If you’re planning your next ski vacation, Canada should be up for consideration. With several world-class ski resorts to choose from, you can hit the slopes and then relax and enjoy the amenities offered. We’ve rounded up 10 of the top ski resorts in Canada, whether you want to do a day trip from Vancouver, enjoy the powder at the largest ski resort in North America or spend a week in Banff.
- Whistler Blackcomb
- Lake Louise Ski Resort
- Mont Tremblant Ski Resort
- Sunshine Village Ski Resort
- Big White Ski Resort
- Revelstoke Mountain Resort
- Sun Peaks Resort
- Whitewater Ski Resort
- Fernie Alpine Resort
- Blue Mountain Ski Resort
Whistler Blackcomb
Often considered the largest ski resort in North America (as of August, 2022), Whistler Blackcomb has something for everyone. When the 2010 Winter Olympics were held in Vancouver, many of the events took place in Whistler, and you can enjoy world-class slopes here. It’s in British Columbia, just a 1.5-hour drive north from Vancouver, and hosts around 2 million visitors per year.
Number of lifts: 37
Snowfall: 419 inches
Acreage: 8,171 acres
Lake Louise Ski Resort
This ski resort at Lake Louise, in Banff National Park, features a scenic view and family-friendly atmosphere. The resort is spread over four mountain faces and is one of three places to downhill ski within the park. There are a range of ski runs here, with 25% being beginners, so it’s perfect for kids. If you don’t like skiing, you can enjoy the sightseeing gondola that runs year-round.
Number of lifts: 9
Snowfall: 171 inches
Acreage: 4,200 acres
Mont Tremblant Ski Resort
This is the only ski resort in Quebec on our list (and the province’s largest), and is a favorite for its European alpine feel. The resort is less than a 2-hour drive from Montreal, and just about 2 hours from Ottawa. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, you can go cross-country skiing or snowshoeing, or take a ride on a dogsled or snowmobile. If you just want to enjoy the atmosphere, the village at the resort is also a popular place to visit for its shops and restaurants.
Number of lifts: 14
Snowfall: 156 inches
Acreage: 654 acres
Sunshine Village Ski Resort
This is the second resort on our list located in Banff National Park, and it’s blessed with one of the longest ski seasons in Canada, generally lasting from the beginning of November to the end of May. Everyone can find a run to fit their ability level, whether you want to ski or snowboard. There are also plenty of options for shopping and dining at the resort. You can get to Sunshine Village in 15 minutes from Banff, or a little bit more than 1.5 hours from Calgary.
Number of lifts: 12
Snowfall: 258 inches
Acreage: 3,358 acres
Big White Ski Resort
If you want to go to a lower key, family-friendly ski resort in British Columbia, then Big White is a great option. There are plenty of runs for different ability levels, whether you want to ski or snowboard. The resort is known for its high-quality snow and temperatures that remain comfortable in the depths of winter, and is located less than 1 hour from Kelowna.
Number of lifts: 16
Snowfall: 282 inches
Acreage: 2,765 acres
Revelstoke Mountain Resort
Located on British Columbia’s Mount Mackenzie, Revelstoke is the place to go if you like skiing or snowboarding with big vertical drops. You can take a lift up and ski down with a drop of more than 1,700 meters (5,570 feet) along the way – the largest vertical drop accessible by ski lift in North America. In addition, advanced skiers have access to ungroomed powder and helicopter skiing. If you want a more chill skiing or snowboarding experience, there are runs for all ability levels. There is also a snow tubing area and plenty of restaurants and shops in the ski resort’s village.
Number of lifts: 4
Snowfall: 367 inches
Acreage: 3,031 acres
Sun Peaks Resort
This resort in British Columbia is known not only for its ski slopes, but also golf course, hiking and mountain biking options in the warmer months. You can get here in just 45 minutes from Kamloops, and Sun Peaks Village offers plenty of restaurants, accommodation and shopping options. As one of the largest ski resorts in Canada, you’ll find skiing and snowboarding runs for every ability level, including those that go through the forest.
Number of lifts: 12
Snowfall: 207 inches
Acreage: 3,678 acres
Whitewater Ski Resort
We’re in southern British Columbia for this pick, Whitewater Ski Resort. The resort is in the Selkirk Mountains, near the town of Nelson, and features more than 40 feet of snowfall each ski season. Many people come here for its relaxed atmosphere and fewer crowds than other ski resorts in British Columbia. There are also many different types of terrain outside of traditional runs, so you’ll never get bored.
Number of lifts: 4
Snowfall: 395 inches
Acreage: 1,184 acres
Fernie Alpine Resort
Skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts head to Fernie for its diverse terrain. Located outside the small town of the same name, and just over 3 hours from Calgary, Fernie Alpine Resort is a great destination with plenty of snow. It boasts runs ranging from green to double black and has more than 30 feet of snow per season. As a bonus, you get great views of the Rocky Mountains as you zoom down the mountain.
Number of lifts: 10
Snowfall: 376 inches
Acreage: 2,504 acres
Blue Mountain Ski Resort
This is the only ski resort on our list in Ontario, and it’s an easy 2-hour drive north of Toronto. While those used to skiing the slopes found in the mountains of Alberta and British Columbia likely won’t be impressed by Blue Mountain Ski Resort, it is a great destination for a family vacation due to its accessibility. You will find terrain parks in addition to the regular ski runs, and 2 beginner centers for those finding their footing on skis or a snowboard.
Number of lifts: 12
Snowfall: 110 inches
Acreage: 251 acres
