Skiing in the British Columbia Mountains

Famed for its natural beauty, British Columbia (B.C.) is Canada’s westernmost province. B.C.’s capital is Victoria; its largest city is Vancouver, and its residents are referred to as British Columbians. Seventy-five percent of British Columbia is mountainous which makes for some breathtaking scenery.

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British Columbia is bordered by the Pacific Ocean on the west and the Canadian state of Alberta on the east. It is larger than the total area of Washington, Oregon and California.

The Coast Mountains and the Canadian Rockies (which stretch across the provincial border into Alberta), form the backdrop for a burgeoning British Columbia outdoor adventure and ecotourism industry.

With this geography, it’s no surprise that Canada is one of the world’s top downhill and cross-country ski destinations. And British Columbia is brimming with top-notch ski resorts.

Two hours north of Vancouver is Whistler/Blackcomb, the top ranked ski destination in North America. Whistler buzzes year-round, doubling as both a ski and mountain biking resort.

Lesser-known interior ranges are worth a serious look as well. Not only do these destinations offer sunny skies and Utah-dry powder, but visitors also benefit from fewer day-skiers crowding the lift lines.

In central British Columbia, the snow-covered Thompson Okanagan region boasts four world-class downhill ski and snowboard resorts, offering helicopter skiing, cross-country trails, and endless snowmobile terrain.

The glacier-adorned B.C. Rockies region (including the Rockies, the Purcells, the Columbia and Monashee Mountains) features six winter ski resorts, as well as most of Canada’s snowcat, helicopter and backcountry skiing operations.

And B.C.’s interior, the Cariboo, provides winter-weather fun with two downhill ski resorts, heli-skiing, dogsledding, snowmobiling, ice-fishing and cross-country skiing trails.

Finally, a call-out to all ski enthusiasts: the Alpine and Nordic skiing competitions for the Winter Olympics will be held at Whistler in 2010. It will be an event you won’t want to miss.


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Live Like the Locals
VRBO Homeowners Share Details about their Homes in British Columbia


Luxury Mountain Chalet, Property 135452

This alpine getaway is a warm and spacious newly renovated, luxury chalet that is situated within a 2-minute drive or 15-minute stroll to Whistler Village.

  • Featuring gorgeous mountain views, this 2400 square-foot chalet offers four bedrooms, three bathrooms, and comfortably sleeps ten people. The large two-car garage has ample storage for recreational equipment and the 8-foot-high garage doors can accommodate vans and SUVs with roof carriers.
  • The main floor, with its great room feel and large picture windows, is perfect for relaxing and entertaining. Situated in the center of the main floor is a unique, floor to ceiling wood burning stone fireplace - ideal for cozy evenings by the fire.
  • The dining room offers exposed fir beams, vaulted ceilings and has seating for ten. The living room is spacious yet intimate and makes a perfect place for an apres ski drink with friends.
  • The family room is made for comfort with oversized leather couches, a 40 inch plasma TV, DVD player, and an XBOX to keep the kids entertained.
  • The open gourmet kitchen features granite counters, quality stainless appliances, and comes fully equipped for your cooking enjoyment.
  • Unwind from your day on the mountain, while you overlook the forest, in the luxurious indoor spa. Slate walls, travertine marble floors, and a 20 jet hot tub provide the ultimate in spa comfort.

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British Columbia Kids’ Haven, Property 81080

Ideal ways to celebrate the holidays in the British Columbia Mountains:

  • Order your groceries to be delivered by one of the markets (all offer this service). They’ll even put them away in the refrigerator.

  • Throw together a meal in the crock-pot, turn it on, and head out the door early for the slopes. Spend the morning making fresh tracks, or skiing/riding on newly groomed corduroy.

  • Have an early lunch to miss the crowds. While the crowds are having lunch later, enjoy shorter lift lines and more runs.

  • When you’ve had enough, head back to your townhouse. Open the door to the wonderful aroma of dinner from the crock-pot waiting for you. Open a bottle of excellent British Columbia wine, enjoy dinner, and relax in front of the fire with a DVD or good conversation.

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Whistler’s Mountain Chic Retreat – Property 129486

Experience the fresh snow-packed mountains of a world-class resort at a retreat tucked into the woods.

  • Whether relaxing in the hot tub, strolling to Lost Lake or exploring the mountains, this ideal getaway awaits you, your family and friends.

  • As a perk we have a complimentary concierge service year round!

  • We will get ski tickets for you and help you make reservations for dinner.

  • If a favorite bottle of wine is what you need when you arrive...our concierge will have it ready for you!

  • Just renovated with a "W" Hotel influence to pamper you! There is high-speed wireless connection and 50 TV channels to amuse you! L'Occitane candles to create the atmosphere. It's all about you!

 

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Heart of Whistler Village – Property 107097

Whistler is truly a magical place to be all year round.

  • The beauty begins with one of the most scenic drives in the world on the famed Sea to Sky highway. There you'll find a pedestrian village nestled between Whistler and Blackcomb mountains.

  • From the highly-rated restaurants to casual little eateries, there is something for every foodie.

  • Along your stroll, you'll find little hidden coves of great stores that boast some of the best shopping in all of Canada.

  • Our corner unit sits just above this stroll with 270 degree mountain views. It's a great location for people watching.

  • This unit is well-appointed and amply stocked. If you are looking for a top-drawer unit that will ensure your comfort and convenience - look no further.



Beautiful Montebello – Property 10518

We love to share our Montebello home with our guests, and never tire of hearing about the exceptional and incredible time they experienced in Whistler. In fact, we have several guests from Europe, the U.S. and Canada who have come back to stay with us year after year. They have become almost like family to us, and we look forward to their return visits!

No matter what the season, there isn't a view in Whistler that isn't breathtakingly gorgeous!





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Luxury Townhome Sleeps 10
Property 3120



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Property 102783



Executive Luxury 3BR with Hot Tub
Property 6011



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