Downhill skiing at Whitewater Mountain Resort
Downhill skiing at Whitewater Mountain Resort From Powder to Progress: What’s New for BC Ski 2025–2026
This winter, the mountains in British Columbia are celebrating. Home to 13 destination ski resorts and iconic alpine experiences, this is where innovation, community, and mountain culture come together, creating lasting memories for first-time skiers and seasoned powder-seekers alike. Read on to learn more about the 2025–2026 season packed with milestone anniversaries, tech-driven upgrades, and new ways to save. There’s never been a better time to answer the call of the mountains.
Snow covered Whistler Village at dusk Milestone Moments in BC’s Mountains
As the first snow blankets BC’s peaks, return to the rhythm of crisp early mornings, steaming coffee in summit lodges, and the thrill of first tracks. This year, two local resorts are celebrating major anniversaries by inviting skiers to start their own alpine traditions:
Whistler & Blackcomb: Celebrate with “Epic Friend” Tickets and the new Wonder Routes
In honour of its 60th anniversary, Whistler Mountain (2 hours north of Vancouver along the Sea to Sky Highway) is inviting skiers to reconnect with friends while rediscovering legendary terrain. On Blackcomb, celebrate 45 years of alpine skiing and snowboarding, and grab your gloves:
- The new Wonder Routes feature seven colour-coded, themed journeys—complete with trails, waypoints, and must-see attractions—that encourage visitors to rediscover Whistler’s familiar favourites. Highlights include the Gold Medal Route, showcasing Whistler’s Olympic legacy; the Après Route, combining skiing with social stops; and more.
- Epic Pass Holders (a multi-pass ticket to ski multiple resorts across the world) can share six Epic Friend Tickets, offering 50% off lift tickets for their crew. Even better, the full value of each redeemed ticket can be applied toward a 2026–2027 Epic Pass.
Whitewater Mountain Resort: 50 Years of Powder and Personality
In the powder-rich Kootenays, Whitewater Mountain Resort (an eight hour drive east from Vancouver or a 3-hour drive from Spokane) is celebrating half a century of stoke, community and character:
- Formerly Whitewater Ski Resort, the rebrand reflects the resort’s evolution into a four-season destination, while remaining independent and locally focused.
- The golden anniversary features signature events like the SMITH Jr Freeride Open (Jan. 8–11, 2026), Ymir Climber (Jan. 23–25, 2026), and Kootenay Coldsmoke Powderfest (Feb. 5–8, 2026), plus newer additions like the Whitewater IFSA Challenger (March 24-26, 2026) and the Ymir Wiggle (Apr. 4, 2026).
Heli-skiing experience with Great Bear Heli Skiing Where Women Lead: Empowering Ski Experiences in BC
Across BC, women are taking alpine adventure to new heights and empowering others to do the same:
Great Bear Heli Skiing: In the remote Central Coast, Great Bear Heli Skiing provides access to over 6,250 square kilometres (2413 miles) of untouched terrain. Owned and operated by Mandi Blewett and her daughters, Dyllan and Zoe, it’s North America’s only women-owned and operated heli-ski lodge. Every detail—from the lodge design to meals—cultivates a warm, grounded environment that feels like coming home… even when you’re miles from anywhere. How to get there: Great Bear Heli Skiing provides private charter flights from Vancouver to Bella Coola or Anahim Lake, followed by a helicopter transfer.
Girls Do Ski: Based at Revelstoke Mountain Resort, Girls Do Ski was founded 14 years ago by pro skier Leah Evans. Guests can choose from freeride sessions, backcountry training, or avalanche education led by certified ACGM guides. The camps empower women and gender-diverse skiers to push boundaries, build skills, and make lasting mountain connections. How to get there: Fly direct to Kelowna from Vancouver (YVR), Seattle (SEA), Los Angeles (LAX) and Toronto (YYZ). then drive 2.5 hours to Revelstoke.
Island Lake Lodge: Near Fernie, Island Lake Lodge is a sanctuary of fresh powder, luxury hospitality, and innovative leadership. Often named among the world’s best cat-skiing destinations, the lodge employs women for half of its elite guiding team—a rare showing in a traditionally male-dominated industry. With just 16 rooms across the Tamarack and Cedar Lodges, plus deluxe amenities like cedar saunas, this is alpine luxury at its finest. How to get there: Fly to Calgary from Vancouver, then settle in for a spectacular 3.5-hour drive through the Rockies.
Sunset skiing at Sun Peaks Resort | Reuben Krabbe Ski Smarter, Not Harder: Tech-Driven Resorts Extend the Season
BC’s natural assets are legendary, but for the 2025–2026 season, it’s the tech upgrades behind the scenes that are transforming the guest experience. Resorts are investing in automation, smart snowmaking, and weather-driven systems to offer more—and better—days on the snow, all year long.
Sun Peaks Resort: Canada’s First Snow Storage System
Sun Peaks Resort has debuted Canada’s first snow storage system, developed using Finnish technology—a key part of its multimillion-dollar snowmaking upgrade. In spring 2025, crews stockpiled 14,000 cubic metres of snow on the OSV run at the Nancy Greene International Race Centre, covering it with 18 insulated mats. With around 80% of the snow expected to be retained, the preserved stock will support early-season training and reduce water use by 1.5 million gallons. How to get there: Sun Peaks is a 4.5-hour drive north-east from Vancouver.
Panorama Mountain Resort: $35M Investment in Precision Snowmaking
On the western edge of the Canadian Rockies, Panorama Mountain Resort has invested more than $35 million in grooming, snowmaking, and infrastructure. With over 220 snow guns in place, the resort operates one of the largest and most efficient snowmaking systems in Canada. Paired with north-facing slopes and stable weather patterns, Panorama’s tech upgrades ensure beautifully groomed runs from first snow to last lift. How to get there: Fly to Calgary from Vancouver, then drive 3.5 hours along the Powder Highway.
Skiers at Revelstoke Mountain Resort | Royce Sihlis Fresh Deals Make BC’s Mountains More Accessible this Season
The 2025–2026 ski season brings added value and access for skiers eager to experience BC’s vast mountain offerings:
- SilverStar Joins the Ikon Pass: SilverStar Mountain Resort has joined the Ikon Pass as a bonus destination, giving passholders access to a terrain-rich resort and charming alpine village. How to get there: Fly into Kelowna and drive less than an hour, or drive five hours from Vancouver.
- Kids Ski Free at Revelstoke: From March 15 to April 12, 2026, families headed to Revelstoke Mountain Resort can take advantage of the Kids Ski Free promotion—a great way to experience North America’s most vertical resort without stretching the budget. How to get there: Fly to Kelowna, then drive 2.5 hours to Revelstoke.