Ski Resorts in Canada
Skiing in Canada should be on the top of any avid skier’s list and we don’t just mean going to Whistler!
Pros
- Lots of dry powder
- World-class terrain
- Fewer crowds than the US
- Heli-skiing in British Columbia
Cons
- Major resorts can be a few hour’s drive from nearest international airport
- Lots of crowds during US holidays
- Iconic resorts like Whistler-Blackcomb are expensive to ski at
Getting there
- Fly into Vancouver International Airport for the iconic Whistler-Blackcomb although there is so much more to explore in British Columbia (BC). Fly into Kelowna International Airport to check out the ski resorts in BC’s interior. For ski resorts along the infamous ‘Powder Highway’ in BC and other top Canadian resorts in Alberta, fly into Calgary International Airport or Spokane International Airport in Washington state. Quebec in Eastern Canada is also home to a few ski resorts which you can access via Montreal-Trudeau International Airport or Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport.
- Best way to resorts from the airports is by renting a car and driving or taking a shuttle (where available). The journey can take as little as one hour (such as Big White) or a few hours’ drive from the nearest international airport. Be sure to check the official resort website to see if airport shuttles are available.
Canada is as epic as skiing gets. It’s one of the most popular destinations in the world for the sport, serving up the perfect combination: big mountains, big snowfall, few crowds (depending on which resort you visit). Picking the top ski resorts in Canada is far from easy but we’ve had some help from the locals to bring you the best ski resorts in Canada. To narrow it down even further, we’ve also scouted the best ski resorts in British Columbia as well as the best ski resorts near Kelowna.
If it’s your first time skiing Canada, then start off your powder adventure at one of these resorts. The mountains here offer some of the best skiing the country has to offer, along with superior facilities, service and activities that sit above the rest. Just remember, they’re quite popular amongst destination skiers and tends to see some crowds.
Canada is home to an array of amazing resorts with some of the most incredible snow and terrain you could ever dream off, and the locals know just where to find it. Diverse terrain, mostly crowd-free slopes and laid back vibes is what you’ll get at these resorts. Unlike the big names, they don’t have much in the way of nightlife or activities, but you’ll probably too tired to care after a day on these impressive slopes.
Take the family ski vacation to the next level at these ski resorts. The terrain at these mountains are perfect for families of all abilities and their villages are known for being some of the most accommodating; we’re not kidding, Big White has the biggest ski-in/ski-out village in Canada! You’ll find family-friendly vibes across all three resorts but if you’d rather stay away from the crowds then stick to Sun Peaks and Mount Norquay. Mount Norquay also takes the win for affordability.
| Stat | Resorts |
|---|---|
| Best for Beginners | Big White |
| Best for Intermediates | Silver Star, Big White |
| Best for Advanced and Experts | Fernie Alpine, Red Mountain, Revelstoke |
| Best for All-rounder | Whistler-Blackcomb, Lake Louise |
| Highest Summit Elevation | Sunshine Village |
| Highest number of runs | Whistler-Blackcomb |
| Largest ski area | Whistler-Blackcomb |
| Highest number of lifts | Whistler-Blackcomb |