The 6 Most Stunning Ski Resorts in Canada You Should Explore

Ski enthusiasts from across the globe venture to the Great White North to experience its legendary snow sports and breathtaking mountain vistas.

With nearly 300 ski resorts across Canada, choosing the perfect one for your adventure requires some digging into its scenic mountain ranges. We've done the research for you, highlighting six top ski resorts in Canada along with suggestions for local hotels that offer stunning views of the country's natural beauty—plus essential tips to enhance your trip.

1. Whistler Blackcomb

Whistler, British Columbia

• Ideal for: Diverse terrain and varying difficulty levels
• Day pass pricing: Adults from $129, children from $65; whistlerblackcomb.com

Located just 1.5 hours north of Vancouver, Whistler is not only celebrated as Canada’s top ski destination but also stands as the largest ski resort in North America. The slopes feature an astonishing variety of terrain and trail types, while Whistler Village is alive with exquisite dining, a vibrant bar scene (be sure to visit Longhorn Saloon for lively après ski), art, and a welcoming atmosphere. It served as the backdrop for several downhill events during the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics, which speaks to its prestige.

The Whistler Blackcomb Resort includes two connected mountains: Whistler Mountain and Blackcomb Mountain. Spanning an impressive 8,171 acres of skiable area, the resort is lined with over 200 trails and features a vertical drop of 5,280 feet. It offers runs suitable for every skier and snowboarder, from beginners to the most experienced. Regardless of your skill level, don’t miss a few hours at Scandinave Spa: a serene Scandinavian-style wellness retreat with various baths, saunas, yoga rooms, solariums, and more.

Accommodation options

The region is filled with choices. Four Seasons Whistler offers 273 rooms that provide a luxuriously comfortable experience without being overly extravagant. The property, renovated in 2019, showcases a cozy yet elegant design with abundant wood and artwork, complemented by an exceptional steakhouse, Sidecut.

For a more homey experience, especially suitable for families, consider Pan Pacific Whistler Mountainside. With 121 rooms designed like apartments, you'll enjoy fully equipped kitchens, spacious layouts, and a cozy fireplace to warm up after a day on the slopes.

2. Banff Sunshine Village

Banff, Alberta

• Best for: Breathtaking views and a variety of slopes
• Price for a day pass: Rates will be available once the resort opens for the season (typically early to mid-November); skibanff.com

Few places on earth are as iconic as Banff. Just a 90-minute drive from Calgary, it attracts outdoor enthusiasts all year round, transforming into a snowy paradise during winter. While there are many skiing options in the area, Banff Sunshine Village stands out as the favorite.

Banff Sunshine Village boasts a vast 3,358-acre skiing area, catering to both beginners and experienced skiers looking for adventurous backcountry trails. However, skiing is only part of the allure; the stunning views of the Canadian Rockies make this a must-visit destination on the Continental Divide. Over the past two decades, Sunshine has made significant strides in enhancing its sustainability practices, introducing energy-efficient technologies in its facilities that have reduced water consumption per skier visit by 29 percent.

Where to stay

Banff Sunshine Village features its own on-site lodging, the 84-room Sunshine Mountain Lodge. However, many visitors prefer to explore the charming town of Banff. For those seeking accommodation closer to the vibrant atmosphere, consider the 333-room Rimrock Resort Hotel for a tranquil, luxurious experience, or the 739-room Fairmont Banff Springs for a lively yet opulent stay.

3. Marmot Basin

Jasper, Alberta

• Best for: Stunning landscapes
• Price for a day pass: Adults starting at $139, youths starting at $112, children starting at $49; skimarmot.com

Note: Jasper National Park is currently closed due to wildfires.

Marmot Basin spans 1,675 acres with 86 runs, making it one of the smaller ski resorts on this list. However, it compensates for its size with stunning beauty. With a vertical drop of 3,000 feet, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of Eagle Ridge from the Knob chairs. The ski area features both treeline and above-treeline terrain, offering a diverse selection of alpine bowls, groomed trails, glades, and cliff features.

Due to its secluded location, Jasper experiences fewer crowds, contributing to the charm of its quaint town. The three-hour drive between Banff and Jasper boasts some of the world's most spectacular scenery, showcasing breathtaking lakes, icefields, and natural wonders.

Where to stay

The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge reopened to guests in October 2024 after wildfires affected Jasper and its surroundings. This luxurious accommodation is just 20 minutes from Marmot Basin, with daily shuttle services available.

4. Revelstoke Mountain Resort

Revelstoke, British Columbia

• Best for: Experienced skiers, heli-skiing, and fewer crowds
• Price for a day pass: Adults start at $179, seniors and youths at $138, children at $68; revelstokemountainresort.com

Located two hours west of Banff or eight hours northeast of Vancouver, Revelstoke Mountain Resort offers an exhilarating experience tailored for advanced skiers. While it’s not ideal for beginners or families, adventure seekers craving heli-skiing and challenging runs will find plenty of excitement here.

Revelstoke, often referred to as “Revy,” is vast, spanning 3,121 acres with only 75 trails, highlighting the thrilling nature of its skiing. It boasts the longest vertical drop in North America at 5,620 feet, primarily below the treeline, featuring a mix of gentle groomed runs, glades, moguls, and alpine bowls. Known for its impressive snowfall, it can receive up to 60 feet of powder each season.

Where to stay

With no on-site lodging, you’ll need to find accommodations nearby. Two notable options are Heather Mountain Lodge, offering 24 rooms high in the mountains where you can embark on heli-skiing adventures, and Basecamp Resorts Revelstoke, which features 32 spacious suites ideal for families, complete with full kitchens, balconies, and beautiful riverside views.

5. Mont Tremblant

Mont-Tremblant, Quebec

• Best for: European ski atmosphere, expert skiers
• Price for a day pass: Adults starting at $142, youths at $107, children at $81; tremblant.ca

Located about a 1.5-hour drive northwest of Montreal, Mont Tremblant is a ski resort nestled in the Laurentian Mountains. It features 755 acres of skiable terrain and 102 trails, with around 80 classified as “difficult” or “very difficult and extreme.” If you prefer a less intense experience, the area also offers great activities like snowshoeing and fat-tire biking.

The resort is also great for families. For those with young kids ready to learn, there are ski and snowboard lessons available, along with a full lineup of activities like ice fishing, sleigh rides, and snow tubing to keep everyone entertained. Don't forget to explore its charming European-style pedestrian village too.

Where to stay

Hotel Quintessence is a luxurious boutique ski hotel featuring 30 suites located on the shores of Lake Tremblant. Awarded a Michelin Key in 2024, it offers a serene escape with cozy amenities like wood-burning fireplaces and deep soaking tubs. Each suite spans 700 square feet, providing ample space for relaxation.

6. Kicking Horse

Golden, British Columbia

• Best for: Escaping the crowds, extreme terrain
• Price for a day pass: Adults starting at $70, youths starting at $49, children starting at $23; tickets.kickinghorseresort.com

The lesser-known Kicking Horse, nestled in the Kootenay Rockies of British Columbia, boasts over 3,400 acres of exhilarating terrain, featuring excellent chute skiing. Unlike more popular resorts like Whistler, Kicking Horse offers a crowd-free experience and is celebrated as the “Champagne Powder Capital of Canada,” enticing visitors to tackle its 120 runs.

Be sure to check out the town of Golden, just a 15-minute drive from the resort, where you can enjoy shopping, dining, and lodging options, including vegetarian and vegan Mexican dishes at Reposados Tacos and craft beers with Belgian and West Coast influences from Whitetooth Brewing Co.

Accommodations

Palliser Lodge offers ski-in and ski-out access along with one- and two-bedroom suite options. To potentially catch stunning views of the northern lights during the solar maximum, choose a suite featuring a private balcony.

This article was first published in 2022 and was updated on October 15, 2024, to reflect the latest information.