Thinking about skiing and snowboarding in Canada? You won’t be disappointed.
With a range of ski resorts to suit every level of snow sports enthusiast there’s genuinely something for everyone – the only hard part is choosing which resort to go to.
We’ve sorted through them all to pinpoint the best in each category. Just identify what type of Canadian skier you are and go from there.
So you’re a big mountain skier
It doesn’t get bigger than Revelstoke, which has North America’s greatest vertical at a whopping 1713m. With a whole lot of challenging and seriously fun terrain, including some of the best tree runs you’ll find anywhere, this mountain is a serious leg-burner.
So you’re into small town charm
Fernie has all the perks of a big town – shopping, a night life, activities - but wrapped up in an authentic British Columbia package that’s blissfully peaceful and fun. And with over 2500 acres of terrain to explore, you’ll love everything from the bowls to the perfectly groomed runs. This is a great spot for beginners and powder hounds, with a designated area at the base of the mountain for those finding their feet and five bowls of powder after a storm.
So you’re bringing a family
Whether you have toddlers or teenagers, Big White Ski Resort is the perfect destination. Their range of ski-in, ski-out accommodation, coupled with their range of on and off-snow activities, makes it a firm favourite. Choose from dog-sledding, kids (or adults) snowmobiles, tubing or ice-skating; take part in Carnival Night, bingo or trivia; or see if you can make it up the ice-climbing tower.
So you’re obsessed with powder
Head to Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, where they get over 7 metres of snowfall per season and the quality of the snow is second to none – light, fluffy, dry goodness with so little moisture you can’t make a snowball. Plus the lift lines are just about non-existent, so you’ll have all that beautiful snow to yourself. Just don’t tell anyone.
So you’re all about the convenience
Welcome to SilverStar. Famous for its village, with colourful, storybook-style buildings, it’s a beautiful spot to base yourself for a trip – and it helps that they have a huge range of ski-in, ski-out accommodation. This mountain is hugely popular for those who like to step right outside their building and onto the cruisy slopes, along with the epically challenging mountain terrain on the back side.
So you’re really into après
Whistler is known for being North America’s largest ski resort, so it’s no secret that they have a huge range of terrain and some great powder to enjoy. But big runs = big après fun. Head to the bases of Whistler and Blackcomb to lap up an endless array of bars, restaurants, pubs and everything in between.
Be sure to get a Caesar for a true Canadian experience – the more garnishes, the better – along with a poutine. Plus a huge range of activities if you don’t like sitting still – including Whistler Olympic Park, where you can try the bobsleigh or skeleton.
So you’re an indie kind of person
RED Mountain is where you belong. This much-loved local’s mountain launched an equity crowdfunding campaign in 2016 to give skiers and boarders a chance to own a piece of the mountain. With some of the best terrain and snow to be found anywhere in BC, it’s also off the beaten track, so you’ll get serious street cred by visiting here and neighbor Whitewater Ski resort.
So you’re a fair-weather skier
Sun Peaks Resort is named accordingly. The three mountain peaks boast a significant amount of sunny days in the season, while still managing to offer fantastically fresh powder snow that gets people returning year after year.
So you’re a heli skier
Excellent – it doesn’t get better than staying in a remote heli ski lodge in the heart of British Columbia, where the powder never ends and the après fun is on-point. Choose from 3, 5 or 7 nights and get your legs ready – you’ll feel like you’re right out of a professional snowboarding movie.
Which Canadian ski resort is your favourite?