Reaching for the skis

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Imagine arriving at a crossroads and a sign with an arrow that reads Powder Highway. Any skier or snowboarder worth their weight in freshly fallen snow would follow such a sign. For B.C.-born-and-bred writer Andrew Findlay, there are few experiences as exciting as loading the car with ski gear and snacks and setting off on a winter road trip.

(Credit: ROBIN SIGGERS)

"B.C. is blessed with such a density and variety of ski resorts, as well as a topography that lends itself perfectly to winter road trips," says Findlay.

The Okanagan Valley has its triumvirate of road-trip-worthy ski resorts – Big White, SilverStar and Sun Peaks – all renowned for expansive terrain, feather-light snow and intimate alpine villages. At Sun Peaks, you can explore 4,270 acres of terrain, the second largest in Canada, using 12 lifts to access three distinct mountains: Tod, Morrisey and Sundance. SilverStar enjoys more than 700 cm of "champagne" powder annually that requires no snowmaking whatsoever. And Big White Ski Resort offers up Canada's largest totally ski-in/ski-out resort village serviced by 15 lifts.

DESTINATION

Fernie, B.C., Canada Legendary powder and much more Fernie Alpine Resort receives an average of 29 feet (875 cm) of legendary powder snow each season and attracts a wide range of skiers and riders from around the globe. With over 2,500 acres of skiable terrain, 107 runs, five alpine bowls, state-of-the-art snowmaking and grooming equipment, and an exceptional beginner’s area, Fernie is a true winter playground for skiers and riders of all levels. Enjoy ski-in/ski-out convenience with a variety of accommodations on the mountain. Soak in your own hot tub in a 5-star mountain chalet, or watch the sunset over the mountain peaks from the balcony of your private condominium. Come and discover what a great winter vacation to the Canadian Rockies is all about – huge alpine bowls and uncrowded trails. With a mild, but snowfall-heavy climate, the weather won’t send many chills down your spine, but the scenery and incredible skiing will. Plan your vacation experience at Fernie Alpine Resort. Visitors always feel at home and choose to come back, again and again.   skifernie.com

The journey up Hwy. 99, through Sea-to-Sky, transports you from the urban excitement of Vancouver to the world-renowned slopes and mountain culture of Whistler Blackcomb. It's where you can test yourself on more than 200 runs, 16 alpine bowls, three glaciers and more than 8,100 acres, on two side-by-side mountains.

Another one of Findlay's favourite places for road tripping is the Powder Highway. The clever moniker for the Kootenay region of the province is synonymous with steep, deep, blower, big vertical, cruisy, epic and pretty much any other superlative associated with skiing and boarding, not to mention hot springs for après relaxation.

Begin at Fernie Alpine Resort, where the lifts service five alpine bowls in the legendary Lizard Range of the Canadian Rockies, with snow as light as the down in a puffy jacket. Next up is Kimberley Alpine Resort, a destination that's always been a breeding ground of ski racing talent, with its fall line groomers and spacious terrain.

At Panorama Mountain Resort, the long slopes and short lift lines allow for ample time to immerse yourself in the big mountain experience, and European-style hut-to-hut dining makes for a unique break in your ski day.

Then there's Kicking Horse Resort. Eagle Express Gondola shuttles skiers and boarders to the top of the Dogtooth Range in the Purcell Mountains in a more than 1,200-vertical-metre, butterflies-in-the-stomach ascent. From the top terminal, you can choose your adventure, says Findlay.

West of Kicking Horse is Revelstoke Mountain Resort, famous for its fall line skiing, high alpine bowls, gladed terrain and endless groomers.

But a road trip is about more than just skiing; it's also about the towns and stops in between. In this part of B.C., you'll find real communities with heart and character, where winter recreation and sport is a part of social and historical fabric.

"B.C. is blessed with such a density and variety of ski resorts, as well as a topography that lends itself perfectly to winter road trips."

- Andrew Findlay
is a B.C.-born-and-bred writer

Fernie, with its main street lined in heritage buildings, steeped in the tradition of 19th century mining, where skiing has a long history, dating back more than 50 years. Kimberley, and its quaint alpine motif, also oozing with colourful mining and pioneering history. And Golden, near the confluence of the Kicking Horse and mighty Columbia River, and at the foot of Kicking Horse Resort, where a tradition of mountain adventure has its roots in the golden era of railroading in Canada.

While a love of skiing will lead you to the Powder Highway, according to Findlay, the mountain towns full of real mountain people will keep you coming back.

This content was produced by Randall Anthony Communications, in partnership with The Globe and Mail's advertising department. The Globe's editorial department was not involved in its creation.