Top 10 Ski Resorts in Canada as Recommended by Experts and Locals

Lake Louise Ski Resort

Having had the privilege of living in Banff National Park, Lake Louise Ski Resort was always my favorite nearby choice due to its diverse, steep terrain, narrow chutes, abundant fresh powder, and stunning vistas. Here, the snow is light and dry, creating a magical appearance even on days without fresh snowfall. The resort recently underwent lift upgrades and earned the title of “Canada’s Best Ski Resort 2023” from World Ski Awards. For those staying in Lake Louise, the enchanting Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is an ideal accommodation. If you're in Banff, the Mount Royal Hotel offers chic rooftop hot tubs, delectable cocktails and tapas at Brazen, and convenient access to all amenities, including transportation to all three Ski Big 3 resorts.

Marmot Basin

Nestled in the neighboring Jasper National Park, Marmot Basin is a breathtaking resort surrounded by the rugged peaks of the Rocky Mountains and stunning glaciers. Its elevated location allows many runs to soar above the treeline, providing expansive terrain suitable for both seasoned pros and newcomers. Every April, the resort hosts the annual Jasper Pride festival, and its convenient position makes it a perfect stop on a Banff and Lake Louise journey along the picturesque Icefields Parkway. For those skiing in Alberta, this route can easily connect Calgary International Airport to Edmonton International Airport. The ideal place to stay is undoubtedly the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, where winter transforms the property into a vibrant hub with ice skating, outdoor hot springs, and seasonal activities.

Kicking Horse Ski Resort

Just like Lake Louise, Kicking Horse Ski Resort, situated an hour west, is renowned for its steep slopes, massive chutes, rugged Rocky Mountain peaks, and light, powdery snow. “One of the best features of Kicking Horse is its elevation,” says professional skier Tessa Treadway. “When warmer storms hit BC mid-winter, we often score significant snowfall, while lower elevations get rain. As a mom of three energetic boys, we love it when winter truly feels like winter for family outings down the mountain.” The resort boasts Canada’s highest restaurant and is a premier spot for expert skiers and riders. Glacier Mountain Lodge serves as the official on-mountain accommodation, conveniently located just steps from the main gondola.

Fernie Alpine Resort

In the landscape of Rocky Mountain resorts, none compare to Fernie Alpine Resort for its amazing knee-deep powder skiing in wide bowls (Curry Bowl is my favorite) and the thrilling adventure of navigating through lush, snow-covered tree runs. "In Fernie, both the mountain and the town are refreshingly unpretentious, lacking the pro ski ego found elsewhere," states professional skier Dylan Siggers. "It’s a laid-back atmosphere; we sometimes arrive at noon and ski powder until 4:00. I especially enjoy catching air at Fernie. There are no intimidating cliffs here, just fun, powdery jumps that flow seamlessly with the mountain." At the base, Lizard Creek Lodge offers accommodations, outdoor hot pools, and an ice bar, providing the perfect blend of après-ski fun and relaxation.

Revelstoke Mountain Resort

Once a quiet railway town, Revelstoke has transformed into a premier adventure hotspot with the launch of Revelstoke Mountain Resort in 2007. Renowned for its record-breaking vertical drop of 5,620 feet, it also enjoys abundant snowfall, averaging around 34 feet annually. The resort features a diverse array of trails, from gentle slopes for beginners to exhilarating routes for seasoned experts, catering to all skiing abilities. Set within the remarkable ecosystem of the only inland temperate rainforest in the world, Revelstoke is home to some truly magical tree runs. The Sutton Place Hotel, perched on the mountain, offers luxurious amenities, including outdoor hot pools.

Red Mountain Ski Resort

While Red Mountain Ski Resort may not have global fame, it’s a hidden gem for avid powder enthusiasts seeking the excitement of large resorts without the hefty price tag and crowds. “As a former ski racer from Northern BC, I grew up hearing about Red Mountain; it’s known for its legacy of athletes, challenging terrain, and plentiful snowfall,” says Pippa Chappell, a former ski racer and coach for the Red Mountain Racers.

“Kids here grow up on this mountain, measuring their achievements by iconic runs like Beer Belly, Link’s Line, Cambodia, the Coolers, and for the daring few, the Microwave. Rossland and Red Mountain have a captivating mountain town culture that draws many. Our family is incredibly thankful for the history, community spirit, and sheer joy of living here,” Chappell added. Red Mountain offers some beginner slopes but generally caters to those with intermediate skills looking for adventure. At the base lies the exquisite Autograph Collection Josie Hotel, providing the same amenities, service quality, and dining experiences as a large mountain lodge, all while maintaining a cozy mountain vibe. For those traveling from the U.S., Red Mountain is just three hours north of Spokane, making it an accessible destination.

Big White Ski Resort

This family-owned and Canadian-operated ski resort is best reached through the nearby Kelowna International Airport, situated in the heart of BC’s Okanagan wine country. Despite being in a desert region, the Okanagan is renowned for its exceptional snow, thanks to the mountains that encircle the valley and trap cold air. The result? An abundance of dry snow covering numerous larger and intermediate runs, making Big White Ski Resort ideal for families. The region also experiences milder temperatures and low-hanging clouds that create a frost on the trees, resulting in stunning white figures known as “snow ghosts.” Big White Village is expertly designed to cater to skiers and riders, and once you arrive, there's little reason to leave. While there are plenty of vacation rentals and on-mountain accommodations, the most luxurious option—and the top place to stay—is the Stonegate Resort.

Whistler Blackcomb Ski Resort

When it comes to the cream of the crop among Canadian ski resorts, it's tough to surpass Whistler Blackcomb, the venue for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games and the largest ski resort in North America. Skiers and snowboarders craft their artistry on the snowy expanse of this dual-mountain resort, connected by the impressive Peak 2 Peak gondola, which offers its own unique experience. Whistler is renowned in the LGBTQ+ community for its annual Whistler Pride festival, and while the resort caters to experts and intermediates, there are plenty of beginner runs and après options to keep you entertained for a week-long stay.

You can't find better mountainside accommodations than the Four Seasons Whistler, featuring a ski valet service (wake up to find your warm boots and skis ready!), recently updated rooms and dining options, plus a new spa that collaborates with a local Indigenous skincare line. For village accommodations, consider the Pan Pacific Whistler Village. If you're in search of an exclusive luxury experience in a boutique resort with its own hot pools, spa, and personal chef, the new Wedge Mountain Lodge & Spa offers a lavish stay for up to 20 adults and six children, available for exclusive booking only.

Mount Washington

Tucked away on the breathtaking Vancouver Island, Canada's westernmost ski paradise offers stunning views of Strathcona Provincial Park to the west and sweeping ocean vistas over the Strait of Georgia to the east. While it may not be the most famous resort, Mount Washington is known for some of the heaviest snowfall in North America, averaging an impressive 457 inches each year. The resort primarily caters to beginners and families, but expert terrain can also be accessed from the peaks. Accommodation options are limited to vacation rentals, most of which are conveniently ski-in, ski-out and can be booked through the resort website.

Mont Tremblant

Situated in the heart of Quebec's Laurentian Mountains, Mont Tremblant emerges as the leading skiing destination in Eastern Canada. Famous for its charming village that reflects Quebecois culture, the resort is known for its family-friendly slopes while also offering a variety of challenging runs. The village thrives with a lively après-ski atmosphere, featuring diverse dining, shopping, and entertainment options. At the mountain's base, the historic Fairmont Tremblant combines rustic elegance with modern amenities, including the five-star Moment Spa, outdoor hot pools, and acclaimed restaurants.