Top 8 Ski Resorts and Winter Activities in Canada

Top Ski Resorts and Winter Activities in Canada

Canada is well-versed in skiing and snowboarding, having hosted the Winter Olympics in 1988 and 2010, giving birth to heliskiing, and being home to the biggest ski resorts in North America. Canada is home to the Coast Mountains, Canadian Rockies, and Laurentian Mountains, three of the world's most spectacular mountain ranges for skiers, snowboarders, and lovers of alpine sports. With their perfect snow, varied terrain, and breathtaking perspectives, these winter wonderlands entice travelers.

Travel to the west of British Columbia to experience the recognizable Whistler Blackcomb slopes. Strive for a bit further east to see Lake Louise and the amazing Banff National Park. Alternatively, travel to Québec, located on the far eastern border, to experience the captivating splendor of Mont-Tremblant and Charlevoix. Every resort has unique qualities that make it stand out from the others.

Let’s investigate some of the top ski resorts in Canada.

Best Ski Resorts in Canada

Whistler Blackcomb

Whistler Blackcomb, on British Columbia's coastline peaks, is one of Canada's greatest ski resorts. Due to its elevation, closeness to the ocean, and maritime climate, Whistler Blackcomb receives steady snowfall all winter, practically assuring fresh powder to shred.

It offers the most skiable terrain in North America for all skill levels. Skiers can experience thrilling, long descents into the valleys below due to the remarkable vertical drop of almost 5,000 feet. Those descents offer breathtaking vistas of snow-capped mountains, alpine forests, and wildlife.

Vail Resorts owns Whistler Blackcomb, with restaurants, cafes, pubs, rental shops, retail businesses, and ski schools that await visitors.

Lake Louise Ski Resort

One of the world's most iconic alpine locations is Lake Louise Ski Resort in Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada. The area boasts multi-mountain, steep terrain, small chutes, fresh powder, and spectacular vistas. The snow is light and dry here, so even when the resort hasn't had recent snowfall, it blows around and covers the runs.

The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is ideal for Lake Louise visitors. The Mount Royal Hotel in Banff is unbeatable for its trendy rooftop hot tubs, delicious cocktails and tapas at Brazen, and strategic position near amenities like shuttles to all three Ski Big 3 slopes.

Beyond skiing, guests can snowshoe, ice skate on Lake Louise, cross-country ski, and take gondola trips to see the massifs and valleys below.

Charlevoix, Québec

Charlevoix is one of Eastern Canada's top ski resorts, located in Québec's Laurentian Mountains north of Québec City and bordering the St. Lawrence River. The location, where "the mountains meet the sea," has stunning beauty.

At more than 700 meters, Le Massif de Charlevoix is the highest drop east of the Canadian Rockies. With over 50 ski slopes and 98 acres of backcountry, the mountain's enormous vertical and diverse terrain offer thrilling opportunities for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels and ages.

Visitors can also go on cultural excursions and explore picturesque communities like Baie-Saint-Paul, with its art galleries, cafes, and colorful cuisine. Club Med Québec Charlevoix, Canada's all-inclusive resort, is perfect for families and couples.

Marmot Basin

Nestled between the rugged Rocky Mountains and glaciers, Marmot Basin is a breathtaking resort situated in Jasper National Park in Banff. Due to their high altitude, many of the courses are above the treeline and offer plenty of room for both experienced riders and novices. Jasper's location makes it an ideal addition to a Banff and Lake Louise itinerary up the picturesque Icefields Parkway. The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge is without a doubt the best spot to stay in this area. During the winter, the site comes alive with seasonal programming, outdoor hot baths, and skating.

Big White Ski Resort

Big White Sky Resort, situated in British Columbia's Rockies resort, features a great ski-in, ski-out setup. The village has ski lifts, restaurants, stores, cafes, and entertainment facilities. The location is known for its copious, airy snow, perfect for skiing and snowboarding, and its distinctive layout.

Ski schools, a nursery, beginner ski areas, and family-friendly events are also available at this family-friendly vacation getaway. The area offers ice climbing, snowshoeing, tubing, ice skating, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling in addition to skiing. After skiing, travelers should visit the area's natural hot springs for rejuvenating baths.

Kicking Horse Ski Resort

Kicking Horse Ski Resort, one hour west of Lake Louise, is noted for its steep slopes, huge chutes, and jagged Rocky Mountain peaks. The resort caters to extreme adrenaline junkies. Kicking Horse's "Ozone" and "Super Bowl," with dangerous chutes and vertical drops, are popular. It has one of North America's highest vertical drops, measuring 1260 meters. Its longest run descends 9km continuously.

Kicking Horse is known for its authentic, unpretentious mountain experience. The personnel are nice, the ambiance is laid-back, and the focus is on superb skiing and snowboarding.

Fernie Alpine Resort

Fernie Alpine Resort is unmatched in Rocky Mountain resorts for its knee-deep powder skiing in five huge alpine bowls: Timber Bowl, Siberia Bowl, Currie Bowl, Lizard Bowl, and Cedar Bowl. They offer spacious spaces, powder runs, and stunning vistas. The bowls are always covered in new snow because Fernie Alpine Resort is known for its "Fernie Factor.". Fernie is famous for its steep glades, chutes, and tree skiing. Cat skiing and backcountry experiences offer unspoiled powder.

The former mining town of Fernie dates back to the late 1800s. The town's well-preserved historic buildings, especially the red-brick downtown, offer a range of stores, restaurants, and hotels, as well as a bustling après-ski scene. Craft breweries, pubs, and live music venues downtown are must-sees. Lizard Creek Lodge's outdoor hot pools, ice bar, and cabins at the mountain's base offer the perfect aprés experience.

Revelstoke Mountain Resort

The 2007 opening of Revelstoke Mountain Resort in British Columbia transformed the modest railway town into a world-class adventure destination. Extreme skiers and snowboarders should visit Revelstoke. The resort has beautiful tree runs in the world's only inland temperate rainforest. Heliskiing is available at Revelstoke, one of Canada's few ski resorts. Helicopter excursions to isolated mountains and powder fields are available to adventurers. The mountaintop Sutton Place Hotel has outdoor hot pools and luxurious amenities.

Whichever ski resort in Canada you plan to visit, be sure to make use of eSim technology to stay connected to family and friends. KnowRoaming offers Canada eSIM plans keep you and your devices seamlessly connected.