Canada ski trips are on many skiers' bucket lists. And it's easy to see why.
Long ski seasons, epic snow dumps, and outstanding natural beauty. Canada ski resorts have it all.
Why choose to go skiing in Canada?
Glittering powder and epic snow dumps
Explore the Coast and Rocky Mountains
Fantastic for thrill-seekers and families
Canada, eh? Families and advanced skiers are spoilt for choice here. The super cold temps equal legendary snow totals - so finding good powder is never an issue December to April.
For the experts, a Canada ski holiday means countless blacks and off-piste across the Rocky Mountains, Coast Mountains, and the foot of a Lake Louise glacier. With plenty of lengthy vertical, and countless cruisy blues and greens meandering from peak to bar.
For families and newbies, Banff’s outstanding natural beauty and traditional charm take the honey cruller. Go dog sledding, watch a hockey match, or encounter a herd of wild elk or long horn sheep.
With sub-zero temperatures being the norm during winter months, you’ll need to wrap up warm when skiing in Canada. But the upside is that the snow conditions are out of this world. Heavy snowfall starts in November and continues through to April or May. Follow the Freeride World Tour? The Kicking Horse stop usually kicks off in February.
What are the best family ski resorts in Canada?
Families are welcome with open arms in Canada’s ski resorts. Whistler's ski-in/ski-out accommodations and amazing ski schools make trips with little ones a breeze. French-speaking Tremblant has a dedicated kids' area with magic carpets and a fun obstacle trail. And Fernie is the place to go if you want super convenient ski-in/ski-out digs. Banff's Sunshine Village offers both cruisy blues and more technical double black diamonds for families of all skill levels.
What are the best beginner ski resorts in Canada?
Canada is renowned for its big mountain skiing and steep pistes, but there are plenty of long, mellow slopes for beginners to enjoy too. Head to Lake Louise to cruise down scenic greens and blues from the top of the mountain. Or make the most of Fernie’s newbie-friendly pistes on the lower slopes and Lizard Bowl’s blues.
What are the best resorts for experts in Canada?
Canada is renowned for its world-class black runs and off-piste bounded terrain - as well as champagne powder skiing.
It's worth noting that, unlike Europe, North America is home to bounded terrain. This is off-piste terrain within the ski area that's patrolled and controlled.
Whistler’s vast backcountry routes are the stuff of dreams, and heli-skiing will give you access to the best tree-lined chutes and epic powder bowls.
Fernie is home to some of the best 'slackcountry' skiing around.
Top tip - We always recommend hiring a guide to show you the best off-piste spots.
What are the best ski resorts for groups in Canada?
Most of Canada’s ski resorts cater for all abilities, but for the best mix of runs, Tremblant is first-class. A variety of pristine pistes offers heaps of fun for everyone in your group. Families and skiing newbies will love the special beginners' area and long, easy-going green runs on the southern slopes. While mile-munching intermediates and black run fanatics can test their skills on more challenging slopes on the north face.
What are the best high altitude / snowsure ski resorts in Canada?
Set in the spectacular Rocky Mountains, Canada’s resorts are renowned for their champagne powder skiing and snowsure conditions. Epic dumps of snow happen throughout the season, so snow records are top-notch. Whistler is fantastic for snow - with an average of 11m of snowfall. Lake Louise is one of the highest ski resorts in Canada, with a lofty top elevation of 2637 metres. And Banff’s location on the Continental Divide delivers super soft powder until the end of April.
What are the best resorts for apres ski in Canada?
Canada’s apres-ski offers something for everyone, from dancing on the tables in Whistler and enjoying French-style cuisine in Tremblant to relaxing in Banff’s mineral-rich hot springs. Head to Lake Louise for spectacular scenery and gourmet dining with a view. Or explore the snowy Candian wilderness on snowshoes in super snowy Fernie.
What are the best ski resorts for food and drink in Canada?
Canada’s ski resorts offer a fantastic spread of international cuisine. From stacks of fluffy waffles with maple syrup to exquisite sushi and juicy steak, you’re spoilt for choice. Yum! French-speaking Tremblant serves up delicious plates with a European twist. And you can’t beat Lake Louise’s restaurants for gourmet meals and spellbinding views.
What are the most popular ski resorts in Canada?
Here are just some of our top ski resorts. To find the perfect one for you, speak to one of our specialists.
Banff
An outstandingly beautiful resort in Alberta's Rockies, a Banff ski holiday is not one to miss. From tree runs to heaps of fresh powder - what more could you ask for?
With epic and reliable snowfall, Fernie is big on deep powder and swell tree-lined runs. Taking newbies with you? The lower mountain boasts clusters of easy-going green runs and the Lizard Bowl has mellow blues.
Family ski resorts don’t get much better than Tremblant. Ski-in/ski-out hotels, a charming town centre, and out on the mountain, a wide mix of well-groomed runs catering for experts and newbies.
North America's largest ski resort has it all. Slopes for all abilities, every kind of apres-ski, and endless non-skiing activities. If you're looking for the true winter wonderland Canada ski holiday... this is it!