Thinking about replacing sand castles with snowmen this summer?

Since taking their baby steps on skis at Falls Creek in Victoria, Little Misses Six and Seven have honed their skills beyond Australia’s alps in New Zealand and most recently Canada. With the northern hemisphere winter fast approaching here’s a brief insight into two of British Columbia, Canada’s best family ski resorts.

 It was snowing and dark when we arrived at Big White. After our long flight from Australia (via LA and Seattle – and hour shuttle from Kelowna) comfy beds were foremost in our minds when we checked into our Stonebridge accommodation. But sleep wasn’t immediate as we paused to admire our self-contained, three-bedroom home for the next three days. Cosy just didn’t convey its rustic charm well enough – complete with a much dreamed-of fireplace, vintage ski decor and soft leather sofas to curl up on.  Hollers could be heard from the Little Misses bedroom when they found their log timber bunks and fun soft toy bear heads mounted hunter lodge-style on the walls. For the three adults in our party of five (which included a set of grandparents) the hot tub on the balcony quickly stole our attention. But nothing could compare to the look of happy surprise the next morning  when we opened the blinds and stared into a winter wonderland of frosted fir trees – their tips bathed in the honeyed early rays of light – next to a village that could have been traced off the cover of a Christmas card. We couldn’t wait to hit the slopes – which was as easy as stepping outside and clipping on our skis.

At Big White fantastic snow conditions and expert instruction helped our skiing improve out of sight. The hot chocolate ringed smiles of Little Misses proof they had no issue with being dropped off to school on holiday – when skiing lessons were involved.

Families are clearly a priority at Big White which serves up  a happy hour that includes minors, Wii and trivia nights and an adventure park with a Mega Snow Coaster Tube Park, ice climbing wall, skating rink and fire pits for roasting marshmallows. This is also were we picked up our first ever sleigh ride through the back country trails. Dog sledding. Tick. Snow Shoeing. Tick. The Australian owners have thought of everything.

An hour in the other direction from Kelowna Airport, we were transported back to the Victorian era when precious metals were more prized than powder trails.  Modelled on a 19th century mining town, Silver Star’s pedestrian village is more Disney than Dickensian. Little Misses attentions were quickly drawn to the buildings all painted a rainbow of colours. The seal of final approval was given the instant they discovered the frozen (ice hockey) pond,  tube park and snowmobile track. Skiing doesn’t get much better than this – a choice of ghostly forest trails, challenging steeps, and gentle cruising to give you time to soak up the incredible scenery.

You should know: about seven metres of champagne powder snow falls annually. Tucked into the sheltered westerly side of the Canadian Rockies in the Okaganan (wine growing) region of British Columbia, also means mild average daytime temperatures of 5°C.

 Hot tip: Pass holders at Big White are eligible for discounts on day tickets at Silver Star and vice versa.

Before heading home surprise the kids with an LA stopover and a Disneyland adventure. Winter is the best time to go to avoid the long queues but pack your shorts and tees as California day time temps can reach the mid-20s.

At a glance

Big White

– 17,000 guest beds – all ski in, ski out.

– 16 lifts, 118 runs (105kms of marked trails) across 2976 ha of varied terrains from deep powder bowls, forest glades, steeps and bumps and fall-line cruising. Over half cater to blue intermediate skiers and the rest is pretty evenly divided between the more advanced blacks and easy greens.

– 25kms Nordic Trails.

Silver Star

– ski-in, ski-out accommodation for 5500 (ranging from large vacations homes, hotels and luxury condos)

– Beginner Discovery Park,  12 lifts, 115 runs over 1240 skiable hectares including a terrain park.

For more information: www.canada.travel; www.britishcolumbia.travel; www.skisilverstar.com; www.bigwhite.com.

Word of advice

To avoid being further delayed (and possibly denied entry) on arrival, single parents travelling with children are advised to carry a letter, signed and witnessed, by the non-travelling partner (or ex) confirming they are aware of your international travel plans. Canada’s security measures have been tightened due to recent cases of child abduction.