Panorama features a nice mix of groomers on the front side and killer double-blacks in the Extreme Dream Zone and Taynton Bowl on the back. Mountain capacity is 8,000, but village only holds 2,000, meaning lots of wide-open skiing. Has its own onsite heli-plex with about 120 different landing spots for all levels of skiers.

• Red Mountain Resort, www.redresort.com, about three hours west of Cranbrook in Rossland, lift $48 or CA$59.

Rated among North America's top expert ski resorts, Red Mountain is filled with steeps, trees and has a 30-acre terrain park. Red has 360-degree fall lines and beginners can ski for what feels like days by taking Silver Sheep to Rino's Run along the backside.

• Revelstoke Mountain Resort, www.revelstokemountainresort.com, about 4 ½ hours from Cranbrook, NW corner of Powder Highway, lift $57 or CA$71.

''The Stoke'' lives up to its name by offering plenty of steep runs, with just 10 percent of its trails designed for beginners. It claims to have North America's highest vertical at over 5,200 feet from top to bottom and incredibly long runs, including the recently added 3.2-mile Snow Rodeo.

• Whitewater Winter Resort, www.skiwhitewater.com, just under three hours west of Cranbrook, near Nelson, lift $44 or CA$55.

A relatively small mountain with just three chair lifts, Whitewater makes up for it with its deep powder; 45 feet per year. The best stashes are found in the trees and advanced skiers can traverse to Ymir Peak for a challenge. Fresh Tracks Cafe is unlike any mountain cafeteria you've ever tried; they've even got their own cookbook.

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