From the Canadian Rockies to the Laurentian Mountains, Canada is packed with epic ski resorts. As one of the world’s best skiing and snowboarding destinations, locals and travelers alike will have an overwhelming number of choices for their next ski holiday.
Everyone knows Whistler Blackcomb and Revelstoke. But for every iconic mountain, there is another underrated destination that will give you champagne powder and open terrain. Whether it’s Marmot Basin or Mont-Sainte-Anne, there’s an entire spectrum of resorts without an international reputation, but with world-class skiing.
Best Ski Resorts in Canada
Plan your next skiing or snowboarding trip with our guide to the best ski resorts in Canada.
Before hitting the slopes, check out our advice for packing for winter trips in Canada
Whistler Blackcomb – British Columbia
Probably the best ski resort in Canada (and North America), Whistler Blackcomb also has an international reputation. With state-of-the-art facilities and an average annual snowfall of 35.5 feet, you’ll never find a shortage of skiable terrain. In fact, Blackcomb’s Horstman Glacier can provide skiing all year long.
Whistler and Blackcomb are two mountains that combine to create seemingly unlimited, big mountain terrain and the largest ski resort in the country. Part of the mountain’s charm is that it can keep extreme skiers and boarders happy while providing ample green and blue runs for beginners. Read more: 30 Awesome Things to Do in Whistler, BC
Advanced skiers and snowboarders can take advantage of the off-piste terrain that includes powder skiing down epic alpine bowls and five terrain parks, which combine to offer 150 features. Make sure to take advantage of being first on the mountain with a Fresh Tracks ticket. Read more: First on the Mountain – Fresh Tracks in Whistler
Whether you’re on Whistler or Blackcomb, you can venture to the other via the Peak to Peak Gondola. The 2.7 mile, 11-minute journey provides unforgettable scenery along the way. Once it’s time for some après ski activities, head down to the happening Whistler Village.
Whistler Blackcomb is 2 to 2.5 hours from Vancouver and is reached along the beautiful Sea to Sky Highway. Read more: Vancouver to Whistler – Best of the Sea to Sky Highway
Where to Stay in Whistler
Whistler has amazing choices for accommodation in Whistler Village making it the perfect place for fun on the slopes and for apres ski activities. Here are our favourite places to stay in Whistler
Revelstoke – BC
Once a haven for the rich and well-to-do, Revelstoke has had a dramatic transformation into one of the best ski resorts in Canada. Back when Revelstoke had but a single ski lift, guests would heli-ski from the top of the mountain, meandering their way back down to the base. Today, thanks to a new summit chairlift, a high-speed gondola at that, among others, the mountain’s diverse terrain is easily accessible. Read more: The Best Things to do in Revelstoke, BC
Over the years, Revelstoke, located in British Columbia, has developed a reputation for extreme terrain and features the biggest vertical drop in all of Canada (5620ft). Much of Revelstoke is off-piste in keeping to its roots while becoming a mountain for everyone to enjoy. This allows for some of the most varied powder skiing in the country, while also continuing Revelstoke’s heli-skiing tradition.
This isn’t to say that the resort is only for expert skiers. Beginner riders and skiers will still find plenty of groomed trails, though you’ll be wanting to chase the stoke once you graduated from the pizza stop.
Where to Stay in Revelstoke
Revelstoke doesn’t have the village that Whistler Blackcomb has, but if you stay right on the slopes at the Revelstoke Mountain Resort you can take advantage of all the amenities on a smaller scale with two restaurants, shopping, liquor store, bar, and rentals.
Sutton Place Revelstoke Mountain Resort – It’s the best place to stay in Revelstoke with year-round heated outdoor pool, hot tubs, all suites rooms with kitchens, and located right beside the gondola. TripAdvisor / Booking
Mont Tremblant – Quebec
Not all the best skiing and snowboarding is enjoyed in western Canada. In fact, Quebec has its fair share of the best ski resorts in Canada. So if Alberta and British Columbia are feeling a little too far away, enjoy world-class skiing at Mont Tremblant.
Out of the limelight, the ski resort can often feel like a well-kept secret as you mingle with locals and a few international travelers. Just 90 minutes from Montreal, the resort offers a convenient location and over 750 acres of varied terrain. Covering four mountains and with a lift capacity of 27,230 boarders and skiers per hour, the lift lines are rarely long.
Mont Tremblant has over 100 named runs, well split for beginner, intermediate and advanced skiers. The season consistently runs for 5 months, with amazing snow-making helping to keep the snow quality high after the spring arrives.
At the bottom of the slopes, you’ll find a full-service ski resort that’s well-designed for families. Make the most of the range of lessons, kids’ activities, and shops in the beautiful European-style alpine town.
Where to Stay in Mont Tremblant
Sunshine Village – Alberta
As the name suggests, there’s no better place to be on a bluebird day than Sunshine Village Ski Resort. With the views long and wide, you can fly down the mountain while enjoying the sight of the Canadian Rockies rising all around you. Located in the heart of Banff National Park just 15 minutes from the town of Banff Sunshine sits high on the Continental Divide. Read more: Discover Banff Canada in Photos
Covering a total of three mountains, it’s easy to escape the crowds at Sunshine Village. With its long ski season, which averages 7 months, this ski resort is a renowned option for those that simply want to avoid the peak seasons. Check out: Driving the Icefields Parkway from Banff to Jasper Alberta
The concentration of intermediate/blue runs provides an excellent opportunity for you to improve your skills over the mountains 3300 acres of terrain. You won’t soon run out of options, and when you’re ready, you’ll have the chance to complete some hair-raising black diamonds, including the iconic off-piste Delirium Dive.
Within Banff National Park, Sunshine Village Ski Resort is conveniently located to other ski areas. While a lot of visitors choose to stay 20 minutes away in Banff, for an exciting après-ski scene.
Where to Stay in Sunshine Village
Sunshine Mountain Lodge – Perfect ski in ski out village with multiple restaurants, indoor and outdoor pool, sauna, hot tub, and spa. See more about it on TripAdvisor / Booking
Lake Louise Ski Resort – Alberta
If you’ve ever seen a video of someone skating along crystal-like ice with towering glacial mountains rising around them, you’ve probably gazed upon the stunning Lake Louise. One of the best year-round destinations, Lake Louise is certainly one of the top Canadian ski resorts. Read more: Pond Hockey on Lake Louise – Skating the Most Beautiful Rink in the World
Its recent expansion, which added almost 500 acres of skiable terrain to the ski resort’s famous West Bowl area, has only strengthened the argument. You’ll find terrain suitable for all levels of skier and snowboarder, as Lake Louise is the biggest ski resort in Banff National Park. From near-vertical couloirs, open bowls, and enthralling tree skiing to groomed runs and relaxing greens for those just starting out, enjoy it all while the surrounding mountains provide an epic backdrop.
From the 160 named runs, one of which is 5 miles long, take the time to gaze upon the glacial lakes, snowcapped forests, and rugged mountains of the spectacular national park. At night, have your choice of two ski villages, with ample restaurants and bars for all your après-ski needs.
Where to Stay in Lake Louise
When skiing at Lake Louise, there isn’t any accommodations directly on the hill. You can stay in town, in Banff or choose from one of our favourite resorts located directly on Lake Louise.
- Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise – Five star resort with everything you can image including prime location directly on Lake Louise, horse drawan sleigh rides, pond hockey and five star dining. TripAdvisor / Booking
- Deer Lodge – Located directly beside Lake Louise, this is an excellent option with gorgeous rooftop hot tub views of Victoria glacier. TripAdvisor / Booking
- Combine your Lake Louise experience with Sunshine Village and Mt Norquay ski resorts with the SkiBig3 pass.
Big White – British Columbia
In British Columbia, Big White is often rated as one of the best Canadian ski resorts to work a ski season. Despite its location in the hotbed of epic ski resorts, it has an off-the-beaten-path feel compared to its more famous contemporaries. Read more: Best British Columbia Road Trip – Vancouver – Kelowna – Revelstoke
But that just means more for you and me, especially on powder days, of which Big White has plenty. The diverse terrain provides a welcome mix of opportunities for all skill levels. The 2700+ acres leave plenty to explore, with an abundance of off-piste and groomed adventures to be had.
The expansive views of the surrounding mountain ranges are a mesmerizing companion as you make your way down the slopes. The 16 lifts guide you 119 named runs with the ability to transport 28,000 skiers per hour. As the sun falls, floodlights light up 2.5 miles of trail so you can ski and snowboard under the moon.
Beyond the usual fun, take part in dog sledding, go tubing or test your ice climbing skills. At night, enjoy what is one of the most family-friend ski resorts in Canada. Enjoy hot tubs and mountain views when you stay at Snowbirds. See it on Booking.com
Sun Peaks – BC
One of the smaller resorts in this guide, Sun Peaks remains a delight for beginner and intermediate skiers. The forgiving wide-open bowls and powder terrain provide the perfect opportunity for skiers and snowboarders to bid adieu to the corduroy and make their way off-piste.
Under the looming presence of Tod Mountain, skiers can choose between three mountain faces, each offering something unique. For amazing powder skiing, head up the Crystal Lift, to the Crystal Bowl where you can explore wide-open terrain while coursing over an average of 18ft of snow.
Being a smaller resort, there is a homely feel to Sun Peaks. The ski resort has a welcoming local community that offers several complementary experiences. Jump on a shuttle to watch the local Kamloops Blazers in the Canadian Hockey League, or take part in a ski tour. Other options include snowmobiling, snowcat rides, and fat biking.
The addition of a new chairlift has added multiple ski-in, ski-out options in the Sun Peaks’ East Village. Stay next to the high-speed Sundance lift at Coast Sundance Lodge. See it on TripAdvisor / Booking
Blue Mountain Resort – Ontario
Those looking for a ski holiday within the most populous of the Canadian provinces should turn their eye to Blue Mountain Resort. Ontario may not be known for its big mountain resorts, but the convenience of Blue Mountain from Toronto makes it one of the best ski resorts in Canada. Read more about it at Things to do in Blue Mountain and Collingwood
Just over two hours from the country’s biggest city, Blue Mountain has transcended its small mountain vibe thanks to its picturesque European-style village. Begin and end your day in the charming town where you’ll quickly forget that you’re not in Switzerland.
The range of high-end shops, fantastic bars, and restaurants along with the wide range of accommodation makes Blue Mountain as romantic as it is family-friendly.
As for the mountain, it may not reach great heights, but its width, spread along the Niagara Escarpment, provides for wonderful terrain. Have your pick of 40 runs, serviced by over a dozen ski lifts, not to mention the 34 tubing runs.
Where to Stay in Blue Mountain
What Blue Mountain lacks in vertical gain, it makes up for in its village. With a similar feel to Mont Tremblant and Whistler, Blue Mountain village has a fun apres-ski scene filled with restaurants, shops, and plenty of hotel choices.
- Westin Trillium House – Westin is the premier hotel in Blue Mountain with award winning dining, hot tub, sauna, pool and close to the village. TripAdvisor / Booking
- Mosaic – Located in the heart of Whistler village it is the best location for dining and night life. With year round heated outdoor pool, sauna, and hot tub, it’s the perfect choice for a ski trip to Blue Mountain. TripAdvisor / Booking
- Blue Mountain Inn – The original escape in Blue Mountain is located directly on the hill with indoor pool, restaurant bar and it is walking distance to the village. This is our more affordable choice for where to stay in the village of Blue Mountain. See it on TripAdvisor
Marmot Basin – Alberta
Despite its location in Jasper National Park and the Canadian Rockies, Marmot Basin tends to fall down the list when skiers and boarders pick their next ski resort. But here’s why you should buck the trend:
Marmot Basin has a snow-sure reputation, owing to its location high in the Continental Divide. In fact, out of all the top resorts, Marmot has the highest snow base elevation at over 5,500 feet above sea level. This ensures that the mountain has epic ski cover, even in the off-peak months.
The resort has 86 runs and with Marmot’s efficient lift service, it’s easy to explore the entire ski area. The mountain’s recent expansion has created more groomed trails for beginner and intermediate skiers. But if you’re confident, you can explore some of the best tree skiing in Canada.
Many visitors choose to stay 20 minutes away in Jasper. The town is a great budget option, especially if you wish to avoid more expensive mountains like Lake Louise. Read more: Amazing Things to do in Jasper, Alberta
Where to Stay in Jasper
SilverStar – BC
An hour north of Kelowna, British Columbia, Silverstar is a family-friendly resort with frequent powder days. The ski resort averages a total of 23 feet of snow across its strong 5-month season. Skiers and snowboarders will have their choice of 133 runs spread across two sections and 3300 acres, making SilverStar the third largest ski resort in BC. Read more: Best Things to do in Kelowna British Columbia
SilverStar has a historic mining heritage, which can be seen within its charming resort village. The streets are lined with colorful buildings with envious access to the slopes. Few mountains have the level of ski-in, ski-out opportunities, thanks to the village’s placement in the middle of the mountain.
The resort is renowned for its family-friendly activities and the fun doesn’t stop at the end of the run. SilverStar has over 65 miles of nordic trails, along with options for snowshoeing, tubing, and fat biking. Add in over 25 night skiing runs, and you can see why the resort should be high on your list.
Fernie – BC
With one of the highest average snowfalls and the most bowls of any Canadian resort, Fernie is a powder lover’s dream. The mountain offers a longer than average ski season with a usual snow dump of 37 feet each winter.
Famous for its epic snowfalls and temperatures just below freezing, Fernie is in the sweet spot when it comes to offering fantastic powder skiing and boarding. The ski resort has 142 named runs along with its five massive alpine bowls, allowing for fresh experiences every day on the mountain.
The runs are evenly split between greens, blues, and black diamonds, with Fernie having a 30/40/30 split, respectively. This means there are ample runs for all skill levels, providing excellent opportunities to improve across your ski holiday.
Fernie’s legendary ski village is 10 minutes from the slopes and was once called the coolest town in the world by Rolling Stone magazine. This is perfect for all your apres-ski activities.
Where to Stay in Fernie
Kicking Horse – BC
Three hours from Calgary across the border in British Columbia, Kicking Horse is a haven for extreme skiers. Here, almost half of the runs are black diamonds, with one featuring the fifth-biggest vertical drop of any resort in all of North America. The light, champagne powder endures thanks to the bulk of Kicking Horse having a north-facing location. Read more: 21 Best Things to do in Calgary, Alberta
Expert skiers and snowboarders will have a blast making their way down over 4,000 feet of vertical. Not to mention the number of hike-to-ski runs that will get you far away from the crowds, with plenty of fresh territories to carve up. A prominent run is the Ozone, once used on the Freeride World Tour. Enjoy a hair-raising steep run beside the resort’s epic rock formations. All in all, there are 128 named runs at Kicking Horse with 5 lifts.
Mont-Sainte-Anne – Quebec
Tucked away in the Laurentian Mountains, an hour’s drive from Quebec City, Mont-Sainte-Anne is a small resort with incredible scenery. Skiing in Montreal can easily become all about Mont Tremblant, but you can escape that while enjoying amazing skiing. Read next: The Best Things to do in Quebec city
Covering 2145 acres, Mont-Sainte-Anne offers 70 runs of which almost half are beginner-friendly. One such run begins at the summit of the resort, covering 3 miles on its way down the valley. The many green and blue runs will quickly have you prepped for more with exciting mogul and tree skiing lying in wait.
At night, Mont-Sainte-Anne has almost 20 runs equipped for night skiing, combining for some of the highest night-skiing vertical in the country. With many choosing to base themselves in Quebec, you’ll find plenty of snow-side accommodation.
Red Mountain – British Columbia
“Fiercely independent”, Red Mountain’s location away from the big resorts in British Columbia, makes it the perfect spot for those looking for crowd-less runs and ample powder days. Just fifteen minutes away from the United States border, but four from the nearest major airport, it takes a little planning to get to the slopes.
For those that make the regular trip to Red Mountain, they wouldn’t have it any other way. With an average snowfall of 25 feet, which stacks up to each resort in this guide, Red Mountain consistently rewards skiers and boarders. The snowfall has a habit of falling in massive dumps, coating the advanced and expert terrain with knee-deep champagne powder.
Spread across two mountains and over 4000 acres, Red Mountain has one of the best skier per acre ratios in Canada. While offering 110 runs (50% advanced or higher) and 6 lifts. If you are looking for places to stay at Red Mountain, check out Red Shutter Cabins.
Le Massif de Charlevoix – Quebec
Do it differently and have an upside-down experience at Le Massif de Charlevoix. At this resort, in Quebec, the ski lodge is on the summit from which the bunny and green runs begin. It’s also where you’ll find the main car park. This is a dream for skiers who wish to wake up and get a run in before lining up for the lift.
While there are easy-access beginner runs at the top, only 15% of the mountain is beginner-friendly. As you descend towards the valley, the black diamonds take over, giving Le Massif de Charlevoix a great reputation among expert skiers.
As you descend, you’ll enjoy exquisite views of a valley that includes the sparkling St Lawrence River. If you want to get off the slopes, you can snowshoe along the oft-frozen body of water to the L’Isle-Aux-Coudres.
Canada is a winter sports paradise. No matter where you choose to take your snowboarding or ski vacation in Canada, you are guaranteed to have a good time. So what are you waiting for? Check out one of these amazing ski resorts in Canada now!