January 13, 2004 – Travellers planning to visit British Columbia this winter can book ski packages and find information about British Columbia's winter resorts at www.HelloBC.com/ski. Two-night accommodation and lift packages begin at just $200 CDN (approximately $150 USD) per person at Apex Resort near Penticton, and a variety of package or accommodation-only options are available.

With 26 participating properties at ski resorts around the province, travellers can visit a variety of destinations including the popular mountains of Whistler/Blackcomb; the powder-filled Thompson Okanagan resorts of Sun Peaks, Apex, Silverstar and Big White, as well as the Kootenay Rockies resorts of Fernie and Kimberley.

In addition, travellers who call Tourism BC's Call Centre, 1-800-HELLOBC (or in Greater Vancouver 604-435-5622), or drop in at the Visitor Info Centres at Peace Arch border crossing, Vancouver International Airport or downtown Vancouver will qualify for great discounts at BC resorts. At Whistler Blackcomb resort, visitors can receive 20% off rentals, up to 20% off lesson packages and 5-20% off lift tickets. As an added bonus, all visitors who purchase their passes at Visitor Info Centres receive a Whistler/Blackcomb card offering discounts of 10 – 15% at restaurants and retail stores throughout Whistler Village.

“British Columbia's diverse ski resorts meet the interests of every type of skier; from families to dedicated powder hounds,” says Cam Routledge, Director of Marketing & Sales, Overseas, “The value of BC skiing is unbeatable. And with the US exchange rate, it's also remarkably affordable for our American neighbours.”

Discovering British Columbia is as easy as visiting www.HelloBC.com, or by calling toll-free 1-800-HELLO BC (North America) or 604-HELLO BC (604-435-5622) in Greater Vancouver. This reservation and information service puts you in touch with a team of professional travel experts who provide free advice and assistance in planning or booking travel in British Columbia, including accommodations, tours, and ground transportation.