British Columbia

Learning to Ski or Snowboard: Beginner-Friendly Destination Resorts

If you choose not to learn locally—or don’t have the option to—these resorts offer some of the best beginner bargains and general learning experiences out there.

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remote Canadian resort on a good day, but a combination of variable weather, wide-ranging logistical shortcomings, and outdated infrastructure put it at a major disadvantage compared to its cutthroat Rockies competition.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.