Hit the Slopes at These Top Canadian Ski Resorts
Plan your next sub‑zero adventure with a visit to one of the best ski resorts in Canada, complete with après and off‑mountain options.
Canadians know how to winter. Instead of hibernating until spring, we embrace the negative double–digit temperatures (and snowfalls that can taunt us well into April) and get outside to enjoy cold–weather activities. From B.C. and Alberta to Ontario and Quebec, here are our picks for the best ski resorts across Canada.
This story was originally published in October 2020 and was updated in December 2021.
On the slopes: Host of some 2010 Winter Olympics events, Whistler Blackcomb is Canada’s premier ski destination and, with more than 200 runs, 16 alpine bowls and three glaciers spanning 8,171 acres, it’s the largest ski resort in North America. Along with world–class skiing and backcountry access, the resort features an 18–foot halfpipe and five terrain parks, including one with smaller rails, rollers and mini–hits designed for beginners.
Off the slopes: Make like an Olympian and take an exhilarating ride in a four–person bobsleigh (steered by a trained pilot) or slide solo on a skeleton sled at Whistler Sliding Centre, home to the world’s fastest ice track and host of the bobsleigh, skeleton and luge competitions during the 2010 Winter Olympics.
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On the slopes: Boasting 1,713 metres of vertical (the most in all of North America) and 3,121 acres of tough skiing terrain, Revy’s riders get stoked for its four high–alpine bowls and 13 glade (and treed) areas. The mountain, which is located in the Kootenay Rockies, gets 10 metres of snow a year and the pitch is steep, ungroomed and optimized for adventure.
Off the slopes: Some of the world’s top snowmobilers flock to the alpine and trail riding areas located near the town of Revelstoke, and the resort offers guided tours for riders of all levels who want to tackle the open ridge tops and deep powder in the Keystone–Standard Basin.
Related: 6 Under–the–Radar Canadian Destinations to Explore This Winter
On the slopes: Known as the Champagne Powder Capital of Canada, Kicking Horse Mountain Resort is located just west of the former rail and lumber town of Golden, B.C., and offers 1,260 metres of vertical drop. Experienced skiers can attempt the mountain’s gnarly double–black diamond chutes and bowls or make first tracks across steep ridge lines, while intermediate snowboarders will enjoy cruisier runs at the base of the mountain. The small but mighty terrain tends to be quiet, with minimal crowds and short lift lines.
Off the slopes: The scenic Dawn Mountain Nordic Centre offers 33 kilometres of cross–country skiing track designed for both classic and skate skiing. Ease into things on the gentle beginner loops, featuring flats and minor rolling hills, or brave the big climbs and exhilarating downhills on the outer loops.
On the slopes: Escape the crowds in this quiet under–the–radar ski area that has a reputation for abundant snowfall. There’s plenty to keep advanced and intermediate skiers entertained: Fernie Alpine Resort has one of the larger ski verticals in the Canadian Rockies with a 1,082–metre difference between the top lift and base elevation and 2,500 acres of skiable terrain, including five steep and challenging powder bowls beneath the 2000–metres peaks of Grizzly Peak, Elephant Head and Polar Peak.
Off the slopes: Downtown Fernie, a 10–minute drive from the ski hill, is a charming Victorian mining town in Elk Valley next to the Rocky Mountains’ Lizard Range. Here you can indulge in some old–school pampering at Spa 901 with its infrared sauna, outdoor hot tub and range of treatments.
On the slopes: Ski two provinces (Alberta and B.C.) in one run at Banff Sunshine Village, where you can expect many “bluebird days” (beautiful, blue and sunny) throughout its seven–month season – the longest non–glacial ski season in the country. With a total of 3,300 acres across three mountains, the resort’s wide–open terrain appeals to intermediate skiers and snowboarders alike. Daredevils can’t miss the double–black diamond Delirium Dive, a world–famous off–piste course, or the 12–acre Great Divide Terrain Park, which includes more than 50 features. Located on the continental divide, Sunshine Village is one of the snowiest resorts in the country and is famous for its dry, feather–light snow.
Off the slopes: Sunshine Mountain Lodge’s Verde Day Spa offers welcome respite after a day of skiing or snowboarding. An organic custom facial soothes weather–beaten skin, while a hot stone massage increases circulation and flushes toxins – a good idea if you’re planning to hit the slopes multiple days in a row.
On the slopes: Arguably Ontario’s top winter destination, Blue Mountain Resort is smaller in trail reach and lift systems compared to others on this list, but the terrain provides easily navigable rides through tree lines and longer groomed trails, like Gord’s Groove, a 1.6–kilometre fan favourite and the resort’s longest run. There are also a few challenging double–black diamonds to keep thrill–seekers on their toes. Catering to families, the resort has three progression snow parks that help youngsters develop foundational skills in freestyle with jumps, rails and jibs. At sunset, watch the hill get flooded in a warm orange glow and you’ll see why night skiing is popular here.
Off the slopes: Explore the picturesque Georgian Hills Vineyards on a guided snowshoe and wine tour with Free Spirit Tours. After the hike, sample a flight of wine and tame post–activity hunger pangs with a selection of cheeses.
On the slopes: A two–hour drive west of Montreal, Mont Tremblant Ski Resort, a.k.a. the crown jewel of the Laurentians, operates as a four–season outdoor playground and, come winter, the charming pedestrian–friendly village thrums with activity and skiers itching to tackle its 102 trails. With over 80 kilometres of slopes, there’s something for everyone, including 22 easy, 31 difficult and 49 very difficult and extreme runs.
Off the slopes: Soar above the treetops of Mont–Catherine on a zip lining adventure. Located 35 minutes from the ski resort, Tremblant Activity Centre takes participants on a 45–minute snowshoe hike up the mountain, then sends them on a thrilling descent with rides on two mega zip lines that cover more than 1,500 metres.
On the slopes: Stunning views over the Gulf of St. Lawrence and trails descending close to the shoreline make Le Massif de Charlevoix one of the most interesting ski areas east of the Canadian Rockies. Not only does Le Massif receive more average annual snowfall than other eastern Canadian resorts (650 centimetres), but it also has a larger ski vertical with 730 metres from top to bottom. The resort grooms many of its long trails but allows moguls to form on some of its steeper ones. There are several glades close to the lifts and trails to add extra challenge and variety to a day on the slopes.
Off the slopes: Get additional adrenaline kicks with this one–of–a–kind experience: Travel to the summit lodge in a snowcat before embarking on a two–hour night sledding tour. With nothing but a headlamp to illuminate the path, journey down a 7.5–kilometre trail on a luge (but don’t worry, you’ll stop halfway down at a warm chalet for a well–earned break).