12 Best Ski Resorts In Canada
Written by Joeri Van Overloop
As a self-proclaimed ski enthusiast, I have had the privilege of exploring numerous ski resorts in the world. Yet, there is something about Canada's breathtaking landscapes and powdery slopes that always lures me back. If you're anything like me and constantly on the hunt for new adventure-filled destinations, look no further.
In this article, I will be unveiling my personal list of the best ski resorts in Canada. From the towering peaks of Whistler to the hidden gems nestled in the Rockies, get ready to discover some winter wonderlands that will leave you craving for more snowy escapades.
1. Whistler Blackcomb
Whistler Blackcomb is one of the best ski resorts near Vancouver, and one of the largest ski resorts in Canada. It is a world-class destination for skiing and snowboarding, offering a vast skiable terrain, terrain parks, night skiing, and plenty of other winter activities.
Whistler is located only two hours north of Vancouver, making it easily accessible for visitors. The resort boasts over 8,100 acres of skiable terrain, which includes groomed runs and off-piste skiing areas. There are 16 alpine bowls, three glaciers, and more than 200 marked runs. The resort also offers skiing on the Horstman Glacier during the summer months.
The resort is family-friendly and offers a range of activities for all ages, including ski and snowboard lessons, tubing, ice skating, and more. The Peak 2 Peak Gondola, the longest and highest lift in the world, connects Whistler Mountain and Blackcomb Mountain, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Whistler Blackcomb is known for its world-class terrain, with plenty of options for advanced skiers and powder hounds. However, the Whistler ski resort also offers plenty of beginner and intermediate runs, making it a great destination for all skill levels. The resort is also known for its après ski activities, with plenty of dining, shopping, and nightlife options in the charming Whistler Village.
Contact:
Address: 4545 Blackcomb Way, Whistler, BC V0N 1B4, Canada
Phone: +1 604-967-8950
2. Banff Sunshine Village Ski and Snowboard Resort
I have to say that Banff Sunshine Village in Alberta is one of the best Canadian ski resorts for a ski trip. Located in Banff National Park in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, this ski resort in Banff National Park offers breathtaking views of the Continental Divide and one of the longest ski seasons in Canada.
With over 3,300 acres of skiable terrain, Banff Sunshine Village is perfect for skiers of all levels. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, you'll find plenty of runs to suit your skill level. The resort also offers ski-in/ski-out accommodations at the Sunshine Mountain Lodge, making it easy to hit the slopes as soon as you wake up.
One of the unique features of Banff Sunshine Village is its location. The resort sits at an elevation of 7,200 feet, which means that the snow here is some of the driest and lightest in Canada. This makes it an ideal place to learn to ski on the best powder or to improve your skills on the slopes.
Another great thing about Banff Sunshine Village is that it's part of the SkiBig3 pass. This pass gives you access to three of the best ski resorts in Canada: Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise, and Mount Norquay. This means that you can explore all three resorts with just one pass.
Contact:
Address: 1 Sunshine access Rd, Banff, AB T1L 1J5, Canada
Phone: +1 403-705-4000
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3. Revelstoke Mountain Resort
Revelstoke Mountain Resort is one of the best places to ski in Canada. It is a perfect destination for powder hounds, extreme skiers, and anyone who loves skiing in Canada. The resort offers a wide range of skiing terrain, including cat-skiing and heli-skiing.
Revelstoke Resort is known for its dry powder, which attracts skiers from all over the world. It has the most vertical drop in North America, making it a popular destination for freeride competitions. The resort has hosted the Freeride World Tour, one of the most prestigious freeride skiing events in the world.
The resort has over 3,000 acres of skiable terrain, with 75 ski runs and 4 alpine bowls. It also has a terrain park, which is perfect for snowboarders. The resort has a total of 5 lifts, including a gondola and a high-speed quad chairlift.
Contact:
Address: 2950 Camozzi Rd, Revelstoke, BC V0E 2S1, Canada
Phone: +1 866-373-4754
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4. Lake Louise Ski Resort
I have had the pleasure of skiing at many resorts in Canada, but the Lake Louise Ski Resort in British Columbia is one of best ski resorts near Toronto. Located in the heart of the Canadian Rocky mountains and Banff National Park, the resort offers some of the best premier skiing in the world.
With over 4,200 skiable acres, Lake Louise is one of the largest ski areas in North America. The terrain is varied and includes everything from beginner runs to challenging double black diamond runs. The resort also has a great ski school, making it a perfect destination for both beginners and experienced skiers.
One of the things that sets Lake Louise apart from other Canadian ski resorts is its stunning scenery. The resort is situated on the Continental Divide, which means that skiers can enjoy breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains while they ski. The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is also located nearby, adding to the resort's charm and elegance.
In addition to skiing, Lake Louise offers a variety of other winter activities, including snowshoeing, ice skating, and cross-country skiing. The resort also has a daycare facility for children, making it a great destination for families.
Contact:
Address: 1 Whitehorn Rd, Lake Louise, AB T0L 1E0, Canada
Phone: +1 403-522-3555
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5. Sun Peaks
I have to say that Sun Peaks is one of my favorite ski resorts in Canada. Located in beautiful British Columbia, it offers a great skiing experience for all levels of skiers. The resort has over 4,200 skiable acres, making it Canada's second largest ski area.
One of the standout features of Sun Peaks is the quality and quantity of slopeside lodging. The resort boasts a very convenient ski-in/ski-out slopeside village, with several onsite condos, hotels, and private chalets. If you have an RV, Sun Peaks provides dedicated parking near the base of Mt. Morrisey. Finding a spot to park your vehicle is never a serious issue.
Sun Peaks is also a very family-friendly ski resort. It has childcare and ski school facilities, making it a great place for families with young children. The resort offers a range of winter activities, including skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports.
If you're looking for a reasonably priced ski resort, Sun Peaks is a great option. It's accessible by shuttle buses from Kamloops and Kelowna, and it's only a 45-minute drive from Kamloops Airport.
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6. Big White
Last year I went skiing at Big White, one of the best ski resorts in Canada. This family-friendly resort is a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike.
With over 118 designated trails, there is something for everyone at Big White. Skiers of all levels can enjoy the resort's diverse terrain, from gentle beginner runs to challenging black diamond trails. The resort also boasts the largest ski-in/ski-out village in Canada, making it easy to get on and off the slopes.
One of the highlights of skiing at Big White is the incredible powder. Known as a destination for powder hounds, the resort receives an average of 750cm of snowfall per year. This, combined with the resort's extensive snowmaking capabilities, ensures that skiers can enjoy great conditions throughout the season.
In addition to skiing, Big White offers a variety of other winter activities, including snowshoeing, ice skating, and tubing. The resort also has a range of dining options, from casual cafes to upscale restaurants.
Contact:
Address: 5315 Big White Rd, Kelowna, BC V1P 1P3, Canada
Phone: +1 250-765-3101
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7. Kicking Horse
Kicking Horse Mountain Resort is a popular ski resort located in Golden,, Canada. It is one of the best places to go skiing in Canada and a must-visit destination for skiing enthusiasts. The resort offers amazing views of the Rockies and has over 2,800 acres of skiable terrain, making it the perfect destination for skiers of all levels.
One of the unique features of Kicking Horse is the Eagle Eye Restaurant, which is Canada's highest elevated dining experience. The restaurant offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and is a great place to relax and enjoy a meal after a long day of skiing.
Kicking Horse is known for its steep terrain and is a popular ski vacation destination for extreme skiers and powder hounds. The resort has a vertical drop of 4,133 feet, making it one of the highest in North America. The resort also offers heli-skiing, which is a popular activity for skiers who want to explore the backcountry.
Contact:
Address: 1500 Kicking Horse Trail, Golden, BC V0A 1H0, Canada
Phone: +1 250-439-5425
8. Red Mountain Resort
Red Mountain Resort is a fiercely independent ski resort located in British Columbia, Canada. With 3,850 acres of pristine skiing, Red Mountain is among the top 10 terrain territories in North America. The resort consists of four mountains; Red Mountain, Granite, Grey, and Kirkup, with Kirkup being accessed via an inbounds snow-cat service that costs $10 CAD per ride.
Red Mountain is known for its beautiful pyramidal form and its excellent off-piste skiing. The resort has a reputation for being a powder hound's paradise, with some of the best skiing in Canada. Extreme skiers will also find plenty of challenging runs to tackle.
The resort's new chairlift on Topping Creek has streamlined skier flow and access to Grey Mountain, along with an additional seven incredible intermediate runs over 300 acres of terrain. The resort also offers a range of lodging options, including the opportunity to make Red Mountain Resort your home.
Contact:
Address: 4300 Red Mountain Rd, Rossland, BC V0G 1Y0, Canada
Phone: +1 250-362-7384
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9. Mont Tremblant
Mont Tremblant is a popular ski resort located in the Laurentian Mountains of Quebec. It is considered one of the best ski resorts in Quebec and is a popular destination in Eastern Canada for skiers and snowboarders from all over the world. The resort features a core pedestrian village that has been designed and purpose-built in an attractive Quebecois-French style, with multi-colored low-rise buildings set out in a cluster of quaint streets.
One of the highlights of Mont Tremblant is its diverse terrain, suitable for all levels of skiers and snowboarders. The resort has 102 trails, 14 ski lifts, and 3 snow parks, making it an ideal destination for families, couples, and groups. Additionally, Mont Tremblant has excellent snowmaking capabilities, ensuring that the resort is always covered in snow throughout the ski season.
Mont Tremblant is also known for its excellent après-ski and nightlife. The resort has a wide range of restaurants, bars, and clubs, making it a great place to relax and unwind after a day on the slopes. In addition to tree skiing and snowboarding, visitors to Mont Tremblant can enjoy a variety of other activities, including snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and ice skating.
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10. Mount Norquay
Mount Norquay is one of the best-kept secrets of the Canadian Rockies and one of the lesser-known resorts. It is located in Banff National Park, just a short drive from the ski town of Banff. As a part of the SkiBig3 resorts, it offers access to three ski resorts on the same lift pass.
Mount Norquay is a world heritage site and the birthplace of skiing within the Canadian Rockies. It offers plenty of natural dry snow and modern lifts, including a heated one. The resort is also home to the only ski-in/ski-out lodging in Banff.
If you're looking to learn to ski or snowboard, the Snow School at Mount Norquay is the perfect place to start. They offer ski lessons for all skill levels, from beginners to experts.
Contact:
Address: Improvement District No. 9, AB, Canada
Phone: +1 403-762-4421
11. Panorama Mountain Resort
I have done some research and found out that Panorama Mountain Resort is one of Canada's best ski resorts, situated in the Kootenay Rockies in British Columbia.
Panorama is a ski-in/ski-out resort, which means that guests can easily access the slopes from their accommodations. The resort features one of North America's biggest vertical descents, with 2975 patrolled acres of terrain, including 1300m/4265ft of vertical drop. With an average snowfall of 520cm/204in, Panorama is an ideal destination for powder hounds.
In addition to skiing and snowboarding, Panorama offers loads of adventurous activities, such as snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and ice skating. The resort is also pedestrian-friendly, making it easy for guests to explore the village and its shops, restaurants, and cafes.
Panorama Mountain Resort is a family year-round resort, and during the winter season, it features true slope-side lodging. This Canada ski resort offers daily shuttle service, making it easy for guests to access the nearby town of Invermere.
Contact:
Address: 2000 Panorama Dr, Panorama, BC V0A 1T0, Canada
Phone: +1 250-342-6941
12. Fernie Alpine
Fernie Alpine Resort is located in the Elk Valley in the Lizard Range of the Canadian Rocky Mountains in south-east British Columbia, just 42km from the Canadian-USA border. It is a popular destination for powder hounds and extreme skiers due to its abundant snowfall and challenging terrain.
The resort offers a variety of skiing options, including cat-skiing and heli-skiing. The terrain is suitable for all levels of skiers, with 30% beginner runs, 40% intermediate runs, and 30% advanced runs. There are also plenty of off-piste areas for those looking for a challenge.
Fernie Alpine has a large learning area at the base of the mountain serviced by its own poma lift. Once comfortable, skiers have access to a huge resort full of secret powder pockets and hidden mountain spots to keep them occupied throughout their skiing/riding career.
The resort has a laid-back vibe and is known for its lack of lineups. The bars and restaurants serve amazing meals, making it a great place to relax after a day on the slopes.
Contact:
Address: 5339 Fernie Ski Hill Rd, Fernie, BC V0B 1M6, Canada
Phone: +1 250-423-4655
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FAQ
What are the top ski resorts on the Powder Highway in Canada?
A: The Powder Highway in Canada is a renowned destination for skiers and snowboarders. It is home to some of the best ski slopes in Canada. The top ski resorts on the Powder Highway in Canada are Revelstoke Resort, Kicking Horse Resort, and Fernie Alpine Resort. These resorts offer a wide range of terrain, from beginner to expert, and are known for their deep powder.
What are the best ski resorts in Canada for families?
A: Canada has many ski resorts that cater to families. Some of the best Canadian resorts for a family ski holiday are Whistler Blackcomb, Sun Peaks Resort, and Big White Ski Resort. These resorts offer a variety of activities for children, such as ski schools, tubing, and ice skating. They also have family-friendly accommodations and dining options.
What is the biggest ski resort in Canada?
A: The biggest ski resort in Canada is Whistler Blackcomb. It is located in British Columbia and is known for its massive variety of incredible terrain. Whistler Blackcomb is the largest ski resort in North America and offers a wide range of activities, from skiing and snowboarding to ice skating and zip-lining.
What is the snowiest ski resort in Canada?
A: The snowiest ski resort in Canada is Revelstoke Mountain Resort. It is located in British Columbia and receives an average of 40 feet of snow each year. Revelstoke Mountain Resort is known for its deep powder and challenging terrain.
What are the best ski resorts in Canada on the East Coast?
A: While the majority of Canada's ski resorts are located in Western Canada, there are some great ski destinations on the East Coast. The best Canadian ski resorts on the East Coast are Mont-Tremblant, the Blue Mountain ski resort in Ontario, and Le Massif de Charlevoix. These resorts offer a variety of terrain and activities, from skiing opportunities and snowboarding to ice skating and sleigh rides.
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Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance
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