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The best places to ski in Canada this winter

Ellie Swain

Senior Contributor

With abundant snow, quiet slopes, and plenty of off-piste exploring opportunities, Canada offers some fantastic ski resorts for winter adventures. Whether you’re a thrill seeker looking for an exhilarating ski experience or appreciate spectacular scenery and wildlife, the country is a wonderful all-around ski destination. If you’re keen to cut through fresh snow this winter in the land of maple syrup and moose, here are some of the best places to ski in Canada.

Whistler

Whistler is one of Canada's most popular and well-known ski resorts, attracting skiers from all over the globe. In fact, Whistler has claimed many awards cementing its status as the number-one ski resort in Canada and the USA.

Soar through the tree-lined runs on the Horstman Glacier and later experiment with the off-piste bowls and ridges scattered around Whistler Mountain. Or, take on the challenging descent of the double-black diamond terrain running down the Horstman Hut.

The Westin Resort & Spa in Whistler provides all-suite accommodations and luxe amenities in the heart of the much-loved ski destination. Stroll five minutes to reach the Whistler Village Gondola, while the dining, shops, and nightlife of Whistler Village are mere minutes away by foot.

Sun Peaks

Situated in British Columbia, Sun Peaks Ski Resort certainly lives up to its name. This idyllic ski resort features sun-kissed peaks and a charming village to enjoy when you’re not whizzing through the slopes.

Sun Peaks is home to a variety of terrains, making the resort accessible to a wide range of skiers. From lessons for little ones to the challenging red and black runs on Mount Todd, there’s something to suit everyone.

When it comes to size, Sun Peaks is the second-largest ski resort in Canada. However, despite its vastness, you’re never far away from the postcard-perfect village. 

Banff

In the heart of the Canadian Rockies is the buzzy town of Banff, connected to Lake Louise village. It’s home to three ski resorts - Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise, and Mount Norquay. Banff offers one of the longest ski seasons in North America, so you’ll have plenty of time to fit in a trip this winter.

Banff National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its nature and landscapes are worthy of a visit alone. Soak up backdrops of the hot springs, looming snow-heaped peaks, and hanging glaciers as you speed through the snow.

Be sure to retreat to the slope-side hot spring pools once you’ve had enough snow time. There you can take après ski to the next level as you soak in the geothermally heated water, which can naturally reach temperatures of up to 47 degrees Celsius.

Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

Lake Louise is the biggest ski resort out of the three Banff resorts, providing guests with sublime views of the surrounding nature. The resort is very family-friendly, with a vast selection of wide, tidy trails that are suitable for many types of skiers.

The resort is located 45 minutes from the town centre of Banff, so if you can, consider renting a car for extra flexibility. The five-star Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise sits on the pretty shores of the sparkling Lake Louise. It provides gorgeous views of the lake and the Canadian Rocky Mountains, easy access to various outdoor pursuits, and scrumptious, seasonal cuisine.

Boasting snow for around half of the year, Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is just a ten-minute drive from the ski slopes at Lake Louise Ski Resort and is mere steps away from the lakeshore and the 4.6 Lake Agnes Trail.

Fairmont Banff Springs

Fairmont Banff Springs is nicknamed the ‘Castle in the Rockies’, treating guests to luxurious guestrooms and delicious dining in a charming alpine setting. This lavish hotel is just a 15-minute drive away from the Mount Norquay ski resort.

The hotel is a national landmark in more ways than one, renowned in Canada’s hospitality scene for more than 130 years. Designed to resemble a Scottish castle, the Fairmont is an excellent choice for those seeking an elegant and comfortable stay in the heart of Banff National Park. Surrounded by towering pines and looming mountains, it’s the perfect ski base in the middle of nature.

Jasper

Found in the Alberta Rockies, Jasper offers 100km of snowy slopes with a spectacular mountain backdrop. The pistes are ideal for all abilities with various terrain levels to zip across. There’s also a very handy lift connection to the neighbouring Marmot Bason if you want to venture further afar.

When you’re not skiing, be sure to explore Jasper village and the surrounding beauty of the national park. In the winter, there’s a frozen lake that locals and tourists skate across. And if you’re hungry after breaking a sweat on the slopes, there’s a great selection of restaurants and bars to drink and dine in.

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