Big White Ski Resort
A toast to families, champagne powder
While many of the lower slopes of B.C.'s interior mountains are known for producing wine, the higher altitudes offer another indulgence: champagne powder. It's said to be some of North America's fluffiest snow, and blankets areas that offer long verticals, varied terrain, top-notch facilities and easy-going ski-in/ski-out resort villages.
"Skiing on light, dry powder snow provides a much better ski experience than other less desirable forms of snow, like heavy or wet snow, or ice," says David Lynn, president and CEO of Canada West Ski Areas Association, adding that the region is easily accessible via Kelowna International Airport, Kamloops Airport or by road.
Interior region resorts are known to be uncrowded, well priced and family friendly added Lynn, noting that these local mountains offer "great skiing and great diversity."
Big White Ski Resort and Silver Star Mountain Resort are about an hour away from Kelowna, and Sun Peaks Resort is located near Kamloops.
Despite its compact size, Kelowna – situated on the eastern shore of Okanagan Lake – has all the amenities of a major city: fine dining, unique shops and a vibrant arts and culture scene. And with more than 120 wineries nearby, the end of a day on the slopes or a ski holiday at nearby resorts can be celebrated in style.
Kelowna International Airport, now Canada's tenth-largest airport, offers flights to many destinations, including a new daily connection to Los Angeles.
Big White Ski Resort celebrated its 50 anniversary last year. The resort has earned a reputation as one of the country's premier family winter destinations with a multitude of kid-friendly amenities. In addition to skiing, there are various activities on offer, including the Mega Snow Coaster Tube Park, an 18-metre ice climbing tower and skating on Canada's highest-altitude outdoor rink.
Silver Star Mountain Resort is nestled in the Okanagan Valley next to Vernon. The resort is another favourite with families and mixes up gentle slopes, groomed runs and challenging off-piste terrain. Silver Star's network of cross-country trails is among the most extensive in North America. The combined groomed trails at Silver Star and neighbouring Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre come to a total of 113 kilometres.
Located at the confluence of the South and North Thompson rivers, the city of Kamloops offers a multitude of outdoor activities. This Interior B.C. town also takes pride in its vibrant arts community and First Nations culture.
A 45-minute drive north, Sun Peaks Resort offers a choice of three mountains and an intimate ski-in/ski-out village at great value. It has 125 named trails (including two bowls), 30 kilometres of groomed and track-set Nordic trails, plus 14 kilometres of ungroomed backcountry skiing.
Further south near Penticton, Apex Mountain Resort offers pure powder, smooth cruisers and steep chutes.
B.C.'s interior region makes for "great skiing due to dry snow," according to Lynn, and offers quality on-hill accommodations at great value.