Your Guide to 7 British Columbia Hidden Gem Ski Resorts
 Skiers love to talk. Give them fifteen minutes on a chair lift or half an hour in a hot tub and they’ll happily debate the best gear, the best après scenes and the best 4x4s for getting up the hills. But ask them what the biggest and best-known ski resort is in Canada and there is no debate: Whistler Blackcomb wears the crown.
Heading into the 2009/2010 season, Whistler Blackcomb continues its reign as the #1 ski resort in North America—a reputation it annually defends with epic snowfall, staggering terrain, record-breaking innovations (read: the new Peak 2 Peak Gondola) and this season, playing host to the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. On and off piste, the reasons to rock this globally renowned resort abound. In Canada, however, Whistler Blackcomb is only the beginning.
 The resorts of Big White, Silver Star and Sun Peaks in BC’s Thompson Okanagan region, each a short flight or half-day’s drive from Vancouver International Airport, have become fast favourites with NZ skiers and riders, winning international favour with quintessential ski-town ambience, family-friendly options, and rollicking good après ski scenes.
Together with Whistler Blackcomb, these resorts set international standards for ski-in/ski-out accommodation. They also have the highest number of repeat Kiwi and Aussie visitors than any other Canadian ski resort, and it’s no secret why: every day at these resorts is a guaranteed ski day.
But wait, there’s much more.
Get off the beaten track and experience some classic Canadian hospitality in the HIDDEN GEMS OF BRITISH COLUMBIA.
These “Hidden Gems” are well-serviced with flights to/from Vancouver, with intercity coach connections that rumble into town and drop you off at the local diner. By far the best way to get there, however, is the DIY self-drive ski tour.
Put yourself in charge and you’re guaranteed to pick the best of the best steep-and-deep, backcountry, powder, trees, bowls and glades, and pack in as much vertical as daylight permits. When the sun does set, relax in a warm pub with a cold beer, chatting with the locals who are happy to share their snow stories with visitors.
 1. Panorama Ski Resort
Tucked in the majestic Purcell Mountains in the Kootenay Rockies, straddling the border of BC and Alberta, Panorama is an intimate, family-friendly ski resort. Its uncrowded slopes feature 1,214 hectares and 121 trails of perfectly groomed, cruise-y runs and quintessential back-country skiing all accessed by nine lifts. Its terrain park is the biggest and best in the region. Taynton Bowl was once accessible only by heli-ski operators, but is now open to all advanced skiers, providing plenty of steep-and-deep for adrenaline junkies.
 Slope-side accommodation is literally that, steps from the lifts but miles from crowds. A range of ski in/ski out townhomes and condominiums with fully equipped kitchens feature the comforts of home.
For a break from the slopes, try heli-skiing, a snowmobile tour, dog sledding, ice fishing, or a horse-drawn sleigh ride. After an ideal day, imbibe at one of Panorama’s restaurants, browse souvenir shops and local galleries, or indulge in a soothing dip in the famous Panorama Springs Hot Pools right at the base of the lifts.
Panorama is a fantastic resort for a 7-night, “stay-put” ski holiday. Or, add it to your driving ski tour and stop for 3 – 4 nights on your way through the Rockies
- Fantastic slopeside accommodation and village
- Pristine back-country skiing
- Biggest and best terrain park in the Kootenays
- Best family-fun pool complex
More details on Skiing Panorama »
 2. Kimberley Alpine Resort
Ample sunshine, silken powder and a charming, Bavarian-style village are just the beginning at Kimberley Alpine Resort. It’s also known for consistent snow conditions, spectacular fall line runs, and regular dumps of dry Purcell Mountain powder.
Kimberley’s terrain satisfies all ability levels of skier or boarder, with the front side of the mountain better-suited for the beginner or novice who enjoys long, wide-open trails that are groomed to perfection. The Easter Bowl on the backside caters to more adventurous types with steep fall line runs, tree skiing, big moguls and long-lasting powder stashes. Throw in quick lift queues and you’ve got a destination for the whole family.
The popular Trickle Creek Lodge and the elegant Polaris Lodge redefine "ski-in, ski-out" as the lifts are literally only a snowball's throw away. When you’re finished enjoying the slopes, it’s time to visit Kimberley’s Guest Services to check out the current activities and entertainment, such as an evening snowshoe tour while watching the Alpenglow on the mountains, cross-country ski, a traditional game of hockey and regularly scheduled Kidzrule Evening activity programs! The Kimberley town site, historic and charming, is called the “Bavarian City of the Rockies” and is located only minutes from the base of the ski area for additional restaurants & shopping. Make the most of your holiday as Kimberley has an interchangeable day lift pass with Fernie Alpine Resort only 1.5hrs drive away.
Kimberley also boasts the longest illuminated run in Canada, so if you want to enjoy the night life (before you enjoy the night life), the slopes are yours from Tuesday through Saturday.
- Bavarian ski town
- Illuminated night skiing
- Good value for money ski in/ski out accommodation
More details on Skiing Kimberley »
 3. Whitewater Ski Resort
Far from the bustle of other renowned BC ski resorts, Whitewater is a quaint, laid-back destination with short lift lines and long-reaching hospitality. Nestled in the Selkirk Mountains close to the historic town of Nelson, Whitewater’s brand reads “Pure, Simple and Real…DEEP” in reference to its legendary powder and the warmth of locals who pervade the slopes.
 Whitewater isn’t a mountain for the faint-hearted. Voted as having “Best Deeps, Best Bowls, Best Glades,” a whopping 10-metres of dry powder falls on its celebrated vertical each year, leaving more than a few snow ghosts to wind fresh tracks around. At the heart of the resort is a rustic day lodge that houses its ticket office, rentals, lessons, store, pub and the Fresh Tracks Café, arguably one of the best on-mountain food stops in Canada.
There is no accommodation on-mountain but nearby Nelson, a charmer of a lakeside community with the feel of the Old West town, has the necessary amenities including hotels, restaurants, shops and bars. Accommodation books quickly, but Dive Fish Snow Travel has the inside track and can easily sort lodging.
Combine Whitewater with Red Mountain Resort and Fernie Alpine Resort. Spend 2 – 3 days at each to build a memorable driving ski holiday.
- Funky, historic town
- Warm Canadian hospitality from cordial locals
- Renowned for powder, bowls and glades
More details on Skiing Whitewater »
 4. Red Mountain.
Named one of the Top Ten Resorts of North America by Forbes magazine, Red is quickly becoming one of the continent’s most sought-after mountain destinations thanks to surreal powder, inviting ski in/ski out accommodation, and a town full of character.
 Red features slopeside lodging, short lift lines and world-class terrain, with 884 vertical metres of tree skiing, wide-open glades of champagne powder, easy-to-access backcountry and gorgeous groomed runs. eighty-eight runs span two stellar peaks linking more than 682 skiable hectares serviced by 6 lifts. Intermediate and beginner skiers won’t want for runs, and boarders will love the 2.4 hectare park, which includes a 9 metre wall ride, rails, fun boxes, and tabletop jumps for riders of all ability levels.
Red Mountain Resort and Dive Fish Snow can offer don’t-miss deals on luxurious ski in/ski out, truly value for money accommodation.
- Best bet for skiers wanting steep-and-deep
- Amazing value ski in/ski out accommodation
- More Canadian ski champions call Red home than any other resort
More details on Skiing Red Mountain »
 5. Kicking Horse Mountain Resort
This gem of a resort lies within BC’s borders, although it’s located just 2.5 hours from Calgary, Alberta. Famed for awesome vertical, deep powder and spectacular terrain mix, an express gondola accesses most of Kicking Horse’s 1,260 vertical in only 12 minutes. With 106 runs and 70 inbound chutes, you’re bound to ski and ride an impressive feast of vertical comparable to that of heli-skiing. The deep, light, dry powder is a pure delight.
One of BC’s newest resorts, Kicking Horse’s on-mountain village is growing steadily. On-mountain dining ranges from “grab-and-go” to fine dining, and a must visit is Canada’s most-elevated culinary experience: The Eagle’s Eye Restaurant.
Off the slopes, a range of winter experiences tempt, such as snowshoeing, heli-skiing, snowmobiling, telemark skiing, an ice skating rink, tubing hill and climbing gym.
- Insane vertical
- Champagne Powder capital of Canada
- Highest on-mountain restaurant in Canada
More details on Skiing Kicking Horse»
 6. Fernie Alpine Resort
Deep in the majestic limestone cliffs of the Lizard Range in the Rocky Mountains of BC, Fernie Alpine Resort is Canada’s fastest-growing, with 114 trails, five bowls, and plenty of tree skiing over the 1,013 hectares of skiable terrain, 10 lifts and one rail park. An impressive 8.83 metres of heaven-sent snow blankets it all.
You choose your adventure at Fernie, be it steep-and-deep or smooth and gentle.
The charming historical town of Fernie, with turn of the century architecture is only minutes from the base of the ski area, providing a variety of restaurants & shops to enjoy and has been called the “Coolest Town in North America” by Rolling Stone Magazine and “The Best Ski Town in Canada” by Ski Canada Magazine.
As an additional benefit to your ski holiday, your multi-day lift pass (3+days) is also valid for use at nearby Kimberley Alpine Resort. Kimberley is renowned for it’s wide-open, groomed, fall line terrain and is located 1.5hr west of Fernie in the beautiful Purcell Mountain Range.
A range of tastefully appointed accommodations and year round services are at your disposal at the base village, with more improvements and real estate opportunities on the horizon that will present the very best in Mountain Living.
- Heaps of snow
- Endless adventures
- Fastest-growing resort in Canada
More details on Skiing Fernie»
 7. Revelstoke Mountain Resort
In only its second year of operation, Revelstoke Mountain Resort is the newest kid on the BC ski resort block, and is fast gaining a reputation as the gnarliest, most exciting skiing and boarding destination around.
 Located two hours from Kelowna Airport, or four hours from Calgary, Alberta, the ski field itself is a 5-minute drive from the town of Revelstoke, a quiet community chock full of real characters that you’re likely to meet in the bars at night.
Yes, awesome terrain that includes tree skiing and colossal vertical excites (some necessitates hiking to access, but for the powder it’s worth the effort), but there’s plenty of big cruisers that will suit all levels. One green run flows over 15 kilometres, offering epic views over the Columbia Valley and the Monashee Mountain Ranges.
When your thighs cry for mercy, check out the Revelstoke Aquatic Centre’s 25-metre, six-lane saltwater pool, a swirling waterslide, climbing wall, children’s wading pool, hot tub, steam room, sauna and high-diving board.
The expansion continues this season at Revelstoke, with more ski areas opened and accessible by more chair lifts.
- 18-metres of dry champagne snow per year
- Longest vertical descent in North America (1,713 metres)
- Powder pillows through the trees
For years Dive Fish Snow Travel has assembled self-drive ski holiday packages that veer off BC’s beaten track. We know which resorts complement one another, the distances between them—even the potholes to avoid. Again this northern winter we’ve put together three tantalizing self-drive packages to showcase our favourite, “Hidden Gems.”
Self Drive Packages
Self Drive Powder Highway Package #1
Self Drive Powder Highway Package #2
Self Drive Powder Highway Package #3
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Prices in AUD 
Dive Fish Snow Travel’s Specialist ski travel consultants have skied all of BC’s best-known and not-so-well-known ski resorts, checked out hundreds of rooms, driven the mountain roads, and put in the hard yards so you don’t have to.
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