There are countless ski slopes and resorts all over the world, but the Rocky Mountains of Western Canada offer some of the best terrain, conditions and amenities anywhere on the planet. Whether you’re a bunny-slope newbie or seasoned expert, there’s something for every ability level, with plenty of après-ski enticements to enhance the experience. If you’re looking for your next winter or spring-skiing getaway, you won’t be disappointed with the Canadian Rockies. Here are the deets on some of the top mountains and resorts in the region.
1. Mount Norquay
Situated just 5 minutes from the idyllic mountain town of Banff, this Alberta resort has been in operation for 90 years. Many Olympians and World Cup athletes have trained here, and many families flock here due to its convenient location and relatively manageable size. Beginners and intermediate skiers have plenty of options, but even daredevil experts will find enough to challenge them, too.
Season Length: October to April
Average Snowfall: 3 m / 120 in
Number of Runs: 28
Longest Run: 1.67 km
20% Beginner (green), 36% Intermediate (blue), 28% Advanced (black), 16% Expert (double black)
Number of Lifts:
1 Highspeed quad, 2 Quads, 2 Surface lifts, 1 Double
Number of Restaurants/Bars: 6
2. Lake Louise
The views over the mountains, glaciers, lakes and forests will inspire you even if you’re not that into skiing. However, if you are, the extensive network of runs are world class. In fact, World Cup races are often held here. Pro skiers and family novices alike will find a range of powdery temptation in this spectacular resort.
Season Length: November to May
Average Snowfall: 4.54 m / 179 in
Number of Runs: 415+
Longest Run: 8 km
25% Beginner (green), 45% Intermediate (blue), 30% Advanced (black)
Number of Lifts: 10
1 Six person gondola, 1 Six person highspeed chair, 2 Highspeed quads, 1 Quad , 1 Triple, 1 T-bar, Several magic carpets
Number of Restaurants/Bars: 11
3. Sunshine Village
Located in the heart of Banff National Park, Sunshine offers some of the best slopes in the Rockies, if not the world. It usually has a long season, and is particularly awesome for spring skiing and snowboarding. It’s not too far from Banff for some après fun, too.
Season Length: November to May
Average Snowfall: 9 m / 354 in
Number of Runs: 107
Longest Run: 8 km
20% Beginner (green), 55% Intermediate (blue), 25% Advanced (black)
Number of Lifts: 12
1 Eight person highspeed gondola, 1 Bubble headed highspeed quad, 8 Highspeed quads, 2 Surface lifts
Number of Restaurants/Bars: 10
4. Marmot Basin
Marmot has the highest base elevation in Canada, so the snow conditions are fantastic. Even if the weather doesn’t cooperate, their state-of-the-art snow making systems make up for any shortcomings. The nearby town of Jasper makes this a picture-perfect mountain getaway.
Season Length: November to May
Average Snowfall: 4 m / 160 in
Number of Runs: 86
Longest Run: 5.6 km
30% Beginner (green), 30% Intermediate (blue), 20% Advanced (black), 20% Expert (double black)
Number of Lifts: 7
3 Highspeed quads, 1 Quad, 1 Triple, 1 Double, 1 Magic Carpet
Number of Restaurants/Bars: 6
5. Whistler-Blackcomb
This scenic and massive dual-mountain resort earns all the superlatives it gets. The two legendary ski resorts were joined and integrated in 1997 and it is now North America’s largest. The scenic Peak 2 Peak gondola (the highest and longest in the world) takes you from one to the other, and the extensive network of lifts throughout plus the village amenities makes this one mega-enjoyable resort.
Season Length: November to May
Average Snowfall: 11.64 m / 458 in
Number of Runs: 100+
Longest Run: 11 km
Whistler
20% Beginner (green), 55% Intermediate (blue), 25% Advanced (black)
Number of Lifts: 19 (plus Peak 2 Peak gondola)
2 Highspeed gondolas 1 Highspeed six-person chair, 6 Highspeed quads, 2 Triples, 8 Surface lifts
Number of Restaurants/Bars: 8
Blackcomb
15% Beginner (green), 55% Intermediate (blue), 30% Advanced (black)
Number of Lifts: 17 (plus Peak 2 Peak gondola)
1 Highspeed gondola, 7 Highspeed quads, 7 Surface lifts, 2 Triples
Number of Restaurants/Bars: 9
6. Revelstoke Mountain Resort
It may not be as famous as some of the other BC/Alberta resorts, but Revelstoke’s Mt. McKenzie can boast that it has the greatest vertical descent in North America (5,620 ft/1,713 m). If you’re into backcountry, cat skiing or heli-skiing, you can arrange that from the village base, too. Their tube park is fun for when you don’t want boards strapped to your feet.
Season Length: November to April
Average Snowfall: 12 m / 472 in
Number of Runs: 65
Longest Run: 15.2 km
7% Beginner (green), 45.5% Intermediate (blue), 47.5% Advanced (black)
Number of Lifts: 5
1 Highspeed 8-passenger gondola, 2 Highspeed quads, 2 Magic Carpets
Number of Restaurants/Bars: 5
7. Sun Peaks Resort
This family-friendly affordable British Columbia ski resort is nestled at the base of three postcard worthy mountains about an hour from Kamloops. It is renowned for offering some of the lightest, driest powder in the Rockies for your downhill pleasure. Cross-country enthusiasts will find some decent trails here, too.
Season Length: November to April
Average Snowfall: 6 m / 237 in
Number of Runs: 65
Longest Run: 8 km
10% Beginner (green), 58% Intermediate (blue), 32% Advanced (black)
Number of Lifts: 11
3 Highspeed quads, 5 Surface lifts, 2 Quads, q Triples
Number of Restaurants/Bars: 22
