British Colombia is spoilt for choices when it comes
to ski resorts. The BC ski areas vary from the giant destination
resort of Whistler Blackcomb to the urban ski center at
Grouse Mountain Vancouver.
Manning Park British Colombia is a nice middle-of-the-road
resort. Its probably not worth a trip from the East Coast
or Europe, but if you are in southwestern Canada or the
Pacific Northwest of the United States and want to spend
a few days at good sized mountain without spending too
much money, Manning Park Ski Resort is the place to go.
Manning Park Ski Resort lies within the E. C. Manning
Provincial Park. The park, named after the former chief
forester of British Colombia, is at the northern tip of
the Cascade Mountains. Close to the BC–Washington
State border, Manning Park British Colombia lies at the
end of the Mexico to
Canada Pacific Crest Hiking Trail. In the summer Manning
Park is a center for hiking; in the winter Manning Park
Ski Resort attracts Nordic and alpine skiers and snowboarders
from across British Colombia and Washington
State.
Manning Park Ski Resort is relatively small, with just four lifts and twenty-five named runs over about 200 skiable acres. The vertical drop is 1,400 feet. Despite its size, Manning Park Resort has ample terrain for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities.
Advanced skiers should head skiers left from the top of the Orange chairlift to the Apple Bowl. Several black diamond trails run through and around the trees through the steepest terrain at Manning Park Resort. Snowboarders should stop off at the terrain park on their way down, just below Snag and above coming home. Featherstone run on the other side of the Orange chair is the steepest groomed run on the mountain. For moguls, try Blue Streak under the Blue chairlift.
Intermediates will enjoy the blue runs under the Orange
lift, but should be able to handle almost anything on
the mountain, even the black rated runs. Orange Streak
is a favored cruiser. Beginners will like the slow skiing
area near the base of Manning Park Resort. For a longer
green run, head to the wide-open Wagon Trail off the Blue
lift.
One of the best things about Manning Park Ski Resort is the price. All-day lift tickets are still less than $25, a marked savings from Whistler Blackcomb and some other British Colombia resorts. Although it is accessible from Vancouver for a day of skiing (about a three hour drive), the lodging at Manning Park British Colombia makes an overnight stay inviting. The large Main Lodge has over 70 quality and reasonably priced rooms and a comfortable lounge where you can relax by the fire after a day on the slopes. There are also private cabins and three bedroom chalets for more secluded rests.
Manning Park Ski Resort is never going to become a major destination resort, but for an affordable ski weekend in British Colombia, it is hard to beat.
