5 Best Ski Resorts in British Columbia, 2024/25

1. Whistler Blackcomb

Largest ski resort in North America with the ultimate ski village

• Opening Date: 22 Nov 2024* (Estimated open date based on historical data)
• Closing Date: 21 Apr 2025* (Estimated close date based on historical data)

Vancouver International Airport (YVR) - 85 miles (2 hours 30 minutes)

Abbotsford International Airport (YXX) - 115 miles (3 hours)

As the largest ski area in North America, Whistler Blackcomb skiing stands out for its sheer scale and diversity. Over 200 marked runs, five terrain parks and access to inbounds backcountry, bowls, glaciers and tree trails await you, it’s no wonder this Canada ski vacation hotspot is considered world-class. A destination within itself, Whistler Village has everything you’d ever want from a ski village. There are endless options for pretty much anything with an abundance of accommodation, dining options, lively nightlife venues and a long list of non-skiing activities. Best of all, Whistler Blackcomb is part of the Ikon Pass ski resorts network, giving visitors access to incredible skiing value.

• View Whistler Blackcomb Ski Packages

2. Big White

Often voted among Canada’s top family ski resorts, Big White Ski Resort is renowned for its legendary powder and unbeatable convenience.

• Opening Date: 26 Nov 2024* (Estimated open date based on historical data)
• Closing Date: 6 Apr 2025* (Estimated close date based on historical data)

Kelowna International Airport (YLW) - 38 miles (1 hour drive)

Big White is incredibly family-friendly because it has a convenient resort base and relatively mellow slopes. Known for its welcoming village atmosphere and nearly 300 inches of powder annually, it provides ideal snow conditions for beginner and intermediate skiers. To top this off, Big White’s entire village is covered by ski-in ski-out accommodations which makes it extremely accessible, especially if you have little ones. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, Big White features snowshoeing trails, Canada’s largest resort-based ice rink, a tubing hill and snowmobiling tours—perfect for families seeking winter adventure beyond the slopes!

3. Sun Peaks

Canada’s second-largest ski resort after Whistler-Blackcomb, with fewer crowds and a relaxed vibe.

• Opening Date: 23 Nov 2024* (Estimated open date based on historical data)
• Closing Date: 13 Apr 2025* (Estimated close date based on historical data)

Kamloops Airport (YKA) - 38 miles (45 minutes)

Kelowna International Airport (YLW) - 128 miles (2 hours 45 minutes)

As Canada’s second-largest ski resort, Sun Peaks Ski Resort offers over 4,270 acres of skiable terrain spread across three distinct mountains, connected by an intuitive lift system. With more than 130 trails, the resort caters to all ability levels—from wide-open beginner runs to tree-lined steeps on Mt. Morrisey. Visitors will love the ski-in ski-out Canada convenience of the European-style village, complete with cozy accommodations, après bars, and dining. Known as a top-rated family ski resort in Canada, Sun Peaks offers childcare, ski school programs, and crowd-free slopes—ideal for families and first-time skiers. Located just 45 minutes from Kamloops Airport, with regular shuttles from Kamloops and Kelowna, it’s both accessible and affordable. For planning, download the official Sun Peaks trail map to discover the best terrain for your crew.

4. Revelstoke

Ideal resort for powder-seeking intermediates and advanced skiers.

• Opening Date: 30 Nov 2024* (Estimated open date based on historical data)
• Closing Date: 21 Apr 2025* (Estimated close date based on historical data)

Kelowna Intl. Airport - 120 miles (2.5 hour drive)

Revelstoke is one of the most thrilling ski resorts in British Columbia, offering serious vertical (the largest vertical drop in North America at over 5,620 feet) and deep, consistent snow conditions. This world-class ski destination is most suitable for intermediate and expert skiers, with challenging terrain, tree skiing, and access to backcountry skiing, cat-skiing, and heli-skiing in Canada—all departing directly from the resort base. The terrain here is steep, varied, and perfect for thrill-seekers who prefer fewer crowds and longer, more technical descents. While there are some beginner slopes and a learning area, Revelstoke skiing primarily caters to more seasoned skiers and snowboarders looking for adventure.

Revelstoke is also a key stop along the Powder Highway, a circuit of ski resorts in British Columbia known for massive snowfall and rugged terrain. It receives an average of 400+ inches of snow per year, making for excellent powder days and reliable snow conditions throughout the season. Although it’s more remote—around 2.5 hours from Kelowna International Airport (YLW) and 5 hours from Calgary International Airport (YYC)—the journey is well worth it for those looking to experience one of the most authentic and exhilarating ski resorts in British Columbia. Shuttle services are available from both airports, or visitors can rent a car for greater flexibility.

• View Revelstoke Ski Packages

5. Fernie Alpine

Crowd-free slopes with quality snow, epic expert terrain and a relaxed base village along the Powder Highway.

• Opening Date: 29 Nov 2024* (Estimated open date based on historical data)
• Closing Date: 13 Apr 2025* (Estimated close date based on historical data)

Canadian Rockies International Airport (YXC) - 33 miles (1 hour)

Sitting along British Columbia’s famed ‘Powder Highway’, Fernie Alpine Resort is a dream destination for powder lovers and expert skiers alike. Located in BC’s interior, the resort benefits from frequent snowstorms that drop light, dry powder—thanks to moisture being squeezed out over the Rockies. With an impressive average snowfall of over 360 inches annually, Fernie offers deep days and untouched stashes for days after a storm. Skiers and snowboarders can explore world-class terrain, including steep chutes, glades, and the resort’s signature five alpine bowls: Cedar, Lizard, Currie, Timber and Siberia. With over 2,500 skiable acres and a vertical drop of 3,550 feet, it’s a bucket-list stop for advanced riders.

Fernie is part of the Epic Pass, offering great value for passholders seeking fewer crowds and big mountain lines. While the base village is low-key, it includes ski-in ski-out accommodations, a few restaurants and basic services. The nearby historic town of Fernie (just 10 minutes away) provides more après-ski options, from cozy pubs and live music to dog sledding, a climbing wall and cultural attractions.

• View Fernie Alpine Ski Packages