9 Best Ski Resorts In Canada

Looking for the best ski resorts in Canada? We’ve got you covered.

Some of the most reliable natural snow in the world? Check.

Incredible on and off piste action for all levels of ability? Check.

Blissful, uncrowded slopes? Check.

Excellent ski resorts? Check.

Great value for money? Check.

A guaranteed warm welcome – Yes!

Canada has everything you could possibly want for the perfect ski vacation. Here’s our guide to the best ski resorts in the country, and where to stay to enjoy them…

Whistler

Combined, the stunning and immense Whistler and Blackcomb mountains make up north America’s largest ski resort, with more than 8000 skiable acres.

These impressive peaks offer unparalleled views, a 5279 foot vertical, and amazingly diverse terrain with more than 432 feet average annual snowfall.

18% of the resort’s 234 runs are green, and 55% blue.

Whistler mountain is slightly larger than Blackcomb and has a little bit more to offer beginners and low intermediates, but it is also has the busiest slopes.

27% of runs are advanced with numerous double diamond blacks. Strong intermediate and advanced skiers will get most from the pistes on Blackcomb mountain, but both peaks have an abundance of wide cruisers, alpine bowls, steeps, glades, glaciers, and extensive backcountry opportunities including cat skiing and heliskiing.

Whistler Blackcomb also boasts some excellent ski and snowboard schools classes for all levels of ability. This added to the wide range of beginner terrain makes this a popular resort with families.

Slopes are extremely well serviced by copious lifts including gondolas and high speed quads. The resort’s 8 terrain parks — one of which includes an Olympic sized super pipe — cover nearly 100 acres in total, and are packed with features to suit all levels of skill.

Take a look at this for a taster of Whistler:

As you would expect, all this makes Whistler a hugely popular resort and slopes can get crowded with queues for lifts.

One of the best ski resorts in the world, Whistler provides a huge array of après ski entertainment to suit all tastes and budgets.

Whistler village is pleasant and cosmopolitan, offering a wealth of post-skiing diversions including world class spas, restaurants, bars, sensational shopping, and a wide range of extra activities such as dog sledding, concerts, tubing, and more. Nightlife at Whistler is lively but rarely raucous, with plenty of bars serving cheap cocktails at the base of the slopes that start filling up after 4pm. Later on the party moves to one of the many cocktail or lounge bars in the village, and Tommy Africa’s Nightclub pumps out the tunes until 2am.

Restaurants range from tasty cheap eats such as burgers, curries, and pizzas, to fine dining restaurants serving north American and international fare including some excellent Italian and seafood offerings.

Where to Stay: Blackcomb Springs Suites

This serene and tranquil 3 star mountainside lodge not far from Whistler village has a picturesque forest setting and boasts ski-in / ski-out access to the slopes.

Comfortable studios and suites benefit from fully equipped kitchens, fireplaces, private balconies, en suite bathrooms, and flat screen TVs with premium movie channels.

The outdoor heated pool and hot tubs have attractive mountain views, and the state of the art fitness centre ensures guests stay in shape during their stay. There’s also a 24 hour mini market stocked with all the essentials.

Guests also get to enjoy a hearty complimentary continental buffet breakfast.

• Ski in / ski out slope access
• Close to Whistler village amenities
• Complimentary village shuttle
• Heated pool
• Hot tubs
• Convenience store
• Free breakfast
• Airport shuttle

Big White

A big hit with families, Big White ski resort in British Columbia offers easily accessible skiing and snowboarding over 2,655 acres of powdery terrain, with an average of nearly 300 inches seasonal snowfall and 2549 foot vertical drop.

Over 900 acres of terrain is groomed, and there are 118 runs split into 18% beginner, 54% intermediate, 22% advanced and 6% expert trails serviced by 16 ski lifts including some high speed chairs and quads.

For the most part the resort doesn’t get too busy — with the exception of weekends — and there are rarely long queues for lifts.

Beginners benefit from a peaceful novice area where they can find their feet undisturbed by more advanced skiers.

There are also some good progression slopes working up to some steeper, more challenging runs. Big White offers intermediates the chance to really shine, with plenty of wide glades, cruisers, and groomed steeps. Expert terrain is a little limited and largely based around Big White’s alpine bowl which is steep with some challenging entries.

The resort’s large terrain park features 3 lanes for different levels of skill, plus a half pipe. For families there are also lots of other snow based activities at Happy Valley.

A major advantage of Big White’s village is its ski in / ski out access to the slopes. The village is fairly small, but still has some good après ski choices, with plenty for families to enjoy too.

At the end of the day you can ski straight to one of the many bars for happy hour to get the evening kicked off right.

Snowshoe Sam’s Pub is a popular spot, with a wide selection of craft beers , and there are around 20 different restaurants to choose from, most of which have a casual vibe and dish up grills, burgers, pizzas and other fare, although there are also a few delicious upscale options too including a chic tapas bar and Mediterranean fine dining at the 6 Degrees Bistro.

Where to Stay: The Royal Kelowna – Bellstar Hotels & Resorts

Backing directly onto picturesque Okanagan Lake, the luxurious 4 star Royal Kelowna hotel provides spacious, opulent 1 to 3 bedroom suites, all of which benefit from fireplace and private balcony, gourmet kitchen, living room and dining area, laundry facilities, flat screen TV, and en suite bathroom with jetted tub.

An infinity pool and hot tubs can be found on the hotel rooftop, where guests can lie back, relax, and enjoy the spectacular lakeside views. Indoors there are more hot tubs and a steam room, plus a fully equipped fitness centre.

• Lovely lakeside location
• Self catering suites
• Swimming pool
• Steam room
• Hot tubs
• Fitness centre
• Free airport shuttle

Banff

By Gorgo (public domain)

Banff ski resort in Alberta is named for the it’s location in the scenic Banff National Park, and comprises three different ski areas.

Known as the big 3, each area is distinctly different, giving skiers and snowboarders access to a wide variety of terrain.

The baby of the three — but the closest to Banff town — is Mount Norquay. Just 190 skiable acres with 60 runs are serviced by 5 lifts are pretty much evenly split between blues, greens, and blacks.

Particularly ideal for beginners and intermediates, Mount Norquay has a good mix of well groomed trails, steeps and bumps, and some reasonably long cruisers.

Snowfall can be hit and miss, with an annual average of only 118 inches, but snowmaking is in place to ensure the slopes have enough of the white stuff.

Sensationally beautiful and majestic Lake Louise is the largest ski area, with 145 runs over 4200 acres and a 3251 foot vertical. The downside is the relatively low seasonal snowfall (140 inches) and lack of really great quality snow, although 680 acres have snowmaking.

10 lifts service the terrain at Lake Louise, with 25% for beginners featuring gentle nursery slopes and plenty of fun greens all over the mountain.

With 45% blues intermediates have the lion’s share of pistes featuring long groomed trails and cruisers and some challenging steeps. Advanced terrain is also good, with bumps and tree skiing and moguls, and fantastic alpine bowls.

There’s also some hard core terrain with hair raising steeps, chutes, cliffs, and tree skiing. Lastly, the Sunshine Village ski areas sprawls across three mountains, and offers up some testing terrain to delight advanced and expert skiers, including Delirium Drive which features truly extreme terrain including cliffs drops, chutes, and rock features.

There is also plenty for other skill levels, including calm learning terrain and some decent beginner trails, and some good groomed and ungroomed cruisers for intermediates.

Advanced skiers will love the speedy steeps of Goat Mountain. Sunshine Village sees good annual snowfall of up to nearly 400 metres, and the skiable terrain covers 3358 acres. All three areas feature terrain parks.

When it comes to the end of the day — Banff town is where the action is at.

This is a big and very lively resort town, touting more than 130 different venues for eating, drinking, and having fun, as well as some excellent shopping opportunities.

Many bars and pub host live music acts in the evenings, and often turn into dance floors later on, but for the most kicking nightlife head to the Aurora Nightclub. For something a little more sophisticated, there are several quality cocktail bars.

When it comes to food, Banff has a whole host of tempting options, whether it’s fast food like burgers and pizza, Meaty north American grills, international offerings from Japanese to Mexican, or gourmet fine dining.

Where to Stay: Moose Hotel and Suites

Elegantly designed in a mountain style, the 4 star Moose Hotel and Suites in Banff is a warm and welcoming hotel, with lots of natural wood, cozy furnishings, and contemporary details in neutral tones.

Most rooms and suites have private balcony and / or fireplace, en suite bathroom, air conditioning, and flat screen TV.

Suites benefit from living areas, full bathrooms, and kitchenettes.

While staying at Moose Hotel, guests can take advantage of the indulgent spa experiences on offer at the Meadow Spa & Pools, which include massages, body, facial, and nail treatments, an indoor swimming pool, sauna and stunning rooftop pools with panoramic mountain views.

For dinner, hotel restaurant Pacini serves authentic Italian cuisine in a warm and friendly ambience.

• Convenient location close to downtown Banff
• Restaurant
• Bar
• Spa and wellness center
• Fitness center
• Sauna
• Rooftop swimming pool

Revelstoke

By Stuart Madden (CC BY 2.0 licence)

Laying claim to North America’s longest vertical descent — a knee trembling 9.5 miles long — Revelstoke Mountain ski resort in British Colombia is constantly upgrading, and fast evolving into one of Canada’s best resorts.

Its plentiful powder is legendary, achieving anywhere between 355 to 500 inches of seasonal snowfall in the resort area alone.

Also known as a top heli and cat skiing destination, skiers and snowboarders at Revelstoke can enjoy a 5620 foot vertical drop, and 3121 acres of terrain to explore.

This is a steep mountain divided into zones for different levels of ability. 7% of the 75 runs are greens for and can mostly be found at the base of the mountain.

Beginner terrain is a little limited and on the challenging side for novices.

Intermediate runs take up about 45% of the total, and are mostly found in the middle zone of the slopes. These blue runs are mostly long cruisers, with some challenging steep blues higher up the mountain.

Advanced skiers will get plenty of enjoyment out of Revelstoke’s varied black runs featuring moguls, alpine bowls, steep groomed trails, and tree and glade skiing, with some demanding tight tree runs and rocky trails with plenty of bumps and small cliffs.

For the moment Revelstoke ski village is relatively small, with a modest but good selection of restaurants, bars, and shops. More choices can be found in Revelstoke downtown.

Revelstoke’s base station has a couple of bars to kick off the après ski, with live music at weekends. The Village Idiot bar and grill is a popular place to eat and party, with an après themed dining area, bar and patio, a cozy family friendly atmosphere and great food.

Downtown’s nightclub Traverse at the Regent Hotel carries a rustic ski lodge vibe, and hosts live music shows, popular DJ sets and local events.

The Regent Hotel also offers more refined dining at the elegant 112 Restaurant and Lounge, with classic dishes, cocktails, and live music.

Where to Stay: Sutton Place Hotel Revelstoke Mountain Resort

Situated right at Revelstoke’s base village, Sutton Place Hotel Revelstoke Mountain Resort gives guests luxury ski in / ski out condominium style accommodations.

Each unit features lavish furnishings, en suite bathrooms with rain showers, gas fireplaces, separate lounge and dining area, full kitchenette with laundry facilities, flat screen TV, and private balconies with glorious views out across the Columbia River to the Monashee and Selkirk Mountains.

The Feather & Stone Day Spa offers a range of Aveda massages and beauty treatments to soothe mind, body and soul, and guests are also invited to take a few laps round the heated pool, work out in the fitness center, or enjoy a relaxing soak in the whirlpool hot tub and take in the breathtaking mountain panorama.

The Rockford wok | bar | grill provides casual but upscale international and Asian dining, specialty cocktails, and an extensive wine list.

• Ski in / ski out accommodation
• Self catering
• Restaurant
• Bar
• Spa and wellness center
• Swimming pool
• Hot tubs
• Fitness center

Mont Tremblant

By RogMack (CC BY-SA 4.0 licence)

80 miles north of Montreal in the heart of the Laurentian mountains, Mont Tremblant ski resort is a glittering gem boasting charm, awesome scenery, and exceptional skiing in equal measure.

Snow falls in abundance here onto the four faces of the mountain, each of which offers up a unique ski and snowboarding experience.

The 755 acres of ski terrain features a vertical of 2116 feet, 13 lifts, and 102 runs well balanced between greens, blues, and blacks, with a good number of double blacks thrown in too — there’s something for everyone at Mont Tremblant, whatever age or ability.

This is a great resort for beginners, with one of the best ski schools in North America and plenty of gentle yet fun terrain to cut their teeth on — including the 3.7-mile Nansen run.

Lots of wide groomed cruisers and glade skiing are available for intermediates, and with almost half of the runs classified as black, advanced and expert skiers will get endless entertainment out of the steeps, bumps, glades, moguls, and challenging tree skiing.

Fancy some freestyle? 18 acres of ramps, rails and jumps await you at Mont Tremblant.

A stroll around the cobbled streets of the picture perfect Mont Tremblant village reveals fabulous shopping, dining, spas, casinos, bars and more in an idyllic old world style setting.

The après ski scene here is highly reputed, with everything form cozy cocktail lounges to pumping nightclubs. Le p’tit Caribou bar has been repeatedly awarded the title of the best après-ski bar in Eastern North America, with its fun vibe, outdoor terrace, supremely good cocktails and hot DJ line up.

Mont Tremblant’s dining scene is perfect for foodies of all budgets, with a wide range of international eateries including family friendly venues, Quebec style creperies, satisfying pub grub, and high end dining.

Where to Stay: Hotel Quintessence

The ultimate exercise in indulgence, the world class 5 star Hotel Quintessence enjoys an enviable position on the banks of idyllic Lake Tremblant, just a short walk away from Mont Tremblant village – prepare to be won over by this award winning hotel.

The Spa Sans Sabots redefines the spa experience with highly personalized and luxurious pampering, and the Restaurant La Quintessence & Winebar delivers an extraordinary culinary experience artfully blending styles and Laurentian flavours with French influences in a warm ambience.

Guests can choose to swim in the heated outdoor pool, or take a relaxing dip in an outdoor hot tub.

Lodging at this boutique hotel comes in the form of large luxury suites, each with superb lake and garden views, superior bedding, wood-burning fireplace, air conditioning, private balcony or terrace, flat screen TV and sound system, and spacious marble bathroom with rain shower and spa tub.

• Stunning location close to village
• Spacious luxury suites with lake views
• Restaurant
• Bar
• Spa and wellness center
• Fitness center
• Swimming pool
• Hot tub

Silver Star

By klauskk (CC BY-SA 2.5 licence)

At Silver Star ski resort all great skiing conditions are guaranteed, with a seasonal average of 275 inches of ideal natural, dry snow falling each year, and a 2493 foot vertical drop.

This firmly family friendly resort in British Columbia not far from Vernon covers 3282 acres of mid mountain terrain spread over four different mountain faces, with lots of opportunities for progression.

While Silver Star may not be the biggest resort, the 128 runs accessed by 12 lifts offer plenty of fun for all level of ability. 15% of trails provide varied terrain for beginners, with safe areas for children and learners, plus some nice long runs for more confident novices.

Mid to strong intermediates will get the most out of the 40% somewhat challenging blue runs which are often not groomed, as well as some fine glade skiing.

Long black double diamond runs, steep chutes, and oodles of piste and backcountry terrain await advanced to expert skiers. Silver Star also offers night skiing and a decent terrain park.

The resort’s petite and unique ski in / ski out village is like something out of a storybook – or a theme park depending on your point of view.

Bright and colorful 19th century style buildings line the wooden sidewalks, with everything resembling and old mining town. There are over 18 restaurants, cafés, and pubs in the village, with dining options including top notch Canadian cuisine at Red Antler restaurant, fine dining at the Silver Grill, and hearty pub food, cocktails, and live music at the Den Bar and Bistro.

Silver Star is a fairly calm, quiet resort, so don’t expect to party all night. Long Johns Pub is among the best places for après, with pool tables, food, drinks, and live music until midnight.

Where to Stay: The Bulldog Hotel

A warm and inviting atmosphere awaits guest at The Bulldog Hotel, right in the heart of the action at Silver Star village.

Each accommodation unit at the quirky, colorful 3 star lodge has been individually furnished by private owners, so no two are alike, but each features a fully equipped kitchen, a cozy fireplace and hot tub, flat screen cable TV, ensuite bathroom and great mountain views. The Bulldog Hotel will also happily welcome your pets.

The hotel’s chic Grand Café features a delicious and eclectic international menu mostly focused on Dutch & Thai-Indonesian cuisine with flavors from the West Coast, and a large covered patio lounge where guests can enjoy a meal or a drink.

Alternatively, the DeVine Cellar in the basement offers an intimate space to enjoy a variety of wines and tapas.

• Ski in /ski out accommodation
• Self catering
• Restaurant
• Bar
• Covered terrace
• Hot tub
• Pet friendly

Sun Peaks

By Janet Hopkins (CC BY 3.0 licence)

With well laid out slopes covering three mountains, Sun Peaks is British Columbia’s second largest ski resort.

The organized layout, world renowned ski school and wide range of children’s activities appeal to families, and the 4270 acres of ski terrain comprising 135 runs and 12 ski lifts with a vertical drop of 2894 feet, plus 236 inches of fluffy and relatively snow each season make this an attractive resort for all types of skier and snowboarder.

There are marked trails for all abilities, but Sun Peaks is particularly well suited to intermediates, as nearly 50% of runs are blues, and feature fantastic terrain including groomed cruisers and steeps, tree skiing, bowls, and more.

There is a good novice area right next to the ski village for learners, as well as 16% green trails with good options for progression.

If you’re and advanced or expert skier there is stacks of diverse terrain to explore, such as moguls, chutes, steep groomers, great glade skiing, and some challenging double blacks and off piste alpine opportunities. Sun Peaks also boasts a terrain park.

Life in Sun Peaks ski village is mostly calm and laid back and caters largely for families.

The pleasant ski in / ski out pedestrianized village center has some excellent shops, bars and restaurants, all housed in pretty pastel colored Tyrolean style buildings.

Restaurants range from rib and steak houses to Italian and Japanese fare. There are a few good bars worth hitting after a day on the slopes, as well as The Club — Sun Peak’s only nightclub — for late night shenanigans.

Where to Stay: Coast Sundance Lodge

With two main ski lifts situated right outside, the deluxe 4 star Coast Sunshine Lodge is a convenient and exceptional base for your ski vacation.

Situated slope side, the hotel benefits from wonderful mountain and village views, and guests can enjoy spacious suites, rooms, and lofts, all of which come with kitchens or kitchenette, cable flat screen TV, dining area and ensuite bathroom.

Some accommodations feature private balconies with views, or fireplaces for that added cozy touch. If you’ve not worked up enough of a sweat skiing, you can work out at the hotel’s fully equipped fitness center, and with three on site eateries including Bottoms Bar & Grill serving up delicious traditional pub fare and international classics alongside micro brewed beer from the Okanagan, there’s plenty to choose from once you’ve worked up an appetite.

• Ski in / ski out accommodation
• Convenient village location close to amenities
• Self catering
• Pet friendly
• Fitness center
• Restaurant
• Bar

Panorama

By Robert Linsdell (CC BY 2.0 licence)

For a premier ski destination without the crowds, head to Panorama ski resort in the picturesque Kootenay Rockies.

Known for having one of North America’s Top 10 verticals with a drop of 4265 feet, Panorama ski resort is also blessed with 2847 acres of skiable terrain with 100 km of piste, with lots of superior intermediate terrain as well as solid beginner offerings and some cracking advanced and expert terrain.

10 lifts including two high speed quads transport skiers to the 125 marked runs which are split into 20% beginner, 55% intermediate and advanced, and 25% expert.

The Ski and Ride Center is one of Canada’s best ski schools, which together with Panorama’s dedicated learning area and wide, groomed progression runs makes it ideal for novices.

Impeccably groomed cruisers, bowls, steep runs, chutes, bumps, and tree runs are the perfect playground for those with a little more skill, and there’s some awesome off piste and backcountry skiing for experts, as well and double black diamond tree skiing.

Freestyle enthusiasts can get their kicks at the resort’s two terrain parks, with the main park featuring some super high jumps for experienced riders.

Perhaps the most unusual (and agreeable) feature of Panorama ski resort village, are the Panorama Springs Hot Pools — open air slopeslide hot pools with amazing views, including a huge warm pool, two hot tubs, and a sauna.

The village itself is split into two different areas providing some great restaurants for formal or family dining, bars, and cafés.

Grab some pizza and cocktails in a traditional Alpine pub setting at the Jackpine Pub, watch helicopters coming in to land whilst you’re enjoying an intimate dinner at Choppers Landing Restaurant and Lounge, or indulge in a true Canadian gourmet experience with a sumptuous selection of house smoked meats at Cabin Smokehouse.

Where to Stay: Embarc Panorama

Nestled in Panorama ski resort’s upper village, Embarc Panorama in Taynton Lodge offers 4 star traditional mountain lodge style suites and 1 bedroom vacation homes with ski-in / ski-out access to Panorama Mountain.

Warm and comfortable accommodations benefit from private balcony, gas fireplace, flat screen TV with cable and DVD player, ensuite bathroom and full kitchen or kitchenette.

Wind down at the end of the day in the lodge’s hot tub and sauna, or get a good workout at the on site fitness center.

• Convenient location in village
• Self catering accommodation
• Hot tub
• Sauna
• Outdoor swimming pool
• Fitness center

Fernie

By Chris Barton (CC BY 2.0 licence)

With an impressive 348 inches of annual snowfall and 3550 foot vertical drop coupled with staggering views and awesome terrain, Fernie ski resort is one of Canada’s offers endless adventure for enthusiastic skiers and snowboarders.

This 2504 acre powder filled playground is famed for its steep glades, five huge bowls and extensive off piste which attracts advanced and expert skiers from all around the globe. 30% of the 125 runs are blacks with some double diamonds thrown in, with plenty of glades and tree runs, plus steeps and mogul runs.

40% of marked piste trails are blues which include some beautiful cruisers, and Fernie also offers the opportunity for intermediates to improve their skills with some easier off piste areas.

Beginners benefit from some gentle terrain near the base of the mountain, as well as some forgiving long, wide runs. But it’s Fernie’s 5 massive bowls filled with pristinely perfect powder that make this ski resort one of Canada’s finest.

On the downside, the resort’s lift infrastructure is a little lacking, but the lack of crowds more than makes up for it.

Aside from a few bars in the modern slopeside mountain village, the town of Fernie just 3 miles away is where most of the après action is at. Griz Bar on the mountain is a popular après ski spot, with live music, drinks, and other entertainments on offer from 3pm, but there is a far greater choice of bars and restaurants in town.

The town has a friendly, laid back ambiance, which is welcoming to families and hardcore skiers alike.

Fernie is by no means party central, and the nightlife is fairly tame by the standards of some other resorts, but there are still some lively bars and some good restaurants to keep you amused for a few evenings.

Where to Stay: Lizard Creek Lodge

Boasting 4 stars, and ski in / ski out access to Fernie ski resort, the Lizard Creek Lodge has a homely, rustic style, and offers fully equipped units ranging in size from studios to 2 bedroom loft apartments.

All accommodations at the lodge feature cozy wood and stone decor plus lounge with large windows to make the most of the breathtaking views, and also include full gourmet kitchens complete with all the essentials, fireplace, balcony, ensuite bathroom, and flat screen cable TV with premium channels.

For the ultimate in luxury and relaxation, Lizard Creek Lodge offers guests the use of the heated outdoor pool and hot tubs, as well as the opportunity to indulge in a massage or therapeutic treatment at the lodge spa. There is also an on site state of the art fitness center.

The Cirque restaurant and bar is the perfect place for dining on a sophisticated Canadian and European fusion menu in exquisite surroundings.

Round off the evening to a perfect finish with an exhilarating vodka tasting session at the sub-zero Ice Bar.

• Ski in / ski out access to slopes
• Luxury self catering accommodation
• Spa and wellness center
• Fitness center
• Heated swimming pool
• Hot tub
• Restaurant
• Bar

Which do you think is the best ski resort in Canada?