Canada’s Best Ski Resorts
There's huge benefit to Canada's position as one of the northernmost countries. It has some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the world. Not only does Canada have the mountains and the snow, but top Canadian ski resorts are famous for having facilities and accommodations to rival the best in France.
Ski resorts in Canada stretch right across the country, with the best being in British Columbia, Alberta and Quebec. The following resorts represent the best of the best by any standard with long runs, sharp drop offs and spectacular scenery plus a range of activities, such as heli-skiing and glacier skiing. So what are you waiting for? Book flights to Canada and burn of some of those Christmas calories!
Whistler / Blackcomb
British Columbia
Nestled in the British Columbia Coast Mountains, less than 2 hours from Vancouver, Whistler / Blackcomb is Canada's top ski destination and one of the best in the world. It has the biggest vertical drop, with more than 4,921ft of skiing on both mountains. Whistler and Blackcomb mountains are joined at the base by a pedestrian village with all the amenities you'd expect from a town that draws 2 million visitors a year from around the world.
Skiable Area: Over 8,100 acres
Skiable Vertical: One mile
Longest Run: 11 km/7 miles
Terrain Type: 200+ Runs; Beginner - 15(W)/20%(B); Intermediate - 55%; Advanced - 20(W)/25%(B)
Types of Lifts: 38
Annual Snowfall: 402 inches/33.5 feet
Other Activities: Zip trek, tube park, dog-sledding, horse-drawn sleigh rides, snowcat tours, heli-skiing
Kicking Horse Resort
Golden, British Columbia
This place is famous for its champagne powder and scenic setting in the Purcell Range of the Rocky Mountains, just two and a half hours west of Calgary, Kicking Horse Resort also boasts the greatest vertical in the Rockies.
Skiable Area: 2,750 acres
Skiable Vertical: 1,260 metres (4,133 feet)
Longest Run: 10 km or 6 miles
Terrain Type: 106 Runs; Beginner - 20%; Intermediate - 20%; Advanced - 45%; Expert - 15%
Types of Lifts:
1 High speed 8 Person Gondola, 2 Quad Chairs, 1 Double Chairlift, 1 Surface Lift
Annual Snowfall: Mid-Mountain - 360cm (142"); Summit - 700cm (275")
Other Activities: Tubing, heli-skiing, Wildlife Wolf Centre, climbing gym
Big White Ski Resort
Kelowna, British Columbia
British Columbia's second largest mountain, Big White, also lays claim to being Canada's biggest totally ski-in, ski-out village. The resort is very family friendly and has accommodation to suit a range of budgets. Perfect for everyone!
Skiable Area: 2,765 acres
Skiable Vertical: 777 m (2,550 ft)
Longest Run: 7.2 km (4.5 miles)
Park Terrain Park features super pipe, half pipe and more. Terrain Type: 118 runs; Beginner - 18%; Intermediate - 54%; Advanced - 22%; Expert - 6%
Lifts: 16
Annual Snowfall: 24.5 feet (7.5 metres)
Other Activities: Tubing Park, skating rink, dogsled tours, spas
Fernie Alpine Resort
Fernie, British Columbia
Located in the spectacular Canadian Rockies in British Columbia, Fernie Alpine Resort is a world-class ski resort with an authentic ski town atmosphere and a rich Native American history including the legends of the Ghost rider and Sasquatch, all believed to live here!. With an annual snowfall of over 29ft, varied terrain for all abilities featuring the most bowls in North America with 5 unique bowls over 2,504 acres, and a variety of lodging options from ski-in/ski-out chalets to 5-star hotels; Fernie is perfect for anyone with a sense of adventure. Adrenalin junkies and families all welcome!
Skiable Area: 2,504 acres
Skiable Vertical: 857m (2,812 ft)
Longest Run: 5 kms (3 miles)
Skiable terrain: 2,504 acres Average annual snowfall: 8.84 m
Terrain Type: 111 Runs; Beginner - 30%; Intermediate - 40%; Expert - 30%
Bowls: 5 Types of Lifts: 2 High-speed quad chairlifts, 2 Quad chairs, 2 Triple chairs, 1 T-bars, 1 platter, 1 handle tow, 1 conveyor
Annual Snowfall: 884cm (384 in)
Other Activities: Visit the Fernie Brewing Company, climbing gym, heritage tours, snowshoeing, dogsled tours, hiking
Red Resort
Rossland, British Columbia
Red Resort on Red Mountain and Granite Mountain is known for its abundance of powder and varied terrain. Nearby Rossland is just 8 km north of the US/Canadian border in the heart of the West Kootenay region of British Columbia.
Skiable Area: 642 hectares (1,585 acres)
Skiable Vertical: 887 m (2,909 ft)
Half pipe: 1
Terrain Park features jumps, jibs, skier / boarder-cross course, and park wide sound system. Terrain Type: 83+ Runs; Beginner - 10%; Intermediate - 45%; Advanced - %; Expert - 45%
6 Lifts: Red Chair, Red Carpet, Motherlode Chair, Paradise Chair, Silverlode Chair, and T-Bar.
Annual Snowfall: 7.6 m (25 ft)
Other Activities: Heritage tours, heli-skiing, spa, shopping, weddings!
Sun Peaks
Near Kamloops, British Columbia
Sun Peaks is on the northern edge of the Okanagan region, famous for its spectacular scenery and wine growing. Sun Peaks' three mountains circle the village in a unique 360 degree layout, making it extremely convenient to pop back into the village or your accommodation for a break, snack, or to meet up with friends and family.
The pedestrian village is compact and safe for families. Everything is within a short walking distance, so there's no need for shuttles. Enjoy a variety of terrain from two alpine bowls, cruising green and blue runs, steep and deep and gladed stashes loaded with powder. Thanks to our geographic location in the British Columbia Interior, Sun Peaks is protected from the mild, coastal weather caused by the Coast Mountains meaning fantastic powder and awesome conditions!
Skiable Area: 3,678 acres of terrain, the second largest ski area in B.C. and the third largest in Canada.
Skiable Vertical: 881m (2,891')
Longest Run: Up to 8km (5 miles) long
Terrain Type: 10% novice (green circle), 58% intermediate (blue square), and 32% expert (black diamond)
Types of Lifts: 12 lifts total, including 3 high speed quad chairlifts, 2 quad chairlifts, 1 triple chairlift, and 6 surface lifts
Annual Snowfall: 559cm (220") of powder
Other Activities: Sleigh rides, dogsledding tours, snowmobiles, hockey games, bungee trampoline, snowshoeing, helicopter rides, ice skating, tube park
Banff / Lake Louise
Alberta
Banff / Lake Louise skiing is spread over three resorts: Mt. Norquay, Sunshine Village and Lake Louise Mountain Resort. The unique inland location guarantees the dry, light snow that the area is famous for, and plenty of it. There is free transportation between Banff-Lake Louise and the resorts and with a tri-area lift ticket, when you're there, the choice of mountains is yours. Stunning mountain backdrops, lack of lift lines and friendly local hospitality are just some of the bonuses that make a vacation to Banff unforgettable and with a ski season from mid-Nov to late May, you can ski for even longer!
Skiable Area: Combined 8,000 acres
Skiable Vertical: 1070 meters (3514 feet) at Sunshine
Night skiing: At Norquay
Longest Run: 8 kms (5 miles)
Terrain Type: 274 Runs; Beginner - 20/25%; Intermediate - 45/55%; Advanced - 25/30% (Norquay has 16% Expert)
Types of Lifts: 5 - 13 lifts at each resort
Annual Snowfall: 30+ ft
Other Activities: Sightseeing, ice fields, caving, dogsledding, sleigh rides, ice fishing, museums and hot springs
Le Massif
Baie-Saint-Paul, Quebec
Although there is not a lot of extreme terrain, Massif still appeals to a wide range of skier. Plenty of seasoned skiers rank it among the best in Canada, certainly in Quebec. Much of Massif's appeal is the incredible view of the St. Lawrence and the proximity to Quebec City and Baie Saint-Paul, a stunning arts town in the region of Charlevoix. The mind-blowing 21 feet of annual snowfall is an extraordinarily great depth. Nothing tops the Quebec hills in the wintertime; they are a great place for snowboarding or skiing. The striking landscape of the Quebec mountains have skiers coming from near and far.
Skiable Area: 166 hectares / 410 acres
Skiable Vertical: 770 m / 2,526 ft
Longest Run: 4.8 km/2.98 miles
Terrain Type: Runs; Beginner - 20%; Intermediate - 37%; Advanced - 31%; Expert - 12%
Types of Lifts: 3 high-speed quads + 2 handle lifts
Annual Snowfall: 630 cm / 21 ft (plus snowmaking)
Other Activities: Casino, spas, cheese factory, dogsledding, restaurants
Mont-Tremblant
Tremblant, Quebec
Mont-Tremblant is only a one-hour drive from Montreal, plus has the convenience of an airport. However, despite its convenience, charming pedestrian village and scenic location, Tremblant attracts more 'tourist' skiers than locals and is known for being crowded and expensive.
Skiable Area: 253 hectares / 625.5 acres (253 hectares)
Skiable Vertical: 645 meters / 2116 feet
18 acres of ramps, rails and jumps
Olympic calibre superpipe
Longest Run: (6 km /3.75 miles)
Terrain Type: Runs; Beginner - 17%; Intermediate - 33%; Expert -50 %
Lifts: 13 state-of-the-art lifts
Annual Snowfall: 382cm / 150 inches
Other Activities: European-style pedestrian village offers an array of activities like cinemas, spas and cafes
Mont Sainte-Anne
Beaupr, Quebec
Mont-Sainte-Anne is one of the leading ski resorts in Eastern North America. Located only 30 minutes away beautiful Quebec City, the ski slopes rise up from the shores of the mighty and massive St Lawrence seaway giving spectacular views of the frozen expanse of water below from many slopes. This great resort boasts incredible snow conditions and proudly displays an impressive trail network across three sides of the mountain.
Skiable Area: 465 acres (185 ha)
Skiable Vertical: 625 meters (2 050 feet)
17 trails open for night skiing, including the highest vertical for night skiing in Canada
Longest Run: 1.4 miles Terrain Type: Runs; Beginner - 23%; Intermediate - 45%; Advanced - 18%; Expert - 14%
XL Terrain Park: Kinks, rainbow, down-flat-down, jibs, c-box, box down, wall-ride, tress, picnic tables, and more.
Lifts: 1 high-speed gondola, 2 high-speed quads, 10 other lifts
Annual Snowfall: 400 cm or 160 inches
Other Activities: Dogsledding, paragliding, canyoning on ice, ice skating, snowshoeing, mountain biking and hiking
Ski resorts in Canada stretch right across the country, with the best being in British Columbia, Alberta and Quebec. The following resorts represent the best of the best by any standard with long runs, sharp drop offs and spectacular scenery plus a range of activities, such as heli-skiing and glacier skiing. So what are you waiting for? Book flights to Canada and burn of some of those Christmas calories!
Whistler / Blackcomb
British Columbia
Nestled in the British Columbia Coast Mountains, less than 2 hours from Vancouver, Whistler / Blackcomb is Canada's top ski destination and one of the best in the world. It has the biggest vertical drop, with more than 4,921ft of skiing on both mountains. Whistler and Blackcomb mountains are joined at the base by a pedestrian village with all the amenities you'd expect from a town that draws 2 million visitors a year from around the world.
Skiable Area: Over 8,100 acres
Skiable Vertical: One mile
Longest Run: 11 km/7 miles
Terrain Type: 200+ Runs; Beginner - 15(W)/20%(B); Intermediate - 55%; Advanced - 20(W)/25%(B)
Types of Lifts: 38
Annual Snowfall: 402 inches/33.5 feet
Other Activities: Zip trek, tube park, dog-sledding, horse-drawn sleigh rides, snowcat tours, heli-skiing
Kicking Horse Resort
Golden, British Columbia
This place is famous for its champagne powder and scenic setting in the Purcell Range of the Rocky Mountains, just two and a half hours west of Calgary, Kicking Horse Resort also boasts the greatest vertical in the Rockies.
Skiable Area: 2,750 acres
Skiable Vertical: 1,260 metres (4,133 feet)
Longest Run: 10 km or 6 miles
Terrain Type: 106 Runs; Beginner - 20%; Intermediate - 20%; Advanced - 45%; Expert - 15%
Types of Lifts:
1 High speed 8 Person Gondola, 2 Quad Chairs, 1 Double Chairlift, 1 Surface Lift
Annual Snowfall: Mid-Mountain - 360cm (142"); Summit - 700cm (275")
Other Activities: Tubing, heli-skiing, Wildlife Wolf Centre, climbing gym
Big White Ski Resort
Kelowna, British Columbia
British Columbia's second largest mountain, Big White, also lays claim to being Canada's biggest totally ski-in, ski-out village. The resort is very family friendly and has accommodation to suit a range of budgets. Perfect for everyone!
Skiable Area: 2,765 acres
Skiable Vertical: 777 m (2,550 ft)
Longest Run: 7.2 km (4.5 miles)
Park Terrain Park features super pipe, half pipe and more. Terrain Type: 118 runs; Beginner - 18%; Intermediate - 54%; Advanced - 22%; Expert - 6%
Lifts: 16
Annual Snowfall: 24.5 feet (7.5 metres)
Other Activities: Tubing Park, skating rink, dogsled tours, spas
Fernie Alpine Resort
Fernie, British Columbia
Located in the spectacular Canadian Rockies in British Columbia, Fernie Alpine Resort is a world-class ski resort with an authentic ski town atmosphere and a rich Native American history including the legends of the Ghost rider and Sasquatch, all believed to live here!. With an annual snowfall of over 29ft, varied terrain for all abilities featuring the most bowls in North America with 5 unique bowls over 2,504 acres, and a variety of lodging options from ski-in/ski-out chalets to 5-star hotels; Fernie is perfect for anyone with a sense of adventure. Adrenalin junkies and families all welcome!
Skiable Area: 2,504 acres
Skiable Vertical: 857m (2,812 ft)
Longest Run: 5 kms (3 miles)
Skiable terrain: 2,504 acres Average annual snowfall: 8.84 m
Terrain Type: 111 Runs; Beginner - 30%; Intermediate - 40%; Expert - 30%
Bowls: 5 Types of Lifts: 2 High-speed quad chairlifts, 2 Quad chairs, 2 Triple chairs, 1 T-bars, 1 platter, 1 handle tow, 1 conveyor
Annual Snowfall: 884cm (384 in)
Other Activities: Visit the Fernie Brewing Company, climbing gym, heritage tours, snowshoeing, dogsled tours, hiking
Red Resort
Rossland, British Columbia
Red Resort on Red Mountain and Granite Mountain is known for its abundance of powder and varied terrain. Nearby Rossland is just 8 km north of the US/Canadian border in the heart of the West Kootenay region of British Columbia.
Skiable Area: 642 hectares (1,585 acres)
Skiable Vertical: 887 m (2,909 ft)
Half pipe: 1
Terrain Park features jumps, jibs, skier / boarder-cross course, and park wide sound system. Terrain Type: 83+ Runs; Beginner - 10%; Intermediate - 45%; Advanced - %; Expert - 45%
6 Lifts: Red Chair, Red Carpet, Motherlode Chair, Paradise Chair, Silverlode Chair, and T-Bar.
Annual Snowfall: 7.6 m (25 ft)
Other Activities: Heritage tours, heli-skiing, spa, shopping, weddings!
Sun Peaks
Near Kamloops, British Columbia
Sun Peaks is on the northern edge of the Okanagan region, famous for its spectacular scenery and wine growing. Sun Peaks' three mountains circle the village in a unique 360 degree layout, making it extremely convenient to pop back into the village or your accommodation for a break, snack, or to meet up with friends and family.
The pedestrian village is compact and safe for families. Everything is within a short walking distance, so there's no need for shuttles. Enjoy a variety of terrain from two alpine bowls, cruising green and blue runs, steep and deep and gladed stashes loaded with powder. Thanks to our geographic location in the British Columbia Interior, Sun Peaks is protected from the mild, coastal weather caused by the Coast Mountains meaning fantastic powder and awesome conditions!
Skiable Area: 3,678 acres of terrain, the second largest ski area in B.C. and the third largest in Canada.
Skiable Vertical: 881m (2,891')
Longest Run: Up to 8km (5 miles) long
Terrain Type: 10% novice (green circle), 58% intermediate (blue square), and 32% expert (black diamond)
Types of Lifts: 12 lifts total, including 3 high speed quad chairlifts, 2 quad chairlifts, 1 triple chairlift, and 6 surface lifts
Annual Snowfall: 559cm (220") of powder
Other Activities: Sleigh rides, dogsledding tours, snowmobiles, hockey games, bungee trampoline, snowshoeing, helicopter rides, ice skating, tube park
Banff / Lake Louise
Alberta
Banff / Lake Louise skiing is spread over three resorts: Mt. Norquay, Sunshine Village and Lake Louise Mountain Resort. The unique inland location guarantees the dry, light snow that the area is famous for, and plenty of it. There is free transportation between Banff-Lake Louise and the resorts and with a tri-area lift ticket, when you're there, the choice of mountains is yours. Stunning mountain backdrops, lack of lift lines and friendly local hospitality are just some of the bonuses that make a vacation to Banff unforgettable and with a ski season from mid-Nov to late May, you can ski for even longer!
Skiable Area: Combined 8,000 acres
Skiable Vertical: 1070 meters (3514 feet) at Sunshine
Night skiing: At Norquay
Longest Run: 8 kms (5 miles)
Terrain Type: 274 Runs; Beginner - 20/25%; Intermediate - 45/55%; Advanced - 25/30% (Norquay has 16% Expert)
Types of Lifts: 5 - 13 lifts at each resort
Annual Snowfall: 30+ ft
Other Activities: Sightseeing, ice fields, caving, dogsledding, sleigh rides, ice fishing, museums and hot springs
Le Massif
Baie-Saint-Paul, Quebec
Although there is not a lot of extreme terrain, Massif still appeals to a wide range of skier. Plenty of seasoned skiers rank it among the best in Canada, certainly in Quebec. Much of Massif's appeal is the incredible view of the St. Lawrence and the proximity to Quebec City and Baie Saint-Paul, a stunning arts town in the region of Charlevoix. The mind-blowing 21 feet of annual snowfall is an extraordinarily great depth. Nothing tops the Quebec hills in the wintertime; they are a great place for snowboarding or skiing. The striking landscape of the Quebec mountains have skiers coming from near and far.
Skiable Area: 166 hectares / 410 acres
Skiable Vertical: 770 m / 2,526 ft
Longest Run: 4.8 km/2.98 miles
Terrain Type: Runs; Beginner - 20%; Intermediate - 37%; Advanced - 31%; Expert - 12%
Types of Lifts: 3 high-speed quads + 2 handle lifts
Annual Snowfall: 630 cm / 21 ft (plus snowmaking)
Other Activities: Casino, spas, cheese factory, dogsledding, restaurants
Mont-Tremblant
Tremblant, Quebec
Mont-Tremblant is only a one-hour drive from Montreal, plus has the convenience of an airport. However, despite its convenience, charming pedestrian village and scenic location, Tremblant attracts more 'tourist' skiers than locals and is known for being crowded and expensive.
Skiable Area: 253 hectares / 625.5 acres (253 hectares)
Skiable Vertical: 645 meters / 2116 feet
18 acres of ramps, rails and jumps
Olympic calibre superpipe
Longest Run: (6 km /3.75 miles)
Terrain Type: Runs; Beginner - 17%; Intermediate - 33%; Expert -50 %
Lifts: 13 state-of-the-art lifts
Annual Snowfall: 382cm / 150 inches
Other Activities: European-style pedestrian village offers an array of activities like cinemas, spas and cafes
Mont Sainte-Anne
Beaupr, Quebec
Mont-Sainte-Anne is one of the leading ski resorts in Eastern North America. Located only 30 minutes away beautiful Quebec City, the ski slopes rise up from the shores of the mighty and massive St Lawrence seaway giving spectacular views of the frozen expanse of water below from many slopes. This great resort boasts incredible snow conditions and proudly displays an impressive trail network across three sides of the mountain.
Skiable Area: 465 acres (185 ha)
Skiable Vertical: 625 meters (2 050 feet)
17 trails open for night skiing, including the highest vertical for night skiing in Canada
Longest Run: 1.4 miles Terrain Type: Runs; Beginner - 23%; Intermediate - 45%; Advanced - 18%; Expert - 14%
XL Terrain Park: Kinks, rainbow, down-flat-down, jibs, c-box, box down, wall-ride, tress, picnic tables, and more.
Lifts: 1 high-speed gondola, 2 high-speed quads, 10 other lifts
Annual Snowfall: 400 cm or 160 inches
Other Activities: Dogsledding, paragliding, canyoning on ice, ice skating, snowshoeing, mountain biking and hiking
