Canada Ski Resorts
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Resorts in Canada Ski Resorts
Banff National Park is set in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. It attracts roughly 4 million visitors each year. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Town of Banff is in the province of Alberta in the southwestern corner of Banff National Park, and west of Calgary.
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Known for Legendary Powder, Famous for So Much More! Located in the spectacular Canadian Rockies in British Columbia, Fernie Alpine Resort is a world-class, destination ski resort with an authentic ski town atmosphere and tonnes of history including the legends of the Griz, Ghostrider, & Sasquatch - all believed to live here!
Welcome to Jasper, Alberta, Canada, the little town in the very big Jasper National Park. A quiet spot in the very heart of the Canadian Rockies, the little resort town of Jasper Alberta is a favourite spot to all who experience it.
Panorama is the most complete ski-in / ski-out resort in the Canadian Rockies. Panorama Mountain rises 4,000 vertical feet above true slope-side lodging and giant hot pools, but it’s not until you reach the summit that the real scale of the terrain becomes apparent.
For decades, helicopter and cat skiers from around the world have flocked to Revelstoke, BC, attracted by its perfect powder, varied alpine terrain and quaint mountain community. Heli Skiing was for guests who wanted the ultimate ski vacation, with over 50 feet of annual snow.
SilverStar’s fairytale village, you can easily fall in love with. Inspired by a typical nineteenth century British Columbian mining town era with Victorian architecture, this town is a true winter wonderland. Brightly coloured store fronts and boarded sidewalks provide a unique ambiance that radiates fun, enthusiasm and excitement for the whole family.
Sun Peaks Resort in the interior of British Columbia stands up with the best ski destinations in the world. With copious amounts of terrain, no line-ups and extensive non-ski activities, Sun Peaks is an ideal destination for families, empty nesters, and those looking for sophistication without urban chaos.
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Vancouver is a coastal city located in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia, Canada. Bordered by the Coast Mountain Range and the Pacific Ocean, Vancouver is recognized as one of the world's most liveable cities with one of the smallest carbon footprints of any major city in North America.
Whistler and Whistler Blackcomb sit side by side, together they make up 8,171 acres which makes them Canada's largest ski resort. But Whistler is so much more than just a ski destination, with an incredible range of non-skiing activities, from dog sledding, ziplining, sightseeing and more
Epic Pass is your mountain access to over 70+ ski resorts and destinations around the world. Make your winter Epic and ski multiple destinations, across both the Nothern Hemisphere and the Southern Hemisphere winter seasons, or get the most value on your extended ski holiday.
Why people ski Canada:
Canada is the second largest country in the world by area, home to mind blowing scenery, wildlife, natural beauty and of course amazing skiing and snowboarding in winter. Canadian ski resorts are generally located in Canada's two most prominent mountain ranges, the Pacific Coast Ranges, and the Rocky Mountains. The Pacific Coast Ranges hug the west coast of North America from Alaska through Canada and the US all the way to New Mexico, and the Rocky Mountains stretch from western Canada's British Columbia to New Mexico.
Home to some of the most well-known ski resorts in the globe - Canada's ski resorts attract international visitors in vast numbers each winter. There is terrain and resort facilities to suit all abilities and types of travellers – from families, friends, groups, and everyone else, you will undoubtedly fall in love with the hospitality and winter wonderland that is Canada!
Canada's combination of incredible scenery, magnificent wildlife, friendly locals, exceptional service, vast range of activities and consistent snow, make it a bucket-list destination for Aussie skiers and snowboarders. If that is not enough to get you booking a flight, other selling points include Poutine, Tim Hortons, Ice Wine, The Northern Lights (aka Aurora Borealis) and Ice Hockey.
Where to ski in Canada:
Canada is home to several world-class ski resorts with the majority being location in British Columbia and Alberta. We have included a brief overview of resorts below. Starting in British Columbia, closest to Vancouver Airport, Whistler Blackcomb is only a 2-hour drive away, and the largest skiable area in North America! Boasting huge terrain and an extensive lift network, including the Peak 2 Peak Gondola joining Whistler and Blackcomb mountains, Whistler is a must experience for all.
Heading into the interior of BC, you will find family friendly ski resorts such as Sun Peaks, Big White, SilverStar and Panorama. The key advantage of these ski resorts is ski in ski out accommodation, and tonnes of family friendly activities! Each resort has beginner to advanced terrain, and outstanding ski school facilities so the little ones will be skiing circles around their parents in no time!
Further into BC are ski resorts offering more advanced terrain, and smaller villages. For those who are keen to get deep into exploring mode, try Red, Revelstoke or Kicking Horse, and for the wild at heart try a week in the wilderness with Mike Wiegele! Getting to these ski resorts will take a little longer, but they are well worth it for the avid ski and snowboarder!
Crossing over the border into Alberta can be done either by road or via the main gateway airport of Calgary, which has international as well as domestic flights arriving daily. In our opinion, while visiting Alberta, a stop at Banff and Lake Louise during the winter should be on every personrsquo;s bucket list. Asides from being phenomenally picturesque, the frozen lakes are perfect for ice skating and hockey, and the area offers expansive terrain for skiing and snowboarding. For the luxurious Albertan ski experience with truly jaw dropping views, we recommend the Fairmont Hotels, rich in history and grandeur. Make sure you have plenty of time in your itinerary to take in incredible outdoor activities such as dog sledding, sleigh rides and ice walks. If you are after a magical White Christmas experience, Banff and Lake Louise are our top pick!
Heading further into Alberta yoursquo;ll find Jasper National Park, and Marmot Ski Resort. Jasper is absolutely worth the trip for its spectacular scenery and the quiet experience of the mountain wilderness.
If you happen to be on the East Coast of North America, and skiing is an essential part of your itinerary, then Mont Tremblant in Quebec is our top pick destination! With spectacular scenery and high-end hotels, Mont Tremblant provides is an idyllic European inspired ski resort in the heart of North America.
Heading into the interior of BC, you will find family friendly ski resorts such as Sun Peaks, Big White, SilverStar and Panorama. The key advantage of these ski resorts is ski in ski out accommodation, and tonnes of family friendly activities! Each resort has beginner to advanced terrain, and outstanding ski school facilities so the little ones will be skiing circles around their parents in no time!
Further into BC are ski resorts offering more advanced terrain, and smaller villages. For those who are keen to get deep into exploring mode, try Red, Revelstoke or Kicking Horse, and for the wild at heart try a week in the wilderness with Mike Wiegele! Getting to these ski resorts will take a little longer, but they are well worth it for the avid ski and snowboarder!
Crossing over the border into Alberta can be done either by road or via the main gateway airport of Calgary, which has international as well as domestic flights arriving daily. In our opinion, while visiting Alberta, a stop at Banff and Lake Louise during the winter should be on every personrsquo;s bucket list. Asides from being phenomenally picturesque, the frozen lakes are perfect for ice skating and hockey, and the area offers expansive terrain for skiing and snowboarding. For the luxurious Albertan ski experience with truly jaw dropping views, we recommend the Fairmont Hotels, rich in history and grandeur. Make sure you have plenty of time in your itinerary to take in incredible outdoor activities such as dog sledding, sleigh rides and ice walks. If you are after a magical White Christmas experience, Banff and Lake Louise are our top pick!
Heading further into Alberta yoursquo;ll find Jasper National Park, and Marmot Ski Resort. Jasper is absolutely worth the trip for its spectacular scenery and the quiet experience of the mountain wilderness.
If you happen to be on the East Coast of North America, and skiing is an essential part of your itinerary, then Mont Tremblant in Quebec is our top pick destination! With spectacular scenery and high-end hotels, Mont Tremblant provides is an idyllic European inspired ski resort in the heart of North America.
Things to do in Canada:
There are so many incredible things to see in do in Canada, so we have limited it to the absolute top 10 Things to do in Canada in Winter (off the ski slopes):
- Snow tubing
- Go dog sledding
- Go to a game of ice hockey
- Take a dip in an outdoor hot tub
- Ice skate on a frozen lake
- Try ice fishing, ice climbing or ice wine
- See the Northern Lights
- Try snow shoeing
- Experience a sleigh ride
- Enjoy a winter festival
Wherever you are in Canada, make sure you cover your pancakes AND your bacon in maple syrup, get a photo with a friendly Mountie, and toast a Caesar with your crew! Although the bears will be hibernating during the winter, watch out for wildlife like elk, caribou, lynx and cougars!
Getting to Canada's Ski Resorts:
Flying into Canada will most likely land you in Vancouver, the main airport in British Columbia, which happens to be home to most of the international ski resorts. Easy access to central BC ski resorts is via a connecting flight from Vancouver, on to a regional airport such as Kamloops or Kelowna.
If Alberta is your jam, you can fly into Calgary International airport and Banff & Lake Louise are only a 90-minute journey from there. Another option is Via Rail or splurge on The Rocky Mountaineer for a one-in-a-lifetime luxury rail experience. If you want to visit Jasper, fly into Edmonton Airport, which is 4 hours by car or Calgary Airport is 5 hours away.
When is the Best Time to Ski in Canada?:
Canada's ski season typically runs from October to May, but the opening dates of resorts can vary. As Canada's resorts are spread across a vast area, weather conditions also differ.
Whistler, being just a few hours from Vancouver, often attracts weekend crowds and peak holiday visitors. To avoid the hustle, consider visiting mid-week or waiting until mid-January when most Canadians have returned to work. Banff and Lake Louise, with their protected inland locations, offer one of the longest ski seasons in Canada, making them an excellent choice for a value-packed ski holiday.
Additionally, keep in mind that "Family Day," celebrated on the 3rd Monday in February in both BC and Alberta, is a popular time on the slopes, especially at family-friendly resorts like Big White and Panorama.
Weather in Canada:
Given Canada's vast size, weather can be categorized by regions.
Average Snowfall: Annual snowfall at Canadian ski resorts typically ranges from 9 to 13 meters. Some of the resorts with the best snowfall include Whistler Blackcomb, Revelstoke, Sunshine Village Banff, and Fernie.
Average Temperature: The temperature at each resort is influenced by its location and altitude, with wind playing a significant role. To provide an idea, Whistler's average temperature ranges from 0°C to -5°C, while Banff can drop as low as -15°C, and Big White may reach -20°C.
When packing for a ski holiday in Canada, remember to layer your clothing. This allows for easy adjustment based on changing weather conditions during your stay. Don't forget to wear a buff to protect your face from freezing!
