3 Ski Resorts in British Columbia You Must Visit This Winter
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Canada and particularly British Columbia is blessed with an abundance of world-class ski resorts. Regular readers will know how much I write about my love for Fernie and it would be an obvious and easy choice to place Fernie in the 3 Ski Resorts in British Columbia You Must Visit.
However, for this piece I plan to shine the spotlight on on three ski resorts in British Columbia readers may not be so aware of. Of course, not everyone’s idea of a holiday is in the cold mountains of Canada, if you’re after a more luxurious holiday, visit Turquoise Holidays.
Big White
Photo Credit: Big White Ski Resort
First up is Big White, located in the Okanagan Valley near the town of Kelowna, the resort offers, on its day, some of the best natural champagne powder in British Columbia. The largest ski-in/ski-out resort village in Canada, Big White offers skiers and boarders 16 lifts across 2,765 aches.
|
Season Length |
November to April |
| Hours of Operation | 8.45am to 3.30pm |
| Night Skiing Hours | Tuesday-Saturday 3.30-8.00pm |
| Average Snowfall | 750cm (24.5 feet) |
| Top Elevation | 2,319m (7606 feet) |
| Base Elevation | 1,508m (4,950 feet) |
| Veritcal Drop | 777m (2,549 feet) |
| Ski-able Terrain | 2,765 acres |
Whitewater
Next up is the hippy central locale of Nelson and its ski resort of Whitewater. Claiming to have the world’s purest powder supply, the majestic Ymir Mountain offers glade trees, chutes, stunning scenery and more. Whilst in town, try the home-brewed beer from the Nelson Brewing Company.
| Average Snowfall | 1,200cm (40 feet) |
| Vertical Drop | 623m (2,044 feet) |
| Terrain | 13% Beginner32% Intermediate55% Advanced |
| Glory Ridge Elevation | 2,003m (6570 feet) |
| Summit Elevation | 2,002m (6567 feet) |
| Silver King Elevation | 1,900m (6250 feet) |
| Ymir Peak | 2,398m (7867 feet) |
| Lift System | 1 Triple, 2 doubles and 1 handle tow |
Kicking Horse
Photo Credit: Kicking Horse Ski Resort
Last up is Fernie’s sister resort, Kicking Horse, located near the town of Golden in British Columbia. Known for the epic number of chutes, powder and exceptional back-country skiing, Kicking Horse is an up and coming resort and one which you will be hearing a lot more about.
| Vertical | 1,260 meters (4,133 feet) |
| Skiable Acreage | 2,800 plus |
| Elevation | Top of Kicking horse 2,450m (8,033 feet)Mid-Mountain 1,722m (5,646 feet)Base 1,190m (3,900) |
| Run Types | 120 runs20% Beginner20% Intermediate45% Advanced15% Expert |
| Inbound Chutes | 85 plus |
| Average Snowfall | 750cm (295”) |
What’s your favourite ski resort? Let me know in the comments below.
About The Author: Mike Cotton
Mike is a writer and wannabe mountain man, if he could grow a big bushy beard he would. Lives in Fernie, BC.
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Skied Fernie in late January this year and had one of those epic powder days. It had been over 30 years since I’d been to Fernie. Haven’t tried Kicking Horse or Whitewater yet – though I love their cookbooks.