10 Best Ski Resorts in Canada, According to Pros and Locals

These are the top places to ski in Canada, according to local experts.

As the birthplace of heliskiing, host of the 1988 and 2010 Winter Olympic Games, and home to the largest ski resort in North America, Canada knows a thing or two about skiing and snowboarding. As someone raised amidst the majestic Rocky Mountains of Alberta who now calls Vancouver my home, I've discovered unparalleled delight with two planks beneath my feet. From my earliest memories of skiing as a child to my adult years spent in pursuit of the perfect powder, I've been blessed to experience the sublime vistas and world-class slopes that make Canada one of the globe's premier skiing destinations.

From the iconic trails of British Columbia's renowned Powder Highway to the pristine resorts nestled within national parks and the distinctively French-tinged resorts of the east, Canada's array of ski destinations is so vast it could fill volumes. However, to distill this abundance into a more digestible form, here's a concise roundup of the 10 best ski resorts in Canada.

Many of the resorts mentioned below are on the Ikon Pass, which includes up to seven days of lift passes at each of the participating resorts and unlimited skiing and riding at Mont Tremblant.

Lake Louise Ski Resort

As someone who was fortunate enough to call Banff National Park home, Lake Louise Ski Resort was always my top nearby pick because of its multi-mountain steep terrain, narrow chutes, fresh powder, and unbeatable views. Out here, the snow is light and dry, so even when the resort hasn’t seen recent snowfall, it blows around and blankets the runs in a way that seems as if it’s freshly dumped. The resort has undergone recent lift upgrades and was voted “Canada’s Best Ski Resort 2023” by World Ski Awards. If you’re staying in Lake Louise, the winter wonderland-like Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is the perfect spot. If you’re staying in Banff, the Mount Royal Hotel, with its chic rooftop hot tubs, mouth-watering cocktails and tapas at Brazen, and central location to amenities, including buses to all three Ski Big 3 resorts, can’t be beaten.

Related: 12 Best Small Towns in Canada

Marmot Basin

Located in Banff’s neighboring Jasper National Park, Marmot Basin is another stunning resort within a national park that’s surrounded by jagged Rocky Mountains and glaciers. Its high altitude means many runs are above the treeline and have wide-open spaces for both pros and beginners. They host the annual Jasper Pride festival every April, and Jasper’s location makes it an easy addition to a Banff and Lake Louise itinerary up the scenic Icefields Parkway. If skiers are sticking to Alberta, it can effortlessly be made into a route that starts at Calgary International Airport and ends at Edmonton International Airport. Undeniably, the best place to stay here is the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. The property comes alive in winter with skating, outdoor hot pools, and seasonal programming.

Kicking Horse Ski Resort

Similarly to Lake Louise, Kicking Horse Ski Resort, located one hour west of Lake Louise, is also known for its steep terrain, gigantic chutes, jagged Rocky Mountain peaks, and fluffy dry snow. “One of the great things about Kicking Horse is the elevation of the ski resort,” says professional skier Tessa Treadway. “When warmer storms roll through BC mid-winter, we often get really lucky with tons of snow, whereas lower elevations will be getting rain. As a mom of three crazy boys, we love winter to feel like winter for family runs down the mountain.” The resort boasts Canada’s highest restaurant and is an epic destination for expert skiers and riders. Glacier Mountain Lodge is the resort’s official on-mountain accommodation and is just a few steps from the main gondola.

Fernie Alpine Resort

In the realm of Rocky Mountain resorts, none can rival Fernie Alpine Resort for its sublime knee-deep powder skiing in expansive bowls (Curry Bowl is my favorite) and the exhilarating experience of navigating verdant, snow-laden tree runs. "In Fernie, both the mountain and the town aren't pretentious, and you don't find that pro ski ego like other places," says professional skier Dylan Siggers. "It's very laid back; sometimes we show up at noon and ski powder until 4:00, and I particularly love catching air at Fernie. You don't have to worry about back-breaking cliffs here, just easygoing, powder-laden jumps all around the mountain that go with the mountain flow." At the base of the mountain, Lizard Creek Lodge’s accommodations, outdoor hot pools, and ice bar make for the ultimate mix of aprés fun and relaxation.

Revelstoke Mountain Resort

The once-sleepy railway town of Revelstoke is now a world-class adventure destination thanks to the opening of Revelstoke Mountain Resort in 2007. Revelstoke Mountain Resort is celebrated for offering the longest vertical drop in North America (5,620 feet), complemented by copious snowfall that averages around 34 feet each year. The resort's trails present a harmonious blend, from gentle slopes that welcome novices to adrenaline-fueled routes designed for the seasoned expert, ensuring a fulfilling experience for every level of skier. Nestled within the unique ecosystem of the world's sole inland temperate rainforest, Revelstoke also boasts exceptionally enchanting tree runs. The Sutton Place Hotel is located on the mountain and offers lavish amenities, including outdoor hot pools.

Red Mountain Ski Resort

Red Mountain Ski Resort is not known around the world, but it’s a gold mine for in-the-know powder hounds seeking the thrill of big resorts without the big price tag and crowds. “Growing up as a ski racer in Northern BC, you learn about Red Mountain; its legacy of athletes, challenging terrain, and abundance of snow,” says Pippa Chappell, former ski racer and ski coach of the Red Mountain Racers.

“Kids grow up on this hill and measure their success by milestone runs like Beer Belly, Link’s Line, Cambodia, the Coolers, and the rare few who brave the Microwave. Rossland and Red Mountain draw many people with their incredible mountain town culture. Our whole family couldn’t be more grateful for the history, sense of community, and just plain stoke of living here,” said Chappell. Red has some beginner runs but tends to lean more on the intermediate side for the brave and daring. At the base of the mountain is the luxurious Autograph Collection Josie Hotel. It packs the same amenities, service level, and dining options as a big mountain lodge but with a small mountain feel. Red Mountain is only three hours north of Spokane for those who wish to fly within the U.S. and head up to Canada from there.

Big White Ski Resort

This Canadian-owned and family-operated ski resort is best accessed via the nearby Kelowna International Airport in the heart of BC’s Okanagan and wine country. Although it’s in a desert region, the Okanagan receives world-famous snow due to the valley being surrounded by mountains that trap cold air. The result? Lots of dry snow blanketing an equal amount of bigger and intermediate runs making Big White Ski Resort perfect for families. Milder temperatures and low-lying clouds are also common, which create ice on trees that snow sticks to, resulting in solid white ghostly figures known as “snow ghosts.” Big White Village is perfectly designed to accommodate skiers and riders, and once you’re up there, there’s really no reason to leave. While numerous vacation rentals and on-mountain accommodations exist, Big White’s most luxurious accommodation — and the best place to stay — is the Stonegate Resort.

Whistler Blackcomb Ski Resort

When it comes to the crème de la crème of ski resorts in Canada, it’s hard to beat the host of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games and North America’s largest ski resort, Whistler Blackcomb. Skiers and snowboarders etch their artistry on the snowy canvas of the duel-mountain resort that is bridged by the colossal Peak 2 Peak gondola, which is an experience of its own. Whistler is known worldwide in the LGBTQ+ community for its annual Whistler Pride festival, and while the resort attracts experts and intermediates, there are enough beginner runs and aprés options to fill a week-long stay.

Mountainside accommodations don’t get much better than the Four Seasons Whistler with its ski valet program (wake up and find your warm boots and skis ready to go!), recently renovated rooms and restaurants, and a new spa that partners with a local Indigenous skincare line. For accommodation in the village, check out the Pan Pacific Whistler Village, and for those seeking a luxurious retreat in a private boutique resort with its own hot pools, spa, and personal chef, the new Wedge Mountain Lodge & Spa is a luxury lodge for up to 20 adults and six kids that can only be booked out exclusively.

Related: 20 Best Ski Resorts in the World 

Mount Washington

Nestled on stunning Vancouver Island, Canada's westernmost ski haven boasts breathtaking views of Strathcona Provincial Park to the west and ocean views over the Strait of Georgia to the east. Although it may not be the most renowned resort, Mount Washington is celebrated for receiving one of the heaviest snowfalls in North America, with an impressive annual average of 457 inches. Most of the resort is great for beginners and families, but expert terrain can be found from the summits as well. Accommodations are limited to vacation rentals, but most are ski-in, ski-out and can be found on the resort website.

Mont Tremblant

Nestled in the heart of Quebec's Laurentian Mountains, Mont Tremblant stands out as Eastern Canada's premier skiing destination. Renowned for its picturesque village that echoes the charm of Quebecois culture, the resort famously caters to family-friendly slopes but also has its share of challenging runs as well. Above all, the village is well known for its vibrant après-ski scene, dining, shopping, and entertainment. At the base of the mountain, the historic Fairmont Tremblant blends rustic elegance with modern comforts like its five-star Moment Spa, outdoor hot pools, and award-winning restaurants.

For more Travel & Leisure news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on Travel & Leisure.