14 Best Ski Resorts in Canada
Explore Epic Mountain Ranges and Pristine Slopes
Home to the Coast Mountains, the Canadian Rockies, and the Laurentian Mountains, Canada boasts some of the most epic mountain ranges in the world for skiers, snowboarders and alpine sports enthusiasts. These winter wonderlands beckon adventurers with their pristine powder, diverse terrain and stunning vistas. Venture to British Columbia in the West where the iconic slopes of Whistler Blackcomb await. Aim a little further East to visit the unforgettable Banff National Park and Lake Louise. Or head to the far Eastern edge, to Québec, where you will uncover the enchanting beauty of Mont-Tremblant and Charlevoix. Each and every resort has distinct characteristics that set it apart from all the rest. This guide to Canada's 14 best ski resorts will help you determine where on the map you should land for your next winter getaway.
1) Charlevoix, Québec
Nestled in the heart of Québec’s Laurentian Mountains, just north of Québec City, bordering the St. Lawrence River, Charlevoix stands out as one of the most premier ski resorts in Eastern Canada. The area, known as the place where "the mountains meet the sea," sets itself apart with spectacular scenery. Snow-capped peaks tower above the expansive river valley below offering skiers incredible panoramic views as they carve fresh powder.
Le Massif de Charlevoix boasts a vertical drop of more than 2,526 feet, which is the highest drop East of the Canadian Rockies. This impressive vertical, along with the mountain's diverse terrain -- more than 50 ski trails and 98 acres of backcountry -- provides thrilling opportunities for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels and ages. This makes the resort a great destination for families with different ski experience and interests.
When visitors are off the slopes, the area offers a great wealth of cultural activities, both in Québec City and its many surrounding alpine towns. Visitors can explore charming villages like Baie-Saint-Paul, known for its art galleries, cafes and colorful culinary scene. Québec is known for its refined local cuisine, which frequently features farm-to-table ingredients from nearby farms, rivers and forests.
Club Med Québec Charlevoix , Club Med’s all-inclusive resort in Canada , is the ideal destination for a family or romantic getaway. All-inclusive packages at this ski-in, ski-out resort include lift tickets, ski lessons, all-day dining and open bar. These packages ease the normal stresses of planning a ski vacation, allowing visitors to simply enjoy the “Joie de Vivre” Québec is famous for.
The resort also has an Exclusive Collection space, designed to give guests a more luxurious experience with VIP concierge, a private fireplace lounge, secluded hot tubs, rooms with refined design and gorgeous views, plus daily champagne service.
2) Whistler Blackcomb
Located on the great coastal peaks of British Columbia, Whistler Blackcomb is widely regarded as one of the best ski resorts in all of Canada. Because of its elevation, proximity to the ocean and maritime climate, the slopes of Whistler Blackcomb receive consistent snowfall throughout the winter season, nearly guaranteeing visitors fresh powder to shred. The ranges are blanketed with an average of 35.5 feet of snow each season.
With more than 8,000 acres of tracks and more than 200 marked trails, Whistler Blackcomb has the largest skiable terrain in all of North America. Its vast expanse features endless exploration of any skill level. And the impressive vertical drop of more than 5,000 feet means skiers will enjoy exhilarating, long descents into the valleys below. While making those descents, you will witness unforgettable views of snow-covered mountain tops, alpine forests, and wildlife.
Owned by Vail Resorts, Whistler Blackcomb has top-notch facilities and amenities to enhance the skiing experience. Visitors will enjoy a variety of on-mountain restaurants, cafes, and bars, as well as rental shops, retail stores, and ski schools. The enchanting Whistler Village at the base is a lively place for Après Ski drinks, live music, delicious food and, of course, hot cocoa.
3) Sunshine Village Ski and Snowboard Resort
Located in the heart of the Canadian Rockies inside the boundaries of the legendary Banff National Park in Alberta, Sunshine Village Ski and Snowboard Resort boasts stunning natural beauty. Skiers and snowboarders can enjoy views of glaciers, rugged peaks, and alpine meadows in this famous national park. It’s not uncommon to spot wildlife such as elk, deer, and even bighorn sheep while traversing the hillsides.
This great vacation spot sits at an elevation of more than 7,000 feet, with 3,358 acres of skiable terrain spread across three peaks: Mount Standish, Lookout Mountain, and Goat's Eye Mountain. The resort’s 137 runs include wide-open bowls, steep chutes, gladded tree skiing, and groomed cruisers – there’s something suitable for all skill levels, from beginners to advanced riders.
For the truly bold, Sunshine Village has what is called the “Delirium Dive.” This double-black diamond area provides experts an adrenaline-pumping experience with cliff drops and thrilling tree runs. It requires avalanche equipment and a gate-access system to ensure safety.
Because of its high elevation and close proximity to the Continental Divide, Sunshine Village receives an average annual snowfall of around 30 feet. The snow remains light, dry, and fluffy season-round, making for excellent ski conditions. The retreat has one of the longest non-glacial ski seasons of any Canadian resort; the season typically runs from early November until late May or early June.
4) Big White Ski Resort
Imagine stepping out your front door, stepping into you skis or on to your snowboard, and gliding down dry, light powder to a ski-through village where you can float directly to ski lifts, restaurants, shops, cafes and entertainment venues. This is what you will find at Big White Sky Resort. The resort, found in the Canadian Rockies of British Columbia, has an impressive ski-in, ski-out arrangement.
In addition to having a unique setup, the area is renowned for its abundant, airy snow, ideal for skiing and snowboarding. The location receives an average annual snowfall of around 25 feet, ensuring excellent ski conditions throughout the winter season. They provide both daytime and nighttime skiing. At night, well-lit trails offer a magical experience as the snow glitters under the stars.
This family-friendly vacation retreat also presents a wide range of activities and facilities catering to children and families, including ski schools, daycare services, beginner ski areas and organized events fun for the whole family. In addition to skiing, the area has a plethora of other adventure activities to try, including ice climbing, snowshoeing, tubing, ice skating, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. Thus, a visit to Big White provides a well-rounded winter vacation experience for all.
Following the ski day, visitors will want to take a trip to the area's natural hot springs where they can indulge in relaxing baths that rejuvenate the body and mind.
And don't forget the wine. Located in the heart of British Columbia's stunning Okanagan Valley, Big White's nearest town Kelowna is known for its lush vineyards. The area has a thriving wine industry. Even in the wintertime, guests can enjoy wine tastings, cellar tours, and warm, cozy winery visits. Many wineries offer special winter events, such as vineyard sleigh rides and mulled wine tastings. During holiday season, the city transforms in to a festive winter wonderland with Christmas markets, lights and music.
To go with the wine, the city's culinary scene has also gained recognition for its farm-to-table ethos, featuring fresh and locally sourced ingredients from the Pacific Northwest.
5) Lake Louise Ski Resort
Lake Louise Ski Resort, located in Alberta, Canada in the heart of Banff National Park, has one of the most iconic alpine settings to visit in the world. Banff National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is internationally renowned for its breathtaking panoramic views, jagged mountain peaks, glaciers, wildlife, and, of course, the expansive, magical Lake Louise.
The itself is one of the largest ski areas in North America, with more than 4,200 acres of skiable terrain. There is terrain for all skill levels, from gentle beginner runs, to challenging
double black diamond descents, and vast backcountry options. The place has guided backcountry tours, allowing experienced skiers and snowboarders to explore the surrounding wilderness with the guidance of knowledgeable local experts. This opportunity to venture beyond the boundaries adds an adventurous element to the snow experience.
The destination receives abundant natural snowfall and has extensive snowmaking capabilities, ensuring consistent and high-quality snow throughout the winter. This makes Lake Louise a haven for powder enthusiasts, and a regular destination for international winter sports competitions. Lake Louise hosts annual FIS Alpine Ski World Cup races, including men's and women's downhill events. These races attract the world's top ski racers. Visitors can witness elite athletes in action and be invigorated by the excitement of a World Cup event.
Beyond skiing, guests can partake in activities like snowshoeing, ice skating on frozen Lake Louise, cross-country skiing and scenic gondola rides, which provide aerial views of the massifs and valleys below. Keep your eyes open for wildlife, including elk, deer, wolves and bears.
When you visit Lake Louise Ski Resort, you can expect to be fully engulfed by the splendors of nature.
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6) Revelstoke Mountain Resort
Revelstoke Mountain Resort, located in British Columbia, Canada, is the ideal option for extreme and advanced skiers and snowboarders. The mountain boasts the longest vertical descent of any ski retreat in North America: a staggering drop of 5,620 feet. This immense vertical provides an exhilarating and challenging runs. The decent also allows Revelstoke to earn a title for having the longest ski run in all of North America, named "The Last Spike," which stretches for an impressive 9.5 miles from the top of Mount Mackenzie to the base.
Revelstoke is also one of the few ski resorts in Canada that have heliskiing within its boundaries. Adventure seekers have the opportunity to take helicopter rides to the top of a remote mountain and access untouched fields of powder.
Powder conditions are the norm at Revelstoke, which receives abundant snowfall -- an impressive average annual snowfall of approximately 40 feet. Opportunities to carve fresh lines are endless, especially in Revelstoke Mountain's extensive network of backcountry areas, some of which can be accessed directly through the resort's lift system. Guided backcountry tours hosted by the resort allow experienced riders to explore out-of-bounds wilderness areas safely.
If you or your family members are not advanced, do not fret. They offer a diverse range of terrain for all, including many easy, groomed runs. With more than 3,100 acres of skiable terrain in both the Selkirk and Monashee Mountain ranges, there is something for everyone.
Even non-skiers can get a thrill from Revelstoke's famous mountain Coaster. "The Pipe Mountain Coaster" launches riders down a thrilling, twisty descent through the area's dense alpine forest.
7) SilverStar Mountain Resort
If you are looking for a charming mountain getaway with character, SilverStar Mountain Resort is a fantastic destination to explore. Located in British Columbia, SilverStar Mountain has a unique Victorian-inspired Village. Colorful buildings, quaint storefronts, and a pedestrian-friendly layout give this adorable ski town it's old-world atmosphere. In the sky above this cute village is what's known as Dark Sky Preserve -- an area of nighttime sky that has magical stargazing opportunities. Visitors can marvel at the celestial wonders above, unobstructed and far away from city lights. Stargazers can witness the beauty of constellations, shooting stars, and the Milky Way. This unique feature allows guests to connect with nature.
In the daytime, SilverStar is a wonderful place to ski. They offer exceptional ski-in/ski-out accommodations, with many lodges conveniently located right on the hill or a short distance away. Groomed runs are SilverStar's specialty. They invest heavily in grooming technology to provide meticulously groomed slopes, ensuring smooth and enjoyable skiing or snowboarding conditions for guests of all ages. The emphasis on grooming quality sets SilverStar apart and contributes to a top-notch snow experience.
Nordic skiiers have been flocking to SilverStar for decades for its extensive network of cross-country ski trails. This destination features more than 65 miles of Nordic trails for classic and skate skiing, ranging from beginner-friendly routes to challenging backcountry trails.
SilverStar's tubing park and adventure zone is a fun destination for the whole family. The park features multiple lanes for tubing as well as other winter activities like ice climbing, fat biking, snowshoeing, and a snowmobile circuit.
Visitors will also enjoy a number of annual winter events including the Mountain FM Rail Jam, the Santa 5K Run, and the Okanagan Pride Ski/Snowboard Outing.
If you and your family want more out of a winter getaway than just skiing, SilverStar is a perfect destination. Its Victorian charm and wide range of family-friendly offerings make SilverStar a great place for multi-generational families and individuals who want to partake in a variety of adventure activities.
8) Sun Peaks Ski Resort
Sun Peaks Ski Resort, located in British Columbia, Canada, is Canada's second largest ski area. The location has more than 4,270 acres of skiable terrain. The vast size provides ample opportunities to explore, with minimal crowding, and a variety of options for all skill levels. The destination consists of three interconnected mountains: Tod Mountain, Sundance Mountain, and Mt. Morrisey. Each mountain has distinct terrain characteristics, catering to different preferences and skill levels. All of these live up to the resort's name and reputation for sunny ski conditions. They receive an impressive amount of sunshine throughout the winter season, with an average of 2,000 hours of sunshine annually. Guests can enjoy bluebird days and beautiful weather conditions throughout the entire ski season.
Their setup is well-designed with a charming pedestrian village and lots of ski-in, ski-out conveniences. The village has a cozy, European-inspired atmosphere with a variety of shops, restaurants, and services conveniently within walking distance. The absence of cars enhances the village's charm and creates a relaxed environment for visitors. The resort's accommodation is predominantly located slope side, allowing guests to easily access the lifts and trails from their lodging.
The vacation spot is family-friendly with dedicated learning areas, ski and snowboard schools, and a variety of scheduled activities for children and families. Non-skiing activities are abundant, including snowshoeing, tubing, and ice skating.
For adrenaline seekers, Sun Peaks has Heli-Skiing adventures and gateway access to vast backcountry terrain. Both these options provide an extraordinary opportunity to access untouched powder.
9) Kicking Horse Mountain Resort
Like Revelstoke, Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, located in British Columbia, is a vacation spot that caters to the extreme adrenaline seekers. With its steep, challenging terrain, Kicking Horse is a mecca for advanced and experts. Two areas of particular interest are Kicking Horse's legendary "Ozone" and "Super Bowl" with risky chutes and harrowing vertical drops. Kicking Horse boasts one of the highest vertical drops in North America: a drop of 4,133 feet. This drop allows the them to create extended, continuous runs. The resort's longest run, "It's a Ten," stretches for 6 miles of uninterrupted descent. Like it's extreme skiing competitors, Kicking Horse has heliskiing and backcountry access, allowing visitors more access to the inspiring mountain views of the Canadian Rockies. The location receives abundant snowfall, averaging around 25 feet annually. Of this, much is what skiers affectionately call "Champagne Powder" -- snow that is light, dry, and fluffy. Kicking Horse's beloved "alpine bowl" gives a wide-open spaces for carving powder, while the resort's extensive tree skiing areas provide fun spots to weave in and out of the alpine forests.
Kicking Horse is known to pride itself on offering an authentic and unpretentious mountain experience. The culture is a laid-back atmosphere, friendly staff, and a genuine focus on providing a quality ski and snowboarding experience.
10) Red Mountain Resort
If you're looking for a mountain that is not corporate-owned, prides itself on being authentic, uncrowded and unpretentious, but also has incredible skiing, look no further than Red Mountain Resort. Red Mountain is proudly locally-owned and independent, setting it apart from many corporate-manufactured ski resorts. This ownership structure contributes to the resort's community-focused atmosphere. It also allows for a more personalized experience, where visitors can interact with passionate locals. Red Mountain embodies a laid-back spirit. Yet, the skiing measures up. Red Mountain has more than 4,200 acres of skiable terrain with a wide range of slopes, bowls, glades, and chutes, catering to all skill levels. For experts, there are some legendary off-piste lines and powder-filled bowls with double-black diamond runs, such as "Hemlock" and "Powder Fields." To access even more terrain, enthusiasts can go cat skiing. Red Mountain's ski cat transports groups to access backcountry terrain outside the resorts boundaries.
Red Mountain receives abundant an average of 25 feet of snow annually. Its location in the Monashee Mountains, combined with its proximity to the Pacific Ocean, results in reliable snow conditions. Beyond skiing and snowboarding, the region has opportunities for snowshoeing, ice climbing, fat biking, Nordic skiing, and more. Red Mountain is a versatile destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
The town closest to Red Mountain, Rossland, is a historic and charming former mining community. With a small and friendly population, visitors to Rossland can expect ato be warmly welcomed. The town's downtown showcases its mining heritage through well-preserved historic buildings. There are a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes. And if you like craft beer, Rossland has you covered. This mountain town is particularly fond of its locally-crafted brews.
11) Fernie Alpine Resort
Fernie Alpine Resort, located in British Columbia, is nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies and features five alpine bowls: Timber Bowl, Siberia Bowl, Currie Bowl, Lizard Bowl, and Cedar Bowl. These expansive bowls provide wide-open spaces, powder-filled runs, and breathtaking views. The bowls are almost always freshly blanketed with new snow because Fernie Alpine Resort is legendary for its regular snowfall -- nicknamed the "Fernie Factor." The location receives an average of more than 30 feet of snow annually. Fernie is particularly known for its steep glades, challenging chutes, and tree skiing opportunities. Cat skiing and backcountry adventures allow visitors to access untouched powder.
Unlike some of Canada's more commercial ski resorts, this exudes a laid-back and authentic atmosphere, embodying the spirit of a true mountain town. The town of Fernie is a former mining town that dates back to the late 1800s. The town's heritage is still visible in its well-preserved historic buildings, including the iconic red-brick downtown area, where visitors will find a wide variety of shops, restaurants, and accommodations, as well as a lively après-ski scene. Craft breweries are a must-visit attraction, as are the cozy pubs and live music venues downtown.
For families, Fernie offer activities suited for all ages including tubing, snowshoeing, and ice skating. The town also hosts various community events and festivals throughout the year, including the Mountain Film Festival, Craft Beer Festival, and Chautauqua. After a full day of snow sports, visitors will enjoy the hospitality of Fernie's small-town charm.
12) Mont Tremblant Ski Resort
Mont Tremblant, located in Quebec, is often compared to European ski resorts due to its picturesque village setting and architectural design. The resort's pedestrian village is reminiscent of a quaint European alpine town, with colorful buildings, cobblestone streets, and charming shops and restaurants. The European-inspired atmosphere adds a distinct charm and ambiance to the experience.
The location itself is the largest ski resort in Eastern North America. With more than 600 acres of skiable area and 102 trails, the spot caters to all skill levels. Gentle cruisers, challenging glades, and steep expert runs, are all available.
Nestled in the Laurentian Mountains, Mont Tremblant has breathtaking views of snow-covered mountain tops, dense forests, and the shimmering Lake Tremblant, which serve as a scenic, enchanting backdrop for skiing and snowboarding.
After a day of skiing, visitors usually like to hit the village for après-ski and night life. The village buzzes with energy. Restaurants, bars, cafes, and live music entertainment venues create a festive environment.
In addition to ski and snowboard, visitors can participate in snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, ice climbing, snowmobiling, dog sledding, and more. They also feature an indoor water park, spa facilities, golf courses, and zip-lining, providing year-round entertainment options.
Mont Tremblant is conveniently located just 80 miles northwest of Montreal, making it easily accessible for both domestic and international visitors. The proximity to Montreal allows for convenient transportation options and the opportunity to combine a city visit with a ski vacation.
Mont Tremblant hosts a variety of international events and festivals throughout the year, attracting visitors from around the world. These include sporting events like World Cup competitions, music festivals, culinary events, and cultural celebrations.
13) Blue Mountain Resort
Blue Mountain Resort, located in Ontario, Canada, is a unique resort because of its proximity to major urban centers, such as Toronto. Located just a couple of hours away from Toronto, the resort attracts a large number of visitors who are looking for a convenient and accessible ski destination without having to travel far. But this doesn't stop the resort from having impressive mountains. Blue Mountain has one of the largest vertical drops in Ontario at more than 720 feet. The resort has a variety of terrain suitable for all skill levels, including beginner slopes, groomed cruisers, challenging glades, and terrain parks.
Blue Mountain also boasts extensive snowmaking capabilities, ensuring consistent snow coverage throughout the season even during periods of lower natural snowfall. The reliable snow conditions contribute to a longer ski season and provide a more consistent experience for visitors. The resort has a dedicated family zone and beginner areas to cater to young skiers and snowboarders.
Blue Mountain proudly offers night skiing with a significant portion of its trails are equipped with lighting. For those who don't opt to ski at night, the Blue Mountain village offers a lively après-ski scene.
A variety of events and festivals are held throughout the year including live music concerts, winter sports competitions, culinary events, and holiday celebrations.
14) Mount Norquay
If you'd like to enjoy a slice a ski history, Mount Norquay serves it up. This ski resort near Banff in Alberta, Canada, is one of the oldest ski resorts in Canada, with a history dating back to 1926. It holds a special place in Canadian ski history and has been a training ground for Olympic skiers. The resort's historical significance adds a unique sense of heritage to the ski experience.
The resort is set amidst the natural splendors of Banff National Park. Mount Norquay is the closest ski resort to the town of Banff, providing visitors with easy access to the wildlife and wilderness of the park. Mount Norquay offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding Canadian Rockies and the Bow Valley. From the atop the mountain, visitors can admire the rugged mountain peaks, dense forests, and the picturesque town of Banff below. The stunning vistas create a memorable backdrop for skiing and add to the overall experience.
Despite being a smaller resort compared to some others in the area, Mount Norquay offers a diverse range of terrain suitable for all skill levels. The compact layout gives skiiers convenient access to all types of terrain. Mount Norquay is the only ski resort in Banff National Park that offers night skiing. From mid-December to late March, visitors can enjoy the thrill of skiing or snowboarding under the lights on select evenings.
A tubing park provides a fun alternative to the typical snow activities. Visitors of all ages can enjoy the thrill of sliding down the groomed tubing lanes.