With usually plentiful snowfall and generally quiet slopes, Canada offers huge attractions for skiers and snowboarders coming from the UK. Piste grooming is great, and anyone going off-piste within the boundaries of the ski area can do so without a guide, although the services o a local professional is strongly advised for finding the best pitches as well as general orientation during a one or two week trip.
This is because, unlike in Europe, all this designated terrain, however steep or challenging, is avalanche controlled and patrolled. Nonetheless, it’s important at all times to remain aware of snow and weather conditions that may affect personal safety.
Canada is also home to some of the best heli-skiing and cat-skiing in the world, usually outside the ski area boundary. Cat-skiing, largely unknown in Europe, involves being taken up the mountain in a snowcat (like a piste basher with a passenger cabin) thereby reaching terrain otherwise only accessible by helicopter. It has two distinct advantages over the airborne version – it’s kinder on the wallet and there’s a welcome long rest between runs as the snowcat trundles back up the hill from the bottom of the run.
Unfavourable exchange rates combined with long-haul airfares inevitably make ski holidays to North America more expensive than in Europe. However, Britons get more for their money in Canadian resorts than in America. Costs in, say, the big-name resorts of Banff and Whistler in Canada are generally lower than in equally well-known Breckenridge and Vail in the USA. Visitors flying to Canada (or connecting through a Canadian airport) need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). It costs C$7 via an online application form at canada.ca/eta and lasts for the duration of your trip.
If you're eager to escape the familiarity of the Alps and discover the enduring appeal of Canada's slopes here are the top resorts to guarantee the best time.
Until 2008, Revelstoke attracted only a contrasting clientele of wealthy international heli-skiers and a scattering of locals, who frequented slopes served by one short lift. But then a world-class gondola and two fast chairlifts transformed it into a 1,214 hectares (3,000 acre) resort with the biggest vertical in North America (1,713m).
Revelstoke attracts huge amounts of powder snow – around 12m a year on average – and much of the terrain is steep and ungroomed. There are wonderful glades of trees and a big open bowl accessed through a cliff band – it’s essential to know the best ways in. The ski school offers half- and full-day private guiding – a must for any keen skier or snowboarder. The Steller quad chairlift accesses some beginner and intermediate terrain, giving the resort a family appeal that it previously lacked before.
The resort also has its own snowcat and heliskiing operations for accessing untracked snow. For committed powder hounds, the great beauty of Revelstoke is that there’s no need to book a full heli package and risk expensive ‘down days’ when weather conditions prevent helicopters flying. Instead, the decision on whether to heliski, snowcat ski or simply ride the gondola to explore the ample terrain can be made each morning after looking out of the window.
Revelstoke has a small resort village at the foot of the slopes, with a hotel, separate restaurant, bar and coffee shop. There’s also a choice of hotels in unpretentious Revelstoke town, a five-minute drive away, served by a daytime bus service and with a fair choice of restaurants and bars.
Where to stay
British-owned Chalet Bighorn at the resort village has eight extremely large bedroom suites and consistently wins awards as the top luxury chalet in North America – the quality of service and cuisine is extraordinary. There is a spa with pool, gym, sauna and massage rooms, cinema, outdoor hot tub and private helipad. From C$92,000, excluding travel, with Ski In Luxury. A less exotic alternative is to stay in the historic old town at the Sandman Hotel, from C$1,507, excluding, booked direct.
Alternatives
Whistler gets an average of almost 12m of snow a year and has high bowls and chutes that are usually powder filled. Big White is ideal for first powder turns, with regular snowfalls and lots of easy intermediate slopes.
Fernie has long held cult status among locals in the western Canadian provinces of Alberta and British Columbia because of its abundant snowfall (up to 11m some seasons and 9m on average) and the adventurous nature of its terrain. Slopes are steep, many of them ungroomed and largely in the shelter of trees. All this makes it a superb mountain for experts, as long as you know where you’re going.
If you're looking to make the most of Fernie's expansive ski terrain, it's highly recommended to enlist the help of a knowledgeable local at the start of your trip. One way to do this is by signing up for Fernie's two-day Steep and Deep Camps, held monthly, which provide invaluable guidance and insider tips. Alternatively, you can opt for a shared mountain guide session through the ski school, specifically requesting to explore ungroomed terrains.
In addition to the resort, there are fantastic snowcat operations nearby, such as Island Lake Catskiing and Fernie Wilderness Adventures, offering thrilling backcountry experiences. While Fernie's resort village may be compact and limited in terms of dining and drinking options, the town of Fernie, just a short distance away, boasts a vibrant selection of bars and restaurants for visitors to enjoy.
Accommodation Considerations
Nestled at the foot of the snowy mountains, Lizard Creek Lodge provides an inviting ski-in/ski-out accommodation option with added luxuries of a toasty outdoor pool and hot tub. Packages, inclusive of airfare and car rental, start from £1,965, courtesy of Ski Solutions.
Other Options
For true thrill-seekers, Revelstoke and Kicking Horse offer fantastic steep slopes. Exceeding every other North American resort in steep terrains, Whistler stands matchless.
With Canada being far off to learn skiing or snowboarding, committing to the cross-Atlantic travel can be considered worthwhile when your destination is Sun Peaks. The welcoming small village vibe, heightened by aesthetic low-rise pastel buildings invoking a hint of Tirolean charm and a pedestrian-only central street, can be captivating.
In addition, unbeatable convenience is ensured by the majority of accommodations offering ski-in/ski-out opportunities. The resort itself is centered around three majestic peaks; Mount Morrisey, Sundance, and the grandest of them all, Mount Tod. Together they offer a whopping 138 trails sprawling over 1,728 hectares (4,270 acres), neck and neck with Lake Louise. Whistler still manages to surpass all with an even larger terrain.
For an interesting fact, be reminded that Canada has more than 200 distinct ethnic origins reported by its citizens.
And, did you know? Quebec's Mont Tremblant has been named among the best ski resorts in Eastern North America for over 20 consecutive years.
Nestled at the base of Sundance mountain, the Village Platter lift caters to the main beginner area. Not far from the central village and lifts, ample green runs including the 5 Mile run situated on Mount Tod, beckon those looking to improve their skills. With an impressive 800m vertical drop, it's definitely an experience not to be missed. Additionally, blue slopes and groomed tree runs offer an ideal space for intermediate skiers, whilst thrill-seekers can partake in steep black runs.
A place to rest
Offering direct access to the slopes and just a stone's throw away from the ski lifts, the three-star Coast Sundance Lodge is the perfect accommodation for ski enthusiasts. You can also unwind in the hot tub, with a picturesque surrounding landscape. Rates start from £1,700 when booked with Ski Safari.
Other options
Another option for those yearning for a carless adventure is the compact Silver Star resort. The village is conveniently located near the beginner area, making it easy for all levels to improve their skills. Fernie, a mountain popular amongst experts, also offers a quality beginners slope and serene runs for a peaceful ski practice session. In fact, Fernie is also renowned for having a record annual snowfall of up to 37 feet.
North American resorts aren’t particularly known for their ski-to-the-door convenience, but some have been purpose-built for easy access to the slopes. Of these, among the most convenient is Big White – virtually all the hotels and apartments in this modern resort are ski-in/ski-out, with the main lifts starting below village level. Even the main street through the centre of the resort is a designated ski run and can be traversed to get back to accommodation.
The 1,119 hectares (2,765 acres) of patrolled terrain suits intermediates best, and an abundance of snow combined with lots of trees for shelter means it’s a great place to learn to ski powder. The fast four-person Powder Chair makes it easy to access gladed tree runs for all levels on the upper mountain.
Nestled at the base of the village lies a spot referred to as Happy Valley. Famous for its variety of winter activities like ice skating in the loftiest uncovered rink in Canada, snowmobiling, tubing, ice climbing and snowshoeing, it's an adventurer's paradise. The region is known not only for its activities but also for its easy access by a late-night running gondola. While the village isn't brimming with après bars and shops, it boasts of an appealing selection of eateries.
Accommodation options
Considered for its ideal location, White Crystal Inn offers a unique ski-in/ski-out experience and is situated adjacent to the Gondola and Bullet Express chairs. Guests can choose from a variety of rooms, varying from standard to loft with plenty of space. The property also houses The BullWheel Gastro Family Pub for an on-site dining experience. From £1,499 you can make your bookings with Frontier Ski.
Other options
If you're seeking more options, Panorama is a purpose-built resort with an array of lodgings situated right next to the lift base and those slightly lower, connected by a minor gondola. Silver Star elevates the lodging experience with accommodations located mid-hill, giving one the opportunity to kick start the day with a leisure run instead of a lift ride.
The two interconnected peaks of Whistler's – Whistler and Blackcomb – together constitute the largest ski terrain in North America, encompassing an impressive 1,925 hectares (4,757 acres) and offering 200 distinct trails. It's no wonder that it often tops the list for those journeying from across the Atlantic, especially intermediates who enjoy covering vast distances without duplicating the same runs.
Whistler's is also an excellent choice for novices in ski. Not only does it offer plenty of extensive green runs accessible directly from the top, but it also allows beginners to steadily progress from the introductory slopes. The Whistler peak boasts a specially designated learning zone equipped with covered magic carpet lifts. Supplementing this is an array of snowmaking facilities and a selection of green runs designed to instill confidence in those new to the sport.
For avid skiers seeking a thrilling experience, Canada's ski resorts offer an array of exhilarating opportunities. Nestled amidst majestic mountains, these resorts showcase numerous high open bowls with endless possibilities for expert skiers. Additionally, the Pacific's regular powder dumps create ideal conditions for those seeking an adrenaline rush.
While the weather can be unpredictable, with occasional rain in town, this often translates to heavy snowfall in higher altitudes. As locals wisely advise, one only needs to wait a brief five minutes for a favorable change in weather.
Owned by Vail Resorts since 2016, Whistler continues to impress with its consistent upgrades. The recent renovations to the Creekside gondola and the Big Red Express have substantially increased the resort's uphill capacity by up to 35%. Visitors to Whistler will discover a bustling purpose-built village, adorned with numerous bars, restaurants, and a variety of shops. The après scene comes to life in the afternoon, offering a vibrant atmosphere for relaxation and socializing after a thrilling day on the slopes.
Moreover, non-skiers can also enjoy a plethora of activities, such as zip-lining, tubing, snowmobiling, and even eagle-watching trips. These diversions ensure that everyone in the group can fully immerse themselves in the captivating winter wonderland that Whistler has to offer.
Where to stay
Crystal Lodge & Suites is set in the heart of Whistler Village. It’s close to the restaurants and shops and a two-minute walk from the lifts. There’s a heated outdoor pool, hot tub and rock sauna. From £1,204, with Inghams.
Find more of the best accommodation in Whistler here.
Alternatives
While nowhere else is quite in the same league as Whistler, Panorama has excellent terrain for beginners, experts and adventurous intermediates. However, it’s a bit limited for wobbly second-weekers and less proficient skiers. In Lake Louise, all three sectors have plenty to amuse intermediates and experts alike, though deep powder is not a certainty. For beginners, there are good nursery slopes by the base lodge.
Banff does not necessarily have lower in-resort prices than its rivals, but it does offer one key advantage over other Canadian resorts – tour operators offer great-value package holidays here. The town sits at the gateway to a fabulously scenic drive through mountainous national parks that attract huge numbers of summer tourists. Accommodation created to meet this demand is relatively cheap during the less busy winter season.
Banff, a lively tourist town in Canada, offers a plethora of options to indulge in the local culture with over 100 bars, restaurants, and numerous souvenir shops. Furthermore, visitors can conveniently access three ski areas through a complimentary bus service provided with their lift pass. The closest ski area, Norquay, while small with just 77 hectares of terrain, boasts an excellent nursery area, making it ideal for beginners looking to develop their skills.
For those seeking a larger ski resort, Sunshine Village, a mere 20-minute drive from Banff, covers an expansive area of 1359 hectares. Renowned for its steep slopes and abundant snowfall, Sunshine Village offers a thrilling experience. Notably, Lookout Mountain features a comfortable, heated fast quad chairlift, granting access to exhilarating double black diamond runs. Another popular option, Lake Louise, is just a 45-minute drive away from Banff and is Canada's largest ski area, spanning over 1700 hectares. With its vast terrain, Lake Louise ski resort caters well to intermediate and expert skiers alike.
Where to stay
Four-star Buffalo Mountain Lodge is in the town centre and affordably priced. Rooms are log cabin style and have balconies or patios, and wood-burning stone fireplaces. From £1,402, with Skiworld.
Find more of the best accommodation in Banff here.
Alternatives
Jasper, which serves the nearby Marmot Basin ski area, is a big summer destination like Banff, so it also has plenty of competitively priced lodgings in winter along with a useful ski area with 696 hectares of terrain. Kimberley is a small resort with ski-in ski-out lodgings offering some keenly priced packages.
The core of this cute village was built in the 1980s to resemble a 19th-century mining village. Silver Star is based around a tiny traffic-free square lined with brightly painted Victorian-era style buildings, wooden sidewalks and faux gaslights. One side of the village opens right onto the slopes. Individual houses built in the same style and colours are dotted around the slopes above. Nearby, there’s a natural ice rink on a lake and a tubing hill. Nearly all accommodation is either ski-in/ski-out or less than 30 seconds walk to the snow.
The 1,328 hectares (3,282-acres) of slopes suit all standards, with a mixture of easy green runs, intermediate cruising on well-groomed trails plus a dense network of single- and double-black diamond runs plunging through the trees, many of them top-to-bottom mogul fields. There are also challenging gladed-tree runs in both the Putnam Creek and Silver Woods sector. For those wanting to head straight to the top, a fast gondola links the village to the resort high point at Summit, 1,915m.
More useful advice for skiing in Canada
The ski school has an excellent reputation. There’s also plenty to do off the slopes, and Silver Star’s all-inclusive My1Pass lift pass includes tubing, skating and access to cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and winter mountain bike trails, as well as access to the slopes.
Where to stay
The ski-in/ski-out Firelight Lodge is in the heart of Silver Star’s village, skating pond and tubing hill as well as the Silver Queen lift. From £1,461, with Ski Independence.
Alternatives
Tremblant has a charming village, purpose-built in the style of old Quebec, with narrow cobbled streets at the foot of a small area of varied slopes. Sun Peaks is a small purpose-built resort with a main traffic-free street of pastel-coloured buildings. The ski area is the second biggest in Canada.
The largely car-free resort village in Panorama is on two levels, linked by a free gondola. The upper village is traffic free and has lots of accommodation with direct access onto the snow. This is based around a skating rink and outdoor hot pool complex, with swimming pools, water slides, hot tubs and a sauna. All are free to use if staying at one of the six residences collectively known as the Upper Village Condos.
There is a good range of child-care options available. The Wee Wascals centre looks after children aged from 18 months to five years, while a combination of child-care and ski school is available for three-year-olds upwards. Daily activity programmes are offered, and there’s a list of babysitters for out-of-hours care.
Panorama mountain has 1,203 hectares (2,975 acres) of terrain and a 1,300m vertical, one of the biggest in North America, and there are slopes to suit beginners, adventurous intermediates and experts. A dedicated Discovery Zone near the bottom of the mountain, with easy-to use lifts and gentle green runs, is ideal for beginners and young families, while the wide, groomed trails and mellow off piste of the mid-mountain suit intermediates.
For experts, there are two black-run powder bowls accessible from the resort high point of 2365m. RK Heliski is based in the village, with a big lodge and heli-pad; it specialises in taking out first-timers and provides super fat skis or snowboards to make powder easier.
Where to stay
Upper Village Condos are no-frills apartments located in the village centre, a short walk from the ski lifts. The Panorama hot pools are free to use and just a short walk away. From £1,588, plus a buy one lift pass, get one half price offer, with Crystal Ski.
Alternatives
Sun Peaks is a small purpose-built village with one main, traffic-free street and comprehensive child-care facilities through the Sundance Kids Centre and the ski school’s Sun Tots and Sun Kids programmes. Big White has lots of convenient ski-in/ski-out accommodation, Tot Town Daycare in the main square, and kids ski school programmes.
Lake Louise is spectacularly set in Banff National Park, with great views from the ski area of peaks and glaciers including Canada’s Matterhorn lookalike, Mount Assiniboine. The view from the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise hotel of the Victoria Glacier, above the frozen Lake Louise itself, is simply stunning.
The 1,700 hectares (4,200 acres) Lake Louise ski area offers runs to suit all standards, including lots of ideal intermediate terrain. There is no accommodation at the ski area, but it’s only a couple of miles drive or bus ride away from tiny Lake Louise village. This a charming, relaxed place to spend a week, with a few scattered hotels, restaurants and bars.
The presence of the hotel in a remote and scenic corner of the Banff National Park is thanks to a feat of Victorian engineering. The general manager of the Canadian Pacific Railway was inspired to build a place for train passengers to rest in comfort while drinking in one of the most dramatic glacial vistas of the Rockies. A simple chalet was built in 1890, and the first Chateau Lake Louise in 1911. Skiing became a popular pastime here in the 1920s, although the first lift was only constructed in 1954.
For variety or a night out, the town of Banff is a scenic 45-minute drive away. It has two ski areas worth exploring – Sunshine Village and Mount Norquay – as well as lots of bars and restaurants.
Where to stay
For the most spectacular views imaginable, book a room overlooking the lake at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. This beautifully proportioned luxury hotel, in its iconic position on the edge of the water, offers extras such as a private concierge service. From £1,299, with SNO.
Exciting and off-the-beaten-path ski resorts await those looking for a unique winter adventure in Canada.
Whistler, a popular destination among adrenaline junkies, offers breathtaking views from atop glaciers and open bowls. The Peak 2 Peak gondola, the world's longest and highest of its kind, connects Whistler and Blackcomb peaks, providing visitors with unforgettable glimpses of Fitzsimmon Creek.
If you're looking for a resort that's off the radar for British skiers, Red is a hidden gem. Known for its challenging terrain, the original Granite mountain attracts expert skiers seeking the thrill of steep runs and tree-lined routes. However, the smaller Grey mountain provides a more accessible experience, with primarily intermediate-level terrain spanning 1,000 acres of skiable area.
Red goes above and beyond for experts with a patrolled ski area on Mount Kirkup, accessible via snowcat. This unique backcountry setup within the resort adds an additional level of adventure. Moreover, cat-skiing areas nearby offer even more excitement for thrill-seekers.
Red's four chairlifts are not noted for speedy ascents. Although the ski trails are well-documented in the piste map, they are not as apparent on the mountain itself, making the services of a local guide quite beneficial. A significant number of retired individuals from the local community enthusiastically offer their expert guidance to visitors in exchange for complimentary lift passes. It's an interesting fact that Red has produced more members of the Canadian ski team over the years than any other location in Canada.
Even though accommodation is amply available at the base of the mountain, the quaint former mining town of Rossland, positioned just 4km away, showcases additional lodging options. There are shuttle-buses that run between Rossland and Red Mountain, at no cost to the passengers. The town is known for its relaxed, inviting vibe, and houses some fantastic restaurants serving local delicacies.
Where to sleep
The eccentric and trendy Josie hotel, located next to the Silverlode chairlift, holds the distinction of being the solitary ski-in/ski-out option available at Red Mountain, and it also ranks among the top boutique skiing accommodations in Canada. It offers guests access to 106 rooms and suites, as well as a luxurious penthouse. The view of the slopes from the outdoor pool is breathtaking, and it also features a spa and a bar. Reservations starting from £1,800 include a six-day lift pass but exclude travel costs. You can book your stay through Mabey Ski.
Options for more adventurous skiers
For those seeking a less groomed experience, Whitewater is roughly 90 minutes away from Red and is equally famous for its steep, natural terrains. Kicking Horse, originally a heliskiing terrain, was turned into a ski resort after the installation of a new gondola. There now lies a small yet delightful village at its base.