China looks at BC slopes

Photo: File photo

It is safe to say that Apex, Big White and SilverStar ski resorts have attracted a steady flow of Australian tourists over the years. 

SilverStar even has Aussie Day which celebrates guests and employees from Down Under.

However, Aussies might have to start sharing area ski hills with tourists from other parts of the world.

The province is hoping to tap into the fast-growing Chinese tourist market. 

Minister Lisa Beare was part of a recent provincial government delegation to China where she promoted the entire province as a ski destination, not just Whistler or the North Shore Mountains.

“China is one of the fastest-growing inbound tourism markets in the world and presents tremendous opportunities for British Columbia’s tourism sector,” said Beare.

“New relationships resulting from this trip to Asia will help B.C.’s tour operators succeed in a globally competitive travel market.”

Beare said skiing and winter sports in general are becoming “very popular in China. Skiing in particular is a recreational activity that is growing as they approach their Winter Olympics in Beijing in 2022.”

While in China with Premier John Horgan last month, Beare said they held a luncheon with some 140 tourism operators that had a focus on skiing.

“We took the opportunity to talk about the ski hills all across the province,” she said. “SilverStar, Big White, Sun Peaks were all discussed.”

And modern technology was used to give the tourism reps a first-hand look at the ski hills themselves, while never having to leave the lunch table.

The attendees put on virtual reality, 360 degree glasses to see what the mountains have to offer.

“There was a well-attended line up for that one,” she said.