4 resorts for summer skiing in Canada
Considering it’s such a snow-packed country, Canadians are sometimes keen to shut their resorts early. And with snow falling well into June most years, there must be somewhere to experience summer skiing, right? Correct! So let’s get into it.
Even on BC’s fabled Powder Highway – where Revelstoke and Whitewater can rack up ten meters of snowfall yearly – Canadian resorts still close in April. Yes, early April! Can you believe it?
And in Canada, it’s not unheard of for snow to keep puking until May (sometimes into June on high ground!). So, we don’t blame you if you’re not ready to pack up your ski gear at the first whiff of spring. Good thing you’ve come across this article, then. Yes, if you’re looking north of the border, we’ve rounded up the four best spots to find snow throughout spring and summer – and a little extra ski touring section, too.
So, are you ready to get a few more laps in before swapping your pow skis for your bike pedals? Let’s hunt down the last stash of the year! Oh, and if you want to flip the script and ride in summer, why not upgrade your ski gear and score epic new threads? MONTEC has all the best ski clothing. Check out our selection to find your next dream ski jacket, ski bib, or both…
Where to ski in Canada during summer
Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia
Banff Sunshine Village, Alberta
Marmot Basin, Alberta
Mont Tremblant, Quebec
Summer ski touring in British Columbia
Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia
Ask anyone where to ski in the summer in Canada, and Whistler is likely the first answer you’ll hear. And that’s down to one simple reason: Whistler has a glacier. The glacier is useable all winter. However, it takes a brief break and reopens in June through to mid-July for Whistler’s Summer Camps (when the rest of the resort is closed). This means the glacier isn’t a publicly accessible area. Instead, you need to book for summer slush! It’s important to remember that the glacier is only open in the summer ‘weather permitting’. For example, when conditions are safe and favorable.
If you’re lucky enough to get a ticket to ride the Horstman Glacier, expect a mix of short groomers alongside an awesome selection of park features. You’ll find small jib lines right through to the big kickers! When it’s time to rest those legs, we rate the Pangea Pod Hotel in Whistler Village. Want a more luxurious experience? Choose Fairmont Chateau Whistler.
You can also access some pretty epic touring and slackcountry in late spring and early summer. From Whistler, discover the Blackcomb Glacier, Spearhead Glacier, Decker Glacier, and Trorey Glacier. All offer dreamy late-season routes. However, we recommend going with a guide or someone experienced. That’s because summer glacier riding can be life or death for the uninitiated! For post-ride drinks, hit Umbrella Bar at the Roundhouse Lodge during in-season or Garibaldi Lift Co. to soak up the sunshine on their terrace.
Banff Sunshine Village, Alberta
Banff delivers fun late-season antics! Their regular season runs until late May, with most (if not all) of the resort staying open until the lifts stop spinning. And, because Banff lies pretty far north of the border in the Rockies, you’ll typically discover choice lines and fresh snow into June.
Want to earn your turns? Unless it’s a super hot early summer, you’ll find stashes through to Canada Day. For touring, take a scenic chairlift ride and start from the top (ish) to find your summer snow instead of hiking from the bottom! Nothing beats a June hike through the Sunshine Meadows with your skis on your back.
Banff has excellent facilities, including various bars, restaurants, and shops. That’s because it’s one of Canada’s premier ski destinations – thanks to its proximity to Calgary and its airport. Up for keeping things casual? Hit the HI Banff Alpine Center. After something a little sweeter? We love the Sunshine Mountain Lodge, Banff’s only ski-in, ski-out hotel. There in-season? Stop in at the Mad Trapper’s for a local brew, or head straight to the Bear Street Tavern, a local and visitor-favorite known for its cozy, laid-back vibes. We say it’s the perfect way to cap off a summer ski session!
Marmot Basin, Alberta
Sticking with Alberta and the Rockies, we aim further north to Jasper’s Marmot Basin. In good years, Marmot Basin closes in early to mid-May. And, although there’s no dedicated summer skiing, you’ll still find sweet stashes on the hike up. The whole area is awash with routes, including north-facing ones that hold their snow well. You can access the resort’s backcountry via Marmot Basin. However, check the closure status before embarking on a trek and have a full pack of avalanche gear with you.
We also 100% recommend hiring a local guide (there are many brilliant options). That’s because it’s a wild country, and if you’re touring late in the season, there’ll be lots of brown and black bear activity. And, remember, in peak summer, Marmot becomes more of a biking mecca. So, you might struggle to find a guide willing to take skiers out past mid-April. If that’s the case, we suggest looking at other locations on this list first.
If you’re set on Marmot Basin, stay in Jasper proper. Jasper Downtown Hostel is a great choice for budget-watchers. Meanwhile, the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge offers a more upmarket experience. Check out Jasper Brewing Company for local beverages and a good dose of what makes Jasper such an amazing place! Hint: it’s the people.
Mont Tremblant, Quebec
What if you find yourself on the East Coast? Tremblant’s got you! Well, sort of. They’ve just opened an artificial ski slope, open all summer long. It’s not snow, but you can dig your edges in if you really, really want to get turns in during August!
Out this way and itching for a snow fix? Book a short flight down to New Jersey and hit up Big SNOW American Dream, a sprawling indoor ski resort. Keen to up your air mileage? Fly to South America, where Chile and Argentina offer the planet’s best summer skiing. If that’s not possible, though, Tremblant is an excellent choice. Mix things up with Tremblant’s ski and bike rentals – ski in the morning before ripping trails in the afternoon!
Yes, Tremblant is fully geared up for the summer with a wide range of activities, including a beach, golf course, and a fully pedestrianized village with shops and restaurants. If you’re on a budget, Auberge La Porte Rouge is a pleasant spot to rest your head. Are your purse strings a little looser? The Fairmont Tremblant is pretty snazzy. After checking in, La Diable Microbrasserie should be stop number one. Sample one of their naturally crafted brews with a super chill atmosphere!
Summer ski touring in British Columbia
Ski touring in BC is the best way to taste the summer slush, with many options available late into the sunshine season. We already mentioned it, but Horstman Glacier at Whistler is a super-accessible spot to earn your turns. Nearby, Upper Callaghan Basin has Journeyman Lodge (about 90 minutes north of Vancouver and 30 minutes from Whistler). It’s an awesome, scenic spot for a late-season tour. Just book the lodge early, as it gets pretty rammed!
Revelstoke is another great option, with guided tours running late into spring. Pair that with a trip to Roger’s Pass (between Revelstoke and Golden), where Connaught Creek and 8812 Bowl beckon riders well into the sunny months. You’ll find plenty of well-worn, well-worth-it routes!
Further south, discover the Kokanee Glacier near Nelson, home to Whitewater Ski Resort. Kokanee is a hugely popular local spot for touring and sledding into the early summer. It also has its own cabin run by the Alpine Club of Canada – perfect for an overnight trip!
Wrapping up
Well, that’s it! It might not be Timberline in Oregon or Hintertux in Austria. Still, Canada has a few choice spots for summer laps. Nevertheless, we know we only scratched the surface. So, if you think we missed something obvious or want to let us know how we can improve this article, reach out via crew@montecwear.com.
We always love hearing your insider tips on where to find late-season snow. Until then, stay safe, watch out for crevasses, and pray for pow!
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