INTERIOR SKIING: THE PATH LESSER TRACKED

By Brad Bowins

December, 2018

The view from Revelstoke summit is unsurpassed

MIX AND MATCH OPTIONS Combining interior British Columbia ski resorts is easy with the first and second tier options provided here!

Are you considering an expensive your idea of the ideal ski vacation trendy destination for your then this article is not for you. upcoming ski trip? Okay with prices as high as the mountains, and Interested in roughing it, only the necessity of bringing an extra slightly, and exploring more than suitcase to store all those stylish one ski hill with virtually no crowds clothes you will require to fit in even on weekends? Does driving a with the chic crowd? The necessity rental car through scenic mountain of booking your accommodation terrain listening to your favorite months ahead to get something tunes on route to explore unique, good that does not require a bank but definitely not chic, British loan? A limousine or luxury bus Columbia ski resorts peak your Revelstoke groomer run ride from Vancouver? Add wet interest? If so then read on because Light dry snow, even 10 meters snow, cloudy misty days, and through experience over several or more, characterizes interior crowds—lots of them! If this is years skiing the interior of British British Columbia ski resorts.

[1] With the low elevation there is no observed and also reports from risk of Acute Mountain Sickness or local skiers. A major advantage of fatigue making for an enjoyable and interior British Columbia skiing is TREE LOVING healthy ski trip. that you can mix and match destinations, easily combining two Columbia, including resorts and in a week, and three for a longer backcountry sites, I have come up trip. Combined destination ski trips with an exciting mix and match are recommended as they increase option for the more adventurous ski the range of ski experiences, help traveler. In contrast to the wet west reduce the impact of poor coast of British Columbia, the conditions at one resort, and are interior is blessed with light snow easy given how several of the and typically lots of it, even 10 resorts are close to one another. meters or more per season in some Deciding on which combinations locations. work best can be challenging. Hence, after describing the This article is a general guide to advantages and disadvantages of interior British Columbia ski resorts each resort I will provide first tier with some coverage of snow-cat and second tier mix and match and heli-skiing options near to the options. Hopefully, this will help given resort. For each destination, guide and optimize your interior the advantages and disadvantages British Columbia ski trip adventure. are listed, based on what I have

Panorama Mountain Resort Trees provide stunning scenery when conditions are sunny and clear, and much needed definition on low visibility days. Mountain Panorama is one of the best resorts for trees, scenery at even on the bowl areas. Panorama

[2] NOW FOR THE RESORTS on the slopes. Thankfully British Columbia resorts are at lower A plus of all British Columbia elevation eliminating the ACS risk! POWDER SNOW resorts, whether interior or coastal, is the lower elevation. Resorts with There are quite a few ski resorts in the base at 8,000 feet (2,438 m) or the scenic interior of British above are a risk for Acute Mountain Columbia, each with its pluses and Sickness (ACS) with symptoms minuses. To avoid biasing the including shortness of breath, results based on presentation order, lightheadedness, nausea, headaches, I will cover them alphabetically. and fatigue. Years ago, I discovered Appreciate firstly, that this is an I am prone to this when skiing in overview and your given Colorado, all the resorts 8,000 feet experience can vary depending on and above at the base. This the conditions and timing, and definitely does not make for a good secondly that resorts do change and ski vacation, although there is hence some of the limitations medication that can speed up one’s mentioned here might be addressed respiration rate I have used and redressed by the given resort by successfully since then. Even if you the time you read this article. do not get actual ACS, milder symptoms can occur, such as feeling intoxicated on one alcohol beverage, fatigue, and less stamina

Island Lake Lodge

Dry and light Although these three photographs were taken at Selkirk Snowcat Skiing by Meadow Creek, I have experienced dry and light powder at most of the ski resorts covered here,and at a fraction of the cost of snow-cat or heli- skiing.

[3] : travel with one suitcase and a ski bag; if so then expect one not to Advantages: arrive with you! The problem -Located an hour south of Kelowna seems to be that as flights become BIG WHITE and so it easy to access from this more crammed the planes often city. cannot take all the luggage carried -Good snow conditions quite by skiers. routinely; locals joke that “big -The cloudy conditions can make white” should be “big whiteout” for visibility challenging at times, the clouds that often sit over the particularly at the top and on the resort, but these clouds can and do bowls, although Gem Lake area is bring snow. great when such conditions apply. -A great family resort with a range -Limited challenging runs, that can of terrain. be an issue if the tops and bowls -Nice pedestrian village with good have flat light. restaurants. -The condos seem to dominate with the resort in the middle. Disadvantages: -The best access is via Kelowna and I have visited Big White on two the airport can be terrible for occasions with one slightly sunny delayed luggage, and even on one and the other constant snow, trip I made, a cancelled flight and providing a range of experiences. rerouting to Vancouver. Most skiers The snow conditions were solid on

Snow-covered moguls

Big “whiteout” to locals Locals joke that “big white” should be “big whiteout” for the clouds that often sit over the resort, but these clouds can and do bring snow. The 2018 season brought seemingly endless supplies of this special gift from the skies!

[4] both trips but visibility an issue on hunting using cliffs. It is built out of the snowy trip, compensated by the a cliff face and rises in levels to the trees on the Gem Lake side. top, the amazing architecture worth FERNIE a visit in itself. The site is only a : short drive from the highway and provides a unique educational Advantages: experience plus stunning views! -When the snow is good it can be Also in Alberta, closer to Fernie really amazing. and right on the highway, is the -Extensive and varied terrain Frank Slide Interpretive Centre accessed by several lifts, ideal when depicting the tragic 1903 slide of a those in your travel group have a massive section of Turtle Mountain range of abilities. on the town of Frank killing 90 -A substantial number of treed runs people. Both of these sites are even from the top, a major plus in definitely worth a stop. flat light. -The town of Fernie is appealing if -Two of the most unique stops if you are staying there or visiting driving south from Calgary: Head- from the ski resort. Smashed-In Buffalo Jump -Very close to the resort is Island Interpretive Centre is a is a Lake Lodge offering snow-cat UNESCO World Heritage Site, skiing. I first visited in 1995 in its showcasing traditional Plains early days and returned in 2009 to a Blackfoot aboriginal buffalo much larger operation, both times

More Wet Than Most

The unique weather system that provides massive snowfall at times can also bring very wet conditions, atypical of most interior Fernie bowl British Columbia ski resorts. skiing I have experienced this on two of my three visits, including full on rain!

[5] experiencing good powder with -Golden Eagle Express gondola From my two visits to Kicking short snow-cat rides. provides fast and warm access to Horse, one with very clear and the summit. sunny conditions, and the other Disadvantages: -Incredible panoramic views from snowy, I see it as being a bipolar - The unique weather system that the top on sunny clear days. resort: when sunny visibility is fine provides massive snowfall at times -Eagle Eye Restaurant is one of the and the views amazing, although can also bring very wet conditions, nicest mountain top stops to be the snow conditions might not be atypical of most interior British found. ideal, but when it is snowing Columbia ski resorts. I have -Short, challenging, and fun mogul visibility is a major issue limiting experienced this on two out of my runs on either side of Redemption the experience, although snow three visits, including full on rain! Ridge accessed by the Stairway to conditions are great. If you get the -The long drive from Calgary, Heaven lift. ideal mix of enough sun for good although the two sites mentioned visibility and recent snow it can be under advantages compensates. Disadvantages: awesome, but do expect to this -Very little to do if you get skunked -Kicking Horse is really a bowl- combination. Compared to many by rain. based ski resort, with the bowls other resorts I find the design to be above the tree line for the most part, limited, and they need more lifts. From my three-visit experience and meaning that visibility is a major speaking to locals it appears that the challenge when there is flat light. KIMBERLEY ALPINE ideal time to visit is February, with Even my teenage children with RESORT: January cold as is typical of the 20/20 vision had enormous entire region and March more likely difficulty seeing where they were Advantages: to bring rain. On our last visit, we going when it was snowing. -A peaceful small resort. went on March school break and -T1 North and South Ridges have -Reasonable prices for on-slope guess what? Yes, rain that was not good bowl runs but require a accommodation. at all present at the second substantial hike, mostly suited to -The town of Kimberley is cute. destination—Panorama. A February the age group that often relies on -A solid family option for beginner trip involved good snow, sunny parents to purchase their lift ticket. to moderate level skiers given the conditions, and moderate -Unless you stick to the one side of variety of runs for less advanced temperatures, although my first Redemption Ridge providing access skiers. visit in 1995 in February did see to the Stairway to Heaven lift, you -Quite a few sunny days. some rain. have to return to the bottom for -If you are lucky it can have dry more runs. powder snow with few skiers. KICKING HORSE MOUNTAIN -Located in Golden, which is not so RESORT: Golden, being described to me by Disadvantages: several people as a “gas station.” -Difficult to access as it is a long Advantages: Even though I have seen some way from Calgary if going via -A reasonably short and very scenic improvements in the town itself, Fernie or Panorama. drive from Calgary airport, that I town planners need to spruce it up -The closest airport—Cranbrook— have went through many times for tourists. is small and only receives frequent without a single luggage problem. -Food and shopping options at the flights from Vancouver, with the -Very challenging bowl runs resort base are limited if you opt to possibility of delayed luggage as accessed from the top, with Bowl stay there. happened to my wife. Over and Crystal Bowl regions. -The ski terrain is limited for advanced skiers.

[6] -When wetter weather prevails in -Taynton Bowl has many the region, it can have very poor challenging runs with the range conditions. recently expanded, only requiring a THE SIGHTS -Limited number and speed of lifts. short and easy hike from the Summit Hut. This area used to be I have been to Kimberley twice, the RK Heliski terrain, indicating the second time only for a day when it quality. started to rain and we left. My first -Extreme Dream Zone, also from visit was for 3 days and radically the Summit Hut, has some very different—On the start day it was challenging and nicely designed classic spring skiing with sun and runs. warmth, the next day bringing -Treed runs from the summit to the colder temperatures and light base, meaning that visibility is not powder snow, that amazingly lasted an issue. for 2 days given the absence of -Good glade runs, some with skiers during the work week. moguls. -Appealing food and drink stops at PANORAMA MOUNTAIN mid and top level, although they are RESORT: small. -The mountain village is inviting Advantages: with upper and lower sections -Excellent variety of terrain for all connected by the Village Gondola. ski and snowboard levels. -Good range of restaurants.

Mountains & Towns Interior British Columbia offers very diverse experiences, both in regards to mountains and towns, despite the contained area. Kicking Top: Kicking Horse bowl Horse kick-ass Middle: Kimberley Bottom: Nice gradual run moguls at Kimberly Alpine Resort

[7] -Outdoor heated pool available to making for a long and sometimes all guest. cold initial journey. -RK Heliski is right in the lower -Several of the runs including those village with hotel pickup and drop- on Tayton Bowl necessitate a return RK HELISKI off. to the base. -A very reasonable and scenic drive from Calgary. I have visited Panorama 5 times and -A pleasant access town— each time was at least good. A —with some nice common narrative that I hear is, restaurants. “Panorama is really just a family resort and good skiers will be Disadvantages: bored.” As so often happens with -The Kootenay Highway 93, the these narratives, the reality can be shortest way from Calgary, can very different. As mentioned, have rough driving conditions, Taynton Bowl and Extreme Dream encountered on about a third of my Zone offer several advanced to several excursions. expert options, and then there is RK -Taynton Bowl is often closed after Heliski. A couple of excursions heavy snowfall, but they do open it with RK has provided some of the as soon as deemed safe. best backcountry skiing I have -The lifts connect to each other with encountered, with light powder and 3 lifts required to get to the top, a variety of open and treed runs. They are used to single day skiers

The author at RK Heliski

Awesome single day trips My outings with this Panorama based operation have provided some of the best backcountry ski experiences imaginable, the first featured here on a remote glacier with open runs at the top finishing with nicely spaced trees. RK is a accustomed to day skiers and has the process streamlined to maximize enjoyment and minimize aggravation.

[8] and have the process streamlined to -Good terrain for beginner to maximize enjoyment and minimize moderate level skiers. aggravation. Hence, Panorama is -Treed runs from the top. not at all boring for advanced to -So much variety that crowded runs PANORAMA expert skiers and snow-boarders. are virtually unheard of. Furthermore, the resort has an -A unique snow-cat option of pay upbeat and warm feel to it, exciting per run for Grey Mountain patrolled for both younger and older guests. terrain not accessible off the . As you might tell, it is definitely -Recent upgrades including an one of my favorites for sure. improved mid mountain eatery and new boutique hotel. RED MOUNTAIN: -Reasonably affordable accommodations, and certainly in Advantages: the towns of Rossland and Trail. -Very extensive ski terrain— Red -Proximity to Nelson and Mountain, Granite Mountain, and . Grey Mountain. -Challenging runs ideal for Disadvantages: advanced to expert skiers, -Very difficult to access unless particularly on Granite Mountain, coming from the US, in which case offering as tough and varied as it flying to Spokane and renting a car comes. makes it a relatively comfortable two and one half hour drive plus

Upper village Panorama

Narratives and reality A common narrative that I hear is, “Panorama is really just a family resort and good skiers will be bored.” As so often happens with these narratives, the reality can be very different. Taynton Bowl and Extreme Dream Zone offer several advanced to expert options, and then there is RK Heliski.

[9] border stop. If coming from most I have only visited once many years points in Canada the closest access ago, before expansions and when is Castlegar West Kootenay the conditions were very poor, so REVELSTOKE Regional Airport, affectionately have based most of this known as Cancelgar for the very presentation on reports from those high percentage of you guessed it, much more familiar with it. One cancelled flights. Castlegar also reason why I have not visited again, requires a transfer flight from despite what appears to be great Calgary or Vancouver. Prepare for a skiing on incredible terrain, is the delay, one person I spoke with difficulty accessing it. waited 2-3 days before she gave up and booked a flight to Kelowna REVELSTOKE MOUNTAIN providing access, but the travel time RESORT: is about 4 hours from this city, and then there are the problems Advantages: associated with that airport (see Big -Excellent advanced to expert runs White). including moguls and glades. -Very slow lifts, although this can -Very, very long groomer runs. help restore energy after some of -A treed area around The Ripper lift the more challenging runs. which is great when there is flat -Unlike Nelson, the local towns are light. not all that appealing. -Revelation Gondola gets you to the mid-section quickly and then the

Unsurpassed mountain views Over 4 trips to the resort, the first in 2008 when it opened, I have encountered a range of conditions providing a good overview. With sunny skies and good snow, the Revelstoke experience is difficult to moguls compete with. Take a camera, or at least your phone, on these special days!

[10] Stoke Chair provides access to the possible if the Revelation Gondola make a major difference. The lack summit of South Bowl. had been extended higher. of food and drink options at the - Some of the best mountain -Very, very expensive summit and The Ripper area is scenery there is; take a camera, or accommodation at the Sutton Place another limitation. More affordable at least your phone, on clear and at the base, although excellent slope-side accommodations are sunny days! rooms. needed as well, but the town of -Nice eating stops at the base and -Poorly maintained parking area, Revelstoke is very nice with good mid-level, although the latter is too not reliably ploughed resulting in and affordable accommodation small when there are weekend our rental car becoming stuck at options. crowds. 9:30 AM! -The town of Revelstoke is very -Not ideal backcountry options, SILVER STAR MOUNTAIN nice with restaurants and bars, plus given that snow-cat skiing is now at RESORT: a very interesting railway museum. Great Northern Snowcat Skiing, -Very affordable and good quality which although excellent (I have Advantages: accommodation options in the been there 7 times) is located too -Super cute and family oriented ski town. far away for a single day excursion, village. and the initial snow-cat ride is -Reasonably priced accommodation Disadvantages: 90-120 minutes. The heli-skiing and food options at the resort, and -With flat light visibility is an issue option, Selkirk Tangiers Heli Skiing only a short drive from Vernon on South Bowl and North Bowl was a disappointment, and certainly offering many other options. before the latter connects to the compared to RK at Panorama, as -Varied terrain good for all ski (and Ripper area, although treed runs the time from leaving the resort snowboard) levels. start just down from the top of The building to actually getting up in -Very challenging mogul chutes in Stoke lift on South Bowl. the helicopter was 2+ hours the Putnam Creek area off both -To achieve the longest vertical in standing outside, and our group was sides of Powder Gulch Express. North America, the lower section is the first to takeoff! This duration is -Long and fun groomer runs. too low for good snow all season ridiculous and aggravating. -Cross-country skiing right at the long, and conditions can be sketchy. resort with Nordic and Alpine trails -No food and drink option at The Over 4 trips to the resort, the first in crossing; ideal if you also like Ripper lift. 2008 when it opened, I have Nordic skiing or are travelling with -No food and drink option at the top encountered a range of conditions someone who does. of The Stoke lift. providing a good overview. With -Given the above 2 limitations, the clear and sunny skies and good Disadvantages: small mid-level Mackenzie Outpost snow, the experience is difficult to -Best access from Kelowna (see my can be crazy busy particularly if it compete with, but diminished when Kelowna airport gripe under Big is too cold to eat outside. snow conditions are limited, White Ski Resort). -Weekend crowds, and certainly at particularly on the lower runs. -The layout of the various areas is the start of the day when it has Visibility is an issue when it is confusing; take time to study the snowed. snowing at the top of both bowls trail map or ask those who know. -Poorly designed lift connection at and access to the treed Ripper area -The many mogul chutes in the the top of Revelation Gondola, that is not ideal. For moderate skiers Putnam Creek area are very should have a direct connection to and more advanced when there is dependent on good snow, and can The Ripper area, important when flat light, I believe that adding be characterized by grass, mud, and visibility is limited at the top and access from the top of Revelation rocks when snow conditions are for moderate level skiers, and Gondola to The Ripper area could poor.

[11] -The Putman Creek mogul chutes snow on the Putnam Creek mogul can also suffer from heavy and wet runs providing for a very fun and snow, so called “elephant snot,” due challenging day of skiing. SILVER STAR to sun exposure, hence it is important to look at where the sun SUN PEAKS SKI RESORT: is shining. -Numerous skiers and Advantages: snowboarders on weekends from -Close proximity to Kamloops with Vernon and Kelowna, mostly a regular flights from Vancouver. problem in terms of collision risk -Picturesque Alps style ski village. on narrow groomers. -Very good for families. -Three mountains to explore—Mt. My first visit to the resort was back Tod, Mt. Morrisey, and Sundance. in the early 90’s and the ski options -A good variety of terrain, but seemed limited, but with the mostly geared for beginner to addition of extra terrain the resort moderate level skiers. has improved a great deal. The -Treed runs even from the top, ideal second trip with my family yielded when light is flat. a great experience although -Some challenging runs from the conditions on the mogul runs were top of Mt. Tod to satisfy more very poor. My third visit was only advanced skiers (and for a day and awesome with sun, snowboarders). moderate temperatures, and good

Groomers to mogul chutes Diversity of runs and experiences characterize Silver Star, with some of the best groomers around to narrow and steep mogul chutes in the Putnam Creek area. Nordic ski trails crossing alpine trails add Silver Star to the options. groomer

[12] Disadvantages: operation I believe that this resort is -Limited terrain for advanced to best suited for beginner to moderate expert skiers. level skiers. -It typically requires an extra flight POWDER + from Vancouver adding cost, time, WHITEWATER SKI RESORT: and connection hassles. -No longer any snow-cat option: Advantages: around 2005 a snow-cat provided -Very close to Nelson, one of the access to the backcountry from Mt. funkiest towns in the interior of Tod, yielding an incredible day of British Columbia. backcountry skiing with about 13 -Excellent glade runs. fairly short runs and great powder -Slightly higher base elevation snow; unfortunately, it did not helping to ensure good snow, often persist but maybe needs to be consisting of dry powder. revisited! -Addition of Glory Ridge and terrain. My one and only visit to this resort involved a variety of conditions and Disadvantages: experiences with a fantastic sunny -Still a small resort that I would not day of backcountry skiing, and then recommend basing a trip on. snowy conditions producing flat -No accommodation on the slope light compensated for by all the itself, although Nelson is very close treed runs. Without the snow-cat and so nice.

Feel the turns!

Selkirk Snowcat Skiing Located at Meadow Creek close to Nelson, the very first snow-cat operation makes a good combination with Whitewater Ski Resort. Although the facilities are quite basic, cat rides are short including at the start of the day, maximizing the powder experience.

[13] -Limited challenging terrain with operation was the first to introduce the notable exception of some tight snow-cat skiing, and the main trees on certain glade runs. advantage is very short snow-cat -Food and drink options limited, rides at the start of the day, POWDER ++ although apparently, they have compared to Great Northern improved the chalet that at least Snowcat Skiing, the second previously reminded me of operation of its kind, covered under something from a run-down Ontario Revelstoke. The accommodations ski hill. are quite basic, and certainly -Nelson is not easy to access given compared to the awesome rooms at that the closest airport is the Island Lake Lodge by Fernie. The Castlegar West Kootenay Regional ideal scenario for Whitewater is Airport (see Red Mountain). visiting if you are at Red Mountain Kelowna provides access but the or at Selkirk Snowcat Skiing, and a travel time is over 4 hours and road stop at Nelson is always pleasant. conditions can be rough (not to mention Kelowna airport hassles covered under Big White).

My one visit was for a fun day of glades after Selkirk Wilderness Skiing (now Selkirk Snowcat Skiing) by Meadow Creek. This

So soft and smooth!

Great Northern Snowcat Backcountry skiing adds greatly to interior British Columbia options, and for cat-skiing Great Northern is one of the first and best. Of seven visits six have yielded soft powder on both bowls and tree runs! Located at remote Trout Lake it is best accessed from Revelstoke, requiring over an hour excursion.

[14] MIX AND MATCH OPTIONS very well with Panorama; Lake Louise northwest of where BIG WHITE & SILVER STAR: First and second tier mix and match Kootenay Highway 93 turns west Big White is about an hour drive ski resort options are listed, the from TransCanada 1 Highway, and southeast of Kelowna (63 distinction based on proximity and Banff just southeast. Invermere is kilometers) and Silver Star about how sensibly they connect, and also about 150 kilometers from Banff the same northeast (74 kilometers). on the notion that most people take requiring under a 2-hour drive, but a week vacation, as with longer is dependent on road conditions. SILVER STAR & REVELSTOKE: time frames additional and longer Most visitors will be returning to Even though the distance is 165 connections become more Calgary along Kootenay Highway kilometers requiring a drive of reasonable. For example, even 93 anyways. about 2 hours, the time passes fast though Panorama and Revelstoke is with the scenery. listed as a Tier 2 connection, with KICKING HORSE & LAKE more than a week Panorama- LOUISE/BANFF: SECOND TIER: Kicking Horse-Revelstoke link very Kicking Horse is only 85 well, and the Panorama to kilometers west of Lake Louise SUN PEAKS & SILVER STAR: Revelstoke drive provides a nice with Banff further southeast on The 97 Highway connects these break from skiing. Connections not TransCanada 1 Highway. areas 188 kilometers apart, with a listed should be avoided, at least on two and one half hour scenic drive. a week-long trip. Note that driving KICKING HORSE & times are for reasonable conditions, REVELSTOKE: SUN PEAKS & REVELSTOKE: so be sure to add extra time if road Golden and the town of Revelstoke A drive of about 3 hours (267 conditions are poor. are one and a half hours apart (148 kilometers) is required along kilometers) along TransCanada 1 TransCanada Highway 1. FIRST TIER: Highway. PANORAMA & REVELSTOKE: PANORAMA & KICKING PANORAMA & KIMBERLEY: These ski resorts are about 3 plus HORSE: Invermere and Kimberley are 122 hours apart but with good road Only a 119-kilometer drive (less kilometers apart with Kimberley conditions the drive seems much than an hour and a half) along the south on the 93/95 Highway, easier, particularly because it does 95 Highway connects Invermere requiring an hour and a half drive. not involve the Kootenay Highway and Golden, and in contrast to 93. Also note that if taking more Kootenay Highway 93 that KIMBERLEY & FERNIE: than a week Panorama-Kicking frequently has rough driving Almost exactly the same distance as Horse-Revelstoke link very well! conditions in winter, the 95 is very between Invermere and Kimberley flat and well cleared. Add at least with Cranbrook on the way if you PANORAMA & FERNIE: an extra half-hour to get from one need major supplies. Access via This connection also requires a ski resort to the other. Calgary can be from the south or drive of about 3 hours bypassing west across Kootenay Highway 93. Kimberley. PANORAMA & LAKE LOUISE/ BANFF: RED MOUNTAIN & KIMBERLEY & KICKING Although this article is about WHITEWATER: HORSE: interior British Columbia resorts, Nelson is about an hour (75 Passing Invermere providing access these west Alberta resorts off kilometers) from Rossland, and to Panorama, this drive takes about TransCanada 1 Highway connect Whitewater is slightly less. 3 hours.

[15] MIX AND MATCH SKIING Interior British Columbia is ideal for combined destination ski trips KIMBERLEY & WHITEWATER: A QUICK WRAP UP This 260-kilometer connection requires a 3-hour drive. Given that I have provided Whitewater is somewhat limited advantages and compared to Panorama and Fernie, disadvantages of interior and also further, the latter two British Columbia ski resorts worth visiting it connections are more desirable. What a day! you are coming from BIG WHITE & REVELSTOKE: outside the province, with primary and This connection will require a 4- a trip of two-weeks secondary connections hour drive and so is debatable, but duration or even slightly options. Smaller ski resorts, stops in Kelowna and/or Vernon less. Part of the fun of these such as Apex, have not been make the drive quite enjoyable. mix and match ski vacations included, due to limited is touring the path lesser terrain and/or ease of BIG WHITE & RED MOUNTAIN: tracked and seeing what access. The recommended This connection is debatable as interior British Columbia connections are based on a with Big White and Revelstoke, but offers from both scenery week-long trip, but is feasible at under 4 hours, and ski perspectives. although without the appealing combinations of three stops of Kelowna and Vernon. resorts are very feasible for

Accessing the skiing The resorts: • Big White THE AUTHOR For most visitors the best way to access • Fernie Brad Bowins is a psychiatrist • Kicking Horse interior British Columbia ski resorts is via • Kimberley with a passion for outdoor Calgary with low risk of flights being • Panorama activities cancelled and /or delayed luggage, and the • Red Mountain Revelstoke option of adding Banff area ski resorts. • See docbowins.com for more • Silver Star • Sun Peaks travel articles and photography • Whitewater

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