British Columbia

Off Peak Podcast Episode 6: Navigation

The team discusses the PeakRankings navigation score and hones in on two particularly egregious examples. Sam gives kudos to Vail Resorts for a recent resort upgrade. Nicole, George, and Sam share what they’re drinking.

Off Peak Podcast Episode 7: Resort Lodging

The team highlights notable lodges and hostels from recent trips to Jackson Hole, Whistler, Killington, and other resorts.

Vail Resorts Suspends Winter Operations at 2 of Its 3 Australian Resorts

Today, Vail Resorts announced it would be suspending operations at Mount Hotham and Falls Creek, its two Australian resorts in the state of Victoria, just a few days after they opened for the season. These closures, which will last until at least August 19, come on the heels of a recent COVID-19 spike and subsequent stay-at-home orders issued by the state.

Score Change: Whistler Blackcomb Removes Horstman T-Bar

Whistler Blackcomb removed their high-alpine Horstman T-Bar, causing the resort’s navigation score to drop. Despite this knock, Whistler remains our highest-rated area.

2 of 3 Australian Vail Resorts Closed for the Season Due to COVID-19

Following its decision to suspend operations at Mount Hotham and Falls Creek just a few days after they opened, Vail Resorts Australia has announced that these resorts will not be reopening for the rest of the season.

Ikon Adds Red Mountain as a Pass Partner

Alterra has announced that Red Mountain in British Columbia, Canada will partner with Ikon starting in the 2020-21 season. With COVID restrictions looming, it’s unlikely that U.S. passholders will be able to take advantage of the addition this season.

Fernie

It’s hard not to love this remote Canadian resort on a good day, but a combination of variable weather, wide-ranging logistical shortcomings, and outdated infrastructure put it at a major disadvantage compared to its cutthroat Rockies competition.

Kimberley

This Western Canada resort doesn’t have the footprint or snow totals to compete with the best destinations, but it offers a great value and family-friendly setup.

Red Mountain

While it lacks creature comforts that typical travelers might expect from a destination ski resort, this Western Canada resort offers a raw, authentic big mountain experience.

Silver Star

While it doesn’t offer the same terrain distinctiveness as several competitors, this Western Canada resort stands out with one of the most accessible ski-in/ski-out setups on the continent.

Sun Peaks

This massive Interior British Columbia resort offers impeccable grooming and a family-friendly footprint but falls short in particularly distinctive terrain.

Panorama

This remote Canadian resort brings impressive vertical and a ton of character, but it may not offer quite as well-rounded of an overall mountain experience as some competitors.

Kicking Horse

It may not be as tough or striking as the best in the Canadian Rockies, but this British Columbia resort still has a lot to offer.

Big White

It may not be as tough or striking as the best in the Canadian Rockies, but this British Columbia resort still has a lot to offer.

Revelstoke

This one-of-a-kind Canadian Rockies resort should be on every expert’s bucket list, but it feels like it hasn’t been developed to its full potential.

Banff Sunshine Village

This absolutely striking resort has consistent snow and terrain for everyone, although frigid spells are common during the core season.

Whistler Blackcomb

Despite somewhat variable snow conditions, this massive resort delivers one of the most well-rounded experiences we’ve seen anywhere.