The best ski resorts in Canada

Everyone dreams of riding in Canada. And how could you not with legendary resorts like Whistler and Fernie studding its lineup across places such as Banff National Park? But there’s way more to discover than just those spots. So, we’ve scoured the country from the East to the West Coast to find the best of the best. 

Check out our top choices below – where you’ll discover more than a little inspiration for an upcoming trip. We’ve got everything from the longest vertical in North America to the most expansive inbounds terrain on the continent. So, let’s get into it, shall we?

And if you’re lining up the best ski trip, you need the best gear, right? Good thing the new lineup of ski pants for men and ski pants for women is available right now on the MONTEC website. Our gear is made for the mountains.

10 top ski resorts in Canada

Whistler Blackcomb

It’s not a ‘Best in Canada’ list without British Columbia’s Whistler Blackcomb, and where better to put it than at the top? This massive resort features two twinned mountains (Whistler and Blackcomb) with over 8,000 acres of rideable inbounds terrain. At just an hour from Vancouver – and with nearly 40 feet of annual snowfall – Whistler checks all the boxes. 

Beginners will love the long, wide-open slopes. And experts will have no shortage of steep off-piste terrain to explore. You’ll find some amazing bowl riding off the Glacier Express on the Blackcomb side, too, opening up in and out of bounds terrain. This includes the Garnet, Diamond, Ruby, and Sapphire Bowls via the Spanky’s Ladder bootpack route. Alternatively, check out the hike-to terrain off the Harmony 6 Express on the Whistler side for some epic riding under the Whistler peak.

Lake Louise Ski Resort

Alberta’s Lake Louise Ski Resort is the jewel in the SkiBig3 network, the three resorts that make up the Banff circuit. Lake Louise is the largest of these resorts. It has a huge skiable area along with a long vertical, plenty of high-altitude bowl and chute riding, and tons of tree riding for riders preferring the technical side of things. On the front side, travel up to Whitehorn Mountain’s peak, which offers amazing views across to Mount Victoria. You can also access Lake Louise’s most famous chutes. 

You’ll find lots of Black and Double-Black terrain in the back bowls. These are sure to get even the most seasoned freerider’s heart going. But the fun doesn’t stop there. The West Bowl has a fantastic open face that’s always good for long, flowy lines. It’s possible to spend weeks, not days, exploring this zone alone. Looking to maximize your time on this mountain? We reckon this should definitely be your first stop.

Big White Ski Resort

For low-angled pow surfing, few resorts on earth can match BC’s Big White Ski Resort. This expansive resort perches on top of a mountain cluster, delivering tons of varied riding for all levels. And with a quaint and lively village center, Big White has big Alps vibes. Stay at the base and be in the center of the action with lots of ski-to accommodation available – something that’s far from common in Canada.

With riding, though, things only get better. There’s a really awesome park here with a dedicated chair, perfect for those wanting to get their laps in. Prefer cruisey groomers? Take your pick! The Alpine T-Bar whisks you to Sun Run and Whitefoot trail, two epic, long Green-Blue trails leading to the lower sections. The T-Bar also gives access to Double-Black terrain known as The Cliff. However, you can also ride over to the Falcon Chair, which serves up the Falcon Glades, a super fun mid-steep bowl.

Revelstoke Mountain Resort

British Columbia’s Revelstoke Mountain Resort – or ‘The Real Stoke’ as they brand it – is known for having the longest vertical of any North American resort (5,620 feet/1,713 meters!) and a 45-feet annual snowfall record. On arrival, you’ll take the main gondola up to the Mackenzie Outpost mid-station. From here, ride down via the marked Green or drop straight into the Critical Path or Conifers of Gnarnia glades below the lift. Alternatively, grab the Stoke chair and head higher, opening up the best terrain on the mountain.

From the top of the Stoke chair, drop into the epic South Bowl, with some impressive lines awaiting in the Tally-Ho Glades. Or how about slipping over the ridge into the North side? Aim for Greely Bowl, where stoke-worthy lines are a sure thing. Then, it’s dealer's choice with amazing terrain awaiting in the Beauty and Back 40 Glades, as well as Powder Monkey and Glades of Glory. Want to check out some of the backcountry terrain? Revelstoke is a top destination for those who like to earn their turns. In fact, you don’t have to look far to discover tons of dreamy lift-accessible touring terrain.

SilverStar Mountain Resort

SilverStar Mountain Resort makes its home in Vernon, BC, and has more than enough to crack our top 10. With a dedicated resort center, you can stay right on the side of the slopes and, like Big White, get everything you need in the village. With a compact design and plenty of trails off every lift, SilverStar has so much to offer and many hidden stashes and pow lines to discover. It’s split into two halves, with Vance Creek and Putnam Creek facing each other. Both have a distinct personality, meaning the mountain caters to all levels of riders.

Beginners will have everything they need above the resort, with lots of Blue terrain available off the Comet Express. There are also great low-angled glades here — super fun on a pow day. Make your way over to the expansive Deer Park glades, where you’ll find endless new lines through the trees. The Putnam Creek side, though, is where the most challenging terrain awaits. For those seeking the toughest descents, half a dozen Double-Black marked trails come down off the Aunt Gladys traverse.

Sunshine Village Ski Resort 

Alberta’s Sunshine Village Ski Resort is the second leg of the Banff circuit. It hosts advanced terrain and epic freeride zones reserved only for the most hardcore riders. With Delirium Dive, Eagle Basin, and the South Side Chutes forming the jewels in Sunshine’s crown, there’s no better place if you like high-altitude, steep, technical riding. However, that’s not to say there isn’t something on offer for beginners, as the mountain has plenty of Green and Blue trails lower down.

For the lay of the land, jump on the Great Divide Express quad chair, which takes you to 8,957 feet/2,730 meters and gives the best view on the mountain. From here, ride the amazing Bye Bye Bowl. Alternatively, head into Delirium Dive if that’s why you made the trip. Below the chair, there’s low-angled terrain and a cluster of terrain parks to check out. Want to get into more of the steeps? Cruise Banff Ave until you hook into Goat’s Eye Express, which will open up the South Side Chutes and provide access to The Wild West, another (near vertical) restricted freeride zone!

RED Mountain Ski Resort

British Columbia’s RED Mountain Ski Resort is a super fun resort with varied terrain for all riders. It also has a lively base and a charming resort town just 10 minutes away by a free shuttle bus. And, with a rock-solid snowfall record, a Rockstar Energy Terrain Park, and a hop-on snowcat to take you to their Mt. Kirkup freeride zone, RED is a criminally underrated resort that offers amazing riding opportunities for all ability levels.

Beginners will love the abundance of Green and Blue trails running down from the peak of Grey Mountain, including open, low-angled terrain for easy pow turns. If you’re hunting for something hairier, look no further than Granite Mountain, which is awash with Black and Double-Black terrain. Just get on the Powder Fields traverse so as not to miss the likes of Jumbo, Hans Run, and The Orchards on the way down!

Fernie Alpine Resort

No list of the best resorts in Canada would be complete without BC’s Fernie Alpine Resort. With five epic powder bowls and some of the best freeriding in the province, this resort is well known as one of the prime stops on the Powder Highway. And sitting just an eight-minute drive from the downtown hub — a bustling and lively mountain town — Fernie Alpine Resort is a true local and visitor favorite. It’s a sure-fire winner for riders, no matter what you like.

With dedicated beginner terrain down low, even those perfecting their first turns will have plenty to look forward to. Up in the Lizard Bowl, there’s mellow groomed and ungroomed terrain to play with, too. Curry Bowl and Timber Bowl have exciting Black Diamond glades and open powder fields to rip. A definite crowd-pleaser is the Cedar Bowl, which has some awesome open chutes coming down off the ridge, perfect for those keen to get their heart pumping.

Sun Peaks Resort

BC’s Sun Peaks Resort is north of Kamloops, boasting an expansive ski area and plenty to do both on and off the mountain. Designed as a fully serviced mountain resort, Sun Peaks is a pretty and lively mountain village featuring ski-in, ski-out accommodation, along with a massive choice of bars and restaurants. While popular with the expert riding crowd, it’s also ideal for kids and families. It hosts a great snow and sun record alongside a wide array of beginner-friendly terrain.

Unlike many BC resorts famed for their steep and deep, Sun Peaks is predominantly Blue and Green terrain, with lots of designated slow and learner zones and trails. You’ll find most of these off the top of the Sundance Express. However, you can also hit the Sunburst Express and Crystal chairs for longer Blue and Green trails, including the popular 5 Mile and Homesteader trails, ideal for easy turns from top to bottom. That’s not to say there isn’t technical terrain around, though. Gil’s Bowl offers some easily accessible steep ’n’ deep stuff for the powder hounds.

Mont Tremblant Ski Resort

The mighty Mont Tremblant Ski Resort is our first East Coast resort – and the last resort on this list. Located in Quebec, this mountain is known for its proximity to Montreal, insane riding, and lively après scene. Tremblant does get cold, though, so make sure you wrap up. However, it’s nothing a hot cup of coffee and a few laps won’t solve!

Those just starting out on the mountain will love L’Algonquin and Nansen Haut. These are long loop trails running from the top of the South Side peak to the base. You’ll endlessly meander through the trees on the way down. Those with a nose for speed will love the steep Black and Double-Black terrain coming down the fall line under the lift. Tremblant also has a great snow park and a good crew of locals to keep the stoke alive. Access its epic terrain park off the Flying Mile lift by heading down Curé-Deslauriers.

Wrapping up

Well, that’s it! There are so many great resorts in Canada that it’s hard to whittle it down to just 10. And don’t worry – we know we missed a few of your favorites. Hopefully, this is enough to excite you for the Great White North and plant the seed for your next skiing adventure. Let us know where you’re heading – and if you need any more tips or information – by hitting us up at crew@montecwear.com. We love hearing from you!

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