British Columbia’s slopes kind to new skiers and boarders

British Columbia’s powder-packed slopes prove ideal for fast-paced runs, cruises through the glades and ventures into the steep and deep. But what about beginner skiers and boarders who have yet to make the move from easy-does it terrain?

It’s good to be a newbie at Sun Peaks Resort, near Kamloops, where skiers can earn their stripes in a setting that offers snow and sunshine in equal measures. Here, Learn to Ski and Snowboard programs promise plenty of gently contoured action — ideal for first-timers eager to build confidence.

Got a budding speedster on your hands? They can put all lessons learned into action with a cruise along the resort’s 5 Mile run, a favoured green pathway that is as expansive as it is crowd free.

Guarantee: a few turns on these slopes and skiers and boarders won’t be rookies for long. sunpeaksresort.com

Bunny hills be gone at Big White Ski Resort, east of Kelowna, where the resort’s Mom, Dad and Me Package proves ideal for youngsters aged three to six years.

These two-hour, semi-private lessons (child and parent) provide on-slope tools for both parties: little ones learn the basics while adults discover games and activities aimed to motivate their young charges along the mountain’s twists and turns.

As a bonus, this package packs it in with two nights accommodation, four two-day lift passes and tube park tickets.bigwhite.com

Further east at Kimberley Alpine Resort, the new beginner slope, Alpine Slide, offers an easier way down to the lower mountain from the top of Northstar Chair.

And while that may encourage newbies to go for the green (run) every time, it might also instill the confidence required to tackle a few of the resort’s 80 tree-lined runs or take on one of North America’s longest illuminated trails after the sun sets. The non-stop fall lines and heart-stopping steeps? Maybe next time. skikimberley.com