Home | Guides | Guide to Canadian Ski Destinations
Powder snow skiing is not fun. It’s life, fully lived, life lived in a blaze of reality.
Delores LaChapelle, Mountaineer & Scholar
Canada’s top ski destinations are a dream for winter sports enthusiasts. With beginner-friendly slopes, challenging backcountry terrain and even exhilarating heli-skiing, Canada is the perfect place for a ski getaway. The best part is there are world-class ski resorts across the country, so it’s easy to get to from just about anywhere.
In the Canadian Rockies out west, there’s a range of terrain in Whistler for every level of skier. Adventure seekers should flock to Revelstoke for rugged thrills. Luxury resorts and a quaint village combine to make Banff an irresistible hotspot. But you can even find a slice of Europe while skiing in eastern Canada at Mont-Tremblant.
Read on for my Insider’s Guide to Canadian ski destinations with tips and hotel recommendations to make your ski adventure a life to be explored.
Need to Know
Canada’s major ski destinations are located within a couple of hours of major airports. Be sure to pack accordingly as layers are extremely important. Always plan on buying tickets and reserving lessons in advance, especially during peak times of the year.
Languages: English and French (only in Tremblant)
Best Time to Visit: December to March is prime ski season, though these areas are year-round destinations in themselves. April to May offers great wildlife spotting and hiking. Summer months (June to September) offers additional biking and kayaking options. Visit in October or November for the fall foliage!
Ideal Length of Stay: A 4-6 night stay is ideal for skiing and apres-ski. Some larger resorts like Whistler or Revelstoke may need more time to explore fully. Stays in major cities can be combined with Whistler (Vancouver) and Mont-Tremblant (Montreal).
Ski School: Most Canadian ski resorts, including Whistler, Mont-Tremblant, Lake Louise and Sunshine Village in Banff, offer ski schools for all levels. These include group and private lessons for adults and kids.
Lift Tickets and Passes: Canadian resorts typically offer competitive lift ticket prices compared to U.S. destinations like Vail. Booking online in advance can help secure discounts. Frequent skiers should look into the Ikon Pass or Epic Pass, which include access to resorts such as Whistler Blackcomb, Mont-Tremblant and SkiBig3.
Transportation: Renting a car may be preferable for more flexibility. There are also many shuttle services between the ski resorts and airports. For the most direct and comfortable option, private transfers should be arranged.
Whistler | British Columbia
The largest ski resort in North America, Whistler Blackcomb brings together world-class skiing and a modern mountain vibe. Whistler attracts some of the most advanced skiers in the world, with challenging alpine bowls and legendary backcountry areas. There are also beginner slopes for families, coupled with great ski and snowboard schools.
The areas diverse terrain is supported by a charming pedestrian-only village, where ski days easily transition into lively apres-ski evenings. Think high-end accommodations and refined dining options, alongside cozy mountain lodges.
Mirroring the resort town’s variety of visitors, the accommodations include a range of styles from residence-style hotel rooms ideal for families to luxe suites with mountain views. Here are some of the top places to stay.
Where to Stay | Whistler
Four Seasons Whistler
Four Seasons Resort & Residences Whistler: Located near the base of Whisler Blackcomb, this luxury retreat offers spacious accommodations, a world-class spa and exceptional dining. (Book with me to receive exclusive Four Seasons Preferred Partner benefits.)
Nita Lake Lodge
Nita Lake Lodge: A tranquil lakeside lodge in the quieter Creekside area, featuring spacious suites, outdoor hot tubs, and dining offerings with fresh, local ingredients.
The Westin Resort & Spa, Whistler: Steps from the gondolas in Whistler Village, this resort offers homey apartment-style suites. (Book with me to receive Marriott LUMINOUS partner perks, including a welcome amenity, breakfast daily, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.)
Revelstoke | British Columbia
Revelstoke is a mecca for serious skiers and thrill-seekers, with some of the most challenging terrain in North America. Home to the continent’s longest vertical drop and renowned for its deep powder, Revelstoke draws highly experienced skiers and snowboarders from around the world. It’s also famous for heli-skiing and backcountry adventures.
While the focus here is on high-adrenaline activities, the town’s laid-back and unpretentious vibe provides a relaxing base. Cozy lodges and local eateries help travelers recharge, along with gorgeous mountain views.
Remember that heli-skiing is weather-dependent, so flexibility and reliable operators are crucial. Be sure to pack avalanche safety gear if required, and dress accordingly, as conditions can differ from resort slopes. Reach out to me to be connected with trusted partners on the ground.
Where to Stay | Revelstoke
Eleven Revelstoke Lodge
Sutton Place Hotel Revelstoke: Located on the mountain with ski-in/out access, this modern hotel is perfect for avid skiers wanting to maximize their time on the slopes.
Eleven Revelstoke Lodge: This recently opened boutique property in downtown Revelstoke is tailored to adventure seekers, with a personalized heli-ski program and high-end amenities.
Banff: Lake Louise & Sunshine Village
Banff’s Lake Louise and Sunshine Village combine world-class skiing with dramatic scenery. These two resorts provide a range of terrain for all skill levels, so your whole group can enjoy some time in the mountains.
Lake Louise features thousands of acres of groomed trails and expansive bowls. Sunshine Village‘s high-altitude slopes boast both beginner-friendly zones and challenging expert areas like Goat’s Eye Mountain. Both ski resorts are known for their reliable snow and majestic mountain views, creating an unforgettable experience on and off the slopes.
Aside from skiing, visitors can opt for snowshoeing, snow tubing and scenic gondola rides. Both destinations also provide easy access to Banff’s shopping and dining. Choices for accommodations are limited, and here are my favorites in Banff for this insider’s guide to Canadian ski destinations.
Where to Stay | Banff
Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise: This iconic retreat on the shores of Lake Louise offers ski-in/out access and a range of luxurious amenities. (Book with me to receive a $100 resort credit, breakfast daily, an upgrade and an extended check-in/out whenever possible.)
Post Hotel & Spa: Located in Lake Louise Village, this European-style hotel features an on-site spa and a highly regarded restaurant in an intimate setting.
Sunshine Mountain Lodge: Sunshine Village’s ski-in/out lodge offers comfortable accommodations, a hot tub and dining with locally inspired dishes.
Mont-Tremblant
Mont-Tremblant has a European-inspired charm that makes it Eastern Canada’s top ski destination. It’s known for well-groomed runs and a family-friendly vibe. Mont-Tremblant offers every level of skier the right kind of slope, including advanced trails across its four distinct faces. The village even has convenient in-room ski rental fittings.
The compact pedestrian-only ski village has a very relaxed vibe. Everything is within walking distance, from dining to shopping boutiques. Anyone looking for a break from the slopes can also enjoy ice skating and snow tubing, all within the village.
Hotels include luxurious mountain-view options with personalized amenities, as well as family-style rooms with kitchens. All are walkable to the slopes, meaning you can park your car and forget it.
Where to Stay | Mont-Tremblant
Fairmont Tremblant
Fairmont Tremblant: This luxury resort at the base of Mont Tremblant offers ski-in/out access, elegant accommodations and refined on-site dining options. (Book with me to receive a $100 food/beverage credit, breakfast daily, an upgrade and an extended check-in/out whenever possible.)
Hotel Quintessence: This luxury resort at the base of Mont Tremblant offers ski-in/out access, elegant accommodations and refined on-site dining options. (Book with me to receive a $100 food/beverage credit, breakfast daily, an upgrade and an extended check-in/out whenever possible.)
