Ski BC: SUPER, NATURAL FUN

Whitewater , Doug LePage

rom the Continental Divide of the Rocky Mountains There’s an enormous amount of diversity here in both the to the oceanside majesty of the Coast Range, British topography and weather patterns. Daytime temperatures are F Columbia truly lives up to its Latin motto, Splendour generally ideal during any month of the ski season; in spring, it can Sine Occasu — “Splendor Without Diminishment.” be a real treat to retire the insulated jacket for a pullover fleece (but If you’re a skier or snowboarder, “super, natural ” don’t forget the sunscreen). delivers experiences in so many ways: light, bountiful snowfall; Americans — specifically, skiers and snowboarders from endless runs suitable for all skill levels; accommodations to suit Washington state — have played a major role in developing every budget and taste; and, of course, those crested waves of BC’s winter vacation experience. Highway, air and border access snowy peaks that stretch to the horizon. continue to improve and make your winter vacation to BC the most These are big mountains — on par with anywhere in the world. enjoyable one possible. When it comes to big-league vertical, four BC resorts crack Read on for details about BC’s ski areas, resorts, villages, North America’s Top 10. But that doesn’t mean it’s inhospitable; accommodations, kids’ activities and much more. anything but, in fact. BC’s intimate resort towns and mountain communities teem with a wild, even eccentric spirit that recalls This section was produced by The Seattle Times Advertising Department. Contact us at the pioneers and settlers. 206-464-2400 or [email protected]. Content was provided by the respective resorts. INSIDE

WHISTLER WHITEWATER SILVER STAR REVELSTOKE SUN PEAKS KIMBERLEY KICKING HORSE FERNIE PANORAMA BIG WHITE BLACKCOMB SKI RESORT MOUNTAIN RESORT MOUNTAIN RESORT RESORT ALPINE RESORT MOUNTAIN RESORT ALPINE RESORT MOUNTAIN VILLAGE SKI RESORT Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 6 Page 7 Page 7 Page 8 DISCOVER THE DIVERSITY OF BC SKI RESORTS & AREAS

BC SKI RESORTS FORT NELSON Resorts may include lodging options, restaurants, and various amenities and services. 1 2 3 4 5 Panorama Mountain Village 6 Silver Star Mountain Resort 7 Kicking Horse Mountain Resort USA FORT ST. JOHN 8 9 Whitewater Winter Resort H 10 Revelstoke Mountain Resort G BC SKI AREAS Ski areas can range in level of amenities from E SMITHERS basic ski lifts to resort-type offerings. D A Cypress Mountain F B C I D Shames Mountain PRINCE GEORGE J E F Murray Ridge Ski Area K G Powder King Mountain Resort H Bear Mountain Ski Hill I Tabor Mountain Ski Resort L J Purden Ski Village K L Mount Timothy Ski Area BANFF M Mount Cain 7 WEST 3 10 CALGARY N Hemlock Resort NORTH P VANCOUVER O Crystal Mountain A B C M 6 Q 5 R P WHISTLER Q Summit Lake 1 O X 8 CRANBROOK R Fairmont Hot Springs Ski Area 2 N W 4 S Manning Park Resort VANCOUVER 9 VANCOUVER S T U Y T V U Phoenix Mountain VANCOUVER INTERNATIONAL VICTORIA V Salmo Ski Hill AIRPORT W Resort SPOKANE X Mount Washington Alpine Resort SEATTLE Y USA

This section was produced by The Seattle Times Advertising Department in cooperation with Canada West Ski Areas Association P: Eric Berger whistlerblackcomb.com N Harmony 6Express N CrystalExpress Ridge TWO NEWLIFTS OPENING IN DECEMBER IN OPENING PEAK Gondolaisanengineer- lifts. The world-recordPEAK2 18 expressliftsandatotalof37 high-speed liftsystem,including offers theworld’s mostadvanced Blackcomb ground, Whistler To accessthismountainplay- learning areas. of glades,groomersand runs featuringavariety more than200marked stretch downtomeet bowls andthreeglaciers it. Sixteenvastalpine — all8,171acresof Then, there’s theterrain November toJuly. season thatspansfrom resulting inaski feet ofsnowannually, unleash morethan38 ing. Poundingstorms truly arestagger- Whistler Blackcomb’s statistics Sound-area skiersandriders, Long afavorite amongPuget BLACKCOMB WHISTLER shopping, rentals, lessonsandtonsofotheractivities. Your EDGECard you alsogets additionalgreat member-only discountsonlodging, any day, andskiptheticket boothline-upwithdiscountedaccessallwinter long. Choose from a1, 3, 5or10day pre-loaded card. Getthe bestdealonlifttickets valid Whistler Blackcomb EDGECard. pay fullpriceforaliftticket. And you won’t nd abetterdeal, anywhere, thanthe Here’s thescoop:Ifyou’re aCanadianor Washington StateResident, you shouldnever WAYBLACKCOMB SKI WHISTLER TO THERE ISNOCHEAPER, EASIERORSMARTER EDGE CARD YOUR WHISTLER BLACKCOMB DISCOUNT CARD NEVER PAY FULL PRICE A FOR LIFT TICKET AGAIN. GET THE * from theticket window. Priceperday isbasedonthetotalnumber ofincludeddays. season they arepurchased. Limitoneperseason. Children6&underskifreewithaliftticket for ChildEDGECardpick-up. EDGECardsarenon-refundable andnon-transferable. Valid forthe with birthdate isrequiredforEDGECardpick-up. Birth certi cate ormedicalCareCardrequired The EDGECardisonly available toCanadianand Washington State residents. Valid PhotoID All pricesquotedinCAD funds, subjecttoapplicable taxes andbasedonan Adult EDGECard. climbing, acoveredoutdoor Shopping, dining,indoor every budget. overnight visitors,andplacesfor enough roomformorethan30,000 condos, B&Bsandchalets. There’s as wellhundredsoftownhomes, rooms amongmorethan20hotels, of lodgingoptions,totaling10,000 only villageboastsavastselection and bars, Whistler’s pedestrian- With morethan100restaurants Blackcomb mountains. between thetopsof Whistler and ing featstretching2.7miles Eric Berger high-speed six-pack Harmony 6Express new heights. The experience tonew Blackcomb guest bar onthe Whistler expansion raisesthe million capital An ambitious$18 fessional driver. bobsleigh withapro- on askeletonsledor the Olympictrack solodown by flying their adrenalinfix Whistler SlidingCentrecanget and ziplining. Visitors tothe snowshoeing, winterfishing country ,snowmobiling, including sleighrides,cross- to avarietyofotheractivities, boarding, Whistler ishome Besides downhillskiingand favorites. —areall burning ringsoffire snowboard prosjumpingthrough spinners,DJs,andski fire Fire andIceShow, featuring Whistler Blackcomb’s weekly pools andevents—suchas skating rink,indoorswimming whistlerblackcomb.com/save Buy onlineatwhistlerblackcomb.com/save EARLY BIRD SALE ENDS NOV. 25, 2013 ® Usedby Amex BankofCanadaunderlicensefrom American Express. American Express istheof cial from SKI ORRIDE 1.866.218.9689 $ Paul Morrison 69 about four hoursfrom Seattle. 99 (Sea-to-SkyHighway), or AirportviaHighwayInternational drive northofthe Vancouver is locatedascenictwo-hour Access: WhistlerBlackcomb Glaciers. on theHorstmanandBlackcomb chair toaccessworld-famousruns returning totheGlacierExpress quicker accessforskiersandriders new bottomterminalgrantseven lower thanthepreviouschair. The improved andoriginates518feet trails initsvicinityhasbeenvastly The liftsaspect,orangle,tothe feet, rightnexttotheCrystalHut. riders toanelevationof5,994 quad chairliftdeliversskiersand Crystal RidgeExpresshigh-speed Over onBlackcomb,thenew of totalterrain. Whistler Blackcomb’s 8,171acres makes upover1,200acresof known astheHarmonyZone, to thePeakExpress. This area, way overtoGlacierBowl,adjacent Symphony Amphitheatreallthe spanning fromtheedgeof lift andcontinues toserviceterrain same alignmentastheprevious The Harmony6chairkeepsthe Harmony andCrystalzones. enhanced slidingexperienceinthe increased access and a dramatically Blackcomb Mountainrepresent Express high-speedquadon and thenewCrystalRidge on Whistler Mountain * / Card of Whistler Blackcomb.

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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25 NOVEMBER MONDAY, HURRY, SALE ENDS ENDS SALE HURRY, Toshi Kawano Dave Gluns and Whitewater receives more WHITEWATER than 40 feet of snow annually. The best part is that you don’t SKI RESORT need to be an expert powder Skiing at Whitewater starts skier to have a great time at with a Blast — literally. On Whitewater. There are gentle just about any chest-deep trails aplenty for taking the skiwhitewater.com power day — and Whitewater powder plunge. Whitewater’s likely gets more of ’em than famed Fresh Tracks restaurant any destination resort in BC has been written about in The — you’ll see local chargers New York Times. Overnight (and more mellow, laid-back guests have their choice of dudes) slammin’ and jammin’ dozens of small lodges, B&Bs, for 1,300 vertical feet, straight motels, hotels and hostels in down under the Summit Chair. nearby Nelson, home to more than 350 registered heritage But that’s really just the warm- buildings. up. Dozens, maybe even hundreds, of lines snake down Access: Whitewater is about a through Whitewater’s famous three-hour drive from Spokane, glades. The addition of the and an hour from Castlegar. Glory Ridge chair not only revolutionized the way that Whitewater is laid out, it’s 2,044 vertical feet added a whole new level of excitement to the deep- snow days. The average winter temperature is 17 degrees F, Dave Gluns Dave Gluns revelstokemountainresort.com

skisilverstar.com Andrew Danyluk The Revelstoke Outdoors REVELSTOKE Centre is the hub for heli-skiing, backcountry in-resort pick-up and drop- MOUNTAIN RESORT programs, cat-skiing and off, it’s a powder hound’s lessons. Parents can utilize the SILVER STAR Now in its sixth season, dream day trip. And for those child-care facilities or enroll Revelstoke Mountain Resort alpine enthusiasts who like to their children at the kids- MOUNTAIN RESORT has quickly become one of augment their cardio, 34 miles only center for lessons and Blanketed annually by 23 feet North America’s must-visit of groomed, world-famous activities. of feather-light champagne Nordic trails are also offered. destinations. Renowned for its powder, Silver Star is a huge powder snow and incredible Selkirk Tangiers offers heli- mountain with three distinct Food and wine lovers will terrain, RMR offers North skiing packages from one to faces – Vance Creek, Silver delight in Silver Star’s America’s longest vertical seven days; it provides op- Woods and Putnam Creek – impressive lineup of dining drop in its 3,121 acres of tions for both first-timers and offering over 3,000 acres, 115 options, as well as a notable incredible fall-line runs, wide- experienced clients. Now in runs, bowls and gladed areas. variety of ski-in, ski-out open bowls, glades, flowing its 37th year of operation, the The comfortable average lodging – all within the quaint groomed trails and a village- company is renowned for its daytime temperature of 27 and colorful mid-mountain based beginner area and tube impressive 40- to 60-foot sea- F is cold enough to keep the village. park. RMR is the only resort sonal accumulation, 500,000 snow light and fluffy, yet Off the slopes, there’s an in the world to offer lift-, acres of exclusive terrain and perfect for all winter activities. exciting variety of activities cat-, and heli-skiing from one light, dry powder. The notorious Putnam Creek, to keep everyone entertained. village base. With a skiing history of aka “the dark side,” features My1Pass, Canada’s first all- Nestled between two more than 100 years and over 50 thigh-burning black- inclusive day ticket, means stunning mountain ranges, an authentic ski-town and double-black-diamond guests can enjoy it all – ski, the resort’s village is centered atmosphere just minutes away runs, including vertical chutes board, cross country ski, around the luxurious ski-in/ in downtown Revelstoke, choked with fresh powder snowshoe, skate or tube – each ski-out Sutton Place Hotel, Revelstoke Mountain Resort and some of the most exciting is included at no extra charge. where amenities include lets visitors experience a ski mogul skiing in Western It doesn’t get any easier than a spectacular year-round adventure like no other. Canada. An additional this! outdoor pool, hot tubs, fitness Access: Shuttle service 117,000 acres of untouched Access: Silver Star is an easy facilities, a yoga studio and a is available from Calgary powder opens up with Silver one-hour drive from Kelowna ski valet. International Airport and Star’s heli-ski service. With International Airport. Kelowna International Airport.

Convenient tn MyMFlexiCard

Ski any 3 dayS Only $179 mountain 50 bucks in your pocket. PLUS SAVE up to 20% Visit Skipanorama.com/50 when you book Lifts and Lodging to claim a $50 resort credit! with the Winter Flex Package! NEW! Enjoy unlimited skiing, snowboarding, tubing, tobogganing and cross country skiing with PanoPass – every day your lift ticket is valid. Come enjoy Panorama, British Columbia.

Get your $50 credit & book today: SkiPanorama.com/50

magic FREE AIRPORT TRANSFER FROM CALGARY OR KELOWNA

WITH A 5 NIGHT SKI & STAY PACKAGE it’s all here... AT THE SUTTON PLACE HOTEL REVELSTOKEMTN.COM/SEATTLE Only fOr a limited time at: OR CALL 1.866.378.8866 SKISILVERSTAR.COM Eric Berger Adam Stein If you’re new to skiing or snowboarding, or just want to tweak your technique, the Sun Peaks Sports School caters to all ability levels with programs offered in private, group and multiday packages. For adults, the Sports School has Masters camps as well as private and group lessons. Or try the Ski Sisters sunpeaksresort.com program, taught by women for women. Alternate winter activities to make a memorable vacation include Kelly Funk dogsledding through the valley or Sun Peaks’ charming ski-through choose from a variety of private snowshoeing to a marshmallow SUN PEAKS RESORT village features covered walkways, homes available for rent, as well roast. restaurants, cafés and Tyrolean- as inns and chalets Since its transition from Tod inspired buildings that create a spread throughout Mountain to the destination resort welcoming environment for people the valley. of Sun Peaks in the mid-’90s, Sun from around the globe. Twenty The second-largest Peaks has consistently ranked eateries range from cozy cafes to ski area in the among North America’s top family-friendly restaurants and province and third- resorts, most recently by Canadian pubs, including the new French largest in Canada, Living Magazine’s 2012 reader Canadian-inspired Voyageur Sun Peaks boasts poll as Canada’s second-best ski Bistro. Hotels and condos line the 3,678 acres of destination. heart of the village, or guests can terrain blanketed by light, dry, easy-to- ski powder across three mountain faces: Mount Tod, Sundance Mountain and Mount

Morrisey. With Kelly Funk glades, groomers, open bowls, steep moguls and Access: Located 45 minutes north a 9-acre terrain park, its variety of Kamloops, Sun Peaks Resort is appeals to all abilities. Here, the accessible through air gateways in perfect combination of snow and Kamloops, Vancouver, Kelowna sunshine creates an ideal winter and Calgary, and by car via sport environment, with close to Vancouver (4.5 hours) or Seattle 20 feet of powder every winter and (5.5 hours). more than 2,000 hours of annual sunshine. Royce Sihlis

DON’T TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT. our guests tell the story best:

Great terrain and snow! No lineups at the lift, lots of ski runs and variability. Friendly people and a village that has great restaurants and shops. Peaceful in the evening!” –Visited December 2012

The best part of our visit was the service and attitude. Everyone who works here—from hotel to restaurant to ski staff—is helpful, considerate, and super friendly. It’s just made being here so amazing, relaxing and fun!” –Visited February 2013

16th Annual Sun Peaks Winter Okanagan Wine Festival: January 11–19, 2014 ‘Festival Experience’ Package * Starting from, per person. Includes 3 nights and choice $399 of 4 Wine Festival events!

*Package*Package pripricingcing basedbased on two people and the events: ‘Taste ooff the Thompson’, ‘Port, ChChocolateocoolalaatteea aandndnd CChCheCheese’,hheeeseseesese’,’, ‘Th‘T‘TheThTheeS SSunuunn PeaPePPeakseaeaksks ProgressiveProgressive Tasting’,Tasting’, anandd the ‘Winter Festival ooff Wine Brunch’. Other restrictions may appapply,ly, tataxesaxesxexeess exeextra,xtrtratrara, ppricericririceei iisssi iinnCn CCADAADD ddoldodolloollllalarars.arrs.s.

www.SunPeaksResort.com 1.855.215.2212

Stay connected with us! Check out the experiences our guests are sharing, and share your own story.

SunPeaksResort SunPeaksResortTV providing a central location KICKING HORSE for après-ski action. Patios and restaurants can be found MOUNTAIN RESORT in the nearby plaza. Nestled between the Purcell A variety of accommodation and Rocky Mountains, options are available at Kicking Horse Mountain Kicking Horse, from Resort offers some of the affordable to luxurious. Ski- most progressive in-bounds in/ski-out lodging includes skiing in North America. boutique hotels and condo The mountain consists of lodges, while townhomes and 4,133 feet of vertical — the resort estate homes provide fourth-highest in North all the comforts of home for America — serviced by an longer stays. eight-passenger, high-speed No stay at Kicking Horse gondola, two fixed-grip is complete without a visit quad , a two-person to Canada’s most elevated chairlift and a Magic Carpet restaurant: Eagle’s Eye . Four alpine bowls, Restaurant. Guests are 121 runs and 85 inbound treated to a 15-minute chutes are spread across gondola ride up 7,700 feet for 2,800-plus acres of skiable a mountaintop fine-dining terrain. experience. The resort also has skikimberley.com The resort provides beginner six additional on-mountain experiences at an area in the restaurants, providing a great main plaza with a Magic selection of culinary options. Henry Georgi Carpet lift. Located close to Access: Kicking Horse offers foot Conference & Athletic Cannon Creek Outfitters and daily transfers to and from KIMBERLEY Training Centre, located the Mountain School meeting Calgary International Airport, right in the village. This eco- place, the beginner slope is Banff and . ALPINE RESORT friendly, multiuse conference also home to a tube park, and meeting space can Nestled in the majestic Selkirk hold up to 500 people and and Rocky Mountains of is utilized as a year-round southeastern BC, Kimberley venue. The building includes Alpine Resort enjoys more a variety of meeting spaces sunny days than any other and a fully accessible athletic resort in the province. training center. With 80 runs shot through Access: The Canadian with open glades, the resort Rockies International Airport offers excitement for all ages in Cranbrook is just 20 minutes and ability levels. Dive into away. the Easter Bowl on the mountain’s backside, or enjoy Kimberley’s front- side cruising. Ski right up to the Trickle Creek Lodge or the Stemwinder Bar and Grill. Kimberley offers the longest illuminated runs. Kimberley Alpine Resort kickinghorseresort.com accommodates groups, weddings and meetings at the 24,000-square- Henry Georgi Andrew Danyluk PANORAMA MOUNTAIN VILLAGE Blessed with some of the finest fall-line runs in BC, Panorama Mountain Village offers superbly angled runs that seem to go on forever. resort embraces visitors Mile 1 gives you confidence to with an easy, laid-back vibe. explore; Champagne Express Panorama has a range of ski- opens up the mountain; and in/ski-out accommodations. the Summit is your gateway You’re here to relax, so lose to inspiration and new the boots at your door and challenges. put your feet up, or dip them Once you reach the top in western Canada’s largest and take in the View of a assortment of outdoor hot Thousand Peaks, only then tubs and pools. skifernie.com will you realize the magnitude Panorama Mountain Village of what this mountain has to offers daily heli-skiing and offer — 4,000 vertical feet, snowmobiling on-site, and a 2,800 acres of terrain and 120 renowned Nordic trail system marked runs, from wide open nearby. Fernie revels in unique events bowls to full-throttle cruisers. Access: Panorama is 3.5 hours FERNIE and activities that keep guests Panorama Mountain Village from Calgary International of all ages entertained while lives up to its name. Designed Airport and about 5.5 hours ALPINE RESORT enjoying skiing and riding. for intimacy by master resort from Spokane. The Kokanee Snow Dreams architect Eldon Beck, the Perched above the historic festival takes place the last mining town of Fernie, the weekend of January; the resort (like the town) has a Family Fun event is in March; cool, laid-back vibe. Here, and Retro Ski Party weekends it’s about powder and ad- are held throughout the venture. Known for steep season. and deep conditions, Fernie Alpine Resort delivers a ski/ Visitors will also find horse- snowboard experience that drawn sleigh rides and a wide few other resorts can match. variety of cultural activities Close to 37 feet of legendary in downtown Fernie, includ- snowfall blankets 2,500 acres ing hockey, theater, fine of expansive terrain spread dining and shopping. This across five separate bowls. led Rolling Stone magazine to name it the “Coolest Town in In 2011, Fernie Alpine Resort North America” in 2000. opened the Polar Peak chair- lift, giving the resort a total of Access: Travel via 3,550 vertical feet of terrain the and an additional 22 runs. International Airport in In addition to the Polar Peak Cranbrook (1.25 hours from Lift, Fernie offers nine Fernie Alpine Resort) or skipanorama.com other lifts and 142 marked Calgary International Airport runs — the most in the (3.5 hours). Canadian Rockies. BIG WHITE SKI RESORT “It’s the snow” is Big White’s motto, and for good reason. Its average an- nual snowfall of nearly 24.5 feet and its interior location provide the ideal combi- nation for dry Okanagan champagne powder. The resort has 118 runs spread across five powder bowls. Big White’s alpine village is Canada’s largest ski-in/ski- out resort; here, Main Street the day care and program is actually a ski run. There are center is a convenient drop-off accommodations for 17,000 and pick-up location. In the to suit taste and budget, from evening, children are treated cozy value-priced rooms to to carnival nights, mascot full-service hotels, luxury races, skating parties and a apartments and stand-alone host of après-ski activities. log cabins (most with private Pre-book activities, lift tickets, outdoor hot tubs), all within lessons and equipment rental steps of the slopes. Winter are available through the full activities at the Happy Valley concierge service. Adventure Centre include the Access: Big White is a Mega Snow Coaster Tube Park, 45-minute shuttle/car drive from skating on Canada’s highest-al- Kelowna International Airport titude outdoor rink and ascend- or an easy 5.5 hour drive from ing Canada’s only 60-foot Ice Seattle. Alaska Airlines services Climbing Tower. the Kelowna International Big White has a well-earned Airport with 3 non-stop flights reputation as a family resort; per day from Seattle.

bigwhite.com