For some people, the après ski scene is the only reason to go up the mountain. People live for après, and if you haven’t ended up in the bar at 2 am still wearing your ski boots, to this crowd, you haven’t lived. So, to help you experience true mountain life, we have compiled a list of the events that will ensure you get a taste of true British Columbian après ski. From massive free outdoor concerts to craft beer festivals, there is an aprés event for everyone. Check them out below…
Nothing like a night out wine tasting. Photo: The Wine Festivals
Head to Sun Peaks Resort for skiing and fun events all day and all night surrounding one of our favourite things: BC Wines. Experience the best of winter while attending events like the Wine Crawl, The Spirited Après and Moonlight Snowshoe & Mulled Wine. Bonus: Pick up a ‘Progressive Package’ for as low as $315 per person, which includes two nights of accommodation in the Sun Peaks Village, a ticket the WestJet Progressive Tasting and another festival event of your choice.
Where: Sun Peaks, North East of Kamloops, British Columbia
When: January 13th to 22th, 2017
Time to grab the girls. Photo: Mount Seymour
There has never been a better reason to go out skiing or snowboarding with your gals. For the 2016 season, ladies can ski or snowboard at Mt Seymour for only $10, and even better $5 from every lift ticket goes to the Bloom Group, a local foundation providing social services for women and children in the Downtown Eastside. Plus stick around for après at 9 pm at Three Peaks Lodge for your chance to meet new friends and win weekly door prizes.
Where: Mt Seymour, North Vancouver, British Columbia
When: Every Monday from January 23 to March 27, 2017
The best costume wins. Photo: Coldsmoke Festival Facebook
Fancy yourself some powder? Look no further than the Kootenay Coldsmoke Powder Festival, a gathering where mountain enthusiasts of all levels can celebrate the snow. From film festivals to mountain minglers this is the best way to get outside, enjoy the powder and make some new friends. Bonus: Brush up on your backcountry skills at one of the many clinics throughout the festival featuring package deals starting at $60 that include group coaching and lift tickets.
Where: Whitewater Ski Resort, Nelson, British Columbia
When: February 24th to 26th, 2017
The Griz Days Rail Jam. Photo: Mofoto Photography
The Griz Days Winter Festival welcomes all to Fernie’s biggest and snowiest party of the year. This 3-day festival has tons of events including a parade, fireworks, “Extreme Griz Competition”, a lumberjack show, rail jam and the raging elk dummy downhill. To find out what that all even means check out their website here.
Where: Fernie, British Columbia
When: March 3rd to 5th, 2017
In the beer tent at Red Mountain. Photo: Red Mountain Resort
Thirsty for beer and hungry for powder? Head to RED Mountain Resort to ski all morning and eat BBQ, listen to music and taste beer from many of BC’s finest craft breweries under the tents at the base into the night. Note: Tickets sell out fast, watch here for them to go on sale.
Where: Red Mountain Resort, Rossland, British Columbia
When: March 17th & 18th, 2017
Apré Ski at its finest. Photo: Grant Gunderson
Every weekend in March head out for an awesome day of skiing at Revelstoke Mountain and ski right down to live music at the lodge. Every weekend they are bringing in new bands so you never know what you’re going to get!
Where: Revelstoke Mountain Resort, Revelstoke, British Columbia
When: Every weekend in March
Sneaky Sounds System Live in Whistler Village. Photo: WSSF
If you are looking for the ultimate après party look no further than The World Ski & Snowboard Festival. This 10-day celebration has something for everyone. Watch professionals go head to head in ski and snowboard competitions, check out live music every day at the base of the mountain, attend film and photo festivals and much more.
Where: Whistler Village, Whistler, British Columbia
When: April 7th to 16th, 2017