Canada has some seriously amazing skiing locations, and many of these spots are far less crowded than the resorts in the US. If you ever get the chance to ski here, you’re in for epic snow conditions and wide-open runs.
I’m a lifelong skier who has been on the slopes for nearly as long as I’ve been able to walk. I’ve had the opportunity to ski at many different places in North America and have visited most of the top resorts you’ll see here.
This post will dive into details about all the best ski resorts in Canada. I’ll point out what makes each resort so special and what you might expect if you come to ski here. I’ll also provide some other tips and information to help you plan a ski trip.
Let’s get after it.
Contents
1. Whistler Blackcomb
- Resort Website
- Opening Day: November 25 (Average)
- Closing Day: May 1 (Average)
- Best Known For: The largest ski resort in North America, easy access, lots of amenities
Whistler Blackcomb is one of those ski resorts known all over the world. It truly is one of the best places to ski on the entire globe, and it also earns the top spot for the best ski resorts in Canada. You won’t be disappointed if you end up visiting here.
The first thing nearly everyone notices about Whistler Blackcomb is how huge it is. This is the largest ski resort in North America, and that means you can find almost every type of terrain you can imagine. It also means all styles and ability levels of skiers can find their favorite runs.
The amenities and accommodations here are impressive. Whether you are looking for high-end resort luxury or ski-in/ski-out convenience, you are sure to find it. It’s also easily accessible from the nearby city of Vancouver for anyone traveling here from outside Canada.
The snow school is also expansive, and you can find lessons that cater to your ability level to learn from world-class instructors. If you need rentals or any other equipment, it’s all easily available right on the mountain.
Whistler Blackcomb can get crowded, but its massive size usually means you won’t be waiting in line long, even on a crowded day. And the resort typically gets good snow, but there have been some less than average years lately.
2. Mont Tremblant
- Resort Website
- Opening Day: November 22 (Average)
- Closing Day: April 10 (Average)
- Best Known For: Family-friendly, a lot of fun nightlife, wide variety of terrain
On the eastern side of Canada, you’ll find Mont Tremblant. This fantastic ski resort is about an hour and a half from Montreal and another top winter sports destination in the country. It has a European vibe, much like the rest of Quebec.
Mont Tremblant is one of the most family-friendly resorts in Canada, and it’s popular with locals and visitors alike because of its accessible terrain and plenty of accommodations. The snow is consistent, and the resort does a good job of keeping everything well-groomed.
Part of the reason why this is such a family-friendly spot is that the ski school is impressive, and the resort also offers daycare. That allows mom and dad to hit the slopes while the kids are either learning how to ski or playing with other little ones in the snow.
The village area is packed with amenities and accommodations, and it has a quaint and inviting feel that is easy to get used to. You can get luxury rooms and fine dining but also find more affordable things to match your budget if you are on one.
The downside to Mont Tremblant is that it can get pretty crowded. If you come here on the weekend during the height of the season, there’s a good chance you’ll be waiting in the lift line for some time.
3. Lake Louise
- Resort Website
- Opening Day: November 5 (Average)
- Closing Day: May 5 (Average)
- Best Known For: One of the longest ski seasons, excellent terrain and snow conditions, beautiful setting
Lake Louise is another one of the top ski resorts in Canada, and this destination offers one of the longest ski seasons you’ll find anywhere in the world. You can typically access the slopes for six months of the year!
In addition to a long winter, Lake Louise is also just flat-out beautiful. This is one of the most picturesque places I have skied, and if you love nature and want the opportunity to take great photos, you won’t be disappointed.
The terrain here is also very diverse, and there is something for just about every type of skier. Whether you are just learning the basics or want to tackle some really challenging terrain, you’ll be able to access it all quickly.
I highly recommend visiting Lake Louise if you are thinking of skiing in Canada, but be sure to plan ahead of time because this can be an expensive place to get on the slopes. There are plenty of accommodations, but most of them are far from budget options.
4. Sunshine Village
- Resort Website
- Opening Day: November 10 (Average)
- Closing Day: May 15 (Average)
- Best Known For: Excellent snow conditions, long season, located at Banff
Sunshine Village is set in the famous winter resort area of Banff and is another top skiing destination in Canada. This location is nearby Lake Louise in the province of Alberta and delivers epic ski conditions for nearly half the year.
Many skiers like this resort because it is the only location in Banff to offer ski-in/ski-out convenience. If you want to have an epic ski trip and get on the snow as much as possible, this is the best way to make that happen.
Sunshine Village also has everything you need to make your ski trip as comfortable as possible. There is plenty of lodging and dining amenities in the town of Banff, and there are many winter events that occur to keep you occupied after a day on the slopes.
It is a smaller ski town, so you will probably want to book a reservation for lodging or dining ahead of time to ensure availability. The restaurants in town can fill up quickly, and you’ll want to make sure you keep everyone skiing with you fueled up and ready for action!
5. Revelstoke
- Resort Website
- Opening Day: December 1 (Average)
- Closing Day: April 15 (Average)
- Best Known For: Lots of snow, less crowded, biggest vertical drop in North America
If you are an experienced skier who wants to take advantage of some of the best terrain in North America, Revelstoke comes highly recommended. This resort is in the western part of Canada and has the biggest vertical drop in North America.
The conditions at Revelstoke are reliably epic. That means you’ll have plenty of snow and great conditions to explore all of the amazing terrain here. If you want to chase powder and bomb down technical terrain, you’ll keep a smile on your face the entire time.
The snow school and rental situation here is decent, and you can get set up with great equipment or find an instructor to push your ability levels up a notch or two. Just know that it’s not really a beginner’s mountain and caters more to advanced and intermediate skiers.
Lodging and dining are available right at the resort, and there are a few restaurants and lodges you can access quickly after a long day on the slopes. It’s smaller than some other Canadian resorts but still a great place to visit.
6. Big White
- Resort Website
- Opening Day: November 25 (Average)
- Closing Day: April 5 (Average)
- Best Known For: Family-friendly, ski-in/ski-out convenience, good snow conditions
Big White is another family-friendly Canadian ski resort that offers a variety of terrain and excellent ski conditions all winter long. It also offers night skiing on nearly 40 runs, making it a top destination to ski when the sun goes down.
The resort has around 2,700 acres of skiable terrain, with a good mix of beginner, intermediate, and advanced trails. This makes it a solid location for skiers of all varieties and another reason why it’s such a good spot to bring the entire family.
There are a good amount of cabins and rooms available for rent near the base area of Big White. Many of these offer ski-in/ski-out convenience, which is another highlight of the resort and why it’s a favorite for skiers who live in the area.
There is an airport nearby in Kelowna, but Big White isn’t quite as accessible as some of the other well-known Canadian resorts near larger cities. It can also get a bit crowded on weekends or holidays.
7. Kicking Horse
- Resort Website
- Opening Day: December 10 (Average)
- Closing Day: April 15 (Average)
- Best Known For: Powder, hike-to terrain, good place for experienced skiers
Experienced skiers and powder hounds will love everything that Kicking Horse offers. This is a lesser-known ski resort in Canada, but it is well worth a visit if you want to find some of the best snow conditions in the country.
Kicking Horse has a mostly north-facing slope, which keeps the snow out of the sun and helps powder stick around longer. There are also a lot of hike-to trails where you can always find a fresh stash. Both of these factors make the resort of powder lovers dream.
You will find several lodges and restaurants in the village area to make your stay here cozy and comfortable. The Palliser Lodge offers ski-in/ski-out accommodations, and there are also rental homes available if you have larger groups.
Kicking Horse isn’t the most easily accessible resort in Canada, and you’ll need to drive a while to get here from the nearest airport. It’s still highly recommended, especially if you are an experienced skier who loves to find deep snow.
Additional Tips for Skiing in Canada
If you have ever traveled to Canada, you know that Canadians are some of the friendliest people you will ever meet. When you visit, keep this in mind, and always be sure to extend a helping hand or say hello to a stranger. You might just make a new friend.
Another piece of advice for traveling in Canada is that tips are expected at restaurants, bars, and hotels. This is similar to the US, and you’ll want to add about 15-20 percent to your bill to help keep the service staff well paid.
Final Words
I’ve had some truly amazing ski days in Canada, and I highly recommend any of the resorts listed here if you want to seek out the same. There is always a chance for fresh powder and friendly faces on the slopes here, and I promise you won’t be disappointed.
