Then there's the big guy. Just about everything you could ever want from a winter destination can be found at Whistler Blackcomb. In fact, with more than 3,000 hectares of space, you’ll never have to repeat a run during your visit. From the top of Whistler Mountain, head to the Peak Chair, where the view from the line – when there is one – is almost as good as the skiing itself. It takes you to the peak of Whistler Mountain in less than four minutes, giving you access to some of Whistler’s most diverse terrain.

Hop on the Peak 2 Peak gondola over to Blackcomb Mountain, and join the locals in the woods area off Crystal Creek. The powder’s a little deeper and it’s got that communing with nature vibe.

There’s plenty else to do, too: from splurging on a day of heli-skiing or snowboarding, with each unique run 400 to 1,500 vertical metres in length, to jumping on a snowmobile for a nighttime ride.

Just as importantly, there’s an almost unlimited number of off-the-slopes activities to round out your days. Whistler Village, at the base of Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains, has more than 200 restaurants, ranging from casual takeaway to fine-dining establishments, as well as 150 stores. Why not head to the Longhorn Saloon – or Longies – a Whistler institution. Looking for something a little more chill? Scandinave Spa has outdoor thermal pools in old-growth rainforest.

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Image credit: Tourism Whistler / Mike Crane

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Breathtaking alpine scenery? Check. World-class terrain? You got it. A relaxed, uncrowded mountain experience? But of course. That’s what you get at Panorama. Set deep in the Canadian Rockies, Panorama Mountain Resort offers more than 1,100 hectares of skiable terrain, making it one of the largest ski areas in North America. But if you think all that powder is bringing all the boys to Panorama’s yard, you’ll be pleasantly surprised. One of its stand-out features is its lack of lift lines.

Unlike many busy resorts, you’ll often find yourself skiing straight onto the chairlift. And you know what that means… More time on the slopes. Whether you’re carving fresh powder in the Taynton Bowl or cruising down perfectly groomed runs, the variety of terrain suits everyone, from beginners to veterans. There’s 136 trail, open bowls, ridges and chutes, and 1,300 metres of vertical, making Panorama one of the top 10 resorts in North America.

Away from the lifts, you can access double-black runs by catching a lift with Panorama’s two monster passenger snowcats, Jekyll and Hyde. But for an epic adrenaline rush, sign yourself up for tandem paragliding from the top of Panorama.

Beyond the skiing, snowboarding, fat biking and snowmobiling, the village has a warm, inviting vibe, with ski-in/ski-out accommodation, cosy après spots, and stunning views at every turn. After a full day on the mountain, take to Canada’s largest slopeside hot pools. There’s no better way to unwind and make the most of all that fresh alpine air.

But, if you’re ready to take the thrills up a notch, Kicking Horse Mountain is the place for you. Its 1,400 hectares of skiable terrain are famous for champagne powder and the significant number of black and double-black diamond runs.

While the base for most resorts in BC is at the bottom of the mountain, Kicking Horse Village is built about halfway up for ski-in/ski-out ease. Then you get in the Golden Eagle Express gondola and, well, it’s like the mountain has no peak. And when you get off – plan to have lunch at Eagle’s Eye Restaurant up there one day because the food is as good as the view – it’s all steep ridges and chutes.

Got a beginner skier with you? There are actually good slopes for them too; there’s just not a lot in between, where they could feel challenged and an experienced skier wouldn’t be bored. The real drawcards though are the lack of crowds, the light, dry powder and leg-burning verticals.

Kicking Horse Village is small, but there are a few restaurants, as well as places to get gear. Many of the lodges and accommodation options in the village have their own restaurants and bars, but you’re also only a 20-minute drive to Golden, where you’ll find plenty of places to eat, as well as a few shops and a museum.

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