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Plan the ultimate B.C. ski vacation with kids
With winter on the horizon, many Pacific Northwest families are itching to stretch their ski legs, and while local ski destinations like The Summit at Snoqualmie and Crystal Mountain can easily scratch that itch, sometimes a change of scenery is what a family ski trip is all about. Our neighbor to the north, British Columbia, is home to many fantastic world-class ski resorts that cater to families.
Whistler is one of the most popular B.C. destinations for a reason. But there are other equally enticing resorts to consider, too. All offer skiing and snowboarding lessons for the young ones, and most have daycare for babies and toddlers. These features, together with their friendly, caring staffs and a variety of après options, make them ideal adventure destinations for Puget Sound–area families.
Travel tip: Double-check travel and border-crossing requirements when considering a jaunt to B.C., whether you plan ground or air travel. Approximate drive times from Seattle and nearest airports are included for each resort below.
First stop: Whistler Blackcomb
Whistler Blackcomb, Whistler, B.C.
Situated in the Coast Mountains of British Columbia, just two hours north of Vancouver, Whistler Blackcomb opens for skiing and snowboarding almost six months of the year. Children will beg to explore the whimsical enchantment of the Magic Castle and Tree Fort — outdoor adventure playlands that let you take a break from skiing — and other Family Certified Zones.
Group ski lessons begin at 3 years of age and snowboarding instruction starts at 5 years of age. Private lessons for both sports are available for kids at any level.
Although Whistler Kids Childcare usually provides daycare for tots ages 1.5–4, they do not appear to be operating for the 2023–24 winter season. Babysitting services for kids from birth through 14 years are available.
Driving time and distance from Seattle: 4.25 hours, 217 miles
Nearest airport: Vancouver International Airport, Vancouver, B.C.
Up next: Sun Peaks Resort
Sun Peaks Resort, Sun Peaks, B.C.
Along with an abundance of family-friendly activities and diverse topography, Sun Peaks Resort promises a safe environment for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities. Its European-inspired ski-through village features several dining options, cozy boutique shops and ski-in/ski-out lodging.
Group lessons are available for beginning and developing skiers and snowboarders. Or you can register your child for private instruction at any level of experience. Sundance Kids Centre cares for tots ages 3–5 and provides them with both indoor and outdoor playtime while you’re on the slopes.
Driving time and distance from Seattle: 5.5 hours, 325 miles
Nearest airport: Kamloops Airport, Kamloops, B.C.; plus a 50-minute drive to the resort
Next stop: Red Mountain Resort
Red Mountain Resort, Rossland, B.C.
Adventure-seeking families will find Red Mountain Resort very much to their liking. Here they can find safe-yet-challenging snow experiences that combine skill and adventure, and return home with a gratifying sense of accomplishment.
Group lessons run the gamut from beginner to advanced for both skiing and snowboarding, while private lessons for both sports are also available, for ages 2 and older. Red Mountain Kindercare provides child care for kids ages 18 months–5 years; there’s also a combo kinderski lesson/child care for ages 3–5.
Driving time and distance from Seattle: 6.5 hours, 367 miles
Nearest airport: West Kootenay Regional Airport in Castlegar, B.C., although the resort cautions that flights in and out of this small airport are canceled fairly regularly. The nearest larger city is Spokane, a 2.75-hour drive from the resort.
Next stop: SilverStar Mountain Resort
SilverStar Mountain Resort, Silver Star Mountain, B.C.
In addition to skiing and snowboarding, SilverStar Mountain Resort offers tubing, skating, snowshoeing, fat biking, mini snowmobiles, bowling and more. The scenery at this colorful mid-mountain village, with its powdery snow and groomed terrain, gives families the feeling they’re inside a snow globe.
For group lessons, kids are divided by age and ability, and lessons are offered during the day or evening. Half-day and full-day private instruction is also available.
Driving time and distance from Seattle: 6.5 hours, 371 miles
Nearest airport: Vernon Regional Airport, Vernon, B.C.; plus a 35-minute drive to resort
Next stop: Big White Ski Resort
Big White Ski Resort, Kelowna, B.C.
Family-owned Big White Ski Resort knows what’s meaningful to its guests. For example, parents can “valet” their children for ski lessons, meaning a ski instructor picks them up and drops them off at your lodging. Youngsters can engage in all manner of snow sports and also participate in activities at the Kids’ Centre, voted the “Best Place to Abandon Your Parents” by Ski Canada Magazine.
Sign up for half-day group lessons with two hours of instruction, followed by time to practice; or opt for a full-day lesson, which includes a hot lunch and a progress card. Ski lessons are available for ages 3–12, and snowboarding instruction is offered for ages 5–12. All age groups can participate in private lessons. Tot Town Daycare entertains the kids — ages 18 months–5 years — while their parents recreate. Spots are limited and reservations are recommended.
Driving time and distance from Seattle: 6.75 hours, 349 miles
Nearest airport: Kelowna International Airport in Kelowna, B.C.; plus a 20-minute drive to resort
Next stop: Whitewater Ski Resort
Whitewater Ski Resort, Nelson, B.C.
Whitewater Ski Resort is famous for epic powder, delicious mountain food, a friendly vibe and the absence of WiFi or cell service. The whole family has to unplug, forcing teens and tweens to make friends while they’re out shredding the 40 feet of powder that falls each year. Children ages 6 and older who have never skied or snowboarded should register for Step One group lessons. Other classes are divided by age and ability level. Private lessons, tailored to each child, are available to ages 3 and older.
This resort doesn’t offer child care, but services are available in the nearby town of Nelson.
Driving time and distance from Seattle: 7.25 hours, 428 miles
Nearest airport: West Kootenay Regional Airport in Castlegar, B.C.; plus a 50-minute drive to the resort
Next stop: Fernie Alpine Resort
Fernie Alpine Resort, Fernie, B.C.
Create your own legendary story at Fernie Alpine Resort, which features the largest skiable terrain in the Canadian Rockies with its 2,500-acre playground of snow. At this resort’s large dedicated learning area, kids and families can improve their skills quickly to enhance their skiing and riding proficiency.
Telus Winter Sports School teaches ages 4–5 with a ratio of 1 instructor to 4 children. Kids ages 6–12 can opt for group or private lessons to improve their skiing or riding. Inside Cornerstone Lodge, find child care for kids who aren’t hitting the slopes; half-day or full-day care is available.
Driving time and distance from Seattle: 8.75 hours, 522 miles
Nearest airport: Canadian Rockies International Airport in Cranbrook, B.C.; plus a 1-hour drive to the resort. The nearest large city is Calgary, Alberta, which is a 3-hour drive from the resort.
Editor’s note: This article was first published in 2019 and updated most recently for 2023.
