How to Spend 7 Days
on a Ski Trip to British Columbia, Canada

Dreaming of your next ski holiday is easy. Planning for it takes a bit more effort. With direct flights to British Columbia from most major cities in North America and other international hubs, a ski trip to Canada is closer and easier than you might think. Here are four ways you could spend 7 days in British Columbia, Canada to help make those ski dreams a reality.

1. Whistler Blackcomb and Vancouver

What do you think of skiing the largest resort in North America and visiting Vancouver—a city perched on the edge of wilderness—in one trip? It could be the perfect ski holiday. Fly into Vancouver and shuttle or private charter up to Canada’s must-ski destination, Whistler Blackcomb. A number of shuttle companies whisk skiers directly from the Vancouver International Airport up to Whistler in just two hours, where 8,000 acres of ski terrain and more than 200 runs await. Once in Whistler, there is no need for a vehicle. Whistler Village is easily navigated on foot with a variety of ski-in/ski-out accommodations and a bus system linking the entire Whistler Valley. It’s easy to spend five days skiing here, even if your legs only last three. Those rest days are never dull—soak in the outdoor hot pools of the Scandinave Spa, zipline through the rainforest, take a snowmobile tour, or culture crawl through the village.

Once you’ve ticked off Whistler Blackcomb, you can head back to the city of Vancouver and get a two-day dose of urban experiences. Enjoy the Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge, dine at world-class restaurants, sip local beer on a brewery tour, and more. If more than a few days away from the slopes is too tough to handle, there are three ski resorts—Cypress, Grouse, and Seymour—to get in some turns while you’re in the city. Ski them at night, while overlooking the city lights below. It’s a magical winter experience.

2. Sun Peaks and Big White

Do you like your days sunny and your snow light? Set your ski sights on Sun Peaks Resort and Big White Ski Resort in BC’s Interior.

Head for Sun Peaks Resort, Canada’s second largest, and experience a lively winter village and enough terrain to never ski the same run twice. With three different mountains to ski there is no shortage of new zones to explore. Off the slopes there is plenty to do too. Take a horse drawn sleigh ride through the snow, stroll the shops and restaurants of the pedestrian-only village, or have fondue on the mountain top before skiing down guided by the stars. Getting to Sun Peaks? Easy. There are direct flights from Vancouver to Kamloops and an airport shuttle that can take you directly to your slopeside accommodation.

Spend a few days in Sun Peaks before checking out Big White Ski Resort, another Interior favourite. There is option to book the inter resort shuttle, whisking skiers from Sun Peaks to Big White in 4.5 hours.

Once you arrive at Big White Ski Resort you’ll find more fluffy powder, a vibrant pedestrian village, and plenty of ski-in/ski-out accommodation options. This is another place where a vehicle isn’t necessary. Most of the accommodation is ski-in/ski-out, and the small village has everything you need—cafes, bars, restaurants, and grocery stores. With 119 runs and 16 lifts, Big White has new terrain to explore every day. Dogsledding tours, an ice-climbing tower, outdoor skating, and village fireworks are some great ways to have a true Canadian winter experience. It’s an easy place to spend a few more days.

3. RED Mountain Resort and Whitewater Ski Resort

Close to the US border and along the southern region of BC’s Powder Highway you will find two resorts true to their laid-back vibes through and through.

RED Mountain Resort, in the tiny mountain town of Rossland, offers 119 marked runs across five peaks. The snow is plentiful and the lift lines short, making this a favourite of destination skiers and locals alike. One of the most unique experiences in BC happens right here. Head for the Mt. Kirkup Cat Ski pick up area, toss the driver $10, and jump in. You’ll be taken to ski terrain only serviced by snowcat. Which means you can ski fresh snow right back to the lift.

Next up? Head an hour northeast of Rossland to Nelson and Whitewater Ski Resort, just a 20-minute drive from town. Eclectic Nelson oozes charm and true mountain town vibes. Stroll the downtown to find an exceptional restaurant and cafe scene, browse the shops for local goods, and check out the breweries. The days on-resort will not disappoint. With an average snowfall of 12m (40ft) and 958ha (2,367ac) of skiable terrain to explore, the fresh powder can stick around for days, leaving everyone with fresh lines to explore. Don’t miss out on dining at the Fresh Tracks Cafe, serving up some of BC’s best on-mountain food.

Flying from Vancouver to Castlegar is the easiest way to get to this area of British Columbia. If you live closer to the US/Canada border, you can road trip north to visit this picturesque mountain region.

4. Revelstoke Mountain Resort and Kicking Horse Mountain Resort

If you are looking for big vertical, massive snowfall, and terrain suited for the advanced skier in you, look no further than a trip to Kicking Horse Mountain Resort and Revelstoke Mountain Resort. Both of these mountains have some serious terrain for those looking to push their limits, combined with some long, gentle slopes to keep everyone happy.

Canada’s newest ski resort—Revelstoke Mountain Resort—may be the new kid on the block, but it’s already getting international attention. Set in the charming mountain town of Revelstoke, this place has some real Canadian culture. Spend a few days here working on your turns, and build up the courage to give one of the most challenging trails on this mountain—Kill The Banker—a run for its money.

Keep heading east towards BC’s Canadian Rockies and head for Kicking Horse Mountain Resort. Perched high above BC’s quiet mountain town of Golden, this resort is squished among six of Canada’s most mountainous National Parks. Most of the trails are designated black or double-black runs, which means it’s a good place to push your boundaries and test your skills.

Need more inspiration for a week-long ski vacation? See more BC ski stories and ski deals below.

This story was originally written in September 2018 and was updated in May 2022.