Thoughts on Red Mountain, Panorama, or Sun Peaks?

[contesstant]

Looking for information on any of the above-mentioned BC resorts with the thought of putting together an inner PNW trip for February since my kiddo is going to college in Spokane. I could spend some time visiting her (insert teenage eyeroll here) and my mom. The thought is to spend a couple days at Schweitzer and then head north into BC to hit one or two BC resorts. We would drive from Utah and stay at my mom's in Spokane as a launching point.

I am currently in the info gathering process only. I have skied Schweitzer and 49 Degrees North (just north of Spokane) and all I can recall is the visibility was bad. I'm assuming that these inner British Columbia resorts will have similar weather? The exchange rate and overall inexpensive lodging is a big plus. There is a possibility we could swing through Whitefish on the way home as I have a good friend who lives there.

 

[Christy]

I'd skip Sun Peaks, unless maybe conditions there sounds perfect and they aren't perfect anywhere else. It's so much further than Red in particular (from Spokane) and I don't think it's worth the long drive. It's not scenic, they really don't get that much snow (compared to where you are from or the PNW) and it's a blah small purpose built village without great food options. I know the Coquihalla Hwy, south of Kamloops (the way we'd take from Seattle) is one of the tougher winter drives out there; you'd probably want to check on the drive from the SE to see what that's like.

 

[contesstant]

I'd skip Sun Peaks, unless maybe conditions there sounds perfect and they aren't perfect anywhere else. It's so much further than Red in particular (from Spokane) and I don't think it's worth the long drive. It's not scenic, they really don't get that much snow (compared to where you are from or the PNW) and it's a blah small purpose built village without great food options. I know the Coquihalla Hwy, south of Kamloops (the way we'd take from Seattle) is one of the tougher winter drives out there; you'd probably want to check on the drive from the SE to see what that's like.

Yeah, I didn't do much mapping until after I posted this. Heading that far north is probably not feasible. Good to know about Sun Peaks. The next question is will there be snow this year and not just rain?

 

[santacruz skier]

inner PNW trip for February since my kiddo is going to college in Spokane.

I've heard Red is really good.. I have some friends who spent nearly a month there several years ago..... and how is your daughter liking Gonzaga????

 

[SkiBam]

Someone said to skip Sun Peaks. While it might be too far a drive for trip under discussion, I have to say it's one of my favourite places in the BC Interior. Mind you, the snow was fabulous so that helped. You had to know where to go to find it but there WAS challenging terrain. I thought the village was just fine - LOVED my week there a few years ago. I'll be heading to Big White again this year - family trip as my granddaughter is working there. I gather they opened late due to lack of snow, so hope that situation improves by February!

 

[cdnrockymtnskier]

I personally have had great days at SunPeaks, however agree it is a long trek in an odd direction. Red is pretty close for you and it could be great that time of year (I have heard conditions are poor currently but they get big snow in Jan/Feb). It is a small, cult type mountain. From there you could go to Nelson (Whitewater) and if you are up for it, to Revelstoke, which can be really amazing that time of year (and has the best fall lines and tree skiing anywhere). Those are all in a big powder belt. Another choice is to drive towards Fernie which has stellar back bowls and usually also great snow and has excellent on hill accommodation options. From Fernie you can go to Castle Mountain (a not very well known but excellent smaller mountain with great fall lines and no crowds at all) and would be pretty close to Whitefish (a loop?) unless you drive the other direction to Pano. I personally love Pano (it is my home mountain)--never crowded, great on hill accommodation, but it is getting into the Rockies, so not as much powder. For sure skiing and accommodation will seem like a bargain for you and hopefully you will hit some great snow days. In Feb, you tend to get a full mix of sun and snow (sometimes both in a day), not so much fog--if vis is poor that is usually because it is snowing!

 

[cdnrockymtnskier]

Oh, and both Alberta and BC (both ski in BC) have a school holiday Feb 13-16th so can get pretty busy if you have a powder day or at the resorts with on hill accommodation (ie. Fernie, Revy, Pano).

 

[contesstant]

I've heard Red is really good.. I have some friends who spent nearly a month there several years ago..... and how is your daughter liking Gonzaga????

She LOVES Gonzaga! Thanks for asking. She is thriving there and wants to find summer internships so she can stay in that area or perhaps Seattle.

Thanks for all feedback, all! We'll see how ambitious we feel. It does sound like Red would be a really fun resort to add to a trip up that way.

 

[santacruz skier]

It's such a great university.... prestigious but not in your face. And what a beautiful campus! I remember a cardinal was the keynote speaker at my nephew's graduation. Pretty darn impressive.

 

[contesstant]

It's such a great university.... prestigious but not in your face. And what a beautiful campus! I remember a cardinal was the keynote speaker at my nephew's graduation. Pretty darn impressive.

That is impressive. There is a priest who lives in my daughter's dorm who has SEVEN master's degrees! I keep urging her to go sit down and ask him about all his degrees, but so far she hasn't done it.

 

[contesstant]

Oh, and both Alberta and BC (both ski in BC) have a school holiday Feb 13-16th so can get pretty busy if you have a powder day or at the resorts with on hill accommodation (ie. Fernie, Revy, Pano).

This is good to know--wait until after our president's day weekend week it sounds like.

 

[Tennessee]

Love love love Red Mountain. It is absolutely one of my favorite ski areas. We did Schweitzer, then Whitewater, then Red and lastly Fernie in 2014. Went back to just Red in 2019. I know Red has grown a lot lately so hopefully it has kept its vibe. Highly recommend Red Mountain. Loved everything about it!

 

[Christy]

Love love love Red Mountain. It is absolutely one of my favorite ski areas. We did Schweitzer, then Whitewater, then Red and lastly Fernie in 2014. Went back to just Red in 2019. I know Red has grown a lot lately so hopefully it has kept its vibe. Highly recommend Red Mountain. Loved everything about it!

Can you say more? What do you like about it, who do you think it is best for? This isn't a crazy drive from us.

 

[Jilly]

I have friends that permanently live at Sun Peaks. They love it there. Except in the summer. They have been evac'd a couple of times with forest fires. DH and I skied there way too long ago to comment on it now.

Panorama. Again DH and I skied there too long ago to comment on today's look. But it was a lot of fun, that part I remember. We came in from Calgary.

 

[Tennessee]

Can you say more? What do you like about it, who do you think it is best for? This isn't a crazy drive from us.

Hi Christy, since I’m more of a “vibe” skier vs “stats” skier I’m not sure how to answer. I loved the snow quality at Red though. I can say that was probably why I fell in love. Powder was excellent. I was just learning how to ski powder and there are great easy runs off the top on the backside (side side?) that made it fun. We found these really super cool cabins hidden off Rhino Run too. That was amazing! My friend even met one of the owners who was at his cabin. These are remnants of the old days and essentially buried in the snow and private — not anything you can rent. The town is quaint with not a lot to offer but that doesn’t bother me. People were friendly and low key. The Red chair led to some great runs and views down onto the town of Rossland. I do think any level of skier would be happy at Red if you like the sort of retro ski area experience. The whole lower part of the mountain is very easy terrain. My ski friend Ron (who is an exceptional skier) found some locals from Trail that showed him around the area of uncharted terrain to skiers right off the top. True expert terrain with cliffs so a guide is very helpful. I do think Red is changing as people have discovered it. Just hope it is maintaining the good vibe!

 

[elemmac]

The next question is will there be snow this year and not just rain?

Booking ski trips would be SO much easier if I could answer that question!

Can't comment on Panorama or Sun Peaks...but Red is on my radar for a return visit since the first was so good, and I feel like I have WAY more to explore there (I was there last winter). I'd agree with @Tennessee's comments about the good vibes (kinda old-school feel). There was a lot of construction going on when I was there, so I do think it's getting more populated, but still pretty low-key atmosphere with some killer terrain (for my liking at least). The tree skiing is amazing.

I received a lot of tips about how they are more prone to rain than some other places in the area...we got a little rain at the base when we were there, but it was all snow up top. Visibility (since you asked) was sub-par on some days, but skiing in the trees quickly mitigated those issues.

We stayed right at the mountain (other option is to stay in Rossland). I'd agree with Tennesse's analysis not a lot to offer outside of skiing, but that doesn't bother me either. I know I put this in a different thread, but outside of skiing --finding good food is my passion when I travel-- Donnie's Bistro at the mountain was a bit hit with our group...actually ate there twice. One night they were hosting a sommelier series with a cocktail hour, incredible dinner and really welcoming vibes. A local vineyard's wines were showcased for the dinner portion of the event, with the sommelier there for info on each one). Donnie obviously loves to host and did a phenomenal job at it! It definitely was a splurge for price but was worth it. The Underbelly Bistro in Rossland had a brisket, pepperoni sub that I still dream about. Easily in the top 5 sandwiches I've ever eaten lol.

We spent a day in the backcountry with Big Red Cats. They brought us to some incredible locations, and I couldn't have asked for better snow conditions...it was just "one of those days" where it's impossible to wipe the smile off your face.

Video evidence that Red (and BRC) is awesome ... Big Red works with a "buddy system" while riding to keep everyone safe and tabs on each individual ...

 

[Mjm11]

I've heard Red is really good.. I have some friends who spent nearly a month there several years ago..... and how is your daughter liking Gonzaga????

Thanks for the positive feedback on Red Mountain! I'm heading there mid-march with some of ski group. Woohoo!

 

[BlizzardBabe]

I'll be at Sun Peaks at the end of March. Fingers crossed.

 

[contesstant]

Low-key, old school is totally my vibe, so if we don't get up there this year, it's going to be a must do in the future. Maybe a La Niña year is no longer ideal with the warmer temps that it brings to the PNW :( (and Utah, it appears.)

I want decent food (that's not ridiculously expensive) and great skiing without a lot of bougie crap and...fancy outfits. And a comfy bed in a quiet place. That's pretty much it.

 

[geargrrl]

(Spokane chiming in here, been skiing this region for 35 years)
Panorama is known for low snow conditions. Great views, bring your rock skis.
Fernie is only 4.5 hours from Spokane, 3.5 from Sandpoint (and major roads to get there) - have you considered? Red Mt is NOT a direct drive at all if you are staying in Sandpoint. It's a convoluted slow drive through the mountains to get to Red from Sandpoint.
The "problem" with Red is that it's the same weather pattern as NE WA. So, if it's warm here chances are it's warm there. OTOH, a powder day at Red is not to be missed. Feb is a crap shoot around here in terms of getting cold and snowy or not.
Don't discount the local, smaller hills. We love the non resort vibe Lookout Pass is known for really good snow as it's higher and they've got a few new lifts. Silver also gets a lot of snow and you can stay right at the base. Mt Spokane is my home mt, only 33 miles from GU. I'd be happy to show you the secret stashes.