Ski Guide 2014/15

Transcription

Ski Guide 2014/15
Super, Natural British Columbia
Ski Guide 2014/15
www.BritishColumbia.travel/ski
A ONCE IN A LIFETIME TRIP
YOU’LL WANT TO DO EVERY YEAR.
With 13 world-class resorts that extend from the Pacific Ocean to the
Rockies, British Columbia Canada is one of the world’s most diverse
and amazing ski destinations. From big verticals to relaxing runs,
there are enough experiences here to keep you coming back for the
rest of your life.
Discover the most abundant and ski-worthy powder here in British
Columbia. And with a huge amount of acres per skier, you’ll rarely wait
in line-ups or get stuck in crowds. Though you’ll definitely want to slow
down for a moment and take in the beautiful British Columbia scenery.
It’s sure to give you just as much of a rush as the runs do.
When you’re ready to take off your skis, there are plenty of other
diversions just waiting for you. Great restaurants and a laidback West
Coast attitude complement the good vibes you bring off the slopes.
A British Columbia holiday is just so unbelievable that you’ve got to ski
it to believe it.
2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Everything you need
to get started.
4
Map of BC ski resorts & areas
6
Panorama Mountain Village
8
Accolades
5
Apex Mountain Resort
6
Red Mountain Resort
9
Vancouver ski areas
5
Big White Ski Resort
7
Revelstoke Mountain Resort
10 More BC ski areas
5
Fernie Alpine Resort
7
Silver Star Mountain Resort
11 Off the slopes
5
Kicking Horse Mountain Resort
7
Sun Peaks Resort
12 Other ski activities
6
Kimberley Alpine Resort
7
Whistler Blackcomb
14 More winter fun
6
Mount Washington Alpine Resort
8
Whitewater Ski Resort
15 Information for visitors
3
DISCOVER
DIVERSITY
OFSKI
BCRESORTS
SKI RESORTS
& AREAS
DISCOVER
THETHE
DIVERSITY
OF BC
& AREAS
BC SKI RESORTS
Resorts may include lodging options, restaurants,
and various amenities and services.
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2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
Apex Mountain Resort
Big White Ski Resort
Fernie Alpine Resort
Kicking Horse Mountain Resort
Kimberley Alpine Resort
Mount Washington Alpine Resort
Panorama Mountain Village
Red Mountain Resort
Revelstoke Mountain Resort
Silver Star Mountain Resort
Sun Peaks Resort
Whistler Blackcomb
Whitewater Ski Resort
FORT NELSON
CANADA
USA
FORT ST. JOHN
A
Q
BC SKI AREAS
O
H
SMITHERS
Ski areas can range in level of amenities from basic ski
lifts to resort-type offerings.
0
N
50 100 150 200
Kilometres
A Bear Mountain Ski Hill
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
Crystal Mountain
Cypress Mountain
Fairmont Hot Springs Ski Area
Grouse Mountain
Harper Mountain
Hemlock Resort
Hudson Bay Mountain
Manning Park Resort
Mount Baldy
Mount Cain
Mount Seymour
Mount Timothy Ski Area
Murray Ridge Ski Area
My Mountain Co-op, Shames Mountain
Phoenix Mountain
Powder King Mountain Resort
Purden Ski Village
Salmo Ski Hill
Summit Lake
Tabor Mountain Ski Resort
Troll Ski Resort
PRINCE GEORGE
U
R
V
M
Pacific Ocean
WEST
VANCOUVER
C
E
L
KAMLOOPS
K
VANCOUVER
VANCOUVER
INTERNATIONAL
AIRPORT
10
VANCOUVER
12
B
I
VICTORIA
7 D
T
KELOWNA
1
G
CALGARY
F
WHISTLER
6
4
9
11
NORTH
VANCOUVER
2
J P
8
5
CRANBROOK
13
S
USA
SPOKANE
Airport
SEATTLE
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BIG WHITE SKI Resort
Apex Mountain Resort
Heavy precipitation and low humidity is a recipe for the best snow
you can hope for, and you’ll find it at this mountain resort right in the
centre of the Okanagan Valley. Bowls, chutes, glades and impeccably
groomed cruising runs flow perfectly from the resort’s impressive peak,
while double black diamonds leave you breathless. And the new ski/
snowboard-cross course, plus two terrain parks with tables, rails and
sliders, make it a no-brainer destination for skiers and boarders. There’s
also an NHL-sized hockey rink, a 1 km (0.6 mi) outdoor skate loop and a
tube park. The ski-in/ski-out village area features licensed childcare, retail
shops, restaurants and après-ski bars to suit all tastes.
RUNS:
68
VERTICAL:610 m (2,000 ft)
TERRAIN: 450 ha (1,112 ac)
16% beginner
48% intermediate
36% advanced
ApexResort.com
The resort lives up to its name with an annual average of 7.5 m (25 ft)
of dry Okanagan champagne powder. As Canada’s largest totally
ski-in/ski-out resort village over 17,000 guests can experience the
ease and convenience of skiing virtually to their doorstep. Combine a
picturesque alpine village with the 16 lifts and 118 runs that span over
1,119 ha (2,765 ac) of vast and varied skiable terrain and you’ll have
created an amazing ski experience. And this is only where the fun
begins at Big White. Spa treatments, carnival nights, snowmobiling,
tubing, skating, dogsledding and ice climbing are just a few of the in
resort activities available that have made it an award winning family
resort. Top it all off with a unique dining experience at one of the over
one hundred cottage wineries in the region.
RUNS:
118
VERTICAL: 777 m (2,550 ft)
TERRAIN: 1,119 ha (2,765 ac)
18% beginner
54% intermediate
28% advanced
BigWhite.com
FERNIE ALPINE RESORT
Kicking Horse Mountain Resort
Photo: Mark Shannon
Photo: Henry Georgi
Does big mountain skiing with a small town vibe appeal to you?
Then Fernie is your resort. With up to 11.3 m (37 ft) of snow each season,
the peaks here often receive more snow than any major resort in the
Canadian Rockies. This powder paradise also features five massive
alpine bowls, plus endless chutes, cliffs and glades. And the Polar Peak
chairlift means that Fernie has the most runs and most vertical in the
Canadian Rockies. It’s a place where the beginner feels right at home
and the expert can find nirvana. Beyond the stellar slopes, try a dogsled
or snowmobile ride. Whatever you try, you’ll see that this is a truly
unforgettable destination.
SkiFernie.com
RUNS:
142
VERTICAL:1,082 m (3,550 ft)
TERRAIN: 1,013 ha (2,503 ac)
30% beginner
40% intermediate
30% advanced
Welcome to the champagne powder capital of Canada—home to
Rocky Mountain vistas, 1,260 m (4,133 ft) of extraordinary vertical, and
a world-class resort village. So if you’re looking for a fresh adventure,
look no further. Kicking Horse offers something for everyone: the
Learning Centre caters to first-timers, the wide-open groomers are great
for intermediates, and four alpine bowls offer over 85 inbound chutes that
will challenge even the most experienced skiers. Plus, the Eagle’s Eye
Restaurant, Canada’s most elevated dining experience, boasts spectacular
views from an eye-popping elevation of 2,350 m (7,710 ft). At the end
of the day, take advantage of the impressive ski-in/ski-out village.
RUNS:
129
VERTICAL:1,260 m (4,133 ft)
TERRAIN: 1,133+ ha (2,800+ ac)
20% beginner
20% intermediate
60% advanced
KickingHorseResort.com
5
Mount Washington Alpine Resort
Kimberley Alpine Resort
In the heart of Kimberley lies the ultimate family-friendly alpine destination.
It’s a magical place in the Purcell Mountains where you can relax, recharge
and forget all about city life. Beginner skiers and boarders will instantly
bond with the meticulously groomed powder trails on the front side of
the mountain. The tree-lovers will love the hundreds of acres of gladed
skiable terrain. Consistent snow conditions, incredibly short lift lines and
seemingly endless sunny days make this a skier’s playground. To top it all
off, dogsledding, ice skating, snowshoeing and live music will lure you to
one of many ski-in/ski-out accommodations in this charming family resort.
SkiKimberley.com
RUNS:
80
VERTICAL:751 m (2,464 ft)
TERRAIN: 728 ha (1,800 ac)
20% beginner
42% intermediate
38% advanced
Ski or board some of the deepest snow on the West Coast. How much
snow? How about a staggering annual average of 11.5 m (38 ft)? Take in
the unbelievable ski-to-surf views with the Pacific Ocean as a backdrop
and check out the towering mountains of Vancouver Island’s interior from
the mile-high summit. Explore over 55 km (34 mi) of cross-country trails
nestled in one of BC’s oldest and most stunning parks. While there, try
snowshoeing the 22 km (14 mi) of gentle slopes and rolling hills. If you’re
learning to ski or snowboard, check out the Easy Acres learning area.
Five Magic Carpet lifts will get you safely up the slopes for one of the best
learning experiences in North America. The vibe here is pure Vancouver
Island so enjoy the beautiful scenery, the friendly laid-back atmosphere
and a day with endless possibilities!
RUNS:
81
VERTICAL:505 m (1,657 ft)
TERRAIN: 688 ha (1,700 ac)
14% beginner
35% intermediate
51% advanced
RUNS: 110
MountWashington.ca
Panorama Mountain Village
You could say this destination resort is one of the family-friendliest.
New for this season is a quad chairlift which will access long runs that
are ideal for beginner and intermediate skiers. With a stroll through the
village—everything is within walking distance—enjoy Panorama’s easy
ambience while you take in beautiful views. Known to have a variety of
terrain, the resort’s consistent fall-line cruisers and the Tanyton Bowl’s
backcountry-style terrain provide a “best-of-both-worlds” experience
that appeals to all levels of skiers. You can even easily try heli-skiing—
Panorama specializes in taking out first-timers and trips depart from the
village. After a day filled with activity make sure you take the time for an
après ski soak in Canada’s largest slope-side hot pools.
PanoramaResort.com
RUNS:
120
VERTICAL:1,220 m (4,000 ft)
TERRAIN: 1,152 ha (2,847 ac)
20% beginner
55% intermediate
25% advanced
Red Mountain Resort
Known as the big serene mountain with a small town feel, Red Mountain
is also famous for its incredible tree skiing. New for 2014/15 is in-bound
cat skiing on 79 ha (195 ac) of terrain. Just last winter, RED expanded over
400 ha (1,000 ac) of new skiable terrain with something for everyone:
great cruiser runs, wide-open groomers, south-facing intermediate
terrain and eight expert chutes. During the season, even at the busiest
of times, there is enough room here to carve out your own tracks at your
own pace. After an exhilarating day of skiing, check out the Rafters Bar
located at the newly renovated baselodge. Powder magazine has named
it North America’s No. 1 Ski Bar for its lively music and great food. Need
somewhere to stay? Kick back in one of the newest luxury condos at the
foot of the resort or in the heritage ski town of Rossland.
RedResort.com
VERTICAL:890 m (2,917 ft)
TERRAIN: 1085 ha (2682 ac)
Lift Accessible
1,699 ha (4,200 ac)
Controlled Recreation Area
16% beginner
47% intermediate
37% advanced
6
Revelstoke Mountain Resort
Revelstoke Mountain Resort is an amazing destination with the highest
lift-serviced vertical in North America, plus cat-skiing, heli-skiing and
backcountry skiing, all from one village base. The terrain options are
endless, with majestic alpine bowls, legendary glades, lofty rolling
groomers and a base-area beginner slope. Need more? Feel your pulse
start to race with another half-million acres of heli-skiing terrain and three
alpine bowls for cat-skiing. The village features ski-in/ski-out lodging at
The Sutton Place Hotel as well as great dining options. And the authentic
ski-town atmosphere of downtown Revelstoke is minutes away, offering a
variety of restaurants, cafés and shops.
RUNS:
65
VERTICAL:1,713 m (5,620 ft)
TERRAIN: 1,263 ha (3,121 ac)
7% beginner
45.5% intermediate
47.5% advanced
RevelstokeMountainResort.com
SunPeaksResort.com
This vast mountain with three distinct faces has runs for beginners
looking to cruise down the slopes, through to steep and deep terrain
for those adrenaline-seeking experts. This resort has it all: deep powder,
meticulously groomed cruisers, and some of the best tree-skiing in
Canada. The mix of dry Okanagan powder, mild temperature, and
sunshine make for the perfect snow experience. Alpine lift tickets include
free, unlimited access to 55 km (34 mi) of daily groomed Nordic trails,
16 km (10 mi) of snowshoe trails, Tube Town Adventure Park and
ice skating at Brewer’s Pond. A colourful mid-mountain village offers
exceptional ski-in/ski-out access with plenty of shops and restaurants
to suit all tastes. This winter wonderland is about as wonderful as it gets.
RUNS:
115
VERTICAL:760 m (2,493 ft)
TERRAIN: 1,240 ha (3,064 ac)
15% beginner
40% intermediate
45% advanced
RUNS:
200 +
SkiSilverstar.com
Whistler Blackcomb
SUN PEAKS
Sun Peaks is consistently rated as one of the top ski resorts in Canada due
to its reliable and consistent powder and an award winning ski-in/ski-out
village. The resort is opening more than 200 ha (500 ac) of new, advanced
terrain for 2014/15 season, adding to its already massive acreage.
Canada’s second largest ski area now features over 1,700 ha (4,200 ac) of
skiable terrain that encircles the ski-through village in a unique 360-degree
layout. The charming and picturesque village, plentiful dry powder and
clear blue skies will inspire winter enthusiasts to indulge in other classic
Canadian winter activities. Enjoy dogsledding, snowshoeing, snowmobiling,
ice skating and more. Popular activities such as Fondue Dinner and
Evening Descent, First Tracks, and kids’ nights are being offered more
frequently this season.
Silver Star Mountain Resort
RUNS:
126
VERTICAL:882 m (2,894 ft)
TERRAIN: 1,700 ha (4,200 ac)
10% beginner
58% intermediate
32% advanced
Whistler Blackcomb is consistently ranked the No. 1 mountain resort
in North America for many good reasons: it has the most skiable terrain
in North America, one of the continent’s longest snow seasons, the
world-record-breaking PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola, and a vibrant mountain
culture with what is arguably the best après scene anywhere. Kid-friendly
features like the Whistler Kids snow school, the enchanted Tree Fort and
Magic Castle, ensure families are happy and busy. This winter guests are
invited to try new Whistler Village Gondola cabins for the breathtaking
ride up Whistler Mountain. The cabins seat eight passengers with their
gear in outside racks, increasing lift capacity by 12 per cent through four
additional cabins and greater loading efficiency.
WhistlerBlackcomb.com
VERTICAL:
WHISTLER 1,530 m (5,020 ft)
BLACKCOMB 1,609 m (5,280 ft)
TERRAIN: 3,307 ha (8,171 ac)
18% beginner
55% intermediate
27% advanced
7
Whitewater SKI Resort
Deep in the Kootenay Rockies and along the Powder Highway,
Whitewater is a resort renowned for epic snowfalls. An average
of 12 m (40 ft) of light, dry, powder falls onto 620 vertical metres
(2,044 vertical feet) of uncrowded slopes of family-friendly groomers,
remarkable steeps, top of the line tree-skiing, and endless backcountry.
Small crowds ensure fresh lines in the open bowls or through the
numerous chutes and glades. End your day at the lodge with a locally
inspired meal from an acclaimed menu that has inspired three national
best-selling cookbooks. Whitewater is just a 15-minute drive from
Nelson, an eclectic city that features great restaurants, accommodations,
hot springs and cat- and heli-skiing. So if you’re looking for your life’s
truest skiing experience, you’ve found it.
RUNS:
81
VERTICAL:623 m (2,044 ft)
TERRAIN: 479 ha (1184 ac)
10% beginner
32% intermediate
58% advanced
SkiWhitewater.com
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Each one of our 13 ski resorts has had accolades bestowed upon it from the world’s premier ski and travel publications.
That means you’re sure to end up with an award-winning resort, no matter which one you choose.
APEX MOUNTAIN RESORT
KICKING HORSE MOUNTAIN RESORT
PANORAMA MOUNTAIN VILLAGE
SUN PEAKS RESORT
Best Weather
Ski Canada Magazine (2011)
One of Top 5 Biggest Vertical (West)
Ski Canada Magazine (2009)
British Columbia’s Mountain Resort of the Year
BC Alpine Ski Association (2011)
BIG WHITE SKI RESORT
KIMBERLEY ALPINE RESORT
RED MOUNTAIN RESORT
#2, Best Overall Resort
SBC Resort Guide Editors’ Choice Awards
(2013/2014)
Awarded Best Family Ski Resort
Snow Action Magazine – Australia (2014)
Best Tree Skiing
Ski Canada Magazine (2012)
Most improved North American resort
World Snow Awards (2013)
FERNIE ALPINE RESORT
MOUNT WASHINGTON ALPINE RESORT
REVELSTOKE MOUNTAIN RESORT
Best Winter Trips
National Geographic (2012)
Biggest Snow
Ski Canada Magazine (2012)
Top 10 Ski Resorts in the World
Snow Magazine (2014)
SILVER STAR MOUNTAIN RESORT
Best Family Resort
Okanagan Life Magazine (2013)
WHISTLER BLACKCOMB
#1, Top 10 Ski Resorts in North America
Freeskier Magazine (2014)
WHITEWATER SKI RESORT
Top 10 Emerging Ski-Towns
National Geographic (2013)
8
VANCOUVER SKI AREAS
A
cypressmountain.com
B
grousemountain.com
C
mountseymour.com
Need a quick ski or snowboard fix while you’re in Vancouver?
Hit one—or all three—of the local mountains for spectacular views
and great runs within 30 minutes of the city.
A
WEST
VANCOUVER
A
NORTH
VANCOUVER
B
VANCOUVER
VANCOUVER
INTERNATIONAL
AIRPORT
C
Cypress Mountain is conveniently
located near downtown Vancouver.
The freestyle ski and snowboard venue
for the 2010 Winter Games, Cypress
has the most terrain and greatest
vertical of Vancouver’s mountains, and
also boasts Canada’s most popular
cross country skiing area. With a
massive snow-tubing park for thrill
seekers, plus snowshoe tours for those
who like a slower pace, people of all
kinds will find the winter experience
that’s perfect for them.
B
Grouse Mountain will thrill everybody.
Even the ride up the mountain is
something special. The Skyride provides
panoramic views of the mountain and the
Vancouver skyline that are truly stunning.
And, once at the top, you’ll discover one of
Vancouver’s favourite winter playgrounds.
Everything from great local skiing,
snowboarding, snowshoeing and ice
skating, to great restaurants with views as
breathtaking as the menu items.
C
Mount Seymour is a must for anyone
who just can’t get enough snow-filled
adventure. With four terrain parks,
everyone from beginners to hardcore
professionals will come away with a smile
on their face. Skiing, snowboarding, or
snowshoeing pristine and beautiful
mountain trails are just a few of the
activities to be had here. There’s also the
Enquist Snow Tube Park and tobogganing
hills for those who like less of a challenge.
But locals will tell you just about anything
you choose will delight, even if it’s just
relaxing at the cozy restaurant.
9
BC SKI AREAS
There are many other
ski areas throughout BC.
These mountains are
playgrounds waiting to
be discovered. Take a
road trip and seek out
a brand new adventure.
Bear Mountain Ski Hill
bearmountainskihill.ca
Dawson Creek
Five minutes from lovely Dawson Creek, this is the perfect place to enjoy a few runs and then relax in the
lounge overlooking the hill. And for the night owls out there, Bear Mountain offers night skiing.
Crystal Mountain
crystalresort.com
Westbank
(West Kelowna)
Families love this resort in West Kelowna. It offers great skiing and, as a nice touch, you ski free on your
birthday. Hopefully, you weren’t born in July.
Fairmont Hot Springs Ski Area
fairmonthotsprings.com
Fairmont Hot Springs
This is the place to be for great snow conditions and everything you need to take advantage of them. And
it’s all only a few minutes’ drive from the world-famous hot springs.
Harper Mountain
harpermountain.com
Kamloops
Get in all the skiing and boarding you want, and don’t miss the fun and adventure of Snow Town Tube
Park. Then hit the lodge to sit by the fireplace and get some hot eats.
Hemlock Resort
hemlockvalleyresort.com
Agassiz/Mission
The Hemlock Valley is one of the best-kept secrets in the Lower Mainland. It gets one of the best snowfalls
around and, besides skiing and snowboarding, it has a four-lane tube park.
Hudson Bay Mountain
hudsonbaymountain.com
Smithers
“It’s always been about the powder” just about says it all. You’ll find plenty of the white stuff here and
won’t soon forget the adventures you had in this awesome wilderness of snowy beauty.
Manning Park Resort
manningpark.com
Manning Provincial Park
Visitors get access to amazing groomed Nordic trails as well as excellent snowshoeing trails. And winter
camping is available for the really adventurous.
Mount Baldy
skibaldy.com
Oliver/Osoyoos
You’ll get everything you expect from an awesome BC ski resort, plus an 18-hole championship Frisbee
golf course.
Mount Cain
mountcain.com
Woss
If you’re on Vancouver Island, you’ll want to be on Mount Cain. This family-friendly mountain offers great
skiing and virtually no line-ups.
Mount Timothy Ski Area
skitimothy.com
Lac la Hache
The skiing here is excellent, but what makes this place special is the laidback vibe and smaller crowds.
And when you get off the slopes, the log day lodge is a great place to just put your feet up and enjoy
the vistas.
Murray Ridge Ski Area
murrayridge.com
Fort St. James
This is a breathtaking spot for anyone looking to enjoy some family-friendly skiing that’s not going to eat
into your wallet too much. Mom and Dad, and the little ones, will be glad they came.
My Mountain Coop, Shames Mountain
mymountaincoop.ca
Terrace
If you’re into backcountry skiing, this is the place to do it. There’s nothing but endless untouched powder
just waiting to be cut through here.
Phoenix Mountain
skiphoenix.com
Grand Forks
Locals call this “the best little mountain in BC”. And if you visit this winter playground, you’re sure to
agree.
Powder King Mountain Resort
powderking.com
Mackenzie
The name alone lets you know what you’re in for. Powder King gets an awesome 1250 cm (492 in) of
powder per year. And it falls on everything from beginner runs to drops that only the most adventurous
will attempt.
Purden Ski Village
purden.com
Prince George
Strap your skis on and hit the hills at central BC’s largest ski mountain. It’s got dry powder runs, treed runs,
and you’ll never have to complain about crowds here. It’s central BC’s hidden gem.
Salmo Ski Hill
skisalmo.com
Salmo
This West Kootenays favourite is famous for its night skiing on full-lit runs. But a visit during the day will be
just as fun.
Summit Lake
skisummitlake.com
Nakusp
Summit Lake is all about affordable skiing for the whole family. It’s got everything you could ask for from a
great ski trip – except an expensive price tag.
Tabor Mountain Ski Resort
tabormountain.com
Prince George
There are more than a dozen runs of fun here that are sure to please anyone looking for nice slopes and
good powder.
Troll Ski Resort
trollskiresort.com
Quesnel
Don’t worry, this ski resort is a lot more beautiful than its name would suggest. Take in the views while you
take on the mountain.
10
OFF THE SLOPES
After a big day on the slopes,
it’s time for a big night out.
BC’s 13 resorts are home to
some of the best après-ski
you’ll ever experience. Join
the fun as the evening kicks
into high gear—or shake off the
day’s excitement by finding
something more relaxing.
Either way, you’re sure to enjoy
an après-ski adventure that’s
as celebrated as our slopes.
RETAIL THERAPY
RELAXATION IS AN ART FORM HERE
CUISINE AS FRESH AS THE POWDER
HIGH-ALTITUDE NIGHTLIFE
Sometimes just wandering around a
charming alpine village is exactly
what you need. Pair your stroll with a
few great buys and that’s some time
well spent. You can browse for hours
here and find quaint souvenirs,
sporting equipment, beautiful
Aboriginal art, or the latest skiwear
for when you’re recharged and ready
for the slopes again.
When you slip off your skis, awardwinning restaurants offer a more
elegant dining experience while
quaint cafés offer the perfect casual
break. And just about everywhere
you go, your meal will be paired with
exquisite mountain views.
When you have scenery this serene
and beautiful, it’s only natural you’ll
want to enhance it with some
sensuous treatment at a luxury spa.
Massages, full body wraps, or
acupuncture are the order of the day
here. As the stress melts away, rest
assured that the snow will still be
there for you when you want to get
back on the runs.
Nightlife is alive and well at the
resorts too—but with an alpine twist.
And depending on what you like to
do, your après-ski can easily turn into
après-après-ski. Pubs and clubs and
everything in between means
everyone gets what they’re looking
for after dark. So whether you’re in
need of a relaxing glass of wine, or a
hopping dance floor, it’s all here.
11
OTHER SKI ACTIVITIES
HELI-SKIING
& CAT-SKIING
It’s no wonder these two types of epic skiing were
born in BC. With ten massive mountain ranges, plus
equally massive snowfalls, BC is the perfect place
to get your adrenaline going. Plunge into
untouched powder, diverse terrain, and descents
from the highest peaks.
Whether you take to the skies by helicopter, or track
your way up the mountain on the treads of a snowcat,
you’ll find the skier’s paradise you’re looking for. Just
imagine the chance to ski an area more than 100
times the size of BC’s largest ski resort — and you’re
sharing it with only a few other people.
In BC, we know there’s
nothing more exciting
than strapping on a pair of
skis and hitting the slopes.
But we also know that
touching those skis down
on powder that hasn’t been
touched by anyone else is
even more amazing.
And the different ways you can experience the
skiing are just as incredible as the skiing itself. Go
for a multi-day excursion for maximum thrills or just
go for a day trip. Check out remote destination
lodges featuring hot tubs and gourmet meals or
in-town hotels with great après-ski nightlife just
around the corner.
So come to BC and explore heli- and cat-skiing.
You’re sure to discover something you won’t
soon forget.
12
OTHER SKI ACTIVITIES
Skiing doesn’t have to
be fast to be fun. Taking
it slow and taking in the
scenery is often the way
to go. And it’s nice to have
time to catch your breath—
especially when your
surroundings can take
your breath away.
BACKCOUNTRY SKIING
CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING
In BC, sometimes it’s nice to get off the beaten path
and create some of your own paths. And the BC
backcountry is the perfect place to do it. The terrain
offers a wide variety of experiences for skiers of all
kinds. Discover hidden powder stashes anywhere from
alpine bowls, rolling slopes, and steep chutes to
peaceful glades, epic ridges, and wide glaciers.
BC is where you need to be if you’re looking for worldclass trails groomed for classic and skate skiing. Every
winter, the abundant and consistent snowfall turns the
province into a cross-country skier’s playground.
And when you’re not pushing forward in the wilderness,
there are plenty of great places to lay your head and get
some rest. Backcountry accommodations are as diverse
as the terrain. Go for luxury fly-in retreats, cozy alpine
cabins or rustic backcountry huts. Though where you
stay may depend on how much adventure you can
handle. Check out a guided backcountry ski tour for a
day trip, multi-day excursion, or hut-to-hut traverse, or
just strike out on your own.
Go backcountry once and you’ll always go back.
If skiers have all the time in the world, they could
criss-cross the province and visit more than 50
cross-country skiing areas. And, of course, most of
BC’s major ski resorts have incredible trails waiting
for you. At Whistler Olympic Park, skiers can even
tackle the same trails where athletes competed for
gold during the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and
Paralympic Winter Games.
For the more adventurous, provincial and national
parks offer less crowded and more peaceful trails, plus
loads of chances to spot wildlife just hanging out in
the great outdoors with you.
Wherever you go, you’re sure to get a ski experience
that won’t disappoint.
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MORE WINTER FUN
SNOWSHOEING
BC provides the trails, powder and pristine winter scenery
for one of North America’s fastest-growing winter sports.
Fasten on a pair of snowshoes and wander our trails at your
own pace. It’s perfect for families seeking a fresh air activity,
adventurers wanting a cardio workout and outdoor lovers.
TUBING/TOBOGGANING
Relive those childhood winter days hurtling down a hill on a
crazy carpet. BC is slider heaven with various designated
toboggan areas and snow-tube parks. Enjoy the thrill and
excitement of sliding down the hill on a toboggan or in a
specially designed tube.
DOGSLEDDING
There’s more to BC mountains than
just skiing and snowboarding.
During your vacation, why not mix it up
and take advantage of the abundant
winter activities available throughout BC,
many of which can be enjoyed at your
favourite resort or ski area.
Dogsledding is a unique way for you to explore BC’s
wilderness in winter. Gliding quietly along snow-covered
trails, the sleds are pulled by teams of enthusiastic dogs and
offer a memorable backcountry experience. Scenery along
the route can include mountain views, frozen lakes or
powder-filled meadows.
SNOWMOBILING
Snowmobilers have plenty of places to play in BC. There’s a
wide variety of terrain, including groomed trails, massive
glaciers, and hillsides topped with fresh snow. Beginners
can zip along established routes, while advanced sledders
will revel in steep and remote riding areas.
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INFORMATION FOR VISITORS
Key Travel Information
For important information regarding currency exchange, customs, and other
travel information, visit www.BritishColumbia.travel.
WATCH BC
SKI VIDEOS >
Departure Location & TRAVEL DURATION
(Times are approximate)
To Vancouver
London
9.5 hours
Frankfurt 10.5 hours
Amsterdam 9.5 hours
Sydney
14 hours
Auckland 13 hours
To Calgary
London
Frankfurt
Amsterdam
Sydney
Auckland
YouTube.com/HelloBC
9.5 hours
10 hours
9.5 hours
17 hours
16.5 hours
PLAN YOUR
BC SKI HOLIDAY >
Seattle, Washington is also an airline gateway into British Columbia.
INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES SERVICING BRITISH COLUMBIA
www.BritishColumbia.travel/ski
Air Canada, Air New Zealand, Air Transat, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines,
British Airways, KLM, Lufthansa, Qantas, United Airlines and Virgin Australia.
Airlines Servicing British Columbia’s Ski Resorts
Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, Central Mountain Air, Pacific Coastal Airlines and WestJet.
PASSPORT INFORMATION
For all travel into Canada, visitors must present their passports.
For updates, please visit the Canada Border Services Agency
website at http://www.cic.gc.ca/English/visit/visas.asp.
For individuals travelling from the United States to Canada, please visit the
U.S. Department of State website at www.travel.state.gov.
ROADS, ROUTES & RAIL
For driving routes, road conditions, and information on border delays in
British Columbia, please visit www.DriveBC.ca.
VIA Rail and Amtrak all offer scheduled trips to destinations within the province.
For more information on rail travel options, please visit www.BritishColumbia.travel.
©
2014 Destination BC Corp. — All rights reserved. “SUPER , NATURAL BRITI SH COLUMBIA”, “SUPER , NATURAL” and “HELLO BC” and all associated logos/trade-marks are trade-marks of Destination BC Corp.
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