Ten Things you may not know about British Columbia Resorts

by Judi Lees 
  
British Columbia offers some of the world’s best places to ski and snowboard. The province is spangled with resorts that produce drools of envy in other parts of the world. What’s new – and in some cases surprising – about some of our top resorts? Read on.

Wintertime, Whistler Photo: Tourism BC

1) Whistler Mountain Resort
Among Whistler lesser-known claims to fame is that some of the steepest grooming in North America is done on these two mountains. "We groom 40 degree slopes and you cannot groom more than 42 degrees," states Greg Jarrett, Whistler Mountain Grooming Manager. Most grooming is done at night but super steep pitches like Whistler Bowl are manicured in the late afternoon for safety reasons. (A little known fact at ski resorts – women are often considered the best groomers. They are meticulous and easier on the machinery.) Because the runs are so well groomed, strong intermediate and advanced skiers and boarders can access terrain usually reserved for experts.

2) Mount Washington Alpine Resort
One of deepest snow bases in North America, occasionally in the world is what Mount Washington is all about. With an average snowfall of nine metres (29.5 feet) per season plus views of the Pacific Ocean from many of its 50 marked runs, Mount Washington is an unsung treasure on Vancouver Island. Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year,the resort is geared for expansion that will add another 200 hectares to its 485 (500 acres to its 1200), by the end of 2004. Because of its close proximity to Comox and Courtenay, it really is possible to ski and play golf or fish or whale watch the same day!

Skiing at Big White Resort Photo: Tourism BC

3) Big White Ski Resort
With plaudits piled as high as its seven metres (24 feet) of annual snowfall - Big White was recently this orange-jacketed team of friendly guides know the trail system like the back of their gloves. Many are retired, all are superb skiers and they will expertly guide you over this big -- 112 run -- mountain at your comfort level. Free orientation tours depart from the Snow Host sign in the Village twice a day. You are guaranteed a great time.

Silver Star BC Snowboarding Photo: Silver Star/Don Weixl

4) Silver Star Mountain Resort
In addition to the charm of the Victorian-theme village, awesome terrain and fine powder that pleases beginners to experts, did you know that Silver Star boasts the National Altitude Training Centre? Sitting at an elevation of exactly one mile - 1609 metres - the Nordic trails and training centre offer the benefits afforded by training at moderate altitude. It notably improves cardiovascular fitness, especially in races that take place closer to sea level. The NATC is also home to the new Day Escape health spa, and Silver Star guests love the challenges of the supervised climbing wall. In the well-equipped weight room, you may be doing curls and crunches next to an elite-level athlete from a national team.

5) Sun Peaks Resort
If there were an award for the most on-going ‘new’ elements, this resort would win. Last season, Sun Peaks opened a whole mountain – Mt. Morrisey won rave reviews as it added multi intermediate runs (read ‘glorious glades’) to Tod’s challenging bowls and Sundance Mountain’s groomed delights. The elegant Delta Sun Peaks Resort Hotel opened to compliment the on-mountain activities. This season’s highlight is two expert runs – Agitator and Static Cling. The names say it all, Static Cling is a 67 per cent pitch! But to keep intermediates grooving, Carpe Diem was added. Second in size only to Whistler, Sun Peaks tops out at 1460 skiable hectares (3600 skiable acres). Also new is a family tube park, a bungee trampoline and a child minding centre. 

6) Kicking Horse Mountain Resort
BC’s newest ski resort hit the scene with a blast, garnering raves from ski publications regarding its steep, powder-stashed terrain. Accolades abound: the highest vertical in the Rockies at 1260 metres (4133 feet); best powder in North America (rated by Skiing Magazine); and Canada’s highest restaurant – The Eagle’s Eye is a superb timber lodge with 360 degree views and phenomenal food. To ensure you are making fresh tracks in some of BC’s best powder, you can book into the elegant, all-inclusive (this includes a ski guide/instructor), Eagle’s Eye Suites. The big news this season is the opening of Feuz Bowl which adds 18 runs for a total of 96. The word is Kicking Horse kicks!

7) Panorama Mountain Village
Panorama’s two, new-this-season, quad chairs mean much more to skiers and boarders than getting to the top of the mountain’s 1200-metre (4000-foot) summit at twice the speed. The chairs also treat riders to spectacular views that were not previously seen from the two surface lifts. The Extreme Dream Zone’s gnarly lines and cliffs are now exposed in all their rugged glory and the impressive peaks of Mount Nelson and Mount Assiniboine are postcard perfect. Also perfect is the intimate, mountain village, two state-of-the-art terrain parks for boarding fanatics and easy bus access to hot springs. A something-for-everyone resort.

Red Mountain Photo: Tourism BC

8) Red Mountain
It may be common knowledge that Red boasts two mountains that are skiable 360 degrees around and that powder hounds put this mountain on their wish list. However, this resort has some tucked-away, secret pleasures. Interspersed among the trees on the backside of Granite Mountain are sweet, little warming huts. After an adrenaline-hyped run on ‘Cambodia’ or ‘the Slides’, you rest and relax in a cozy hut where the wood stove is fully stoked. Chances are you’ll be with other friendly Red fanatics. This mountain is known for its challenges – steep, glades and powder spell ‘Red’.

9) Kimberley Resort
Even for the Rockies, Kimberley Resort is impressive with a 1,982-metre (6,500 feet) summit and 6.4 kilometre (4 mile) longest run among its 728 skiable hectares (1800 skiable acres). It even shines at night when the North Star Express zooms you up quickly for a 2.4 kilometre (1.5 mile) lit run down – apparently one of North America’s longest, night runs. More good news, an adult night ski ticket is $19 and, for boarders, the groovy half-pipe is lit for night riding. New this year is Kootenay Cookouts. Every Thursday a mountain-top feast takes place at Kootenay Haus – group bookings can include a torchlight parade down the mountain to end the already impressive evening.

10) Fernie Alpine Resort
With more than 1000 hectares (2500 acres) spread over five open bowls, it’s little wonder this mountain has a huge local following. But it also garners international attention. Athletes all the way from Australia competed in the Scots Fernie International Interschool Cup – a ski/snowboard event for children five through 18 in early January. And spectacular, airborne antics take place annually when the World Cup Freestyle competition takes place at Fernie. The historic town of Fernie will be jumping as Olympians and other top-notch freestylers take to the hills.

Discovering British Columbia’s fantastic skiing is as easy as calling toll-free 1-800-HELLO BC (North America) or HELLO BC (435-5622) in Greater Vancouver. This reservation and information service puts you in touch with a team of professional travel experts who can provide free help and advice in planning or booking every stage of your getaway, from travel ideas and tips to booking your accommodations, tours, and transportation. You can also order your free copy of the BC Escapes™ Getaways Guide. And be sure to check out the Tourism British Columbia web site at www.HelloBC.com