Travel Guide to Canada's Top Ski Resorts
It is time to get to know Canada if you thought skiing only existed in the Alps. In its famous mountain ranges, Canada has some of the best skiing in the entire globe. Canada has miles and miles of powder, from the Canadian Rockies to the Coast Mountains of British Columbia.
Without a doubt, Whistler is the most well-known resort in Canada. It is one of the most well-liked Canadian ski vacations available and is frequently voted the top ski resort in the world. Aside from Whistler, Canada boasts scores of excellent ski resorts tucked away among its peaks. Discover some of Canada's top ski resorts by reading on!
For your comfort, our Canadian ski guide has been divided into the following parts -
- British Columbia Ski Resorts
- Alberta Ski Resorts
- Canadian Ski Resorts in the East
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British Columbia ski resorts
BC's Whistler Ski Resort
This ski resort is the most well-known in Canada and conceivably the most well-known worldwide. And with good reason, might we add. The largest ski area in North America is made up of the two interconnected mountain peaks of Whistler and Blackcomb. Since there are so many different slopes at Whistler Ski Resort, you could ski or snowboard there for a week or more without ever covering the same ground.
Whistler benefits from a significant quantity of snowfall each year with frequent fresh powder dumps thanks to its desirable location in the Pacific Coast Mountain Range. Their swift and efficient lift system connects the two mountains, and their world-record-breaking 2 PEAK gondola does so.
There are several activities available for those who don't ski, such as zip lines, snow tubing, and numerous spas.
This ski resort in Canada offers a lot of different activities. It is ideal for families and beginners alike due to its outstanding ski school and quantity of green runs. Skiers with more experience will find infinite options in the high-open bowls. The purpose-built ski town offers such a variety of lodging options that, if you'd prefer, you can easily spend the night alone. But it would be negligent not to experience Whistler's renowned colorful environment with its bustling après culture.
What you need to know -
Best for: An all-inclusive resort. Because of its size, the resort and ski runs have something for everyone.
How to reach - It is quite simple to travel to Whistler. Driving there takes less than two hours from Vancouver after a direct flight.
Accommodations: The Fairmont Chateau and the Delta Suites are two of our favourite hotels. The Fairmont has the famous Fairmont luxury atmosphere and is located right at the foot of Blackcomb Mountain. The enormous health spa offers a variety of pools, Jacuzzis, and steam rooms. In the centre of Whistler Village, The Delta provides genuine alpine-style lodging. If you enjoy being close to activity, this is ideal.
Quick facts:
- 8,171 acres of ski area
- 650 m to 2,285 m of elevation
- 20% beginner, 55% intermediate, and 25% advanced for piste
- 6-day lift ticket
- Starting at $624 CAD
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BC's Sun Peaks Resort
Three peaks make form the welcoming Sun Peaks resort: Mount Morrisey, Mount Sundance, and Mount Tod, which is the largest mountain. Despite being the second-largest ski area after Whistler, the town is modest and cozy, and it has a very inviting atmosphere.
Because of the main street's lack of traffic and the fact that 80% of the lodging is ski-in/ski-out, Sun Peaks is quite easy to navigate. This makes it ideal for beginners, along with some of the best beginner terrain available. Because the nursery slopes are so close to the village center and lifts, the resort is regarded by many as one of the top ski resorts in Canada.
There is a top-notch ski school here, and there are more than 130 slopes, so there are plenty of green runs for the group's less experienced skiers. There are many blue and black lines as well as some challenging open bowls on Mount Tod for more experienced skiers and snowboarders.
What you need to know -
Best for: Novices due to its easy terrain and welcoming village.
How to reach - You can take a domestic flight from either the Vancouver or Calgary airports, or you can drive the 4 12 hours from Vancouver to Sun Peaks.
Accommodations: The Sun Peaks Grand Hotel is every bit as opulent as it sounds. Only a short distance from the settlement, it offers stunning vistas. The sole outdoor heated pool in Sun Peaks is also located there.
Nancy Greene’s hotel is named after the well-known Olympian who serves as a brand ambassador for the resort and is located in the center of the village. Traditional double rooms, flats, and three-bedroom apartments are also available.
Quick facts:
- 4,270 acres of ski area
- 1,255 to 2,080 meters above sea level
- Pistes: 10% are beginners, 58% are intermediate, and 32% are experts.
- 6-day lift ticket starting at $414 CAD
BC's Big White Ski Resort
The 105km of marked runs at Big White live up to their name; they are nothing to sneeze at. One of the greatest ski area in Canada for families, it has a Kid's Centre that has won awards and practically all lodgings provide ski-in & ski-out access. The lack of cars in the mid-mountain village only contributes to the resort's cozy and safe atmosphere.
Because there are so many different groomed lines, the terrain is an intermediate skier's paradise. Although there are better BC destinations for advanced and extreme skiers, there is still plenty to keep beginning and intermediate skiers busy. Through the steep alpine bowl, there are numerous single black diamond runs and even a few double black diamonds run to keep skiers entertained.
Happy Valley, which is located at the bottom of the resort, is a haven for everyone who doesn't ski or who simply enjoys variety. You may stay up late here snowshoeing, snowmobiling, tubing, ice skating, and ice climbing. Happy Valley is served by the gondola until 10 p.m.
What you need to know
Best For: Intermediates. The quantity of runs is unreal.
How to reach - The resort is easily reached by internal flight from Calgary or Vancouver into Kelowna, where guests can then board a shuttle bus. Otherwise, the trip from Vancouver takes 5 1/2 hours.
Accommodations: At the foot of the mountain, a short distance from the village centre, lies the all-suite Stonebridge Lodge. Most of the accommodations include outside spaces, and the location is unbeatable. The Inn at Big White features a good restaurant and is located in the centre of the village resort.
Quick facts:
- 2,655 acres of ski area
- Height: 1,510 to 2,320 metres
- Pistes: 18% novice, 54% intermediate, 22% expert, and 22% advanced
- 6-day lift ticket: starting at $522 CAD
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Canada's Revelstoke Mountain Resort
The Revelstoke Mountain Resort, which opened its doors only in 2007, is the newest ski area in Canada. However, it more than makes up for its lack of age with its qualifications. The terrain, snowfall, and verticality are all enormous. With its 1,713 meters of vertical elevation, Revelstoke boasts the highest snowfall in North America at 15 meters per year.
With access to around half a million acres of terrain, the region is renowned for heliskiing. There are still plenty of off-piste thrills to be had, but the 3,121-acre ski resort currently has 69 named lines and regions. There are four high alpine bowls and renowned woodland glades here.
Access to the terrain, which usually remains ungroomed, is provided via a gondola and two quick chair lifts. A brand-new terrain park featuring jumps, jibs, and rollers is also available. A hotel, restaurant, bar, and coffee shop are all part of the modest resort at the base of the slopes. The nearby, unpretentious town of Revelstoke itself is also a viable option for lodging.
What you need to know -
Best for: Powder Hounds. This resort is best suited for intermediate and advanced skiers because of the steep terrain.
How to reach - The shuttle bus from Kelowna Airport is the best method to get here. From Vancouver or Calgary, you can take an internal aircraft to Kelowna. A practical approach to moving around is to look into the many automobiles rental services offered in Canada.
Accommodations: The charming Sutton Place Hotel is the closest to these slopes. All the hotel's suites have balconies with breathtaking mountain views, as well as an outdoor pool and hot tub. The Hillcrest offers stunning views of the Begbie Glacier, while Glacier House Resort is a terrific option for that log cabin feel.
Quick facts
- 3,121 acres of ski area
- 512 to 2,225 metres above sea level
- Pistes: 7% novice, 45% intermediate, and 48% expert
- 6-day lift ticket starting at $558 CAD
B.C.'s Panorama Mountain Resort
Panorama is less well-known than its well-known neighbours, such as Banff and Lake Louise, but this is only advantageous to those who are knowledgeable about it. Due to the absence of many cars and the abundance of ski-in/ski-out access, the resort provides one of the easiest experiences available.
With 1,220m, this vertical is one of the longest in North America. The majority of the ski slope is below the treeline and has many glade regions. The double black diamond run in the Extreme Dream Zone makes Panorama one of the top ski resorts in Canada. The resort offers a variety of terrain to suit all skill levels.
The resort's top and lower villages are connected by a free gondola. A skating rink and outdoor pool complex with swimming pools, waterslides, and hot tubs are the focal points of the upper village. Perfect for non-skiers and children! There are numerous lodging alternatives and easy access to the slopes in the area.
Skiers are encouraged to visit Panorama, according to Craig Burton, an author for A Luxury Travel Blog: "Test your technique over a landscape etched with steep ridges, where you'll be twisting, undulating, dipping, and swerving. The slopes at Panorama are a thrill paradise with breathtaking scenery and a hamlet only five minutes away from the mountain.
What you need to know -
Best For: Families. Along with the pool complex and ski school, there are numerous daycare alternatives available here.
How to reach - The oldest mountains in Canada, the Purcell Mountains in British Columbia, are where you may find Panorama. The closest airport, in Calgary, is about a three-and-a-half-hour drive away. Additionally, shuttle bus services connect the resort with Calgary or Banff.
Accommodations: The Panorama Mountain Village offers a variety of lodging options for both the Upper and Lower villages. There are condos, hotels, and even a hostel available. All have access to heated outdoor pools and hot tubs, and the majority include kitchenettes and balconies.
Quick facts
- 2,847 acres of ski area
- 1,150 to 2,375 metres above sea level
- 20% beginner, 55% intermediate, and 25% advanced for piste
- 6-day lift ticket starting at $426 CAD
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BC's Fernie Alpine Resort
A great option for an all-around resort is Fernie. It enjoys the dryness of the Rockies and is known for its great powder, receiving more snowfall annually than resorts like Banff. With several bowls, steep glades, and a terrain park for more seasoned skiers and snowboarders, there is a fair variety of routes for all skill levels.
The resort is revered by expert skiers. There is plenty to keep you busy, yet it is not overly congested. Along with steep, ungroomed terrain and glades, there is a lot of new snowfall (9m annually on average).
The resort has invested in ongoing improvements to the area to make Fernie one of the top ski destinations in Canada, although the seven lifts do mean that some of the terrains requires a lot of traveling to get there.
The resort town of Fernie is cozy and pleasant, although it is small and offers a limited selection of places to dine and drink. It's a different story if you travel a few kilometers to Fernie town. There is a bustling dining and drinking scene.
What you need to know -
Best for - All-arounder. It offers a nice variety of terrain for skiers of all levels and the choice of staying in the resort or going out for après in the town.
How to reach - Fernie is located in the East Kootenay section of the Lizard Range of the Canadian Rockies. Shuttle buses are available to transport you from Fernie to Calgary Airport, which is 3 12 hours distant. However, a rental car can come in helpful for travelling the three miles from the resort to the town.
Accommodations: The luxurious, four and a half-star Lizard Creek Lodge embodies rustic elegance. The location couldn't be better; it's directly beside the Elk quad chairlift on the slopes. If you want to be near the excitement, the Best Western Plus in Fernie is a fantastic option.
Quick facts
- 2,504 acres of ski area
- 1,150 to 2,375 metres above sea level
- 20% beginner, 55% intermediate, and 25% advanced for piste
- 6-day lift ticket starting at $444 CAD.
- A Rockies Card is another alternative, granting you access to the close-by resorts of Fernie, Kicking Horse, Kimberley, and Nakiska.
Alberta's Ski Resorts
AB's Big 3 in Banff
One of the best ski areas in Canada is comprised of these three top-tier ski resorts in Banff National Park. You can access the ski areas at Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise, and Mt. Norquay in Alberta with a single pass. All three ski resorts are accessible from the cities of Banff and Lake Louise, which are about 30 minutes apart.
The Big 3 ski areas in Banff include 7,748 acres and have more than 300 routes. Two gondolas and 26 chairlifts provide excellent access to the runs. Additionally, the entire area benefits from an abundance of the famous Rockies snow - dry, fluffy powder.
With a season that lasts seven months, from November to May, Sunshine has Canada's longest non-glacial ski season. The largest and possibly most attractive ski area is Lake Louise. Mt. Norquay is regarded as a tiny, kid-friendly hidden gem.
One of the most well-known ski areas in Canada is the one in Banff, and with good reason. Given the number of visitors the area receives, the infrastructure and facilities are superb. However, despite the region's popularity, the towns have kept their warm, laid-back appeal. With a large selection of pubs and eateries, Banff is especially fun. The greatest activity and the best après can be found here. Although attractive, Lake Louise is sleepy.
What you need to know -
Best for - pure variety. It is difficult to become bored here because there are three ski resorts in one. The same run will never be performed twice! Because of the wide variety of topography and the abundance of lodging alternatives, it is ideal for families. It's also an excellent alternative for individuals who prefer to live close to a busy city and have access to non-ski activities.
How to reach - Driving time from Calgary Airport to Banff is only 90 minutes. The amazing Banff National Park may be explored and some of the sites can be seen if you have a car. But there are also shuttle buses that travel to and from the ski resorts and the airport.
Accommodations: There are numerous possibilities in both Banff and Lake Louise, although Banff is a relatively bigger town In both cities, there is a famous and opulent Fairmont Hotel (Lake Louise and Banff Springs). The Banff Lodging Company offers numerous luxurious ski lodges with blazing fires and that log cabin atmosphere in the town of Banff.
Quick facts
- 7,748 acres of ski area
- 1,630 to 2,730 meters above sea level
- Pistes: 22% novice, 45% intermediate, and 33% expert
- 6-day lift pass for access to the Big 3 are available for $474 CAD.
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Jasper, Alberta's Marmot Basin
This ski resort boasts some of the most breathtaking vistas in all of Canada and is surrounded by the enormous Jasper National Park. Because of this, Marmot Basin is a fantastic option if you're traveling with non-skiers or if you want to include some sightseeing in your ski trip. An excellent reason to travel there is the breathtaking journey over the Icefields Parkway from Lake Louise to Jasper.
The runs in this ski region aren't very big, especially in comparison to the resorts in Banff. This tiny resort makes up for it with personality, though. It offers good value for money and is far less congested than other resorts in Banff and British Columbia. Additionally, the terrain varies pretty evenly from easy to difficult. With both expansive views and protected glades, there is an excellent mix of ski areas above and below the treeline.
Since there is no hotel on the mountain, you must establish a base in the nearby town of Jasper, which is 30 minutes away. However, that's not a terrible thing because the town is quite charming. Compared to Banff, it is quieter and feels more authentic. There are still many great places to eat and go out, along with amenities like childcare and ski lessons.
What you need to know -
Best for: Avoiding throngs of people. Compared to many other ski destinations, Jasper is quieter and farther away.
How to get there: Spend a flight to Calgary, then take a few days to take the breathtaking Icefields Parkway trip. It's time well spent!
Where to stay: The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge is an opulent option just outside of town, complete with fine dining options and scenic views. The Crimson is a short distance from the heart of Jasper.
Quick facts
- 1,675 acres of ski area
- 1,698 to 2,6120 metres above sea level
- 30% for beginners, 30% for intermediates, 20% for advanced, and 20% for experts
- 6-day lift ticket starting at $162 CAD
Eastern Canada's Ski Resorts
QC Tremblant
Although skiing may be the primary activity you associate with the Canadian Rockies, there are many other possibilities. There are mountains on the east coast, and Whistler is technically in the Coast Mountains rather than the Rockies. With the extra benefit of being close to some excellent city-hopping, Tremblant is a picture-perfect location located in Quebec's Laurentian Mountain Range.
With a two-acre starting area leading to several lengthy, simple green runs, the resort is especially suitable for beginners. Despite being a very small ski area, there are four unique slopes to explore and some excellent snowboarding terrain. The South Side of Tremblant is home to the 30-acre Adrenaline Park, which has a half-pipe. Additionally, a ski school that teaches freestyle is available.
The village is one of Tremblant's outstanding features. This pedestrian village was constructed with fun, amiable, and with family in mind. There are numerous choices for lodging, dining, and après. Moreover, it is only 90 minutes away from Downtown Montréal. There is also the renowned Scandinave Spa, which offers outdoor hot tubs, waterfalls, and steam rooms, for relaxation for non-skiers.
Mont Tremblant is a fantastic destination, and travel writer and photographer Macca Sherifi of An Adventurous World concurs: "I like it in winter when you can go skiing and snowboarding. Imagine beautiful mountain huts and romantic chalets as you picture the small village of Mont Tremblant, which was actually created to resemble a Swiss alpine town.
What you need to know
Best for: Families, novices, and people who enjoy a village-like atmosphere.
How to get there: The resort is only 90 minute drive from the Montréal airport.
Accommodations: There are many alternatives in the hamlet, including hotels and condos. The Fairmont Tremblant, which provides opulent and beautiful lodging, is our favorite.
Quick facts
- 665 acres of ski area
- Elevation: 230 to 875 meters
- Pistes: 21% novice, 32% intermediate, and 47% expert
- 6-day lift ticket starting at $510 CAD
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