Fed up with packed pistes and endless lift queues, Hannah Stephenson crosses the pond and finds fun, peaceful and family-friendly ski resorts in British Columbia.
Cruising down Highway 33 in the heart of British Columbia, we stop to take in the fresh air and admire the snow-capped Monashee Mountains.
It’s snowing quite heavily, but we’re not worried, as there’s no traffic, no danger of anyone spinning out of control and careering into us. But then Highway 33 is no ordinary carriageway.
In fact, it’s just one of the 118 runs which make up the ski haven of Big White, a little-known gem of a family resort with plenty of snow all season, even at Easter when we visit.
Tied to school holidays, in Europe we’d been used to packed pistes, teeming with out-of-control skiers.
We’d opted for Big White after hearing that, not only does it have the emptiest pistes when it’s half-term hell in Europe, but also lashings of snow and little slush, even towards the end of the season.
An hour’s drive from Kelowna Airport, the resort was built in the Sixties and centres around a single main street.
It’s a magnet for powder hounds, with an annual fall of more than 24ft of light, fluffy, champagne powder - no snow cannons here because they simply don’t need them - while more leisurely skiers can comfortably tackle the network of tree-lined groomed green and blue slopes to the village centre.
We arrive for the last week of the season, and the slopes are largely deserted as locals, we’re told, are now busy polishing their boats and servicing their camper vans in preparation for summer, having long since packed away their skis.
The region of Kelowna is actually better known as a summer resort, when families holiday around the stunning 80-mile-long Okanagan Lake, set against the ancient mountains of the Okanagan Valley, home to many watersports and activities.
Legend has it that the lake is also home to the Ogopogo, a close relative of the Loch Ness Monster!
While there are some more challenging runs, hard-core skiers in search of blacks can venture to the larger and more popular resorts of Banff and Lake Louise nearby, but they’ll be faced with bus rides, whereas at Big White you can ski to your hotel door.
From the minute we hire our equipment we feel we’re on another planet. The rental staff couldn’t be more accommodating, with an ethos of ‘How can I help you?’, rather than the ‘What do you want?’ attitude so prevalent in some European resorts.
We’re introduced to Byron, our mountain host for the morning and an ebullient, enthusiastic, larger-than-life ski guide, who shows us much of what Big White has to offer, from its gentle blues and greens to the more challenging powder bowls.
Byron eagerly leads us to Telus Park, an area comprising jumps and obstacles suitable for skiers and boarders alike, and the kids can’t wait to leave the starting blocks.
Even the designated chairlift for this dare-devil park is designed with families in mind, displaying a sign requesting people to refrain from smoking or swearing while using it.
On another day, we enjoy a family ski lesson, and as the week progresses, my children - William, 13, and Grace, 12 - both competent skiers, decide to try a snowboard taster session.
The beginners’ learning area is perfect for this, with a young, fun instructor and a magic carpet (a conveyor belt in the snow) to take the learners up the nursery slope.
Other activities include ice skating and a climbing ice tower. More sedate is a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the peaceful, tree-lined terrain.
For indoor family fun you can head to Happy Valley Day Lodge, a big building a short gondola ride from the village centre, where activities range from Wii competitions to carnival nights.
Grizzly Lodge, the condo-style hotel where we’re staying, is spacious and comfortable with a truly alpine feel, and amazing views of the mountains.
Our holiday also consists of a short stay in Silver Star, Big White’s sister resort, some two hours away.
It’s even quieter than Big White with one small main street, but offers the same amount of ski terrain.
Our accommodation here is at the impressive Snowbird Lodge. Situated right on the slopes, it’s a real luxury, with a hot tub on the balcony, fully fitted kitchen and spacious lounge.
These two family resorts may be little-known to British ski hounds, because there are no direct flights to Kelowna from the UK. You have to fly to Calgary then hop on a short connecting flight.
But it’s worth it to escape the crowds. Plus, we feel as though we’ve discovered our own private winter wonderland, and the atmosphere is incredibly friendly and welcoming.
TRAVELFACTS:
Hannah Stephenson and her family travelled courtesy of Tourism British Columbia and leading Canada tour operator Canadian Affair, which offers Big White & Silver Star Ski Holiday this winter from £1,399.
Package includes return flights ex-Gatwick into Calgary, Westjet return connection to Kelowna, four nights at Grizzly Lodge, Big White, three nights at Snowbird Lodge, Silver Star, and transfers.
Return connecting flights to Gatwick ex-Glasgow and ex-Manchester from £140.
Various offers apply for early bookers on departures from Jan 2013, incl under-12s ski free, free ski carriage on plane, adult lift passes from £42 per person per day, lessons from £29 per person for a two-hour group lesson.
For reservations call 020 7616 9999 (London) or 0141 248 6777 (Glasgow), or visit www.canadianaffair.com
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