Voted the best ski resort in North America by Ski Magazine for 20+ consecutive years. Whistler Blackcomb's massive terrain, consistent Pacific snowfall (10m+ annually), world-class village, and iconic Peak 2 Peak Gondola (the world's longest free-span gondola) set it apart. The après-ski scene is legendary. Book 6+ months ahead for peak season.
The view from Lake Louise's ski runs — the frozen turquoise lake, the Fairmont Chateau, and the Rockies stretching to the horizon — is the most photographed ski scene in Canada. The skiing itself is superb: massive open bowls, long groomed runs, and challenging back bowls. Part of the SkiBig3 pass with Banff and Sunshine.
Tremblant is Quebec's — and Eastern Canada's — premier ski destination. The pedestrian village at the base rivals anything in the Alps for charm. Four ski sides, reliable Quebec snowfall, and a ski school with excellent French and English instruction. Family-friendly but with enough challenging terrain for experts. 1h45 from Montreal.
Sunshine Village sits at high elevation (2730m base) which means the driest, lightest powder in the Canadian Rockies — averaging 9m of snowfall per year. Part of SkiBig3 pass. The ski-in ski-out Sunshine Mountain Lodge is Canada's only slope-side hotel in a national park. No day access by car — you ride the gondola up from the valley.
Revelstoke has the greatest vertical drop of any ski resort in North America. Deep powder, relatively small crowds, and world-class cat skiing and heli-skiing operations make it a pilgrimage for powder hounds. The small town of Revelstoke itself has an authentic mountain-town charm increasingly rare in ski resorts.
Near Kelowna, Big White offers ski-in ski-out accommodation, light Okanagan champagne powder, and a very family-friendly atmosphere. The "Snow Ghosts" — trees encased in thick rime ice — create an otherworldly forest skiing experience unique to this mountain. Great value compared to Whistler. The Happy Valley adventure park keeps non-skiers busy.
30 minutes from Quebec City, Mont Sainte-Anne has the highest vertical in Eastern Canada (625m) and a dedicated night skiing operation with 18 lit trails. The combination with a Quebec City visit makes for an unbeatable winter weekend. Strong in moguls and tree skiing on the north face.
Sun Peaks has the second-largest ski terrain in Canada (4270 acres across three mountains) but remains far less crowded than Whistler. The pedestrian village is compact and walkable, the service is excellent, and the prices are noticeably lower. A hidden gem for skiers tired of Whistler crowds.
Inside Jasper National Park, Marmot Basin offers uncrowded skiing with an authentic small-town feel. The terrain suits all levels, prices are reasonable, and you're skiing inside a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Pair with a stay in Jasper townsite for a quintessential Canadian mountain experience.
Le Massif has the longest vertical drop east of the Rockies (770m) and the most dramatic setting — the ski runs tumble directly toward the St. Lawrence River. The views are extraordinary. Now part of the Club Med Charlevoix resort offering ski-in packages. 1h30 east of Quebec City.
Weekly guides to the best spots across Canada — ski, beach, hiking and more.