Top 9 Family Ski Resorts in BC
British Columbia should be on every avid skier or snowboarder’s bucket list as it is home to some of the best ski resorts in Canada. While much of the excitement revolves around what the resorts can offer and all the great snow they have, it’s also important to keep in mind significant elements such as great amenities, activities, and attractions in and around them. To help you choose which destination to visit this winter season, we’ve put together the top family ski resorts in BC that will make your family vacation to the mountains extra special.
Big White
Affectionately known as “Biggie”, Big White Ski Resort is less than an hour from Kelowna and has a lot to offer on and off the slopes – it’s a winter wonderland all of its own! Offering activities for families, a great village atmosphere, and showing the natural beauty of the BC interior, it’s very obvious that they emphasize a family and child-friendly experience. There are designated Slow Zones on the mountain, perfect for children and beginners. Not to mention lessons for kids broken down by age, daycare, many dining options, and lots of extra activities all within walking distance of our offered accommodations. Families can opt for ski in/out condo rentals or full vacation home rentals lto feel more at home during their trip. If you want to take a ski break or you prefer homemade meals, just head on back to your vacation rental and relax before jumping back on the slopes.
Silver Star
Found outside of Vernon, Silver Star Mountain Resort is the 3rd largest ski area in British Columbia. Some parts of the runs are for beginners, food and beverage outlets are near, lessons and day camps to keep the kids busy, and additional activities such as Kids Night Out will surely make everyone in the family have a great time on and off the mountain. Whether you’re looking for accommodations such as ski chalets, condo rentals, or townhouses, you’ll find the right one with us.
Sun Peaks
Whether you’re looking for private or group lessons, daycare for the little ones, the perfect of dining venue, or ski in/out vacation home, Sun Peaks can meet your needs! With accommodations right on the slopes ranging from modern condos to luxury chalet rentals, find the perfect home base for adventures such as dog sled tours, ice skating, tube park, guided ice fishing, skiing and more! It’s no wonder why families can’t get enough of the 2nd largest ski resort in Canada.
Whistler
Winter is when Whistler really hits its stride. It offers endless activities and adventures on and off the mountain that are specially designed for families. With the size of Whistler Blackcomb, anything you might want, they got it! The Whistler Village is unlike any other you’ve seen nor experienced. It has endless shops, dining options, bars, cafes, and apres nightlife. The Village itself delivers a recipe of winter magic. Looking for lessons, daycare, and combo options? Whistler has it. In addition to amazing accommodations and skiing, there’s the tube park, the Magic Castle, and the Tree Fort which is great for little ones. This world-class ski destination will give a vacation experience your family will remember forever.
Fernie
Sitting on the famous “Powder Highway”, Fernie gets a lot of light, dry snow and hidden powder stashes that can be found throughout the mountain. At the mountain base or in the village, find accommodation, dining, and activities. The town of Fernie offers everything from dog sledding, snowshoeing, wall climbing, and even the classic curling. Opt for vacation rentals like chalets and cabin rentals that have parking spaces, ski-in, ski-out properties, private kitchen, cozy bedrooms, living rooms, and hot tubs options. Adults and kids can enjoy night skiing while other family members enjoy a cocktail or snack at some of the restaurants.
Panorama
Just 2 hours southwest of Banff, near the Kootenay National Forest and Radium Hot Springs, Panorama is a family ski holiday gem that has welcoming locals, breathtaking scenery, and great skiing. It has mountain terrain for the whole family, world-class heli-skiing, snowmobiling adventures, memorable apres, and slopeside accommodation to suit any budget. The vacation rental homes with a hot tub, outdoor pools, parking, nearby location to the lifts and the village are evidence of resort planning with families in mind. Also, it’s location in the powdery Purcell Mountain range of BC makes it easy to visit other ski resorts on the Powder Highway such as Kimberley, Fernie, and Kicking Horse. A ski holiday here is an unforgettable way for you and your family to experience the Canadian Rockies together.
Kimberley
With stunning scenery of the Kootenay mountains, Kimberley Alpine Resort is just minutes from town and is a great family destination with terrain suitable for all skiing abilities. The resort offers great facilities, an excellent ski school, and great snow quality. You’ll find many vacation rental options, nearby dining venues, and other family-friendly activities such as ice skating, bowling, and the movie theater. Why not try the area’s expansive snowshoe trails, cross-country skiing network, or check out fat biking – one of North America’s favorite new activities.
Cypress Mountain

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Cypress Mountain is only 30 minutes from downtown Vancouver and the drive is easy, which is an instant plus in the family-friendly category. It is Vancouver’s spectacular mountain playground! With the largest ski hill, fantastic downhill slopes, cross-country skiing, unique snowshoe trails, and a tubing park – Cypress truly offers something for the whole family.
Grouse Mountain

techlecuk / Pixabay
Located at the top of Capilano Road, visiting Grouse Mountain is very easy for Vancouverites. It’s just 15 minutes from downtown, and it’s the most visited year-round attraction! Every winter, enjoy world-class skiing and snowboarding, the stunning light installations on the Light Walk, the slopes at the Sliding Zone, the outdoor skating pond, snowshoeing, and more! In case that isn’t enough, from gingerbread house displays to Reindeer Ranger talks, the Peak of Christmas provides loads of family-friendly entertainment. At the end of the day, head back to your home-away-from-home and curl up with a warm drink in front of a fireplace while enjoying a movie. You can also relax in the hot tub while enjoying the view!
Here’s to winter with buckets of fresh snow, so get out there and have some family fun!
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