February: Ski for Less in British Columbia
Family-friendly Silverstar Mountain Resort
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| Why now The U.S. dollar appreciated 12% vs. the Canadian dollar in 2015, so everything north of the border is effectively on sale. |
| What to do Whistler may be one of the most celebrated ski resorts in North America, but you’ll find chills and thrills for less all across British Columbia. The Sun Peaks Resort, located about 220 miles northeast of Whistler, features 135 slopes on 4,270 acres. Don’t miss weaving through the scenic, snow-heavy trees on the Smooth Smoothie trail, suggests Barbara Linder, an instructor with Ski Adventures Canada. Kick off your boots for a dinner at Voyageur Bistro, where the walls are covered with Canadian artifacts from the fur-trade era and the kitchen serves hearty local fare, such as its “legendary” bison burger ($10). Stay slope-side at Nancy Greene’s Cahilty Lodge, where condo-like accommodations, some with kitchenettes, go for $131. You’ll save $24 when you book in February at the four-star Sun Peaks Grand, which features a year-round outdoor heated pool and rooms starting at $117. |
Cross-country skiers in Whistler, B.C.
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| About 115 miles to the east of Sun Peaks lies the SilverStar Mountain Resort. It’s a great option for families, thanks to accommodations that are minutes from the lifts, such as Firelight Lodge, where contemporary rooms start at $118 a night. Along with skiing the 131 downhill trails, you can go cross-country skiing ($13 a day) and snowshoeing ($8 for rentals). Rooms at the condo-style Chilcoot Lodge, which is located in town, start at $124 a night. |
| How to save Lift tickets at Sun Peaks ($63) and SilverStar ($62) are bargains compared with those at Whistler ($92). |
| Local's tip Slide down the slopes in Tube Town park, at SilverStar ($14 for two hours). |
March: Safari in Namibia