour's drive.

Fernie Alpine Resort

Fernie’s claim to fame is its five powder-filled bowls. And the shape of the terrain is so important for the snow quality. Bowls ensure that snow builds up, but doesn’t get windblown, so Fernie has some of the most consistent, light, fluffy, and slashable pow in the world. And if you come here, you’ll experience it in epic fashion five times over with the Sierra, Timber, Currie, Lizard, and Cedar Bowls.

Despite having a smaller rideable area than the big resorts, it has a whopping 142 runs to sink your teeth into, 70% of which are intermediate and advanced. So, if you’re hunting for steeps, chutes, tight trees, wide-open off-piste, and descents you’ve only dreamed of, Fernie is ready to deliver it. The stoke is so high here because everyone’s having such a great time. This is a real rider’s resort, and if that sounds like your bag, then gear up because there’s never been a better time to book than right now.

Of course, Fernie also has a great lift network, plenty of green and blue trails, on-mountain amenities to rival the best resorts, snow parks, learner areas, and it’s part of the Vail Resorts family. But that all comes secondary to the terrain and the snow – Fernie has always championed both and always will. The town is home to so many riders that you’ll really feel like you’re hitting a locals-only resort. Everyone’s having fun and ripping laps until close every day of the season. Once you arrive, you just won’t want to leave!

SilverStar Mountain Resort

SilverStar Mountain Resort is located just over 13 miles from Vernon and 40 miles from Kelowna Airport, making it one of the most easily accessible resorts in BC. But that’s not to take away from all the resort offers — a dedicated Alpine Village accompanies amazing riding spread across two bowls. And with a fully natural snowpack and terrain to suit every type of rider, no one goes hungry at SilverStar, no matter their tastes.

One of the most interesting things about the resort is that you can ride up and down, as the base station is a mid-station. That means the resort is a winter wonderland all season long. And if the lifts are getting busy at open, you can always head down to get a few warm-up laps in! The Front Side bowl has a great mix of terrain. Still,  it’s primarily dominated by wider, more relaxed slopes, perfect for progressing riders.

For those searching for gnarlier terrain, The Back Side offers steep double black and black runs that’ll get those quads burning. Take your pick – all roads lead to the bottom. Just make sure you leave some gas in the tank for the Deer Park glades off the left of the Home Run Tee. This is where the fresh tracks hide, so don’t miss it! And if that’s not your speed, hit one of the two expertly built terrain parks. There aren’t better ones anywhere else in BC!

Powder King Mountain Resort

The first thing to know about Powder King is that it’s a true hidden gem. Lying a burly 12-hour drive north of Vancouver (621 miles, basically), you’ll be way out there by the time you reach PK (2 hours north of Prince George, even). But that means zero lift queues, fresh lines for days after the last snow, and 2,100 feet of face shots and powdery descents.

It’s a journey, sure, but if you’re the adventurous type with a touring set-up, Powder King serves up possibly the best lift-accessible side and slackcountry anywhere in BC – and that’s saying something! Also, because of its location this far north, snow stays super light and cold from October through to the end of April. So, as long as you’ve got the legs, there are freshies to be had.

Powder King isn’t the largest or best-served resort. It’s got three lifts, two of which are tows, and no real base station to speak of. But if you’re a winter camper in any form and you’re always hunting fresh powder, this resort is worth the trip. Just don’t expect any lively après or a bustling town, because there isn’t one. They don’t call it the ‘Whisper of the north’ for nothing.

Sun Peaks Resort

Sun Peaks boasts 2,000 hours of annual sunshine. So, when you pair that with the 20 feet of snow they get every winter, only one comes to mind: bluebird powder days. And with so much terrain to explore, you’re guaranteed to find fresh lines if you look for them.

The village is really something, too, with lots of restaurants and accommodation options, many of which are ski-in/ski-out and linked by a very cleverly designed trail system. The large learner area above the lodge – and the gentle terrain found low down – make Sun Peaks an amazing beginner and family resort. And the more challenging terrain higher up — especially off the ‘Top of the World’ peak — is ideal for those looking for endless pow and more technical riding.

It’ll take a little traversing if you want to find the real fresh stuff, but it’s worth it. From the top, head across on Gil’s/Skunk Hike and drop in from here. It’s an untracked, off-piste playground with amazing natural features, trees, pow fields, and everything in between. All of this sets Sun Peaks as one of the best all-rounders in BC. Just because it doesn’t get 40 feet of snow doesn’t mean you should discount it. There’s so much more on offer than just freeriding alone!

RED Mountain Ski Resort

RED Mountain is a deceptively large resort, and despite having just eight lifts, it services an enormous amount of terrain. From well-kept, easy-going groomers to super-steep power laps in what feels like remote Alpine glades, RED is the complete package and enjoys plenty of snow to boot. The resort center features a nice variety of things to do and some lodging options. Still, with Rossland just 10 minutes by car, you’re only a short hop from the lifts regardless of where you set up camp. 

For those starting out, there’s a day ticket that includes just the lower lift and T-Bar, so you can rack up those laps without breaking the bank. Beginners with access to the whole mountain will find they’re quickly pushed to their limits, especially off the Granite Mountain peak. The RED Mountain peak has a great cruisey blue heading to the base. But, for the most action, those progressing will want to do a little bit of hopping around, heading for Grey Mountain peak and the more relaxed and open terrain coming down from there.

Experts will want to cross their fingers for a pow day, so they can enjoy zones like Coolers, the Powder Fields off the Granite Peak, and the legendary Chute Show off Grey Mountain. But if there’s no fresh snow, check out the Rockstar Energy terrain park, a fiercely maintained and crafted snow park sure to get the blood pumping.

Kimberley Alpine Resort

Kimberley’s resort is right in town, and what a great town it is! Kimberly is quaint and welcoming, and there’s lots to see and do both on and off the mountain. The mountain is split into three ridges with plenty to ride for all abilities. And, despite the modest snowfall here, there’s always fresh snow to be found if you look hard enough – thanks to the fact Kimberley is both quiet and expansive. 

Learners will love Kimberley most of all, as the NorthStar Mountain face is packed with wide-open blues, low-angled trees, and groomers perfect for those just finding their feet. The North Star Express is a high-speed quad, too, which ensures that you can stack laps all day long. And for those looking for a little more excitement, there’s tons to be found on the Tamarack and Vimy Ridges, as well as in the Black Forest, all of which are awash with steeper black runs and endless tree skiing.

Kimberley doesn’t get as much snow as other resorts on this list. Still, it’s an altogether more relaxed experience and just an amazing place to visit and explore. A trip here can easily be combined with a day or two at Fernie, so if you are hoping for powder and the stars don’t align, you can always make the trip there to hunt for snow in its high-altitude bowls. Though, once you arrive here, there’ll be no great rush to leave. Visit, and you’ll see exactly why.

Whitewater Ski Resort

Rounding off our list is the mythical Whitewater. A staple in the Powder Highway circuit, Whitewater Ski Resort offers steep and deep like no other resort. With just one green run on the mountain, and a staggering 60% of the terrain here marked black and double black, this is not a beginner’s resort by any means. But, located just 25 minutes outside Nelson, BC, this quiet, understated gem offers powdery descents like no other and pairs it with every rider's favorite three words: no lift lines.

The resort is spread across three faces; Silverking, Summit, and Glory, all with a dedicated chair. Each has its own distinct personality, too. Shorter, more playful runs can be found on Silverking, with the longer, groomed slopes on Summit. Glory is the longest face and is awash with stellar off-piste. Traversing is the name of the game here, though, with areas like Powder Keg and the legendary Trash Chutes on offer for those happy to make a little hike. Just bear in mind that it’s gonna be steep, and it’s gonna be deep. If you don’t have your pow gear to hand, don’t even bother! Oh, and watch out for cliffs and pillows. Seriously, they’re everywhere.

At the base, there’s an excellent lodge with a pub and plenty of dining options. And in Nelson, you’ll find a bustling and friendly town packed with restaurants and bars. Though the town is small (just 12,000 permanent residents), it’s bursting with life and perfectly balances the liveliness of a resort town with the welcoming, small-town vibe of a Kootenay community. Come for a few days, and you might just stay forever. You wouldn’t be the first, and certainly won’t be the last!

Wrapping up

Every resort on this list has so much going for it – how could we ever write it all down here? That means you’re just going to have to see for yourself!

Winter is always just around the corner, so tune those edges, wax those bases, and get stretching. Because if we know one thing, there’s always more to see – and more to ride.

Related reading:

• Snowiest ski resorts in the world
• Women's ski jackets / Women's ski pants
• Best night skiing spots in the US