With nearly all of BC’s prominent ski hills open for the season, now is the ideal time to hit the slopes, especially if you want to beat the holiday traveller crowd. So with that in mind, here are 8 of the best ski hills in BC and when they’re opening for the 2023/2024 season.
Whistler Blackcomb
We’ll start with the crown jewel of the skiing world. Stretching over two mountains, featuring state-of-the-art technology and every kind of terrain you can imagine, Whistler Blackcomb is undoubtedly one of the best bucket list skiing destinations in Canada.
Winter lift tickets start at $183 online ($119 for a one-day Whistler Blackcomb Day Pass), and you can check out ski rentals here.
When: Opens November 23rd
Where: 4545 Blackcomb Way, Whistler
Cypress Mountain
With 600 skiable acres and 6 lifts, Cypress is definitely a top-tier winter sports destination for folks coming in from the city. In fact, it’s considered Vancouver’s largest ski resort, which means there is no shortage of options when it comes to skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and more. While lift tickets are coming soon, season passes can currently be purchased starting at $599 for downhill skiing.
When: Opens December 1st
Where: 6000 Cypress Bowl Road, West Vancouver
Baldy Mountain Resort
If you find yourself near BC’s only desert, a trip to Baldy Mountain Resort is all but necessary. This Okanagan Valley resort actually has the 3rd highest base elevation in Canada, making for one of the best powder skiing experiences in the country. And starting this season, the resort will be open seven days a week.
Skis & boards are only $40 to rent for the full day, or $50 for the inclusion of snow gear. Oh, and you can also go tubing!
When: Opens December 15th
Where: 2680 Mount Baldy Road, Oliver
Mt Seymour Resort
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Vancouver’s only family-owned and operated ski resort, Mt Seymour is just a half an hour’s drive from downtown, well known for its beginner-friendly hills and advanced terrain. This one’s a great pick for skiers and snowboarders of any level looking to test the waters this winter.
The daily rate for adult ski rentals is $50 ($15-$30 for skis only), and $239 for a season pass. “3 Ski” passes are available from January 8th onward starting at $249 with rentals, or $139 without.
When: Opens Friday, December 8th
Where: 1700 Mt Seymour Road, North Vancouver
Grouse Mountain
We couldn’t have a list of ski hills near Vancouver without Grouse. In addition to the iconic Grind, the mountain boasts a ton of fun winter activities, from downhill skiing to ice pond skating and a holiday light walk. As well, skiers and snowboarders can look forward to The Cut and Chalet Road runs, which will be accessible via The Screaming Eagle Chair.
Mountain Admission starts at $75 for the day, with access to all open mountaintop activities. Or, you can opt for unlimited access to skiing and riding all season long for the early bird price of $469 per adult, or $469 on weekdays only.
When: Opens mid-November, Skylift reopens October 28th
Where: 6400 Nancy Greene Way, North Vancouver
Sun Peaks Resort
Speaking of iconic ski resorts in the Interior, we come to Sun Peaks. Located just outside of Kamloops, this resort offers the second-highest amount of skiable terrain in all of Canada, making it perfect for a trip that features skiers of all skill levels. Or, you know, sneak out for a powder-filled weekend with some of your better buddies. Either works.
Day passes are currently available for $100+.
When: Opens November 18th
Where: 1280 Alpine Road, Sun Peaks
Apex Mountain Resort
This one’s a hidden gem pick if there ever was one. Sitting west of Penticton, this mountain has some great stuff on-piste, no doubt, but that is greatly overshadowed by the absolutely massive backcountry terrain it offers. If you’re properly trained, this is an easy way to enjoy untouched powder every time you visit, without dishing out for cat or heli-skiing.
Lift tickets start at $112 for the day or $71 for a half-day, with ski rentals available for $55 per day.
When: Opens Saturday, December 9th
Where: 324 Strayhorse Road, Keremeos
Big White Ski Resort
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An iconic spot that frequently earns accolades, Big White Ski Resort landed in the top ski resorts in North America last year, and for good reason. We really don’t need to sell Big White, to be honest- the proximity to Kelowna, the snowfall, and the incredible views of the Okanagan do it for us.
Lift tickets for adults range from $109 to $113, and pre-season passes are currently available until November 22nd.
When: Opens Thursday, November 23rd
Where: 5315 Big White Road, Kelowna
And that’s a wrap on some of the best ski hills in the province and when they’re expected to open. Happy almost ski season!
