The Top Ten Ski Resorts in Canada

Updated on Aug 01, 2024 | Canada eTA

From the grand Laurentian Mountains to the majestic Canadian Rockies, Canada is a place that is packed with magnificent ski resorts. Widely recognized as one of the best skiing and snowboarding spots across the globe, locals as well as tourists, both are provided with an overwhelming number of choices for where they want to go for their upcoming ski trip.

You must have already heard of the popular Whistler Blackcomb or Revelstoke. But when it comes to Canada, every iconic mountain will come with another underrated destination that will provide you with equal possibilities, from an open terrain to the incredible champagne powder. Whether you are going to the stunning Mont-Sainte-Anne or the exquisite Marmot Basin, Canada will offer you a huge spectrum of resorts that may not have an international reputation, but you can rest assured of world-class skiing. We will help you to pick out the best ski resort!

Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia

Possibly the best ski resort in Canada as well as all North America, the international reputation of Whistler Blackcomb is incomparable. Here you will be greeted by state-of-the-art facilities and an approximate annual snowfall of 35.5 feet. With no dearth of skiable land, Blackcomb’s Horstman Glacier can be skied at throughout the year. 

Whistler and Blackcomb are two separate mountains, but they both come together to form a huge mountain terrain with seemingly unlimited space. Thus, Whistler Blackcomb has taken the position of the largest ski resort in Canada. One of the greatest benefits of this mountain range is that it can keep extreme skiers happy, while also presenting plenty of blue and green runs to beginners. 

Extreme skiers and snowboarders can also avail advantage of the off-piste terrain, and powder ski down the great alpine bowls and the five terrain parks. These two together can offer you up to 150 grand features! No matter which of the two mountains you are in, you can venture to the other peak through the Peak-to-Peak Gondola. This journey will take around 11 minutes and cover 2.7 miles, and provide you with unforgettable scenery. If you wish to take a break from skiing for some time, you can also head down to the bustling Whistler village. 

  • Distance - Whistler Blackcomb takes 2 to 2.5 hours to reach from Vancouver
  • How to reach there - It can be reached via the Sky Highway
  • Where should you stay - Fairmont Chateau Whistler.

Revelstoke, British Columbia

Once considered a haven for the wealthy, Revelstoke has now been transformed dramatically into one of the best ski resorts in the country. Previously Revelstoke had only one ski lift, so guests would be required to heli-ski from the top of the peak down to the base. However, a new high-speed summit chairlift has been installed there, thus making the huge diverse terrain easily accessible to visitors. 

Over the span of recent years, Revelstoke has earned attention for its extreme terrain and for being the biggest vertical drop feature in Canada, standing at 5620 ft. Revelstoke’s off-piste stands true to its roots and has become a mountain that everyone can enjoy. This lets Revelstoke offer some of the most varied powder skiing in Canada, while also continuing its authentic Heli-skiing tradition. While Revelstoke does not have a village that Whistler Blackcomb does, you can find small-scale restaurants, liquor stores, rentals, bars, and shopping centers here.

  • Distance - It is 641 km away from Vancouver.
  • How to reach there - 5-hour drive from Calgary International Airport.
  • Where should you stay - You can stay at the Sutton Place Revelstoke Mountain Resort.

Mont Tremblant, Quebec

It is definitely not the truth that skiing and snowboarding can only be enjoyed in western Canada. Quebec will offer you its fair share of amazing ski resorts too. Not much in the limelight, Mont Tremblant will give you the opportunity to mingle with locals as well as international travelers. Set at a convenient location, it has more than 750 acres of diverse terrains. It covers four mountains and has a lift with a capacity of boarding up to 27,230 skiers per hour, so you will rarely find long lift lines here.

Having over a hundred named runs, Mont Tremblant is well-split for beginners, intermediate, and expert skiers alike. With a ski season that runs for a constant 5 months, here you will find high-quality snow that is perfect for skiing!

Mont Tremblant will offer you full-service ski resorts that are suitable for everyone in the family. Make sure that you the most out of the shops, kids’ activities, and lessons you will find in this beautiful European-styled Alpine town.

  • Distance - Mont Tremblant is 130 km from Montreal.
  • How to reach there - 90 minutes away from Montreal
  • Where should you stay - You can stay at the Fairmont Mont Tremblant or Westin Resort Mont Tremblant.

Sunshine Village, Alberta

If you are looking forward to spending a bluebird day, there is no better place to be than in the Sunshine Village ski resort. With majestic views spreading wide, while you are skiing down the mountain, you will be stunned by the incredible Canadian Rockies rising all around. Sitting high on top of the Continental Drive, the Banff Sunshine covers three mountains, so it is perfect if you prefer to ski in peace away from the crowd.

The Sunshine Village has a long ski season of seven months, and the place is widely renowned amongst those who love to avoid peak seasons. If you are looking to improve your skiing skill, it is the perfect place to be with the mountains ranging from 3300 acres of terrain, spread across a concentration of clear blue sky. You will not run out of options for blue runs, and once you feel you are ready, you have the opportunity to complete some chilling black diamond stunts in the off-piste Delirium Dive.

Situated within the Banff National Park, the Sunshine Village Ski Resort is conveniently connected to other ski areas as well. You might also want to stay at a distance of 20 minutes for a magnificent scene of apres-ski.  

  • Distance - it is located right in between the Banff National Park.
  • How to reach there - It is just a 15-minute drive from Banff town.
  • Where should you stay - You can stay at the Sunshine Mountain Lodge.

Lake Louise Ski Resort (Alberta)

If we ask you to imagine a scene related to skiing, the first image that pops up will be of a person skating on a crystal clear surface of ice, with giant glacial mountains towering all around them. Now, if the image is turned to reality, you will probably be looking at the majestic Lake Louise. Falling amongst the top destinations to ski all year round, Lake Louise is certainly one of the best ski resorts in the country.

The Lake Louise Ski Resort recently expanded its area and has added around 500 acres of smooth skiable terrain, thus adding to the resort’s renowned West Bowl area. This terrain is perfectly suited for all levels of snowboarders and skiers, and Lake Louise stands up its name as the biggest ski resort in the Banff National Park. Filled with open bowls and almost vertical couloirs, if you love to tree ski, you will love the groomed runs and soothing greens, thus making it the perfect place for beginners to start out in. You are going to fall in love with the stunning mountains that make up for a stunning piece of a backdrop. 

 Lake Louise has up to 160 named runs, out of which one even extends up to 160 miles. Make sure that you take your time to gaze at the magnificent snowcapped mountains and crystal-clear glacial lakes, standing in front of the rugged mountains that form the famous national park. If you decide to stay over the night, you might want to visit the two neighboring ski villages filled with restaurants and bars, to satisfy your taste buds!

  • Distance - It is 61 km away from Banff town.
  • How to reach there - Driving takes 45 minutes from Banff town.
  • Where should you stay - You can stay at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise or the Deer Lodge.

Big White, British Columbia

Big White, located in BC, has gained the recognition of being the best ski resort in Canada to spend your ski holidays in. Although being located amongst a crowd of famous ski resorts, Big White is not as popular as compared to its contemporaries. However, this only contributes to the fact that Big White has all the more space and services to offer to its visitors, especially on the powder days. 

No matter what your ski level is, the diverse terrain will provide ample opportunities to all. Spread over a region of more than 2700 acres, here you will have more than enough area to explore, and combined with its abundant off-piste, you are guaranteed many groomed adventures here.

If you want to ski with a mesmerizing view, the surrounding snow-capped mountain ranges will offer you a beautiful experience. With 119 named runs and 16 lifts that can transport up to 28,000 people per hour, here you will be offered the opportunity to ski under the moon even after sundown.

Not only you can ski in the Big White, but you can also take part in dog sledding, ice climbing, and go tubing. One of the most family-friendly ski resorts in town, here you can enjoy stunning mountain views and soothing hot tub baths.

  • Distance - Located at 56 km Southeast of Kelowna.
  • How to reach there - You can reach there by 51 min drive from Kelowna.
  • Where should you stay - You can stay at the

Sun Peaks, British Columbia

Although a relatively smaller resort compared to its contemporaries, Sun Peaks is a delight for both beginners as well as experienced skiers. The widely open bowl and powder terrain are a perfect opportunity for both skiers as well as snowboarders to say goodbye to corduroy and start their journey off-piste.

Tod Mountains with their looming presence offers skiers three choices of mountain faces, thus offering a unique experience to the visitors. Make sure that you head the Crystal Lift to have a great powder skiing experience. Here you will find a wide-open terrain that spans over a course of 18 ft of snow.

Sun Peaks may be a small resort but get ready to have a homely experience here. The local community will welcome you with amazing contemporary experiences. You can hop on a shuttle and go to watch the local Kamloops Blazers performing in the Canadian Hockey League or be a part of the local ski tour. You might also enjoy the fat biking, snowcat rides, or snowmobiling experiences.

  • Distance - Located at 614 km from BC.
  • How to reach there - It is a 45 min drive from Kamloops in BC.
  • Where should you stay - You can stay at the Sun Peaks Grand Hotel.

Blue Mountain Resort, Ontario

Blue Mountain Resort Blue Mountain Resort

If you are looking to spend your winter ski holidays in the most populated Canadian provinces, the Blue Mountain Resort might be the best option for you! Although Ontario is not much known for its huge mountain resorts, the Blue Mountain Resort with its convenient connection to Toronto makes up for its huge fame as one of the very top ski resorts in the country. 

Located at a distance that can be covered in 2 hours from Canada’s biggest city, the Blue Mountain Resort has taken the small mountain picture and combined it with the elegant European-styled village surrounding. Once you spend a day here in this charming town, you will simply forget if you are in Ontario or in Switzerland!

Coming with a vast variety of facilities, here you will also find high-end shops, restaurants, and bars, making it suitable for both family as well as romantic holidays. The mountain spread on the Niagara Escarpment sets the picture of a wonderful setting. You can pick from the 40 runs offered here, or the 34 tubing runs.

  • Distance - It is located at 837 km from Ontario.
  • How to reach there - You can reach by 2 hours from Ontario.
  • Where should you stay - You can stay at the Westin Trillium House, Mosaic hotel, or the Blue Mountain Inn.

Marmot Basin, Alberta

Situated between the Jasper National Park and the Canadian Rockies, the Marmot Basin is located up high on the continental dive. Known for its snow-sure reputation, here you will find the highest snow elevation of being 5500 ft above sea level. Rest ensured to experience a great ski cover, even during the off-peak months.

Having up to 86 runs and efficient lift service, Marmot Basin makes it easy to explore the ski area. Having recently expanded its overall area, it has recently opened more groomed trails for skiers of all skill range. But if you are more experienced, you might want to try out their tree skiing services.  

  • Distance - Located at 214.6 km from Alberta.
  • How to reach there - You can reach by 3 hr 12 min via the Emerson Creek Road.
  • Where should you stay - You can stay at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, Jasper Inn and Suites, or the Mount Robson Inn and Suites.

SilverStar, British Columbia

Situated at an hour’s distance from the north of Kelowna in British Columbia, the SilverStar resort is a great family-friendly option with regular powder days. It receives an average of 23 ft of snow every year, throughout its 5-month season. Skiers will have a choice of 133 runs that have been spread across 330 acres and two sections, thus making SilverStar the third largest ski resort in BC. 

Having a history of mining, you will observe it throughout the nooks and corners of the resort village. All the streets are filled with colorful buildings that have easy access to the slopes. Here you will be offered the opportunity of ski-in and ski-out, thanks to the village’s ideal placement. 

Renowned for its fun and family-friendly activities, here you will get opportunities for fat biking, tubing, and snowshoeing. Silverstar will offer you Nordic trails that spread over 65 miles.

  • Distance - It is located at a distance of 22 km northeast of the city of Vernon, British Columbia. 
  • How to reach there - It takes 20 minutes to drive from Vernon.
  • Where should you stay - You can stay at the Bulldog Hotel or The Pinnacles Suites & Townhomes.

Canada is a paradise if you are a winter sports lover. There are numerous options to spend your ski or snowboarding vacation in Canada, or no matter which place you choose, you can rest assured to have a good time. So, brace yourself to have a good time, head over to one of these amazing ski resorts for your next winter holiday!

READ MORE:
Explore some of the best ways to spend your winters in Canada, in the company of some of the most famous and thrilling winter sports in Canada. Learn more at Guide to Winter Sports and Activities in Canada.

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