Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains two hours north of Vancouver is 
the biggest ski complex in North America and the site of the 2010 winter olympics. It compares with the large European resorts in size and impressiveness. Most of the lodges in the village are also within close walking distance of the lifts. Clean, efficient, and replete with vast ski terrain makes Whistler resort one of the nicest places to ski in the world.
Mount Bachelor is a dormant volcano ski area, without a base village and skied heavily by locals. The snow can last into mid summer, and accommodations can be found in the town of Bend. The lift system is fast and efficient, and the scenery is beautiful.
Fernie Alpine Resort in British Columbia is a former coal mining town with an old feel to it along with a fun nightlife. It has a variety of terrain to meet the needs of all types of skiers and snowboarders, and great snow is always found somewhere on the mountain.
Mount Hood has three major resorts, Mount Hood Meadows, Timberline, and Mount Hood Skibowl. An imposing mountain behind the skyline of Portland, Mount Hood is a large target for storms coming in off of the Pacific Ocean. This can lead to high winds, whiteout conditions, but also a lot of snow that allows for nearly a year long season. Skiing and snowboard camps in the summer take full advantage of this. There is not a base village, and Mount Hood sees a lot of skiers commuting in from the city.
Crystal Mountain near Mount Rainier is one of the best kept secrets on the skiing and snowboarding scene. Deep, heavy but typically wet northwest snow adorn this mountain with awesome tree skiing and plenty of steep drops. The village has only three hotels and two condo complexes.
Mount Baker is a very small ski area near the Canadian border, that is know for wild steep terrain, and an incredible amount of snowfall. Snowboarders generally outnumber skiers at Mount Baker on the weekends.
Kicking Horse Ski Resort is the largest recent resort development in North America. The terrain is extraordinary, and the wild backcountry will make this a well known resort. While development continues at the base of the mountain, amenities may also be found in the town of Golden nearby.
Sun Peaks is an excellent family destination, with recent developments and improvements on and off the mountain expanding its reputation. The slopes cater to a variety of skiing abilities, and freestylers have great facilities here.
Big White is a modern resort that is Canada’s fourth largest ski area. There is a lot of diversity in the beginning and intermediate terrain, but the difficulties of the expert terrain is considered by many as overrated. The base village caters to the family ski vacationers, and the nightlife is not considered exceptional.