Hotel The Pine Inn, Panorama

Panorama is one of the most popular resorts in Eastern British Columbia. At present it isn't that large and has half the snowfall that you'll find at Whistler, but it has recently been purchased by Intrawest, so there are extensive plans to expand. It operates as a year-round resort, offering hiking, golf, biking and rafting for summer visitors. The resort village is extremely friendly and uncrowded. It is somewhat lacking in restaurants, bars and off-snow activities, although a big water park has recently been completed. It's also quite expensive.

It's the skiing that attracts so many. Panorama is better for boarders than many other resorts, with powder, a park, a halfpipe and tree-lined trails. Panorama's slopes favour experts and better intermediates, with the 'Extreme Dream Zone' a notable area for open bowls and powder. In the local Bugaboos Mountains you can experience some of the best heli-skiing around. Beginners will find the terrain a little tough, but there is one of the best ski schools in North America to help you out. You won't waste much time queuing, in spite of the lift system being a little inefficient.

Overall, an enjoyable medium-sized resort that offers plenty of skiing challenges in a sedate and uncrowded environment.