Cool Towns in The Great Wilderness
The sheer size of The Great Wilderness defies comparison—yet, for millennia, people here have carved out lives in its farthest corners.
Strap the skis to the roof, pack the car with gear, and set out on the open road with these four ski road trips.
Cruise the Coastal Route
BC’s coast welcomes big storms thanks to the Pacific Ocean. This explains why Mount Washington Alpine Resort and Whistler Blackcomb receive an average annual snowfall of 38 feet (11.5 metres). The slopes overlooking the city of Vancouver—Mt Seymour, Grouse Mountain, and Cypress Mountain—turn into a complete winter wonderland. This proximity to the storm-serving ocean offers more perks, too. You can ski Mount Washington in the morning and head to Tofino for a surf lesson in the afternoon, or drive up to Whistler along the scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway, a journey in itself.
Want to explore smaller resorts in this area? Check out Hemlock Resort, Manning Park, and Mount Cain.
Ski and Sip in Wine Country
Après ski need not be an activity reserved for beer lovers. In BC’s Thompson Okanagan, many wineries are open year round, which means you can pair a day on the slopes with an evening of wine tasting. Better yet, take a rest day and indulge in a leisurely wine tour. SilverStar Mountain Resort is a hop, skip, and a jump to explore wineries of Kelowna and Lake Country, while Big White Ski Resort has tours running every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday with Lets Go Wine Tours, offering pick-up and drop-off from the resort. While Big Reds at Big White is held every December or wine aficionados who wish to pair ski and BC wine in one setting.
Other ski areas in wine country include Harper Mountain and Baldy Mountain Resort.
Ride the Powder Highway®
The Powder Highway® is the road of skiers’ dreams. Eight resorts, three ski areas, more than 30 heli- and cat-ski operators, almost two dozen backcountry lodges, and quaint mountain towns speckle this loop of resorts in eastern BC. This route may seem daunting, but you can explore its expanse in sections. (You’ll have an excuse to come back.) Here are a few route options along BC’s Powder Highway®.
Go High: Revelstoke Mountain Resort, Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, Panorama Mountain Resort, Fairmont Hot Springs Resort.
Stay Low: RED Mountain Resort, Whitewater Ski Resort, Kimberley Alpine Resort, Fernie Alpine Resort
Keep West: Revelstoke Mountain Resort, Whitewater Ski Resort, RED Mountain Resort
Try East: Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, Panorama Mountain, Fairmont Hot Springs Resort, Kimberley Alpine Resort, Fernie Alpine Resort
Want to explore smaller resorts in this area? Check out Salmo Ski Hill, Wapiti Ski Club, and Summit Lake Ski and Snowboard Area.
Tackle the Northern Circuit
Eager to head for the lesser-known resorts in Northern BC? The lift lines are short, the powder is dry, and the ski culture has some deep roots. If you want to experience authentic ski communities, this is where you’ll find them. Ski with the locals at the community-owned Shames Mountain, ride the literal Trail to Town at Hudson Bay Mountain, or slash some powder in the Northern Rocky Mountains at Powder King Mountain Resort.
Want to explore more Northern BC ski areas? Head to Tabor Mountain Ski Resort, Purden Ski Village, Bear Mountain Ski Hill, and Murray Ridge Ski Area.
Check out this BC ski map for more trip planning information and ski resort locations.
BC’s winter road conditions can include snow and ice. Be sure to check DriveBC before heading out on any road trip and be aware of the winter tire and chain regulations across the province from October 1 to March 31.
-
-
Mountain Biking in The Great Wilderness
The mountain biking trails in The Great Wilderness punctuate the immensity of the surrounding environment.
-
Nisg̱a'a Lands Auto Tour:
A Journey through Nature and CultureThe Nisg̱a'a Lands Auto Tour is an 18-stop self-guided drive through the Nisga'a Lands, also known as the Nass Valley.
