How to Organize a Ski Vacation
Skiing at a BC resort is a common item on bucket lists. Why? The mountains are huge, the powder is plentiful and the crisp, clean northern air is guaranteed to leave you feeling like you’ve had an intimate experience with nature.
Choosing a BC Resort
Start by deciding what kind of ski vacation will make you happy. Do you want to spend every day on the mountain and the rest of the time, cozying up in a condo or chalet? Maybe you want to dance your nights away at a hot club or enjoy the culinary flair of top restaurants? Every BC ski resort is different and caters to a slightly different crowd.
For those looking to spend most of their energy on skis and what’s left on family-oriented activities, Sun Peaks in the Thompson-Okanagan region is a great choice. Sun Peaks is the second largest ski resort in BC with a charming village featuring a good selection of restaurants and shops. You will find a nightclub and a couple of bars/lounges, but the main focus is on family-friendly eateries and events.
Young adults may prefer to head to Whistler Blackcomb, BC’s largest ski resort. Not only is the terrain outstanding, but the Village bustles with a lively patio and nightclub scene. Be aware however, because of Whistler’s big reputation, ski vacations tend to come with a decent price tag.
Booking your Flights
After you’ve decided which BC resort you’re going to visit, next, you’ll want to book your flights. The day of the last minute deal is pretty much a thing of the past. Try to book early or at least give yourself time to watch for seat sales.
Keep in mind that the dates you choose for your trip could significantly impact the cost of your flights as well as your accommodation and lift tickets. Avoid the Christmas/New Years holiday, American Presidents Day Weekend and Spring Break for BC schools if possible. Early January can be a great time to go with reduced flight/accommodation costs and shorter lift lines.
Booking your Accommodation. Lift Tickets, Ski Rentals and Other Activities
How much time and effort are you willing to spend booking all the various pieces of your vacation? And how confident will you be in your choices when it’s a place you’ve never been before?
Booking a ski vacation package either through a tour operator of the resort directly can save you a bundle of time and ensure your trip lives up to expectations. When you book a ski vacation package, you’ll have the opportunity to speak with a local or someone very familiar with the resort. Tell them what you want to get out of your ski vacation and they’ll make it happen.
On top of local knowledge and peace-of-mind booking, you’ll often save a little money too. Because all the items in your ski vacation package are booked through a single operator, you’ll be paying a discounted price – kinda like bundling your cable with your internet.
