Winter in British Columbia

If you are into ‘extreme’ winter sports, you should go to Whistler, Kicking Horse or Red Mountain.
But if you want to spend a winter vacation with your family, BC Interior may hold the answers.
Forget about BlackComb and think: Sun Peaks, Silver Star , Big White and Apex Resort .

Veteran ski travel writer Steven Threndyle wrote a story recently in the Vancouver Sun which extolled the virtues of the many fine family-oriented ski resorts in the Thompson Okanagan.
Reaching them may pose a challenge; it involves driving the treacherous Coquihalla. Depending on the road conditions allow yourself about 6 hours to reach the furthest resort.
Reasons for choosing any of the four resorts:
- After ski activities for kids
- Accommodations in the proximity so no need for a car
- No ‘attitudes’
- The snow is lighter and drier

Big White is a family oriented resort, offering a wide range of activities: skiing, skating, snowboarding, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, dogsled tours ($175 for one hour and a half of tour, including unharnessing and feeding the dogs, horse drawn sleigh rides (it costs $10 per person for 30 minutes, and for kids under five it’s free). If you pay for the all-day lessons the kids will get lunch inside the cafeteria in the ski school.

Silver Star Mountain Resort offers tons of family activities. Also the resort offers more than a hundred kilometers of cross country trails. The Star Kids Centre is licensed to look after newborns.
And if you have an over energetic kid, the resort offers night skiing as well.
Right now the temperature over there is – 8°C, the snowbase: 80 cm and 6 cm of new snow.
Sun Peaks has the best-planned village and trails for all ability levels. Following are some Hot Deals:
Ski and Stay Free
Book before December 24, 2007, and save! Come and enjoy three nights of accommodation and three days of skiing for the price of only two at participating properties. For more information please call Central Reservations at 1-800-807-3257.’
Destination Sun Peaks
Come explore the endless terrain at BC’s second largest ski area, and wander the picturesque village of Sun Peaks. Your package begins with one night accommodation, and one day of skiing or riding on three mountains. Package prices start from $99.00* mid week and $109.00* weekend. Call Central Reservations at 1-800-807-3257 for more information, or book online.
Coast to Mountain Package: Air, Shuttle, Accommodation, and Lift $749
Enjoy a return flight on Pacific Coastal Airlines to Kamloops for three nights and three days of skiing at Sun Peaks Resort. Shuttle service between Kamloops Airport and Sun Peaks will be provided. This package includes return airfare, shuttle service, three nights accommodation in a hotel room or studio suite, and three days of skiing. Call Central Reservations at 1-800-807-3257 to reserve this package, or book online.
Source: http://www.sunpeaksresort.com/planyourtrip/packages.aspx

Useful tips offered by Sun Peaks:

How to Ski In/Ski Out
Upon check in ask your concierge what is the easiest way to get on the slopes in the morning. The Sun Peaks village has been designed to be ski in ski out.
Channel 2 and Channel 3
Once in your room check out Sun Peaks TV on Channel 2 and Channel 3 to find out everything that is happening in the resort from snow conditions and groomed runs to resort activities.
Get Equipment the Night Before
Avoid the morning rush by visiting any of the equipment rental shops located in the village the night prior to your first day on the slopes.
Save With Multi Day Lift Tickets
Multiple day lift tickets provide guests with a discounted rate.
Where to Find Breakfast
Breakfast is available at Mantle’s Restaurant, Macker’s Bistro, Bagg’s Café, Bollaco Café, Vertical Juice and Smoothies, the Sunburst Mid Mountain Restaurant, and Bento’s. If you’re looking to get out on the slopes early then check out First Trax Breakfast at the Sunburst Restaurant
Complimentary In Resort Shuttle Service
Take advantage of the complimentary in resort shuttle service. This great service will allow guests to leave their automobiles at their accommodations, and get to the ski area with ease
Source: http://www.sunpeaksresort.com/planyourtrip/resorttips/whilehere.aspx