Best Ski Resorts in British Columbia for Families

Beautiful, natural British Columbia is no stranger to admiration.

The mountainous province in Western Canada has become a proving ground for some of the best ski resorts on the planet.

But what is it that makes this part of the continent iconic in the ski industry? 

A rare mix of easy-to-access terrain, multiple major mountain ranges, and legendary powder sustain a winter ski season for over five months of the year.

And the terrain? Limitless. Massive vertical drops, long groomed runs, glades, and more alpine bowls than you can count. This is where beginners catch the bug and seasoned vets tackle big mountain terrain.

Yet the appeal is not just the conditions, it’s the infrastructure that’s been built to complement Mother Nature’s winter wonderland. Access to a variety of terrain, off-slope fun, and entertainment attracts families from around the world to embrace winter magic and build new memories.

Ready to plan an unforgettable ski trip to British Columbia? Out of 87 ski resorts scattered across the province, here are four standout destinations that combine exceptional skiing and comfortable lodging for families of every skill level.

Sun Peaks Resort

Sun Peaks comes in as Canada’s second-largest ski resort, but it might just have the best layout for family skiing. Three distinct mountains share 4,400 acres of skiable terrain and surround a thoughtfully designed pedestrian village. Sun Peaks also boasts fun off-slope activities like ice skating, tubing, and lift-access alpine Nordic Skiing.

The best Sun Peaks accommodation for families includes lodging options close to the lifts and learning areas.

Fireside Lodge: A more affordable option located right in the Village Centre and just steps away from the lifts.

Studio, one, and two-bedroom units offer the comforts of home, ski-in-ski-out, laundry, hot tubs, private fireplaces, and ski storage at Fireside Lodge Sun Peaks.

Sun Peaks Grand Hotel and Residence: located right at the base and in the heart of the village, is the most luxurious hotel at the ski resort. Executive rooms, one-bedroom suites, and residences offer guests a taste of mountain luxury.

Amenities include fireplaces, restaurants, ski valet, pool, hot tubs, sauna and a full-service health club.

Trappers Landing: Located beside the Orient Base in Upper Village, this lodge specializes in high-end units with full kitchens, laundry, garage, fireplaces and easy ski-in access. Two, three, and four-bedroom units are available just a short walk from the Village Centre.

Whistler Blackcomb Resort

Whistler Blackcomb requires no introduction. Holding the crown as the largest ski resort in North America, it dominates the industry by offering unmatched terrain variety and one of the largest verticals in North America. Over 250 marked runs, 2,200 acres of off-piste terrain, and a massive learning area create a powerful combination for families of all ability levels.

Whistler lodging is as diverse as its terrain. Here are a few that cater best to families looking for some of the best ski vacation lodging in British Columbia.

Blackcomb Springs Suites: Nestled slopeside on Blackcomb Mountain in Upper Village, this lodge offers studio, one, and two-bedroom condos. A true ski-in, ski-out property with kitchens, hot tubs, a pool, parking, and a fitness facility. There’s also a free shuttle to whisk you to and from Whistler Village.

Crystal Lodge: A quintessential hotel experience in the heart of the Whistler Village. Only steps away from Whistler Mountain, the hotel has rooms, studios, and one to three-bedroom suites. Amenities include an outdoor pool, hot tub, sauna, restaurants, and retail.

Montebello: Three-bedroom deluxe townhomes for those who require all of the amenities found at home. Full kitchens, spacious living areas, private hot tub, fireplaces, and parking. Located a 3-minute walk to the village shuttle or a 15-minute walk, this accommodation caters to groups and families looking for a quiet setting.

Big White Mountain Resort

Big White Mountain, another popular British Columbia ski resort, consistently tops the charts as Canada’s best family-friendly ski resort. Sure, the ample dry powder and expansive terrain draw in skiers, but it’s the large number of events, festivals, and off-slope activities that attract families from around the world.

The European-inspired village situated mid-mountain means most properties are ski-in, ski-out. Big White accommodation is condo and townhome heavy, meaning you can enjoy the same amenities you have at home.

Crescendo: The pinnacle of luxurious chalet rental. This single-family home offers 5000+ sq ft of carefully designed modern living for up to 22 guests. Autonomous systems, fireplaces, a pool, a hot tub, a gaming room, and more complement this 5-bed, 5-bath home overlooking Hummingbird Run.

Chateau on the Ridge: A Bavarian-style lodge located just above the base of Snow Ghost and Ridge Rocket lifts. 4-bedroom units provide maximum space for families. A full kitchen, fireplace, parking, and five common hot tubs top the amenities list. You’re also just a short walk to the Village Centre.

Tree Tops: Just above the Village Centre, these multi-bedroom townhomes offer rustic upscale charm, gourmet kitchens, fireplaces, ski-in, ski-out locations, and private hot tubs. There’s even a garage for your vehicle and gear storage.

Fernie Resort

The legendary ski town of Fernie is a quirky, large ski resort located along the prestigious Powder Highway in the East Kootenay Rockies. Known for big dumps of champagne powder, big mountain terrain, and funky old school vibes, the ski resort has attracted power hounds for decades. It's a draw for families; however, it comes from two segregated learning areas, a variety of safe progression terrain, and it’s the quietest ski resort on our list.

The best Fernie accommodations are those located at the ski resort.

Lizard Creek Lodge: Privately located just below the Elk Quad, this 4-star, ski-in-ski-out lodge has studio to three-bedroom suites. Amenities include fireplaces, full kitchens, and an outdoor pool and hot tub.

Fernie Slopeside Lodge: A comfortable hotel-style accommodation located right at the base of the mountain. Ski-in-ski-out access and only steps away from the village's shops and restaurants.

Timberline Lodge: Fully furnished mountainside condos are highlighted at this property located 700 m (0.43 mi) from the lifts with a complimentary shuttle to and from the lifts. One and two bedroom suites have all the amenities you’d expect at home and more like BBQ’s, a heated outdoor pool, sauna and 6 common hot tubs.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Olivia Poglianich          

Content Strategist

Olivia Poglianich is a nomadic brand strategist and copywriter in the ski and snowboard space who has worked with brands such as Visa, Disney and Grey Goose. Her writing has taken her all over the world, from a Serbian music festival to a Malaysian art and culture event. Olivia is a graduate of Cornell University and is often writing or reading about travel, hospitality, the start-up ecosystem or career coaching. Her latest interests are at the intersection of web3 and communal living, both on and offline.