The Best Ski Resorts in Canada

We have a huge range of destinations to choose from in Canada, but the resorts I’ve picked here are the best of the best and tick every skier's boxes.

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With over 8,000 acres of varied terrain across two mountains, more than 90 bars and restaurants throughout a lively village and countless activities on and off the slopes, you're sure to find something to love in Whistler. With that much terrain, all abilities are covered so we give it five stars for beginner, intermediate and advanced skiing.

If you're a first-timer or looking to build confidence, there's a huge area of gentle green runs midway up the Whistler Village Gondola where the ski school will guide you through your first turns. This is great because it means that beginners can have the full mountain experience rather than just sticking to the lower slopes.

Intermediates are spoiled by the vast network of pristine groomers, wide-open bowls and well-maintained glades, while for experts there’s a fantastic range of black and double black diamond runs, plus some serious terrain in the alpine on both mountains. The Peak 2 Peak Gondola between Whistler and Blackcomb makes it really easy to explore both mountains in the same day, and the views over the valley are pretty special too!

From all-round brilliant skiing to all-round brilliant everything else, Whistler also offers some of the best non-ski activities you could ask for. It's almost worth visiting for the buzzing après scene alone, which you'll find in full swing at the base of the slopes from around 3 pm. There are some great activities to be found outside of the resort as well, including snowmobiling through the trees in Callaghan Valley, taking an out-of-the-ordinary evening stroll through the Vallea Lumina light show, or even winter bungee jumping if you've got the stomach for it!

The 5* Fairmont Chateau Whistler is the resort's landmark ski-in ski-out property and one of my absolute favourites. It perfectly combines luxurious facilities and first-class service with a relaxed and informal atmosphere. It's got every convenience you could need to enjoy your hours off the slopes - a fitness club, an outdoor pool with underwater music, a spa, the Wildflower fine dining restaurant, and an on-site ski rental shop.

"The Disney of snow resorts. Something for everyone here at the world's most award-winning resort." - Lee Bramley

"Whistler has it all, full stop. Great ski school and accessible slopes. The first double black diamond in North America and all the bowls and trees your heart desires." - Adam Milner

It's hard to go wrong with the scenery when you're skiing in Canada, but the towering peaks of Banff National Park are like nowhere else in the world. Staying in the buzzing town of Banff gives you access to three unique ski areas which are surrounded on all sides by soaring mountains. You don't even have to leave the town to witness it - simply step out onto Banff Avenue and look up at the imposing Cascade Mountain.

Speaking of the town, the prices here are just as much a sight for sore eyes as the scenery. Extremely popular during the summer months, winter is actually low season, so the accommodation is very affordable when compared with other resorts. This also goes for the lift pass, which gives you access to over 7,700 acres of skiable terrain across the resorts at surprisingly good rates, including the ski bus too!

Only just pipped by Whistler for size, the three separate ski areas at Mount Norquay, Sunshine and Lake Louise give you a similarly awesome variety of runs. The skiing is more than suitable for beginners, but intermediate and advanced skiers will likely have the best time here. There's a great mixture of blue and black runs across all three mountains, while Delirium Dive at Sunshine Mountain and the steeps, chutes and powder of the Back Bowls at Lake Louise are the places to go to get your heart rate up.

I'd recommend finding a hotel that allows you to enjoy the views and the 4* Moose Hotel & Suites lets you do that from the rooftop hot tubs. There's a great choice of guest rooms as well as suites with fireplaces and kitchenettes and most of the rooms have balconies to enjoy the scenery from too.

"Banff is both an amazing and beautiful place. Having returned many many times, we never get bored. The mountains are incredible and we have always had great conditions" - Bev Griffin

"Banff is a charming, beautiful village, with the most amazing 360 degree views, locals are exceptionally nice, helpful and always chatty, that is why we keep coming back again and again." - Janice Pringle

Sun Peaks is a ski-in ski-out, intermediate skier's paradise. Of the 4,270 acres of leisurely greens, cruisy blues and challenging black runs, 58% is graded intermediate and it’s all easily accessible from the ski-through village.

Tucked away in a valley between Sundance, Morrisey and Tod Mountains, Sun Peaks village is small in comparison to Banff and Whistler. It's a little quieter, a little more low-key while retaining that ski town buzz and welcoming atmosphere. Fewer people accessing Canada’s second-largest ski area means that the slopes stay brilliantly quiet too.

One thing I love about Sun Peaks is how keen they are for you to enjoy the mountains. Get up before everyone else with a First Tracks breakfast, stay late with a starlight evening descent, or get to know the resort like a local with the complimentary Sun Host Mountain Tours. They’re run by locals who just love their area and want to show it off. I’d also recommend the various camps and backcountry tours to hone your skills.

Off the slopes, Sun Peaks has the full spectrum of non-ski activities - think of it and they've probably got it. There are dog sled adventures through the backcountry, fat biking through the snow, guided ice-fishing for the great-tasting rainbow trout, ice skating, snowmobiling and much more.

The 4* Sun Peaks Grand is the largest, smartest hotel in the resort and is perfectly placed in the centre of the village next to the slopes and all the amenities. You'll have immediate access to Sundance and Tod mountains and a short walk or ski over to Morrisey. The rooms themselves are spacious and feature warm, luxurious furnishings and you can easily upgrade to a mountain view room for an even more scenic stay.

"Loved Sun Peaks - great ski terrain including the backcountry area. Something for everyone on the slopes - no crowds, almost no lift lines. There is a local pride in the resort evidenced by the Ski Hosts who are full of anecdotes and stories." - John Raffles

"Excellent resort, true ski-in/ski-out. Vast ski area and during the week you are almost up there on your own absolutely no queue at all." - Colin Backhouse

I always think that the more hours you can spend on the slopes, the better time you're going to have. With a compact village right at the base of the lifts, Panorama is a resort that lets you maximise your ski time. Even if you're staying a little further from the slopes in the lower village, you can simply hop on to the open-air village gondola and be in the main ski area in just over a minute.

The convenience of Panorama goes further than just proximity to the mountain. All the accommodation options are no more than a two minute walk from the shops, bars and restaurants. It may not have the range of options of the larger resorts but there are great dining experiences in the village.

Panorama is the resort I'd recommend for a first-time trip to Canada. As much as 75% of the runs are suitable for beginners or intermediates, and with a relatively small village, you can enjoy the downhills without negotiating the crowds. Don't let that put you off if you're an advanced skier. The other 25% is a steep and deep powder playground. Taynton Bowl is 750 acres of tight steep trees, chutes and cliffs that will test even the best.

All of this comes at a surprisingly low cost. Panorama offers the best value ski-in ski-out accommodation in Canada and there are fantastic early discounts on lift passes too!

There's not only perfect slopeside convenience on offer in Panorama but luxury too. At the 4* Panorama Springs Lodge, you'll have access to Canada's largest slopeside pool and hot tub area. The warm pools are great for soothing those thigh muscles after your days on the mountain and for taking in the snowy scenes around you. Rooms vary from studios to two bedroom condos and all have mountain views.

"A fantastic resort with all amenities close by and easily accessible. The range of skiing is great for an Intermediate/ Expert skier but equally caters for beginners. We were amazed at the lack of crowds and queues, despite being here on their busiest day of the year." - Scott Gray

"Super friendly and helpful staff. The resort had a great friendly atmosphere. Efficient lift system and well signed. Great places to stop for a bite to eat or a drink." - Chris Cookson

For me, Silver Star is incredibly authentic in more ways than one. The 23 feet of snow covering both sides of the mountain each year is 100% natural with no man-made assistance. That’s quite rare these days and it makes a special playground for skiing and riding.

Off the slopes, the friendly nature and passion for snowsports of the locals and staff always strikes me and keeps me smiling every time I visit. Well, that and the extensive amount of heart-racing runs on the backside of the mountain.

Silver Star has something for all abilities. As well as a hairy backside (coarse, I know), the front side of the mountain offers a range of green runs which hug the mid-mountain village and hotels. The perfect starting point for those looking to gain more confidence. And the ski-in ski-out hotels give easy access to the mountain for beginners and those who want to ski first to last lift.

The backside (where I spend most of my time) is where intermediates graduate to advanced. There is no shortage of black or double black runs to challenge yourself on. A day or two charging down these runs will level up anyone’s skiing ability in a short amount of time.

The superb ski-in ski-out 4* Firelight Lodge is conveniently placed at the west end of the village, right next to Brewers Pond, which is open to skate on

The luxurious nature of the Firelight Lodge is personified by the outdoor hot tubs placed next to fireplaces, adding a cosy feel to any evening. A grilling area and fire pit are also available if you get a hankering for BBQ-style food.

“Amazing resort. Lovely quaint village, good variations of bars and restaurants. Fantastic skiing, easy access to the slopes and plenty of other activities to do as well.” - Nicola Gamble

“A lovely family friendly resort with a superb dark side. The front side is groomed blues and greens which are great for everyone. Then there’s the back side which is a mix of black and double black, some groomed some not, as gnarly as you want. Small friendly village with great food and good local beer/wine.” - Simon Boardman

Winner of Canada’s Best Ski Resort in 2020, Revelstoke is, in my opinion, a must-visit for die-hard skiers. The resort has a wide range of expert terrain to explore including alpine bowls, tree skiing, a continuous fall line and lofty rolling groomers. My thighs started burning just listing those off!

It’s no wonder Revelstoke attracts the best skiers and snowboarders from all over the world with 3,121 acres of skiable terrain and a 5,620 ft vertical drop. I’d always recommend hiring a guide when venturing off-piste or into the abundant backcountry. Not only is it safer but they’ll also point you in the direction of the best stuff.

To get that once-in-a-lifetime buzz, it’s impossible not to point you in the direction of heli-skiing. In the two legendary mountain ranges, the Selkirks and the Monashees, you’ll experience powder like never before and views from the helicopter many can only dream of.

Downtown Revelstoke may be reasonably small, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in the quality of its restaurants and bars. Hiring a car is a top tip of mine to save money by staying in town. Most accommodation has onsite parking and you’ll have more options in the evening. Or for a more luxurious stay, there are some high-end condos and hotels at the resort base - one even has its own helipad!

Everyone loves good value for their money. The 3* Sandman Inn is an accommodation which offers a lot for, in comparison, very little. Comfortable rooms and a 24-hour Denny’s Diner make this a convenient hotel. Where the value for money comes in is the indoor pool and whirlpools you can relax in after an exhilarating day on the mountain. 

“Hands down the best resort we have been to in Canada. A great variety of terrain to suit all levels from groomers to steep bowls to glades to perfection and if you really wanted to push yourself big cliffs.” - Thomas MacFadyen

“Amazing backcountry that's easily accessible. Great snow and a friendly vibe. Small but perfectly formed. Not too expensive and easy to get to from town. Not for the faint hearted, so if you're looking for something to test your skills, it's here!” - Sam Butler

Much like Revelstoke, Kicking Horse has extreme terrain and steep off-piste runs to humble even the most confident skiers. However, what sets Kicking Horse apart is the unbeatable feeling of having the whole mountain to yourself.

‘The Horse’ is one of the resorts that make up British Columbia’s epic ‘powder highway’ so you can expect vast amounts of uncrowded powder to leave fresh tracks on. But wait, it gets better. Even the best skiers and boarders will get an adrenaline rush by tearing down the steep open bowls, narrow chutes and well-gladed trees.

It’s not just the skiing that’s big. Located 7,700 feet up in the mountain is Canada’s highest restaurant. The crown jewel of resort dining, Eagle Eye is utterly spectacular. No visit to Kicking Horse is complete without experiencing mouth-watering food and panoramic views of five national parks all from one of Canada’s most talked about restaurant.

To get the most out of the resort, I would again advise hiring a car. There are more eateries and après options in the town of Golden a few miles away. Both Revelstoke and Lake Louise are within easy driving distance from Kicking Horse too. If you’re an advanced skier like me, the dream holiday is combining several ski resorts in one trip and that’s exactly what we do with our tailor-made ski safaris. Fill our enquiry form and let’s start planning!

Metres from the gondola is the 3*+ Glacier Mountaineer Lodge. In the cosy slope-side accommodation, rooms are fully furnished and were designed with creature comforts in mind. After a day of making fresh tracks on the mountain, it’s all too easy to chuck your skis/snowboard in the secure storage and sink into the hot tub.

“Wild, mind-blowing ski area full of the craziest chutes, alpine bowls and tree skiing that you can ever imagine. You'll need a guide to get the most out of Kicking Horse, as most of it looks way too gnarly to drop into, but it's great when you're in. Don't miss the hike up to the Ozone - the ride down is one you'll remember forever.” - James Howells

“Fabulous place. Not crowded at all, great versatile skiing, some very steep slopes but also nice gentle bowls. Spectacular views and good snow. Lots of young extreme skiers. Not for people seeking apres ski - but charming and wonderful.” - Gertraud Pincombe

For an idea of prices, see our Canada ski offers or get in touch. Enquire online or call us on 01273 224060, we’re always on hand with plenty of personal advice. I’ve skied all our Canadian resorts and a few of our team have lived and worked out there too.

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