Your Guide to the Best Ski Resorts in Canada

Canada is home to some of the most iconic vistas, fresh powder and varied mountain terrain on earth. For ski and snowboarding enthusiasts (or for anyone who loves the winter season), there are dozens of world-renowned ski resorts to choose from. Of course, with so many fantastic options at your fingertips, you may be wondering which ski resort is the best choice for you.
Whether you’re a total beginner or ski veteran, Leavetown offers a variety of vacation rentals in the best ski resorts across Canada for guests of every skill level. The following guide is meant to help you make the best decision to accommodate you and your group. Looking for fabulous family-friendly events and convenient slopeside access to ski lifts? Big White may be your perfect pick. More interested in après-ski opportunities and a vibrant nightlife? Whistler would fit the bill.
Whatever your preferences, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading to discover some of the best ski resorts in Canada – and find the perfect ski resort for you!
 

Whistler, BC

• Best for: Advanced/Expert
• Known for: Trendy Atmosphere, Huge Verticals
• Where to stay: Stoney Creek Lagoons
• Leavetown Staff Tip: “Avoid the holiday crowds and ski Blackcomb – there you’ll find plenty of places to lay down fresh tracks!” – Matt

Whistler Blackcomb, located only about two hours from Vancouver, is – for many adventurers – a mountain paradise. Boasting the world’s longest and highest gondola, the country’s biggest ski area, and 50% more terrain than any resort in North America, it’s no surprise that Whistler-Blackcomb takes the cake when it comes to ski and snowboarding royalty. In addition to the area’s 200+ runs and 37 lifts, the Village of Whistler itself is well-worth visiting. With bustling nightclubs, award-winning restaurants and fantastic shopping, Whistler offers a year-round abundance of mountain culture.
 

Revelstoke, BC

• Best for: Advanced/Expert
• Known for: Famous Powder, World-Class Heli-Skiing
• Where to stay: Sutton Place
• Leavetown Staff Tip: “If it’s your first time, get a ski guide on day one. They’ll show you all the best tree runs and secret routes to make the rest of your time skiing awesome!” – Charlie

For many mountain lovers in the know, Revelstoke Mountain Resort has become the new ski and snowboard Mecca of Canada. With the greatest vertical drop on the continent at 1713 m, “Revy” – as it’s widely known – has quickly gained favour by powder hounds across the globe. Revelstoke caters primarily to advanced and expert skiers, and is also regarded as one of the capitals of heli-skiing – allowing visitors to experience the untouched beauty of the snow-capped peaks in the Kootenay Rockies. While the resort at the foot of the slopes is relatively small, the mountain community of Revelstoke is only a 5 minute drive away and offers plenty of activities for everyone.
 

Big White, BC

• Best for: Families (All Levels)
• Known for: Ski-In/Ski-Out Access, Family-Friendly Events
• Where to stay: Trappers Crossing
• Leavetown Staff Tip: “Warm up with the gun barrel coffee at Gun Barrel Grill for a memorable après-ski treat.” – Acacia

For some of the best and most convenient slopeside access you’ll find in Canada, Big White Ski Resort provides ski-in/ski-out simplicity for the whole family. Having won multiple awards for being one of the best international family ski resorts, Big White hosts year-round events for skiers of all ages – and all levels – and offers plenty of activities and lessons for everyone. The powder at this resort – the second largest of its kind in the province – is truly dreamy, due to the area’s heavy snowfall and dry air. The charming resort atmosphere and amazing ski and snowboarding terrain make Big White a must-visit ski resort in Canada.
 

Kimberley, BC

• Best for: Beginner/Intermediate
• Known for: Extra Sunshine, Night-Skiing
• Where to stay: Trickle Creek Lodge
• Leavetown Staff Tip: “Head straight to the back-side and the Easter Chair on a powder day. There’s great tree skiing to be had through the Vimy Ridge and Black Forest glades. Don’t forget après ski beers and live music at the base of the mountain at the Stemwinder!” – Martin

Nestled in the Purcell Mountains in Kimberley, BC, Kimberley Alpine Resort has been attracting local ski and snowboarders to the area for its breathtaking scenery and unpretentious atmosphere. Known for its sunny disposition and prime location between the Selkirk and Rocky Mountains, Kimberley’s heavy snowfall and longer bluebird days make this resort an optimal winter getaway. Ski-in/ski-out accommodations, an assortment of restaurants and shops, and of course – over 1,800 acres and 80 runs – provide a great family setting while still offering exciting and varied terrain. Make sure you don’t miss out on the area’s famous night-skiing on the longest-lit run in North America!
 

Silver Star, BC

• Best for: Families (All Levels)
• Known for: Dry Powder, Family-Friendly Luxury
• Where to stay: Snowbird Lodge
• Leavetown Staff Tip: “Although the slopes can be geared toward beginners, if someone in the party wants a bit more adrenaline they can head to Taynton Bowl, which is an an avalanche controlled area with Black-Diamond runs – and no backcountry gear is needed!” – Annabel

Mountain lovers love Silver Star not only for it’s ski-in/ski-out access, but because it is the ideal winter destination to bring the entire family. The perfect resort for a slower-paced setting, Silver Star features 12 lifts and 115 runs – catered primarily toward beginner or intermediate skill levels. Nearly all the accommodation at the resort are slopeside – with only a 30 second walk to the lifts. The one-street village itself is quaint and colourful with Victorian-styled buildings and storefronts. Kids will love the Disneyland-feel of the resort as well as the popular Snow School, while others will enjoy the mountain’s terrain park and Nordic trails.
 

Sun Peaks, BC

• Best for: Families (All Levels)
• Known for: Beginner Terrain, “Snowbombing”
• Where to stay: Sun Peaks Grand
• Leavetown Staff Tip: “There are lots of long-standing locals that hit up the hills early morning until noon. So you need to get on the lifts early to get the powder! The little village area is also popular for après-ski and local atmosphere.” – Chad

Sun Peaks Resort, located near Kamloops, is the country’s third largest ski resort, known for its uncrowded runs, family-friendly amenities and fantastic nursery slopes. The area is made up of three peaks, including: Mount Morrissey, Sundance and Mount Tod. These mountains boast 135 runs and more than 4,200 skiable terrain. More experienced skiers also have access to the resort’s blue runs, gladed tree runs and steep black runs. For non-skiers, or for when the kids want a break, Sun Peaks offers ice skating, dog sledding, and a number of other interactive snow activities. For those who prefer a more eclectic and colourful experience, Sun Peaks now offers “snowbombing” – a four-day outdoor music festival set in the heart of the mountains.
 

Panorama, BC

• Best for: Families (All Levels)
• Known for: Beginner Runs, Huge Vertical
• Where to stay: Upper Village – Ski Tip and Tamarack
• Leavetown Staff Tip: “Make the trek to Mile 1 Hut at the top of the Mile Quad chair lift for a steaming mug of (real) hot chocolate in between runs. If you’re travelling with a group, consider an après-ski fondue party!” – Jess

Panorama Ski Resort – though it may not be the largest in the province – does boast one of the biggest verticals in North America, rising at 1,220 m. The resort sits on two levels, with 2,847 acres of terrain below the tree line. Though the resort is well known for its beginner runs and kid-friendly appeal, there is a wide variety of terrain that also attracts those looking for backcountry runs, cruising groomers and terrain parks. Lodgings in the area are all ski-in/ski-out accessible, with a large outdoor complex hosting hot pools, restaurants and more. Nearby Invermere provides visitors with even more to see and do – making Panorama Ski Resort a versatile winter holiday destination for travellers and families of all levels.
 

Banff & Lake Louise, AB

• Best for: Intermediate/Advanced
• Known for: Stunning Scenery, Varied Terrain
• Where to stay: Banff Rocky Mountain Resort
• Leavetown Staff Tip: “On a powder day at Lake Louise, head across to Summit Platter. It provides great powder skiing on the front side (Outer Limits) and the backside (Brownshirt). At Sunshine, beat the crowds on the weekend and ski Goats Eye Mountain in the morning, then head up to Lookout Mountain in the afternoon. Fancy a couple hours of laps? Head up to Mt Norquay and pay by the hour!” – Martin

For a true Rocky Mountain experience, many look no further than the majestic and renowned resorts in Banff and Lake Louise. Known collectively as “Ski Big 3,” these stunning scenic resorts include: Lake Louise Mountain Resort, Sunshine Village and Mount Norquay. Beginning in November, visitors have access to famous Canadian Rockies powder, with over 8,000 acres of varied terrain and diverse trails. In addition to becoming a stunning winter wonderland, Ski Big 3 offers an overall mountain experience guaranteed to spark joy in skiers and snowboarders from all walks of life. Enjoy horse drawn sleighs, ice skating rinks, and an assortment of après-ski options.
 

Blue Mountain, ON

• Best for: Families (All Levels)
• Known for: Après-Ski Activities, Year-Round Access
• Where to stay: Village at Blue Mountain
• Leavetown Staff Tip: “Make sure to grab a Beaver Tail après-ski. The smaller village is also great for families!” – Jaime

One of the most popular ski resorts in Canada just happens to be thousands of kilometres from the iconic Rocky Mountains on the West Coast. Blue Mountain Resort in Collingwood, Ontario caters to those in the area seeking prime daytime and nighttime skiing – year round! With 42 runs, 16 chair lifts and 3 freestyle terrains, Blue Mountain offers many activities for skiers of all levels. Great for family and group vacations, annual activities include the Ridge Runner Mountain Coaster, rock climbing, caving and ropes courses, among others. The Village is pedestrian-based, making it easy for visitors to access ski-in accommodations as well as the abundance of shopping and dining provided.
 

Mont Tremblant Ski Resort Photo

Mont Tremblant, QC

• Best for: Intermediate/Advanced
• Known for: Canadian Charm, Tall Peaks
• Where to stay: Blueberry Lake Resort
• Leavetown Staff Tip: “If you’re looking for adventure off the slopes, there are a ton of mountain activities to keep you occupied. Try dog-sledding or snowshoeing for a different view of the Laurentians.” – Christina

130 km from Montreal lies Mont Tremblant Ski Resort – historically the first ski resort to open in the country, and the busiest in Eastern Canada. Known for its village charm and authentically Canadian feel, the year-round resort is located in the Laurentian Mountains of Quebec, providing gorgeous views as one of the tallest peaks. With 96 total runs and 14 lifts, the area offers four mountain faces to ski. The pedestrian village provides a Kidz Club Daycare for children, allowing parents the freedom to explore all that the mountains have to offer. Cross-country skiers will love the surrounding hill and valley trails, while non-skiers can also engage in the numerous winter activities available.
 

Ready to book your ski vacation?

If you’ve found the perfect ski resort for you, let us take care of all the details. Still unsure of where you’d like to stay? Give us a call at 1.877.902.1616 or send us an email at [email protected] and we’ll answer all your booking inquiries. Our Destination Experts are available 7 days a week and will be glad to assist you in planning your perfect winter getaway. Don’t forget – you save $50 off your lift tickets when booking your accommodations through Leavetown!