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Escape the Crowds in Western Canada?s Local Ski Resorts

Make this year’s winter ski vacation one to remember by getting away to a hidden gem of Western Canada. While the crowds flock to big-brand resorts, you’ll be waist-deep in North America’s best powder with no lines to get in your way of making fresh tracks.

Canada ski vacations have it all: snowy landscapes of mountains, valleys, and glacial lakes; deepest and most consistent snow; internationally known parties and resorts… and the crowds who love them.

So, for a line-free ski vacation this winter, consider one of Western Canada’s lesser known gems. They may not have Whistler’s glitz and glamour, but locals in the know find the best powder here.

Fernie

Where is it? In the Canadian Rockies, a 3.5 hour drive from Calgary International Airport and an hour and 15 minutes from Cranbrook, BC (served by Time Air and Air BC). The town of Fernie is five minutes away.
Why you should go: This world-class ski area is known among locals as the powder capital of the Rockies – the snow is excellent. In addition, the ski area has recently been redeveloped to offer more accommodation (including ski-in/ski-out) and vast new terrain. It features a vertical drop of 2811 ft/857 m, 2500 acres of skiiable terrain on 106 trails, and 348 inches of snow a year.

Sun Peaks

Where is it? In BC’s interior, 4.5 hours from Vancouver along the scenic Coquihalla Highway, and 45 minutes from Kamloops.
Why you should go: Sun Peaks is friendly and fun, with great snow, blue skies, and lots of trails. It features a vertical drop of 2891 ft/881 m, 3678 acres of skiing terrain on 117 runs, with 220 inches of snow a year.

Kicking Horse

Where is it?Above the town of Golden in the Canadian Rockies, 3.5 hours west of Calgary (a scenic drive through Banff and Yoho national Parks).
Why you should go: Kicking Horse Mountain Resort is the Rockies’ newest alpine resort and already gaining notoriety as offering “the champagne of powders,” the lightest and driest snow” , as well as the second longest ski-out in Canada. It features a vertical drop of 4133 ft/1260 m, 2600 acres of skiing terrain over 78 trails, with 275 inches of snowfall a year.

Red Mountain

Where is it? In southern BC just outside of Rossland, 2.5 hours from Spokane, Washington, or 7.5 hours from Vancouver or Calgary.
Why you should go:Known for its powder and terrain over two mountains – Red and Granite – Red Mountain Resort appeals to skiers and boarders alike, and particularly those looking for a thrill. It features a vertical drop of 2909 ft/887 m, 1686 acres of terrain on over 87 runs, and 300 inches of snowfall a year.

Panorama Mountain Village Resort

Where is it? Located on the western slopes of the Canadian Rockies, Panorama is a 3.5 hour drive from Calgary International Airport and 2 hours south-west of Banff.
Why you should go: Panorama has its relatively remote location in the Purcell Mountains to thank for the lack of crowds plaguing other resorts in the Rockies. It features a vertical drop of 4000 ft/1220 m (the highest in the Canadian Rockies), 119 trails and 187 inches of snow a year.

Whether you’re taking to the slopes for the first time, or looking for an expert thrill, these mountains have it all. Fewer crowds mean more time on the mountains, so get outside this winter with these unknown gems.

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