Where to season in Canada this winter?

If I wasn't at Sun Peaks, I'd probably be at Revy even though I admit to being one of RMRs critics, but it is mostly owners/management poor decisions etc. that ticks me off. Btw, the top Stoker chair provides 2000' vert of very reliable skiing not 1000' and the locals have bushwacked a black diamond trail thru the bush that takes you back to the chair from Hot Sauce, Jalapeno and Devil's Club so you don't have to go all the way to the bottom from these runs anymore. The annual snowfall is better than Kicking Horse and Sun Peaks and probably about equal to Silver Star and Big White. They just don't get as much snow as the rest of the Selkirk Mountains that are accessed by cat, heli and skins but it seems they want you to think that they do. I like the funky railroad town of Revelstoke as well.

Red Mountain is also great with fantastic tree skiing and a skin to mountain accessible off one of the ski runs. Rossland is a great small town imo.

If I were considering a season in BC, it would be a toss-up between Kicking Horse and Revelstoke.  Especially based on the criteria you listed (terrain, snow, lack of crowds, access to backcountry, etc.).  And the great part about both KH and Rev is that they are about a 2-hour drive away from each other, and Roger's Pass is right in the middle for some amazing backcountry.  You could go to either KH or Rev with all your stuff, check out the scene, and if you aren't feeling it, go to the other place.  As for Fernie, it's too commercial for my liking.  Good luck!

Might want to add Nelson. Doesn't White Water get the most snow?

Whitewater does get the most snow, but at 1800' vert. with 2 double and 1 triple fixed grip chairs, it might be a bit small for the OP. It does have bc though and Nelson is a great town and the cultural centre of the region.

Definately consider Fernie.  It will also give you access to Kimberley and Panarama as well as a pretty short drive to Kicking horse.  Maybe even base in Kimberley/Cranbrook as that seems pretty central to those areas.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alexander Waugh 

Hi guys,

Im a long time lurker on these forums and am trying to decide on a resort to base myself at this winter. I have enough money to get through the season without a job, although id like to pick one up at some point. Im looking at everything in BC but would like to avoid Whistler / Big White as im not really after a party scene and the crowds that follow them. Pretty much just looking for consistent snow, tonnes of terrain, no people and a non terrible lift system.

 

Things ive heard:

 

Fernie

- Good snow, great bowl skiing

- Gets crowded on weekends

- Rain can wash out the base mid season

- Cool town/vibe and possibly easier to get a job

 

Revvy

- Amazing snow and terrain (50% of people)

- Average snow and only top 1000 feet of vert usable (50% of people)

- Harder to get a job

- No crowds

 

Also looking at Kicking Horse, although ive heard the snow is hit or miss, and Red Mountain, which looks a bit small. Im just looking for some thoughts and opinions.

 

Im 24, happy to be by myself most of the time, not really into drinking, got full avy gear, just want to adventure.

Alex

A couple of other things for Fernie- The new Polar Peak chair will give the most vertical in the Rockies and it should significantly speed up opening the bowls.

http://www.skifernie.com/news-and-info/polar-peak-lift-2011.aspx.

Kimberly and Panorama IMHO pretty boring cruising mountains but Fernie is only two hours from Castle which no one seems to have heard of and last season was even better than Fernie. (we have passes for both). Higher/colder/better snow than Fernie, The Chutes start at 38 degrees/1700 ' vertical and get steeper from there, big bowls, modern cheap hostel and deserted midweek. Also has relatively cheap cat skiing at $250. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y-QASwg-ZtU. No nightlife but that sounds like it would be OK with you.

With La Nina doing an encore it should be good everywhere.

Revy or Fernie would be best IMO

I was in Fernie this past summer and a local there told me that the summer population is about 5000 people and it jumps to 10000 in winter plus Calgary crowds on the weekend. Lots of snow with a fluctuating temperature and a chance of rain. Castle Mountain is an easy 2 hour drive away. I plan on visiting both areas this winter.

Revy rocks, so does Nelson and Rossland...hence for what you are after I would consider those three.  Trust me, they are plenty big so you wont get bored.

im going to vote kicking horse

the snow and the terrain are both excellent. Golden is also right in the middle of everything. Revvy is only a couple of hours away, banff is only a couple of hours away in the other direction, and going south you've got more resorts on the so called powder highway. Golden as a town is a little more developed than revelstoke, but they are both quite small. Fernie is considerably bigger and more popular.

For snow quality and terrain you can't go wrong with any of the three. But if you want a no-bullshit town with great skiing then I'd go for kicking horse