10 Best Ski Resorts in British Columbia (BC), Canada
Planning a ski trip this winter and can’t decide where to go? Here’s my list of the 10 best ski resorts in British Columbia (BC), Canada to help you decide!
Canada, and specifically British Columbia, offers world class skiing – you won’t go wrong wherever you end up. However, each ski resort listed here offers something a little different. In this guide I’ll help you decide which ski resort in British Columbia has the best slopes, the best aprés scene, and exactly which resort you should visit this winter.
I’ve personally skied at 8/10 British Columbia ski resorts listed in this post; I’ll give you a first hand opinion of what each resort has to offer and how they stack up against one another. I based my 1-10 rating on a combination of average snowfall, terrain options, general atmosphere, popularity, opportunities for aprés, etc.
More: Best ski resorts in Alberta, Canada
Now, let’s go skiing!
Skip Ahead
- Best ski resorts in British Columbia (BC): location
- Ski season in British Columbia (BC)
- More information: skiing in British Columbia
- Ski trips in British Columbia (BC)
- 10 best ski resorts in British Columbia (BC)
- Honourable mentions: best ski resorts in British Columbia (BC)
- Best ski resorts in Alberta
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Best Ski Resorts in British Columbia (BC): Location
Ski Season in British Columbia (BC)
Ski season in British Columbia typically begins in late November and stretches until April; Blackcomb being the exception by closing late May.
Although there are a whoooooole bunch of different variables that can affect temperature, snowfall, and weather, here’s generally what you can expect during each month of ski season in British Columbia (BC), Canada:
- November/December: snow and weather conditions are extremely variable. You can expect everything from huge dumps of powder to rain. Conditions continually improve closer to the end of December.
- January/February: this is peak season for skiing in British Columbia. You can expect the coldest temperatures, best powder, and most whiteout days during January and February.
- March/April: spring skiing features much warmer temps, bluebird days, icy mornings and slushy afternoons. Resorts further west will have more “packing snow” earlier in the year whereas resorts closer to the Rockies will still be in pretty much “prime winter” until the end of March.
- Use this site to check new snowfall and base conditions at all ski resorts in British Columbia.
Perks to Skiing in Offseason
There are a multitude of perks to skiing during shoulder season (before Christmas or during spring). A few of these perks include: less crowds, cheaper accommodations, ski package deals, warmer temps, snow-free activities at the base of the mountain, festivals, and fun events.
You may miss some pow, but skiing early season or during the spring definitely has its benefits.
More Information: Skiing in British Columbia
Ski resorts in British Columbia are famous for their big mountains, vibrant towns, and great snow. Here are a couple more things to consider when planning a ski trip in British Columbia (BC), Canada:
Powder Highway
The powder highway is a 1,010km circular route through the Rockies that passes by 8 alpine ski resorts, 20+ backcountry lodges, and multiple heli and cat-skiing destinations. What’s it famous for? Massive amounts of powder, of course! If you’re a powder hound, you may want to consider booking a trip at one or more of the ski resorts on the powder highway.
The main highlights of the powder highway are:
- Famous mountain ranges: the Rockies, the Monashees, the Kootenays, the Selkirks, and the Purcell mountains.
- Ski Resorts: Kicking Horse, Revelstoke, Kimberly, Fairmont Hot Springs Ski Resort, RED Mountain, White Water, Fernie, and Panorama.
- Popular ski towns: Fernie, Nelson, Rossland, Golden, Revelstoke, Invermere, and Kimberley.
Best Lift Pass for Ski Resorts in British Columbia (BC)
You have the option of purchasing individual lift tickets at each ski resort you visit, however if you plan to visit multiple resorts that can get quite expensive. Instead, you may want to purchase a ski pass that includes days at multiple resorts. Here are a few options:
- EPIC Pass – the EPIC pass is partnered with Kicking Horse, Fernie, and Kimberly ski resorts in British Columbia.
- IKON Pass – the IKON pass is partnered with Revelstoke, RED Mountain, and Cypress ski resorts in British Columbia. You can also ski at the SkiBig3 resorts in Alberta.
- Mountain Collective – Mountain Collective is partnered with Panorama, Revelstoke, and Sun Peaks ski resorts in British Columbia. You can also ski at Sunshine Village and Lake Louise in Alberta.
You do have to purchase these passes early in these season, as they’re sold in limited quantities.
Ski Trips in British Columbia (BC)
Looking to experience multiple resorts on your next British Columbia ski trip? Why not take a guided ski tour!
10 Adventures offers skiing, hiking, and adventure tours worldwide. They have various ski tours around both British Columbia and Alberta. In particular, their ski tours include lift passes, National Park passes, transportation, accommodations, an expert guide, and various other dining and excursion experiences. Here are their best tours around BC:
- **Powder Highway: 9 Day Tour – Lake Louise (Alberta), Sunshine (Alberta), Kicking Horse, and Revelstoke. This tour, in my opinion, incorporates the best ski resorts of all the tours.
- 6 Day British Columbia Tour – Kicking Horse, Revelstoke, and natural hot springs.
- 9 Day Tour British Columbia Tour – Revelstoke, Kicking Horse, Whitewater, and natural hot springs.
- 9 Day Rocky Mountain Tour – Lake Louise (Alberta), Sunshine Village (Alberta), Kicking Horse, and Fernie.
- 11 Day Tour British Columbia Tour – Revelstoke, Kicking Horse, White Water, RED Mountain, and natural hot springs.
- Powder Highway: 8 Day Tour – RED Mountain, Whitewater, and Fernie.
- Guided Backcountry Tour – inbound days at Whitewater and RED Mountain. Backcountry touring in Nelson/Whitewater and the Kootenay Pass.
Using a tour company for your ski trips alleviates the planning, gives you the chance to meet like-minded people, the chance to learn all the local secrets, and the trip is led by an experienced guide who can show you all the best spots to ski at the resorts you’re visiting. Tours are ideal for solo travellers or for those who want to pack up and go, rather than spend time planning.
Best Ski Resorts in British Columbia (BC), Canada
Here it is – my breakdown of the best ski resorts in British Columbia (BC), Canada. To build the suspense, I’ll start at #10 and save the #1 best ski resort in BC for last…
10. Kimberly Alpine Resort
Quick Facts:
- Location: Purcell Mountains of Kimberly, British Columbia (BC), Canada
- # of named runs: 68
- # of lifts: 5
- Skiable area: 1,800 acres (730 hectares)
- Top Elevation: 1,980m (6,500ft)
- Vertical: 751m (2,465ft)
- Average snowfall: 4m (13ft)
Kimberley Alpine Resort comes in at #10 on the list of best ski resorts in British Columbia (BC), Canada. Kimberley isn’t much of a destination resort, however it’s truly loved by locals and is considered a great resort for families.
Kimberly is one of the resorts I unfortunately wasn’t able to visit on my ski tour. I honestly didn’t even know about it until I spoke to a fellow skier on the chairlift at SilverStar. The resort is apparently underrated as it does feature some technical terrain on the backside of the mountain, however it’s quite small compared to other Canadian resorts.
The small size and “underrated” factor can be twisted into a positive thing though. Less people visiting the resort means smaller crowds and longer lasting fresh tracks on pow days.
Here’s a complete review by Powder Hounds.
Ski resorts in BC, Canada
Helpful Information:
- Where to stay: Trickle Creek Lodge (luxury & ski-in/ski-out), Super 8 (budget), Western Lodge (budget), North Star Motel (mid-range), Mountain Spirit Resort (luxury & ski-in/ski-out).
- Click here to find all accommodations in Kimberly.
- Official site
- Trail map
9. RED Mountain Ski Resort
Quick Facts:
- Location: Rossland, British Columbia (BC), Canada
- # of named runs: 119
- # of lifts: 8
- Skiable area: 3,850 acres (1,560 hectares)
- Top Elevation: 2,075m (6,807ft)
- Vertical: 889m (2,919ft)
- Average snowfall: 7.62m (25 ft)
RED Mountain Ski Resort, located in the Monashee Mountains, totally flies under the radar as far as ski resorts in British Columbia go. The fall line tree skiing, steep runs, and glades however should not be overlooked.
My favourite thing about RED were the wide, flat, and steep groomers. These were perfect for speed runs, for practicing carving, and they’d be absolutely unreal on a pow day. Additionally, RED has some pretty sweet tree runs off the left side of Granite Mountain.
RED’s terrain is evenly split and features: 17% beginner terrain, 34% intermediate terrain, 23% advanced terrain, and 26% expert terrain. No matter your level of skiing, you’ll find slopes that’ll knock your socks off at RED.
Highlights:
- Mt. Kirkup cat skiing tours – you can get a $10 ticket for one ride
- Free mountain tours with local snow hosts
- 5 skiable peaks
Helpful Information:
- Where to stay: Nowhere Special (hostel), The Josie (luxury & ski-in/ski-out), SureStay hotel (mid-range)
- Click here to view all properties at Red Mountain.
- Official site
- Trail map
8. Kicking Horse
Quick Facts:
- Location: Golden, British Columbia (BC), Canada
- # of named runs: 120
- # of lifts: 4 lifts and 1 gondola
- Skiable area: 3,400 acres (1,400 hectares)
- Top Elevation: 2,505m (8,218ft)
- Vertical: 1,315m (4,314ft)
- Average snowfall: 7.3m (24ft)
Okay Kicking Horse has SO much potential, but unfortunately it ranks #8 on the list of best ski resorts in British Columbia (BC) due to the horrible lift system. Kicking Horse has 1 gondola and 4 lifts. If you want to get to the top of the mountain (where all the bowls are), you have to take the gondola up, then ski back to the base of the mountain and catch the gondola back up again. PLUS, you have to hike a considerable distance to all the good drop in spots; you won’t catch me DEAD hiking in ski boots. Once you factor in the massive gondola line and time spent hiking, most of your day is chalked up to transportation rather than hitting the slopes.
Putting the crappy gondola system aside, Kicking Horse has the BEST views of the 12 Canadian ski hills I’ve visited. Kicking Horse features insane bowls filled with champagne powder; if you’re a skier, you’ll need fat skis. Kicking Horse’s terrain is 60% advanced/expert – if you’re new to the sport Kicking Horse’s “hardcore” terrain probably isn’t for you.
When I visited, I was only able to get 3 runs in, in about 4 hours. I actually ended up leaving the resort because I was fed up waiting around all day. Unfortunate because the terrain is truly epic.
Highlights:
- Location for the Freeride World Tour (occurs mid February)
- 5 skiable bowls
- Named the “champagne powder capital of Canada”
- Kicking Horse has the longest vertical in North America
Helpful Information:
- Where to stay: Dreamcatcher (hostel – I stayed here and it’s lovely), Glacier Mountain Lodge (luxury & ski-in/ski-out), Rondo Motel (mid-range).
- Click here for all accommodations at Kicking Horse.
- Official site
- Trail map
7. SilverStar Mountain Resort
Quick Facts:
- Location: 30 minutes from Vernon, British Columbia (BC), Canada
- # of named runs: 132
- # of lifts: 7
- Skiable area: 3,282 acres (1,328 hectares)
- Top Elevation: 1,915m (6,280 ft)
- Vertical: 760m (2,490ft)
- Average snowfall: 7m (23ft)
SilverStar Mountain Resort is its own little village that offers accommodations, eateries, shopping, spas – you name it! The vibe here is perfect for a weekend getaway with the boys or with the gals.
SilverStar is a fairly large resort and has terrain on both the front and backside of the mountain. The front side of the mountain is more suited for beginners, whereas the backside is full of steep, mogul-filled runs that are perfect for advanced riders.
My favourite thing about SilverStar though is Bugaboos Bakery. Honest to God they have the tastiest treats and the best sammies I’ve had to date. I visited Bugaboos bakery at least 3 times within the 2 days I spent at SilverStar!
Highlights:
- SilverStar Mountain Resort offers all sorts of activities on-mountain: skating, snowshoeing, xc skiing, snowmobiling, tubing, etc. You can find more information about these activities here.
- There are multiple terrain parks for all ability levels
- Home to the Bugaboos Bakery – the BEST bakery I’ve EVER been to. Literally.
- Silverstar offers lots of events
Helpful Information:
- Where to stay: The Bulldog (budget/where I stayed), The Vance Creek Hotel & Conference Centre (ski-in/ski-out, mid-range), Ridgeview Lodge (luxury, ski to door access).
- Click here for all accommodations at SilverStar.
- Official site
- Trail map
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Taylor ♡
Ski resorts in BC, Canada
6. Sun Peaks
Quick Facts:
- Location: 50 minutes from Kamloops, British Columbia (BC), Canada
- # of named runs: 138
- # of lifts: 13
- Skiable area: 4,270 acres (1,730 hectares) – second largest in Canada
- Top Elevation: 1,863m (6,112ft)
- Vertical: 882m (2,894ft)
- Average snowfall: 6m (19.8ft)
Sun Peaks is the second resort on this list I unfortunately wasn’t able to visit on my ski trip. I can tell you all about how great it is though because I have friends who are currently working and doing a ski season there – they absolutely rave about it!
Sun Peaks boasts Canada’s second largest ski area and features terrain for all ability levels (although 58% of the resort is geared toward intermediate skiers). The resort is considered family friendly and is located within a fairly compact village so there’s minimal need – if any – for driving.
Beginners will feel most comfortable skiing down the mellow slopes of Sundance Mountain, whereas advanced skiers will thrive on the glade runs and steep bowls of Mt. Tod.
Here’s a complete review of the resort by Powder Hounds.
Highlights:
- The Sun Peaks race centre
- Multiple terrain parks
- A wide variety of events, tours, and excursions
- 3 skiable mountains
Ski resorts in British Columbia, Canada
Helpful Information:
- Where to stay: Coast Sundance Lodge (ski-in/ski-out), Hearthstone Lodge (budget), Cahilty Hotel (mid-range)
- Click here for all accommodations in Sun Peaks.
- Official site
- Trail map
5. Panorama Mountain Resort
Quick Facts:
- Location: 20 minutes from Invermere, British Columbia (BC), Canada
- # of named runs: 135
- # of lifts: 7 lifts
- Skiable area: 2,975 acres (1,204 hectares)
- Top Elevation: 2,450m (8,038ft)
- Vertical: 1,300m (4,265ft)
- Average snowfall: 5m (17ft)
Panorama Mountain Resort TOTALLY took me by surprise, which is why it ranks #5 on the list of best ski resorts in British Columbia (BC), Canada.
There are wide open groomers which are greater beginners and pow days, plus there are steep/technical tree runs scattered all over the resort. My favourite section of the resort though is the Taynton Bowl. The Taynton bowl is expert terrain which was actually formerly a heli-skiing area. It’s now in bounds AND you don’t need avalanche gear to access it!
Another plus of skiing at Panorama are the insane views of the Valley of a Thousand Peaks. You can go right ahead and add Panorama to your ski BC bucket list now!
Highlights
- Panorama is located centrally within the best area to ski in Alberta/BC. This means you can easily do a day trip to Panorama from various locations.
- Expert terrain with no need for avalanche gear
- Technical and steep tree runs
Helpful Information:
- Where to stay: Embarc Panorama (mid-range, ski-in/ski-out), The Canterbury Inn (budget, Invermere), Panorama Mountain Resort – Pine Inn (mid-range, ski-in/ski-out), Taynton Lodge (luxury, ski-in/ski-out).
- Click here to find all accommodations at Panorama OR click here to find all accommodations in Invermere.
- Official site
- Trail map
4. Fernie Alpine Resort
Quick Facts:
- Location: Fernie, British Columbia (BC), Canada
- # of named runs: 142
- # of lifts: 10
- Skiable area: 2,500 acres (1,000 hectares)
- Top Elevation: 2,130m (7,000ft)
- Vertical: 1,082m (3,550ft)
- Average snowfall: 9m (30ft)
Fernie is one of the most well known ski resorts in British Columbia, and for good reason.
Fernie offers terrain for all ability levels, however more advanced riders will thrive with the opportunity for tree skiing, open glades, steep chutes, free riding terrain, side country, and backcountry.
When I visited Fernie, conditions were absolutely white out. The resort was getting a fresh dump of pow which meant the alpine bowls were primed and ready for shreddin’. My favourite bowls were Lizzard and Cedar. These bowls in particular are steep, deep, and wide open so there’s tons of room to ride.
Fernie is a powder hound’s dream.
Highlights:
- Largest alpine bowl skiing in the Canadian Rockies. There are 5 alpine bowls, to be exact.
- Lots of tree skiing
- Cat skiing
Helpful Information:
- Where to stay: The Raging Elk (budget), Timberline (ski-in/ski-out), Fernie Fox Hotel (mid-range).
- Click here for all accommodations in Fernie.
- Official site
- Trail map
3. Big White (Biggie)
Quick Facts:
- Location: 1 hour from Kelowna, British Columbia (BC), Canada
- # of named runs: 119
- # of lifts: 16
- Skiable area: 7,355 acres (3,052 hectares)
- Top Elevation: 2,319m (7,606ft)
- Vertical: 777 m (2,550 ft)
- Average snowfall: 7.5m (24.5ft)
Big White (AKA “Biggie,” or “Big White Out” due to frequent white out conditions) is the ultimate on-mountain resort which is why it ranks #3 on the list of best ski resorts in British Columbia (BC), Canada. Big White is legitimately its own (massive) town up on the mountain and has a great aprés scene.
One of the most famous things about Big White are the “snow ghosts” which are the snow blasted trees that resemble those in Finland.
Big White isn’t necessarily “the” resort for advanced riders, however the mix of party life, village atmosphere, and diverse terrain makes it a win-win for everyone. Here you can find cruisey groomers, steep alpine bowls, plenty of tree runs, and a sick terrain park.
Ski resorts in BC, Canada
Highlights:
- Big White offers plenty of activities outside of skiing and snowboarding
- Big White has a massive terrain park full of unique features ranging from S to XL
Helpful Information:
- Where to stay: Samesun Kelowna (hostel), Mountain Peaks (ski-in/ski-out), The Howling Wolf (luxury).
- Click here for all accommodations at Big White OR click here for all accommodations in Kelowna.
- Official Site
- Trail map
2. Revelstoke Mountain Resort (Revy)
Quick Facts:
- Location: Revelstoke, British Columbia (BC), Canada
- # of named runs: 75
- # of lifts: 1 gondola, 5 lifts
- Skiable area: 3,121 acres (1,263 hectares)
- Top Elevation: 2,225m (7,300ft)
- Vertical: 1,713m (5,620ft)
- Average snowfall: 13.7m (45ft)
Revelstoke is IT! I absolutely loved Revelstoke when I visited. The pow is deep, the runs are steep, and crowds are minimal. Revelstoke is definitely a resort for more advanced skiers though, so if you’re new to the sport you may want to consider going elsewhere for your winter getaway.
Revelstoke has wicked tree runs off the Ripper chair; this is actually where a lot of professional riders film their promo shots. The 3 alpine bowls are insanely steep, have cliff drops, and powder so deep you might actually drown. Pack your fat skis!
One thing I can tell you from experience – your legs will be SCREAMING after riding Revy’s deep pow for a day.
*Revelstoke often experiences inversions. This means you’ll have variable visibility ranges depending on where you’re at on the mountain. Many days the higher sections of the mountain will be foggy with low visibility, whereas the lower areas on the mountain will be completely clear.
Highlights:
- The resort offers cat skiing and heli-skiing
- Revy is home to deep, deep powder
Helpful Information:
- Where to stay: Motel 6 (budget), Sutton Place (ski-in/ski-out), The Cube (mid-range), Revelstoke House (luxury).
- Click here to find all accommodations in Revelstoke.
- Official site
- Trail map
1. Whistler Blackcomb
Quick Facts:
- Location: Whistler, British Columbia (BC), Canada
- # of named runs: 200+
- # of lifts: 32
- Skiable area: 4,757 acres (1,925 hectares)
- Top Elevation: 2,182m (7,160ft)
- Vertical: 1,530m (5,020ft)
- Average snowfall: 11.8m (38.9ft)
Alright folks, Whistler Blackcomb is by far the best ski resort in British Columbia (BC), Canada. The resort is absolutely massive; it’s the biggest ski area in the world outside of Europe. It honestly doesn’t even compete in the same league as other Canadian ski resorts.
Whistler Blackcomb is comprised of 2 mountains connected by the famous Peak 2 Peak gondola; you’ll want to ski here for a minimum of 2 days to experience both mountains. The lift system is high tech and efficient, there’s mountain top dining all over the resort, and so much terrain you’ll never run out of slopes to explore. My favourite thing about Whistler is actually the ice cave (glacier) located on the resort. Here are directions for how you can ski there.
A little bit about Whistler’s terrain: Whistler Blackcomb offers everything. Park rats, newbies, and experts will all find terrain they love here. Whistler has easy/long groomers, steep backcountry style bowls, professional level parks, technical tree runs. You name it, Whistler has it.
The only downfalls to Whistler are the massive crowds and the (sometimes) wet snow which makes the slopes icy. Some people actually call Whister “piss-ler” because of this hahaha.
Highlights:
- Peak 2 Peak gondola – you can ride this gondola even if you aren’t skiing. The views are incredible.
- There’s an ice cave you can ski to
- The town of Whistler is epic and offers the best aprés atmosphere of all ski resorts in Canada
- Massive terrain parks
- Backcountry skiing opportunities
- Whistler offers a variety of activities besides skiing and snowboarding
Helpful Information:
- Where to stay: Fairmont Chateau Whistler (luxury, ski-in/ski-out) The Marquise (mid-range), Pangea Pod (budget), HI Whistler (hostel).
- Click here for all accommodations in Whistler.
- Official site
- Trail map
Ski resorts in BC, Canada
Honourable Mentions: Best Ski Resorts in British Columbia (BECAUSE), Canada
A few honourable mentions that didn’t quite make the top 10 list of best ski resorts in British Columbia (BC), Canada are:
- Apex Mountain Resort – located in Penticton, British Columbia (BC). Although considerably smaller than its neighbours – Big White/SilverStar/Sun Peaks – Apex is considered a powder hound destination.
- Whitewater Ski Resort – located 25 minutes from Nelson, British Columbia (BC). Whitewater is a nirvana for powder! The resort receives a whopping 12m of snow annually and has minimal crowds which means you’ll be able to find fresh tracks all day long. Besides powder though, the resort is quite limited in terms of amenities and facilities.
- Mount Washington Alpine Resort – located on Vancouver Island. There honestly isn’t anything too special about Mount Washington, however it’s located on Vancouver Island which makes it unique.
- Cypress Mountain – spans 3 mountains and is Vancouver’s biggest ski resort.
- Grouse Mountain – located in Vancouver, British Columbia (BC). Grouse Mountain is most known for night skiing and offers incredible views of Vancouver,
Best Ski Resorts in Alberta
The following are my top 3 picks for ski resorts in Alberta, however I’ve compiled a complete list of the best ski resorts in Alberta here.
For more information on ski resorts in Alberta, check out the following:
- Best ski resorts in Alberta
- A Local’s Guide to Skiing Sunshine Village in Banff
- Best Ski Resort in Banff
- What it’s Like Working at Sunshine Village in Banff
Sunshine Village
Quick Facts:
- Location: Banff, Alberta, Canada
- # of named runs: 120
- # of lifts: 12
- Skiable area: 3,358 acres (1,359 hectares)
- Top Elevation: 2,730m (8,954ft)
- Vertical: 1,070m (3,514ft)
- Average snowfall: 9m (29.6ft)
Sunshine Village was my home mountain when I lived in Banff. Maybe I’m biased, but I 100% think this is the best ski resort in Alberta. Sunshine is located high up in the Canada’s Rockies which means it gets a pretty gnarly amount of powder throughout the season.
The massive resort has diverse terrain for all ability levels and incredible views (my favourite part). One of the coolest things at Sunshine are the opportunities to ski out of bounds and in world renown free ride zones; Delirium Dive and Wild West.
The vibe at Sunshine is so positive and it’s just 20 minutes away from the bustlin’ little mountain town of Banff. If you’re planning on skiing in Alberta, add Sunshine Village to your bucket list! Here’s my local’s guide to skiing Sunshine Village to give you a better idea of what skiing at Sunshine Village is like.
Highlights
- Massive and diverse terrain
- Backcountry style skiing on resort
- Amenities, restaurants, and services up in the village (by the way, Sunshine has its own village – not at the base of the mountain)
- Free shuttle to and from the town of Banff
- Multiple terrain parks
ski resorts in British Columbia, Canada
Helpful Information
- Where to stay: HI Banff & Samesun Banff (hostels), Sunshine Mountain Lodge (ski-in/ski-out), Fairmont Banff Springs (luxury), High Country Inn (budget hotel), Banff Caribou (mid-range).
- Click here to find all accommodations in Banff.
- Official site
- Trail map
Lake Louise
Quick Facts:
- Location: Banff, Alberta, Canada
- # of named runs: 164
- # of lifts: 11
- Skiable area: 4,200 acres (1,700 hectares)
- Top Elevation: 2,637m (8,650ft)
- Vertical: 991m (3250ft)
- Average snowfall: 4.29m (14ft)
Lake Louise is another massive and world renown ski resort in the Canadian Rockies that features all types of terrain.
I’m gonna start talking about views again, but I think Lake Louise’s inspiring vistas might even beat the incredible views at Sunshine! The resort is truly beautiful and features some great mountain-top patios where you can take it all in and really appreciate the beauty the Canadian Rockies have to offer.
Lake Louise has high speed lifts and long fall line runs. The front-side of the mountain features more chill runs, whereas the backside has steep bowls and chutes that are great for experts.
Highlights
- Biggest ski resort in Alberta
- Steep chutes
- Big park features
- Freakin’ beautiful views
- Free shuttle to and from the town of Banff.
Helpful Information
- Where to stay: HI Lake Louise (hostel), Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise (luxury), Lake Louise Inn (mid-range).
- Click here for all accommodations in Lake Louise OR click here for all accommodations in Banff.
- Official site
- Trail map
3. Marmot Basin
Quick Facts:
- Location: Jasper National Park, Alberta
- # of named runs: 91
- # of lifts: 7
- Skiable area: 1,720 acres (696 hectares)
- Top Elevation: 2,612m (8,570ft)
- Vertical: 914m (3000ft)
- Average snowfall: 4.4m (14.5ft)
Marmot Basin is the northern neighbour to the Banff ski resorts. This resort totally took me by surprise and ended up being a sweet place to ride!
Marmot has tons of expert terrain and tree runs that’ll fuel any adventurer’s passion for riding; the double blacks over at Eagle East were my favourite. Aside from expert terrain, Marmot offers plenty of groomers that are suitable for new and intermediate riders. Plus, there are multiple terrain parks.
I hit the jackpot the day I skied at Marmot – it was a massive powder day. The snow conditions were unreal, however it was an absolute whiteout which made navigating a new resort’s expert terrain a littleeee unnerving.
The only thing I wasn’t a fan of at Marmot was that a lot of the good drop in spots required a bit of hiking. You won’t catch me DEAD hiking around in ski boots. On a positive note though, this means you can chase fresh tracks all day long.
More: Best things to do in Jasper
Highlights
- Incredible expert terrain
- Lots of tree runs
- Multiple terrain parks
Helpful Information
- Where to stay: Jasper Downtown Hostel & HI Jasper (hostels), Athabasca hotel (budget), The Crimson (mid-range), Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge (luxury)
- View all accommodations in Jasper
- Official site
- Trail map
Explore My Skiing Adventures
Here are a few of my latest skiing guides and adventures, but you can find more
- 6 Best Ski Resorts in Alberta, Canada
- 10 Best Ski Resorts in British Columbia (BC), Canada
- Which Banff Ski Resort & Ski Pass is Best? A Full Review of SkiBig3
Happy adventuring!
Taylor ♡
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About The Author
HI, I’m Taylor – the voice behind The Holistic Backpacker.
After moving to Banff National Park in 2020 I became an outdoor adventure enthusiast and vowed to never stop exploring.
I now spend my days travelling the world, climbing mountains, and spending nights under the stars in the Canadian Rockies backcountry.
I created The Holistic Backpacker so I could share my adventures and help connect people like you with the same amazing experiences.