Updated November 10, 2020
You don’t have to go very far to go snowboarding or skiing near Vancouver. Located in the beautiful province of British Colombia, there are so many nearby ski resorts thanks to the city’s proximity to the mountains. The Canadian Rockies add a certain charm to the whole experience. We’ve compiled a list of the best places to snowboard and ski near Vancouver, including a few places a bit further out that we thought were worth a visit. From distant mountain villages to local city mountains, check out our guide on the best places to ski near Vancouver!
Best Places to Snowboard and Ski Near Vancouver, BC
Grouse Mountain
- Distance from Vancouver: 12 kilometers (~25 minutes)
- Accommodations Available: Not on site
- Ability Level: All levels
Known as the “peak of Vancouver,” Grouse Mountain is one of the more accessible ski resorts near Vancouver, at just 3 hours from the city. In fact, its most famous run, The Cut, was ranked as a top 100 run in the world by CNN Travel. Boasting spectacular views of Vancouver from its 33 runs and 6 terrain parks, it’s not only a fun resort, but also a scenic one. People especially love the night skiing, as it provides stunning views of the city’s twinkling lights.
For non-skiers, there’s ice skating, sleigh rides, a mountaintop cinema, and strolls through the Light Walk, a lit trail area on the property. People love how many different activities there are at the resort, making it a perfect family-friendly getaway spot!
How to Get There: If driving, head northeast on Hornby St toward W Georgia St/BC-1A/BC-99 N. Take the Marine Drive E exit, Continue onto Nancy Greene Way to the mountain. If not driving, you can ride the SeaBus to Lonsdale Quay, then take the #236 bus to Grouse Mountain (about a 25-minute ride).
TIP: If you’re coming by SkyTrain or SeaBus and buying single-trip Compass tickets, buy your return ticket in advance at the SeaBus or SkyTrain station to cover your entire transit trip here and back.
Cypress Mountain
- Distance from Vancouver: 28 kilometers (~30 minutes)
- Accommodations Available: not on site
- Ability Level: all levels
Cypress mountain is located in the southern section of Cypress Provincial Park, which means you can sightsee on your trip up to the mountain. It’s a short drive from Vancouver, making it a very accessible destination for traveling skiers. The trails tend to be more beginner friendly, with a good mix of intermediate trails.
This resort has a lot of history, including being the site of the 2010 Winter Olympics Freestyle Skiing and Snowboarding competitions. The mountain also holds one of the oldest surviving commercial lodges in the North Shore Mountains. You can snowshoe through an LED lighted trail to the historic Hollyburn lodge while walking between ancient Cedar, Fir, and Hemlock trees.
How to Get There: If driving, head northeast on Hornby St toward W Georgia St/BC-1A/BC-99 N, Turn left (signs for Trans Canada Highway/BC-1 W/BC-99 N/Horseshoe Bay/Squamish/Whistler) and take the Ferry Terminal ramp on the left. After that, take exit 8 for Cypress Bowl Road toward Ski Area. If not driving, take Skytrain or Bus to Waterfront Station, connecting via Seabus to the private Cypress Mountain Express Bus at Lonsdale Quay in North Vancouver. Visit www.cypresscoachlines.com for schedule and rate information
Mt. Seymour Resort
- Distance from Vancouver: 28 kilometers (~40 minutes)
- Accommodations Available: no
- Ability Level: all levels
There are about 40 runs at Mt. Seymour spread across all difficulties – 40% beginner, 40% intermediate, and 20% advanced, offering experiences for every type of skier and snowboarder. Mt. Seymour is a favorite place to ski and snowboard near Vancouver for adrenaline seekers due to it curated terrain park. In fact, the terrain park won an award in 2013 by SBC Resort Guide as the no. 2 terrain park in Western Canada. Highlights of the mountain include snowshoeing and toboggan experiences. If you own your own snowshoes, you have free access to some treks on the mountain. The mountain is also famed for its all natural powder snow. Its groomers, Jay and Matt, were supposedly head hunted by the company at Seymour and are known to be some of the best in BC.
How to Get There: If driving, head northeast on Hornby St toward W Georgia St/BC-1A/BC-99 N, follow signs for British Columbia 1 W/Trans-Canada Highway, and merge onto Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 W. Continue straight onto Mt Seymour Pkwy W. If not driving, Mt Seymour operates a regular shuttle bus service during the winter months from Parkgate Community Centre and from opposite the Rupert Skytrrain Station in East Vancouver. Mt Seymour Unlimited Season Pass Holders can use the shuttle service for free.
Whistler Blackcomb
- Distance from Vancouver: 121 kilometers (~1 hour 30 minutes)
- Accommodations Available: yes
- Ability Level: all levels
If you thought some of the other ski resorts near Vancouver are big, wait until you hear about Whistler Blackcomb. Home of the 2010 Winter Olympics, Whistler Blackcomb offers some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the entire continent. As the biggest ski area in North America, the resort area spans two mountains (Whistler and Blackcomb) and has over 8,000 acres of skiable terrain. There are so many runs at Whistler (over 200!) that you could ski for several days without having to repeat any trails. For all these amenities, you do pay a premium; however, during the spring ski season, tickets can be up to 30% discounted.
For people who get bored easily, Whistler is a playground. Aside from skiing and snowboarding, there’s a town and an extensive luxury resort area to explore. With its huge variety and well-staffed center, Whistler is great for both beginners and expert-level skiers and riders. For non-skiers, the resort offers a tubing park, winter zip lining, and snowmobile tours.
How to Get There: If driving, head northeast on Hornby St toward W Georgia St/BC-1A/BC-99 N, Turn right onto Taylor Way/BC-1A/BC-99 (signs for Squamish/Whistler), and keep left to continue on BC-99 N to resort. If not driving, Skylynx, Epic Rides, and Snowbus (winter only) offer daily, frequent shuttle transportation from Vancouver to Whistler. They usually pick up at the airport.
Mt. Baker Ski Area
- Distance from Vancouver: 2 hr (141 km)
- Accommodations Available: not on site
- Ability Level: all levels (great for snowboarding)
With over 1,000 skiable acres, the Mount Baker Ski Area is a great resort to go and disconnect from city life in Vancouver. Frequented mostly by snowboarders, this winter sports area is perfect for adrenaline junkies. There’s a fairly even split of beginner, intermediate, and advanced terrain here, with trails interlaced through the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. With a maximum elevation of over 5,000 feet and a vertical drop of 1,589 feet, this snowy resort is a great choice for a weekend winter getaway.
While the resort does attract a cult-like following, it’s important to note that it is also known to have avalanches. As it is located in one of the most snowy regions of Washington, the trails can be hazardous and are typically not groomed. There are resources for avalanche education at the resort, but it’s always good to check conditions before you go.
How to get There: If driving, head northeast on Hornby St toward W Georgia St/BC-1A/BC-99 N, and take exit 92 for USA Border toward British Columbia 11 S. Then, exit onto WA-542 and continue to the resort. If not driving, there are trains to Bellingham (closest town) but then it is an additional hour drive to the resort.
Sasquatch Mountain Resort
- Distance from Vancouver: 128 kilometers (~2 hours)
- Accommodations Available: not on site
- Ability Level: all levels
Sasquatch Mountain is located within the Douglas Ranges near Chehalis, BC. The resort is between Mission and Agassiz towns. It has been around since the 1970’s, but back then it was called Hemlock Valley Resort. In 2017 the resort changed names to Sasquatch Mountain Resort. There are 36 runs, made up of 30% beginner trails; however, the resort is currently in negotiates with nearby First Nations for a potential expansion.
If you’re coming with a family, this is the resort to be at! All runs lead back to the lodge so you don’t have to worry about getting separated from your family. Additionally, on Tuesdays the resort offers a 2 for 1 lift ticket special. If you’re a complete newbie, you get a special deal: on Never Ever Days, ski lessons, rentals, and lift tickets are only CAD25 for those who have never skied before. This is truly one of the best deals for skiing near Vancouver!
How to Get There: If driving, head northeast on Hornby St toward W Georgia St/BC-1A/BC-99 N, then merge onto Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 E. Take exit 73 for 264 street/BC-13 S toward Aldergrov, and then exit toward BC-7 E/Agassiz/City Centre. Turn right onto BC-7 E (signs for Hope) to the resort. There is a bus to Agassiz, but then it is still a 40 min drive to the resort.
Manning Park Resort
- Distance from Vancouver: 217 kilometers (~2 hours 20 minutes)
- Accommodations Available: yes
- Ability Level: all levels
Manning Park Resort is situated in a unique location. It’s located in a transition zone between the wet and dry parks of BC. On one side is the coastal rainforest, on the other lies the semi-arid Okanagan. The resort’s location lies near an old meeting ground of the Stó:lō and Similkameen First Nations. The presen-day Skyline Trail is actually an old travel route taken by the First Nations people!
The resort’s location further inland and its high elevation means it gets some of the best fresh powder in BC. The ski lift tickets are one of the cheapest in BC, making it one of the best family friendly options for skiing near Vancouver. In addition to the traditional downhill trails, Manning Park offers over 160 km of cross country skiing and backcountry hills.
How to Get There: If driving, head west on Georgia St/BC-1A/BC-99 N. Take exit 177 for BC-3 E/Crowsnest Highway toward Princeton/Penticton. Turn right onto Gibson Pass Rd, and continue to the resort. If not driving, there is a bus leaving from Vancouver’s Pacific Central Station to Manning Park.
Sun Peaks Resort
- Distance from Vancouver: 411 kilometers (~4 hours)
- Accommodations Available: yes
- Ability Level: all levels
Have you ever craved warm food after a long day on the slopes? At Sun Peaks Resort, you can indulge in a fondue dinner at twilight at the top of the mountain. This resort has tons of accolades, including the award for #1 in Mountain Trail Design in North American. Recent additions to the park brought the total skiable acreage to 4,270, putting it in the top three largest ski areas in Canada. The mountain has over 125 runs, including 13 glades. Although it’s an all-inclusive resort with all of the amenities of a large resort, it’s way cheaper than some of the other large resort in Canada, making this a great option for skiing near Vancouver.
How to Get There: If driving, head west on Georgia St/BC-1A/BC-99 N, and take exit 374 for BC-5 N toward Jasper. Turn right onto Old Highway 5, keep right to continue on Sun Peaks Rd. If not driving, there is a shuttle to the resort from the Vancouver airport.
Mount Washington Alpine Resort
- Distance from Vancouver: 131 kilometers (~4 hours)
- Accommodations Available: yes
- Ability Level: all levels
Mt. Washington sites next to Strathcona Provincial Park, which is one of BC’s oldest provincial parks. It is the Island’s only full-service ski and summer resort. Here, you can cath breathtaking views of Comox Valley, the Strait of Georgia, and the Coast Mountains. On a sunny day, you can see across the San Juan islands all the way to Vancouver!
The resort features 1,700 acres of skiing, 55 km of cross-country skiing, and over 25 km of snowshoeing hikes. Although the park only has 14% beginner runs, it’s a great mountain to learn how to ski and snowboard downhill due to its excellent design and wide open spaces, making it difficult to get lost. For advanced skiers, the park offers glades and cut runs that bump up. The Outback zone is geared specifically towards expert level skiers.
How to Get There: If driving, head west on Georgia St/BC-1A/BC-99 N. Take the ramp to W Vancouver, and then take the Trans-Canada Hwy ferry to Nanaimo. Turn right onto BC-19 N (signs for campbell R). Then, turn left onto Strathcona Pkwy (signs for Strathcona Parkway) to the resort. If not driving, there is a shuttle from Southern Vancouver Island to the resort, or can hire private buses to get to the resort.
Apex Mountain Resort
- Distance from Vancouver: 388 kilometers (4 hours 30 minutes)
- Accommodations Available: no
- Ability Level: all levels
As one of the few mountains that face the north, Apex Mountain Resort is less affected by the sunlight and so it features beautiful powder snow. The resort is famous for its light champagne powder due to a mixture of perfect weather conditions and light. Don’t let the perfect snow fool you into thinking this is an easy place to ski, however. Local’s affectionately call the place “Scrapex” as the higher altitude runs are very exposed, resulting in speedy and bumpy runs. The resort run distribution leans heavily on intermediate runs. This location is an idea destination for those looking for more of an “off-grid” and old-school ski area near Vancouver.
How to Get There: If driving, head northeast on Hornby St toward W Georgia St/BC-1A/BC-99 N, and take exit 177 for BC-3 E/Crowsnest Highway toward Princeton/Penticton. Then, continue onto Apex Mountain Rd. The resort is after a right turn onto Strayhorse Rd. If not driving, the best way to get there is to fly to Penticton Airport, and Apex Mountain has a shuttle to the resort,
Big White Ski Resort
- Distance from Vancouver: 451 kilometers (~5 hours)
- Accommodations Available: yes
- Ability Level: all levels
As the third largest resort in British Columbia, Big White Ski Resort is named after the mountain it calls home – Big White Mountain, which is the highest summit in the Okanagan Highland. There are 119 trails on the property, with the majority rated as intermediate and above. It’s also the largest night skiing resort in Western Canada. If you’re looking for long, uninterrupted runs, the longest on-site is the Around the World Route, which runs from the top of the resort to Gem Lake.
Visitors like the resort’s focus on skiing and snowboarding and the outdoor experience. It’s not very commercial by design. There’s also snow tubing, snowmobiling, dog sledding, and sleigh rides you can do during your down time from the slopes.
How to Get There: If driving, head west on Georgia St/BC-1A/BC-99 N and take exit 286 for British Columbia 5A/BC-97C toward Merritt/Kelowna/BC-8/City Centr. Take the exit on the left onto Okanagan Hwy/BC-97 N toward Westbank/Kelowna/Vernon, then turn left onto Big White Rd. If not driving, you can either fly to Kelowna and take a shuttle to the resort, or take a train to the Kelowna and then take the shuttle to the resort.
SilverStar Mountain Resort
- Distance from Vancouver: 485 kilometers (~5 hours)
- Accommodations Available: yes
- Ability Level: all levels
As one of the biggest resorts in British Columbia, Silver Star Ski Area has over 3,000 skiable acres with 132 trails in the Monashee Mountains. The snow here is 100% natural, as the region typically gets 23 feet of snowfall each year. Visitors mention that the front side of the mountain has some easier, more beginner-friendly runs, while the back side has more advanced slopes.
There’s a diverse array of winter sports activities outside of skiing and snowboarding, including ice skating, snowshoeing, and fat tire biking, and they have an all inclusive pass to take advantage of several activities the resort has to offer. Additionally, the nearby ski town has lifts right outside of its many shops, perfect for a mid-day ski siesta.
How to Get There: If driving, start by heading northeast on Hornby St toward W Georgia St/BC-1A/BC-99 N. Take exit 286 for British Columbia 5A/BC-97C toward Merritt/Kelowna/BC-8/City Centre. Then take the exit on the left onto Okanagan Hwy/BC-97 N toward Westbank/Kelowna/Vernon. After that, take the 3rd exit and stay on Pleasant Valley Rd, and continue until you arrive at the resort. If not driving, the best way to get there is by either flying or taking the train the Kelowna airport, and taking the shuttle to the resort.
Revelstoke Mountain Resort
- Distance from Vancouver: 570 kilometers (~6 hours)
- Accommodations Available: yes
- Ability Level: all levels, mostly intermediate and advanced
Home to North America’s greatest vertical (1,713 meters/5,620 feet), Revelstoke Mountain is one of the more adrenaline-inducing ski resorts near Vancouver. The longest run on-site, The Last Spike, is a whopping 9.5 miles long, and there’s tons of opportunities for off-piste skiing/snowboarding as well.
While there are not very many runs for beginners, intermediate and advanced snowboarders and skiers will thrive here with the resort’s steep runs and powder snow. It’s a perfect place for experienced folks to learn more about navigating backcountry trails with lots of trees and challenging terrain. There’s also heli-skiing available for those looking for the experience of a lifetime!
How to Get There: If driving, head East on Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1, then turn right onto Victoria Rd (signs for City Centre). After that, turn right onto Camozzi Rd, and continue to the resort. If not driving, there is a bus that takes you to the resort (long trip), or you could fly to Kelowna and take the shuttle to the resort.
Kicking Horse Mountain Resort
- Distance from Vancouver: 723 kilometers (~7 hours 40 minutes)
- Accommodations Available: yes
- Ability Level: all levels, mostly advanced
While Kicking Horse Mountain Resort sits over 7 hours away from Vancouver, the drive is worth it if you are an advanced skier. While there are several trails accessible to beginner and intermediate-level skiers and riders, the resort prides itself on having the most accessible steep and challenging terrain in BC/Alberta. This is one of the few places in North America where both beginner skiers and advanced skiers can ski above the trees and clouds. Needless to say, this resort is definitely not for the faint of heart.
Kicking Horse has 120 runs over 3,400 skiable acres, 60% of which are rated as advanced. The Golden Eagle Express lift can take you straight from the resort entrance all the way up to the summit. Although it leans heavily on expert level trails, there is a single long beginner trail that extends from the summit of the mountain all the way to the front entrance of the park. For advanced skiers and snowboarders looking for adrenaline, Kicking Horse offers Purcell Heli-Skiing. Visitors love the stunning views of 6 surrounding national parks from the summit, as well as the secluded location of the resort.
How to Get There: If driving, start by heading east on Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1, then turn right onto BC-95 S (signs for Radium/Hot springs/Cranbrook). Continue onto Kicking Horse Trail all the way to the resort. If not driving, it is best to fly to either Kelowna or Calgary, and then take the bus to the resort.
Red Mountain Resort
- Distance from Vancouver: 614 kilometers (~7 hours)
- Accommodations: Available: yes
- Ability Level: all levels
While it’s located far away from Vancouver, the resort town of Red Mountain is worth a trip alone if you are an experience skier. It was voted Canada’s #1 Outdoor Town by Explore magazine. The town offers ice skating, curling, and cat skiing.
Located along the famed Powder Highway, this resort has over 3,800 acres of skiing area. Most of the runs are in the intermediate to advanced level. The north side of the mountain features more of the advanced runs, while the south side has crowd-pleasing groomers. Advance adult tickets are just $57, making this one of the more affordable places to ski near Vancouver.
How to Get There: If driving, head west on Georgia St/BC-1A/BC-99 N, and take exit 177 for BC-3 E/Crowsnest Highway toward Princeton/Penticton. Turn right onto Red Mountain Rd and take this all the way to the resort. If not driving, it is best to fly to either Trail or Castlegar Airport ad then shuttle to the resort.
Whitewater Ski resort
- Distance from Vancouver: 659 kilometers (~7 hours 30 minutes)
- Accommodations Available: no
- Ability Level: all levels
Also located on the famed Powder Highway, Whitewater is a ski resort famous for its easy backcountry access. This park caters mostly to the intermediate and advanced level skiers. The western most ridge has incredible front and backside skiing and is made up of just blue and black runs. The resort boasts of having 100% all natural snow.
Nearby lies the city of Nelson, BC, which is known for its counter-culture fame. There’s over 40 restaurants in the town with an abundance of art exhibits and a hopping culture scene! In the wintertime, be sure to check out the hot springs in the city.
How to Get There: If driving, head northeast on Hornby St toward W Georgia St/BC-1A/BC-99 N, then take exit 177 for BC-3 E/Crowsnest Highway toward Princeton/Penticton. After that, take the BC-3A exit toward Nelson, and turn left onto Ward St/BC-3A S (signs for BC-3 Alt E/Kootenay Lake). Continue on this all the way to the resort. If not driving, you can fly to Trail Airport and then an hour ride to the resort.
Panorama Mountain resort
- Distance from Vancouver: 850 kilometers (~9 hours)
- Accommodations Available: not on site
- Ability Level: all levels
Panorama Mountain Village is a bit of a haul from the city, but it’s one of the best spots for skiing and snowboarding near Vancouver if you make the trip! This resort has 129 runs that are mostly intermediate and advanced, but there are plenty of areas for beginners and first-timers.
Known for long runs, big bowls, and beautiful views of the Canadian Rockies, Panorama really lives up to its name. Located near Kicking Horse, many people opt to pair the two resorts together in one trip. It’s one of the sunniest resorts in Canada, boasting 60 days of sun on average during the season. Plus, the on-site resort and lodge here is absolutely stunning, with opportunities for ski-in, ski-out rooms.
How to Get There: If driving, head south on BC-95 (signs for Radium/Hot springs/Cranbrook). Turn right onto Athalmer Rd (signs for Invermere/Panorama), and continue on that road to the resort. if not driving, it is best to fly to either Cranbook or Calgary and then a 2 hr ride to the resort.
Kimberley Alpine Resort
- Distance from Vancouver: 873 kilometers (~10 hours)
- Accommodations Available: yes
- Ability Level: all levels
Located in the Purcell Mountains, Kimberley Alpine Resort is a fantastic mid-sized resort that offers a variety of terrain across all levels. With 80 runs across beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels, visitors love the resort for family or group trips, as there’s something for everyone here. The resort also boasts the longest night skiing runs in North America!
Beginners will enjoy the ski school and gentler slopes on the front side of the mountain, while advanced practitioners can fly down the tree glades in powder snow. With ample ski-in, ski-out accommodations, Kimberley is beloved by Vancouver and Calgary locals and visitors alike as a fantastic winter getaway destination.
How to Get There: If driving, start by heading northeast on Hornby St toward W Georgia St/BC-1A/BC-99 N. You’ll take exit 177 for BC-3 E/Crowsnest Highway toward Princeton/Penticton. Head towards the USA border on Creston-Rykerts Hwy/BC-21 S. Turn left onto Kimberley Hwy/BC-95A and continue all the way to the resort. If not driving, it is best to fly to Cranbook Airport then shuttle to the resort (25 min).
What to Pack
- Waterproof outerwear – Possibly the most critical pieces of clothing for your ski trip packing list is durable, waterproof outerwear. Burton and Helly Hansen are famous ski brands for having best-in-class clothing that will keep you warm in the coldest, snowiest conditions. Click here to shop ski jackets and compare prices.
- Thermal layers – Thermal baselayers are absolutely critical for a smooth skiing experience, as these will keep you warm and dry underneath your outerwear. The best kinds of thermal baselayers are made of Merino wool, which is moisture-wicking and comfortable. Our favorite brand of thermal layers is SmartWool – their tops and leggings are soft, lightweight, but warm and durable for all kinds of outdoor activities, including skiing. Click here to shop thermal tops and leggings and compare prices.
- Ski goggles – No ski trip packing list would be complete without a pair of fog-resistant ski goggles, especially if you’re going somewhere that makes artificial snow. Ski slopes often have snow blowing into the air several times a day and it can be hard to keep freezing snowflakes out of your eyes, even during clear days. We use and recommend these ski goggles. However, you can shop ski goggles and compare reviews/prices here.
- Waterproof outerwear – Possibly the most critical pieces of clothing for your ski trip packing list is durable, waterproof outerwear. Burton and Helly Hansen are famous ski brands for having best-in-class clothing that will keep you warm in the coldest, snowiest conditions. Click here to shop ski jackets and compare prices.
- Thermal layers – Thermal baselayers are absolutely critical for a smooth skiing experience, as these will keep you warm and dry underneath your outerwear. The best kinds of thermal baselayers are made of Merino wool, which is moisture-wicking and comfortable. Our favorite brand of thermal layers is SmartWool – their tops and leggings are soft, lightweight, but warm and durable for all kinds of outdoor activities, including skiing. Click here to shop thermal tops and leggings and compare prices.
- Ski goggles – No ski trip packing list would be complete without a pair of fog-resistant ski goggles, especially if you’re going somewhere that makes artificial snow. Ski slopes often have snow blowing into the air several times a day and it can be hard to keep freezing snowflakes out of your eyes, even during clear days. We use and recommend these ski goggles. However, you can shop ski goggles and compare reviews/prices here.
