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Ski Holidays in Canada
Canada is the ultimate bucket-list ski holiday destination for many Brits and it’s not hard to see why. With huge ski areas featuring picturesque forest-lined trails, resorts nestled within beautiful national parks and a welcoming atmosphere, the reasons to love Canada pile higher than its record-breaking snowfall.
- Flight Time
- 9 hours
- From London
- Nearest Airports
- Calgary, Montreal
- Vancouver
- Time zone
- GMT - 3.5 to -8 hours
- Language
- English
- French
- Currency
- Canadian Dollar
- Ski Season
- Dec - April
Canada Ski Stats
Overall: Whistler
Why Go Skiing in Canada
The towering Rockies and sky high Coast Mountains are responsible for fantastic snow conditions (not to mention magnificent views) with famous names like Whistler Blackcomb and Fernie seeing a whopping average of 12 metres of snow in a winter season. Seemingly endless miles of diverse terrain means skiers of all abilities are in for the ski holiday of a lifetime in Canada. There’s delightfully cruisy blues, fluffy knee-deep powder and of course the world-famous heli-skiing all available.
It’s not just the quality slopes that make Canadian ski holidays worth the trip across the pond. We love the cosy mountain taverns where friendly locals pour delicious craft beer, fun off-slope activities like dog-sledding and tobogganing and cosy accommodation built for complete relaxation. It’s no surprise skiers rebook Canada more than any other long-haul ski holiday.
Visa: Yes - an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) prior to travelling
WHERE TO BOOK YOUR SKI HOLIDAY IN Canada
With over 275 ski resorts spread across Canada’s big and beautiful mountain ranges, we recommend the big names like Whistler which is popular with skiers of all abilities, and gorgeously old-school Banff where winter is actually low-season and visitors can experience a blend of brilliant skiing and ultimate relaxation. Whatever your style, Canada has a ski resort to the bill.
We’ve spent years exploring ski resorts across British Columbia, Alberta and Quebec and condensed our knowledge and experience into these ‘top ten’ lists. Whether you want the ultimate off-piste experience or a magical family adventure, our helpful guides can help you find a resort that matches your dream Canada ski holiday criteria.
WHICH ARE THE MOST POPULAR SKI RESORTS IN Canada
The five most popular destinations for a Canadian ski holiday are Banff, Fernie, Jasper, Kimberley and Lake Louise. Here are the Top 10:
Canada Ski Resort Guide
Best Ski Resorts in Canada
Canadian ski holidays are known for superlative snow conditions and friendly locals, but the best resorts also have an expansive terrain to explore, with diverse slopes and spectacular views. The largest ski area in North America and consistently rated one of the world’s best, Whistler impresses with over 8,000 acres of snow-sure slopes, modern lifts and a friendly town. Mont Tremblant is another contender for best ski resort in Canada thanks to wide its variety of slope levels, enchanting cobblestone village and ski-in ski-out accommodation. Set in Marmot Basin, Jasper has a marvellously untamed atmosphere where skiers can traverse empty pistes past rustic lodges and wild deer for a peaceful, unpretentious experience.
Best Après Ski in Canada
Whilst France and Austria are King and Queen of the party scene, Canada takes the crown for most relaxed après ski with its warm and laid-back atmosphere, eh? Dusty’s Bar is our favourite among many jolly après joints in Whistler where craft beer and live music are enjoyed on a vast sun terrace. In Fernie The Griz Bar is the place to go after a hard day on the hill (we recommend starting your night with their famous rum and Kahlua “Mogul Smoker” cocktail) whilst The Northern Bar and The Royal in the town centre keep the revelry going into the night. Banff is a top Canadian resort for après thanks to its mix of cosy taverns, chilled out bars and friendly restaurants.
Most Snow Sure Resorts in Canada
With high altitudes and incredible snowfall, Canada has reliable snow conditions between November and April. For early or late season ski holidays, Fernie is a top choice where the vast quantity of snowfall is the stuff of legend - a mythical man named ‘The Griz’ is said to be responsible. Lake Louise is another safe bet for snow-sure holidays with lifts going up to 2,637m and access to the vast Victoria glacier. Sitting at 2,730m, Sunshine Village in Banff is another of the most snow-sure destinations in Canada with consistent snow often sticking around as late as May.
Canada’s Luxury Ski Destinations
Palatial hotels, decadent dining and relaxing spas nestle amid mesmerising natural landscapes in Canada’s luxury ski resorts. Unwind in hot spring baths before dining in the award winning Grey’s Restaurant in Panorama. For true indulgence, ski in the tracks of Marilyn Monroe and Queen Elizabeth II in Banff where you’ll find authentic mountain lodges and stylish hotels like Scots-baronial-castle-in-Canada the Fairmont Banff Springs, with jaw-dropping views of the UNESCO listed Banff National Park. In Mont Tremblant the cobbled streets are lined with brightly coloured buildings housing gourmet restaurants, high end shops and charming bars.
Family Friendly Canadian Ski Resorts
Canada welcomes families with its accommodating range of pistes, fun off-slope activities and friendly atmosphere. Panorama is exceptional for young families thanks to its exceptional ski school, quantity of beginner-friendly runs and fantastic tobogganing park that little ones will adore. Big White caters brilliantly for mixed abilities with the Happy Valley Beginners Area for learners to find their feet, long routes like the 7.2km Around the World run to Gem Lake for intermediates and black double diamonds like the Camel’s Back to challenge experienced members. Other top Canadian destinations for family ski trips include quiet and sunny Kimberley which is just a half hour transfer from the Canadian International Airport and Mont Tremblant which is often called DisneyLand in the mountains.
Canada Group Ski Destinations
Vast and varied terrain, a range of post-ski activities and a joyous atmosphere all make Canada brilliant for groups. After an awesome day skiing in Whistler, groups can go from relaxing in open-air baths at Scandinave Spa one night to racing down the bobsleigh track the next. For a riotous time Banff is a top choice - go from carving down the Skyline Trail to tearing it up in the Dancing Sasquatch. Jasper and Sun Peaks are also top Canadian ski resorts for groups with all levels of terrain, friendly après scene and fantastic restaurants.
Food in the Canadian Alps
Canadian mountain food has been largely influenced by France and the USA meaning Gallic cuisine augmented by hearty pasta dishes and meaty burgers. For a more authentically Canadian meal, pancakes with maple syrup are a go-to breakfast and a Canada ski holiday would be incomplete without feasting on a warming bowl of Poutine - Canada’s national dish of chips topped with cheese curds and gravy. For the refined palate, Canada is home to gourmet alpine restaurants like the swanky new Wild Blue Bar and Restaurant in Whistler and the sophisticated Restaurant La Quintessence in Mont Tremblant.
Canadian Ski Resorts for Beginners
Learning to ski in Canada is an unbeatable experience but be prepared for the rest of your skiing career to pale by comparison. In Whistler there’s dedicated learning zones, excellent ski schools and a huge selection of wide greens perfect for inducting beginners. Sun Peaks is a top Canadian ski resort for beginners with a Learning Zone, a 5 mile long green piste and sunny climate which ensures the early forays into skiing aren’t marred by intimidating weather. Big White gets beginners out exploring the entire mountainside with easy terrain like the Sun Run and Whitefoot Trail flowing down from the 2319m high summit.
Canada Resorts for Intermediate Skiers
With huge resorts offering varied terrain, intermediates love skiing Canada. Whistler’s 116 intermediate level runs mean there’s no need to ski a piste twice all week… unless you want to! We love Banff where Lookout Mountain has long trails for cruisy adventures and runs like Bruno’s Gully provide the opportunity to dabble in entry-level powder. Fernie is a top Canadian resort for intermediate skiers with a medley of blues and blacks where you can alternate between scenic schussing and challenging descents.
Canadian Resorts for Advanced Skiers
Canada calls to advanced skiers with its heart-pounding blacks, expert-level couloirs and vast stretches of untouched backcountry. In Jasper narrow chutes like the Dupres and technical stretches like the Milk Run will put even the most seasoned skiers to the test, alongside extensive backcountry itineraries. The Extreme Dream zone in Panorama is full of adrenaline-pumping cliffs and tight turns through the trees, and you can book a heliskiing trip to explore 1,500km of off-piste terrain with our friends at RK Heliski. A list of best Canadian resorts for advanced skiers would be incomplete without mentioning Whistler where there are more powder-filled bowls, nerve-rattling drops and fantastically fun snow parks than you can shake a waxed stick at.
Best Off-Piste Skiing in Canada
Perhaps more than anywhere else in the world, Canada is famed for its ‘Champagne powder’ - light, dry, fluffy and a powderhound's dream. The legendary Powder Highway provides some of the best ungroomed terrain on earth and can be accessed from Panorama, Kicking Horse, Kimberley and Fernie. The Taynton Bowl in Panorama has fresh powder within easy reach of the chairlift and Kicking Horse has heli-skiing at lift-ticket prices. More great off-piste Canadian skiing can be found in Whistler with short hikes unlocking seriously long backcountry routes like the peaceful Cowboy Ridge and steep North West Face of Mount Pattison.
Best Snowboarding in Canada
A medley of well-groomed slopes, great snow parks and fluffy powder fields make Canada a boarders paradise. For experienced riders, few resorts in Canada top Fernie where knee-deep powder in the Currie Bowl and steep drops like the Knot Chutes will get your adrenaline pumping. Big White is a fantastic all-rounder with gorgeous long greens like the Whitefoot Trail and Sun Run for beginners, scenic tree-lined slopes for intermediates and some seriously steep backcountry around Sun Peaks for experts. It’s no surprise that Whistler is on our best Canadian resorts for snowboarders list with its pristine groomers, awesome off-piste and 16 acre Blackcomb terrain park.
Pettiest Canadian Ski Resorts
Canada’s prettiest ski resorts combine sublime natural scenery with beautiful architecture. Nestled into the mountainside, Mont Tremblant is full of picturesque streets and the bird’s eye view of the town from the Cabriolet lift is truly splendid. With a name like Panorama, it’s not surprising that this resort enjoys spellbinding natural vistas in every direction - you’ll leave with a camera roll full of photos of the Rockies and nearby Mount Nelson. With an enviable lakeside location and majestic views of the UNESCO listed Banff national park Lake Louise is one of the most scenic ski destinations in the world.
Best Ski Holidays in Canada on a Budget
Thanks to their sheer size, a lot of Canada’s best ski resorts have a broad range of accommodation, including budget-friendly options to enjoy world-class skiing without breaking the bank. Mont Tremblant is a super affordable destination where the price of a lift pass is lower than some more famous resorts but you can still enjoy acres of quality skiing. Other destinations to consider for budget friendly ski holidays in Canada include Whistler and Jasper where miles of piste and hotel deals offer great value for money. For an unforgettable off-piste venture, Canada is the cheapest place in the world to go heli-skiing.
The most popular choice for accommodation, Canada’s hotels range from sleek modern buildings to characterful traditional institutions. The rooms are often larger than we’re accustomed to in Europe and usually come with a kitchenette so you can choose between whipping up your own meals or trying out local restaurants.
Known as ‘condos’, these are usually roomier than the European equivalent with a full sized kitchen and lounge area so you can really make yourself at home. At the luxury end of the spectrum, there’s large fireplaces, private chefs and mobile masseuses.
Biggest Ski Areas in Canada
Canada is home to some vast and varied ski areas spread across British Columbia, Alberta and Quebec. There’s a mix of perfectly maintained slopes and extensive stretches of untouched mountainside, all enthroned in unbelievably stunning scenery. Our favourite Canadian mega-domains are:
Explore these areas from Canada’s biggest ski resorts.
Part of the Rockies, covering an area of 264km and situated within UNESCO listed Banff National Park, this area offers some of the most scenic skiing in the world. As the name suggests, it features three big hitters in the ski world Sunshine Village, Mount Norquay and Lake Louise.
Spanning 2 mountains and a colossal 8,000 acres, this is one of the most popular ski areas on the globe for good reason. There’s 200km of piste, miles more backcountry, 5 snowparks and heli-skiing with some highlights including the Slingshot run where you glide gracefully in some areas and rack up the MPH in others as well as the truly stomach churning Air Jordan 60ft drop.
Found in eastern Quebec, this Canadian ski area has the shortest flight and transfer time from the UK. There’s a fabulous mix of terrain but we particularly love this area for beginners thanks to the snow sure conditions meaning a lack of scary ice patches and 81.6km of blue runs such as the long Nansen run from the top of Mont Tremblant.
BEST TIME TO GO ON SKI HOLIDAY TO Canada
Ski Conditions & Snow Record
Canada’s northerly location, cooler temperatures and dependable snowfall means snow conditions are extremely reliable across the country between December and April with powder days a common occurrence. There are some seriously cold snaps in December and January where temperatures can plummet as low as -20°C in town in places like Banff, so be sure to pack lots of layers. To see resort-specific snow conditions, check the Canada snow report and if your trip is coming up soon, take a look at the Canada snow forecast.
Canada Ski Deals & Last Minute Holidays
Sometimes there’s no resisting the call of the Rockies and when that’s the case our Last Minute Canadian Ski holidays are just the ticket. With options to depart in a manner of days or weeks, our package holidays are a faff-free way to experience the majesty of Canada.
If value is your top priority, browse our Canadian Ski Deals or call us for options. With rental discounts, lift pass offers and hotel savings we won’t be beaten on price or service.
Summer Ski Holidays in Canada
Canada’s main ski season runs between November and April but with big glaciers and snowfall well into June in most years, there’s some fantastic summer skiing to be enjoyed. From Whistler, you can ski the Blackcomb Glacier, Spearhead Glacier, Decker Glacier, and Trorey Glacier in late spring and early summer - we recommend hiring a guide to explore these areas safely. More summer skiing in Canada can sometimes be enjoyed on the sparkling Victoria Glacier in Lake Louise weather depending.
All Canada Ski Holiday Destinations
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Banff
- 3 ski resorts
- Cosy mountain town
- Stunning sights of the Rockies
-
Fernie
- Amazing powder bowls
- Award winning ski town
- Ski-out Alpine Resort
-
Jasper
- Crowd free skiing
- Friendly town
- 4 mountain faces
-
Kimberley
- Amazing gladed terrain
- Sunny skiing
- Crowd free pistes
-
Lake Louise
- Legendary ski resort
- Designated beginner zones
- Massive ski area
-
Mont Tremblant
- Traffic free village
- Award-winning resort
- Evenly mixed terrain
-
Panorama
- Unpretentious vibe
- Friendly village
- Warm side of the Rockies
-
Sun Peaks
- Ski-out village
- Big ski area
- Short transfers
-
Whistler
- Largest ski area in North America
- Consistently voted best in the world
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