TORONTO – The slopes and stunning scenery of British Columbia were on full display at a recent media reception in Toronto hosted by Destination BC.

Held ahead of the 2024-2025 winter season, the event showcased the province’s high-adrenaline adventures, cuisine and cultural experiences across an array of world-class ski resorts, all of which promise to deliver unforgettable memories against the stunning backdrop of Canada’s winter wonderland. 

Whistler Blackcomb

Whistler Blackcomb continues to be a bucket-list ski destination, renowned for its 3,307 hectares of terrain and for having the longest ski season in North America. Notably, Whistler Blackcomb is upgrading the Jersey Cream Chairlift on Blackcomb Mountain to a high-speed six-pack, increasing lift capacity by 29% to reduce wait times.

Whistler is also bringing a fresh twist to ski culture with The Gondola Gallery, which adorns two gondola cabins and showcases Indigenous artwork commissioned by Squamish and Lil’wat artists. This artwork, coupled with a film series, invites guests to explore the unique intersection of art and mountain adventure. The resort will also host the Invictus Games (Feb. 8-16, 2025) and Luge Canada World Championships (Feb. 6-8, 2025), solidifying its role in inclusive and adaptive sports.

Pictured in top photo: Jamie Hurschler, Panorama Mountain Resort; Joanie Cameron, Big White; Christine Grimble, Tourism Fernie; Toby Barrett, Kicking Horse Mountain Resort; Emily MacInnes,  Tourism Sun Peaks; Tania Sear, Tourism Whistler; Laura Meggs, Revelstoke Mountain Resort; Megan Sutherland, Silverstar Mountain Resort; Vidia Panna, Destination BC; and Corrina Stafford, Helicat Canada.

Sun Peaks

Sun Peaks, the second-largest ski area in Canada, has introduced the West Bowl Express high-speed quad chairlift, opening access to Tod Mountain’s alpine zone for intermediate skiers. The new Powder Ventures Cross Course is also one of Canada’s only permanent dirt-based ski cross courses, helping to conserve resources usually required for snow-built courses.

Additionally, Mountain Man Adventures has revamped its snowmobile fleet, offering eco-friendly electric snowmobiles to create an environmentally conscious snowmobiling experience. Tour options now include a unique “Date Night Tour,” combining scenic rides with a luxury charcuterie picnic at a remote alpine outpost.

Big White Ski Resort

Big White, just under an hour from Kelowna, offers family-friendly fun with the convenience of new direct flights from Alaska Airlines and WestJet. Skiers arriving by air can enjoy a “Fly and Ski Free” offer, allowing a complimentary first-day ski pass with a five-night booking.

The resort has also redesigned its popular Kids’ Centre, creating a vibrant, cozy space with pastel colours to welcome young guests. For smoother access, the Bullet Chairlift has been modernized, and a new Kassbohrer groomer has been added, ensuring top-notch snow quality across Big White’s 2,765 skiable acres.

SilverStar Mountain Resort

Known for its charming, mid-mountain village, SilverStar is well-suited for families and casual skiers. With expanded flights into Kelowna, SilverStar is even easier to reach this season. The resort’s all-inclusive lift ticket provides access to cross-country and snowshoe trails in addition to downhill skiing, making it a well-rounded winter destination.

Apex Mountain Resort

Tucked near Penticton, Apex Mountain Resort remains a hidden gem known for its abundant champagne powder. This season, its T-Bar lift has been upgraded to an electric engine, reducing noise and emissions while providing eco-friendly access to Apex’s terrain parks and night-skiing area.

Kicking Horse Mountain Resort

Famed for its intense terrain and deep champagne powder, Kicking Horse in Golden will again host the Freeride World Tour, one of the most thrilling events in the skiing world. For those seeking personal growth on the slopes, Kicking Horse also offers eco tours and advanced clinics. With a direct shuttle service from Calgary International Airport, it’s easier than ever to reach the resort’s 4,314-foot vertical drop.

Revelstoke Mountain Resort

Revelstoke’s epic terrain, which includes North America’s greatest vertical drop, draws advanced skiers from around the world. This season, the resort will host the Natural Selection Tour (March 10-17, 2025), showcasing top-tier snowboarding talent. Enhanced for accessibility, the Revelstoke Mountain Resort has also added a complimentary guided on-mountain tour to familiarize guests with the area’s diverse runs.

Kimberley Alpine Resort

Kimberley Alpine Resort appeals to families with its quiet, laid-back atmosphere. This season, new grooming machines and snow guns are set to improve snow quality. Kimberley will also host exciting events like the expanded Junior Freeride Competition, attracting aspiring young athletes.

Fernie Alpine Resort

With five powder-filled bowls, Fernie attracts advanced skiers and boarders looking for deep snow and challenging terrain. This year, the resort has improved the Polar Peak lift, which grants access to double-black diamond runs, and renovated its iconic Griz Bar, maintaining its historic charm with expanded seating for après-ski gatherings.

Panorama Mountain Resort

Panorama is building excitement with new events such as the Panorama Pride & Ski Festival and the return of Red Bull Slopesoakers in April. Known for its ski-to-your-door accommodations, Panorama is enhancing guest experiences with giant on-mountain hot pools and private heli-skiing tours.

RED Mountain Resort

RED Mountain’s unique, affordable powder experience includes its $20-per-ride Mt. Kirkup cat-skiing access. RED’s new base-area development, The Crescent, offers 102 cozy apartments with direct lift access, catering to those who appreciate convenience paired with
ample ski space.

Whitewater Ski Resort

Whitewater, nestled near Nelson, BC, is expanding with four new runs and 60 acres of inbounds terrain in the Ymir Bowl, accessed via the Raven Chairlift. The resort also supports gender equity in winter sports with Research and Development, a women’s-only backcountry competition providing mentorship and career-building for young athletes.

Mount Washington Alpine Resort

Located on Vancouver Island, Mount Washington Alpine Resort offers incredible views, abundant snow, and a strong community feel. The Vancouver Island Society for Adaptive Snowsports (VISAS) provides adaptive programs for skiers with disabilities, promoting inclusivity and accessibility across the mountain’s 688 hectares.