The Top Canada Ski Resorts

Canada Ski Resorts

Photo Credit: Snow Magazine

Out top picks for Canada ski resorts. Canada has some of the worlds best skiing with steep vertical drops, expansive ski able terrain, high annual snowfall and relatively un crowded slopes. Many of these areas are set against a backdrop of glaciers and charming villages.

Our criteria for the Best Canada Ski Resorts gives greater consideration to: annual snow fall, vertical rise, facilities/amenities, and scenery.


The Top Canada Ski Resorts

Big White Ski Resort
British Columbia
Website
Trails: 118 runs; Beginner – 18%; Intermediate – 54%; Advanced - 22%; Expert – 6%
Annual Snowfall: 24.5 feet (7.5 metres). Elevation:Summit: 2,319m (7,606 ft), Village Centre: 1,755m (5,757 ft) •Westridge Base: 1,508m (4,950 ft) Vertical Drop: 777 m (2,550 ft . Skiiable Area: 2,765 acres, 16 Lifts. Longest Run: 7.2 km (4.5 miles) TELUS Park Terrain Park features super pipe, half pipe and more.
Big White is British Columbia's second biggest mountain and claims to being Canada's largest totally ski-in, ski-out village. The resort is family friendly and has accommodation to suit a range of budgets Other Activities: Tubing park, skating rink, dogsled tours, spas.
Where to stay:
Stonebridge Lodge
Big White, British Columbia, Canada
The lodge 88 fully equipped executive suites within three separate buildings. Located beside the Bullet Express chair lift, it provides guests with ski-in/ski-out access in the heart of Big White village.

Kicking Horse Resort
British Columbia
Website
Trails: Beginner – 20%; Intermediate – 20%; Advanced - 45%; Expert – 15%
Annual snowfall: 750cm (295") (summit), Elevation: Top of Kicking Horse: 2,450 metres (8,033 feet), Mid-Mountain: 1,722 metres (5,646 feet), Bottom of the lowest chair: 1,190 metres (3,900 feet). Vertical drop: 1,260 metres (4,133 feet) Skiiable Area: 2,750 acres.
Lifts: : Golden Eagle Express Gondola - 8-Passenger Omega III; Catamount - 4-Passenger fixed grip chair lift, Stairway to Heaven - 4-passenger fixed grip quad, Pioneer - 2-Passenger fixed grip chair lift, and the Pony Express surface lift.
Kicking Horse Resort Famous for its powder and scenic setting in the Purcell Range of the Rocky Mountains, just two and a half hours west of Calgary, Kicking Horse Resort also boasts of very long downhill runs, the fourth highest vertical drop in North America, the option to heli-ski.
Where to stay:
Glacier Mountaineer Lodge
Golden, British Columbia, Canada
Located at the base of the ski runs and just steps from the gondola, the attractive style condos and rooms are fully furnished and were designed with creature comfort in mind. All condos have fully equipped kitchens, gas fireplaces and spectacular views. For your relaxation and enjoyment both lodges are equipped with a fitness room complete with a sauna, steam bath and an outdoor hot tub.

The Three Banff Ski Resorts, Alberta
Located in Banff National Park, the are 3 world class ski areas: Lake Louise, Mount Norquay, and Sunshine Village. Ski tickets are honored at all three. Of the three, we have chosen Lake Louise and Sunshine as our top two picks.
Website
Lake Louise
Trails: Beginner 25%: Intermediate 45%; Expert 30%
Annual snow fall: 144 inches, Vertical drop: 3,250 ft. Ski able acres 4,200
The second largest ski area in Canada is one of the most scenic ski areas in North America. With 4,200 acres of ski able area, and a trail layout that allows skiers of all levels to reach the four mountain faces together. For a bit of historic and charming lodging, they have a large castle-like hotel that was built by the Canadian Pacific Railroad about 100 years ago. There are also natural hot springs.
Mount Norquay
Skiiable Terrain: 60 runs spread over 190 acres
Average Snowfall 300cm (120 inches), Vertical Rise – 503 metres (1,650 feet), Longest Run – 1167 metres (3,828 feet)
Considered to be Banff's backyard, hosting skiers, riders and sightseeings from all corners of the globe.
They are host to Canada's longest-running ski race, the Annual Bruno Engler Ski Race.
Sunshine Village
Trails: Beginner 20%: Intermediate 55%; Expert 25%
Annual snow fall:410 inches, Vertical drop: 3,515 ft. (1070 meters); ski able acres: 3,358
The oldest Canadian ski area sits at the top of the Continental divide and with most of the ski able terrain above 7,000 feet, they are noted for un crowded slopes and a huge amount of annual snowfall, more than 3 times the other Banff ski areas. There extra long season runs from mid-November until late May. With 12 different lifts including seven modern quad chairs, the most in the Rockies, and the new high-speed 8 passenger gondola, skiers can reach all the runs in just under 13 minutes.
Where to stay:
Sunshine Mountain Lodge
Banff National Park, Alberta , Canada
Location is the attraction. Ski in and ski out at Sunshine Mountain Lodge in Sunshine. You'll be within easy reach of Sunshine Village and winter activities such as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

Whistler Mountain Ski Resort, British Columbia
Website
Trails: Beginner 20%: Intermediate 55%; Expert 25%
Annual snow fall:402 inches, Vertical drop: 5,020 ft.; ski able acres: 4,757
The largest ski resort in Canada has abundant snow fall of 402 inches, scenic glaciers and bowls, 21 high-speed lifts, and acres of expert and extreme skiing. There is also a charming village, with international shops, and more than 100 restaurants. And if that isn't enough, there is the adjacent Blackcomb mountain with with another 3,400 acres and 17 lifts.
Where to stay:
Coast Blackcomb Suites at Whistler
Whistler, British Columbia, Canada
Location is the attraction. This all-suite property is next to the Blackcomb Mountain ski slope offers ski-in/ski-out access and serves a daily continental breakfast. All suites include free Wi-Fi. The Coast Blackcomb Suites at Whistler features a full kitchen and gas fireplace in each suite. Suites are also equipped with a balcony and on-demand movies. Guests at the Coast Blackcomb Suites can use the outdoor pool or one of the 2 hot tubs. A 24-hour reception is available. Whistler Village is easily accessible via the local shuttle service