10 Best Ski Resorts in Canada, According to Pros and Locals

Lake Louise Ski Resort

As someone fortunate enough to live near Banff National Park, my top nearby pick is Lake Louise Ski Resort because of its multi-mountain steep terrain, narrow chutes, fresh powder, and unbeatable views. Out here, the snow is light and dry, so even when the resort hasn’t seen recent snowfall, it blows around and blankets the runs in a way that seems as though it’s freshly dumped.

Not only was the resort voted Canada’s Best Ski Resort 2025 by World Ski Awards, but it has recently completed major upgrades, which include adding a new lift with heated bubbles and revamping its beginner area. If you’re staying in Lake Louise, the winter wonderland that is Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is the perfect spot. If you’re staying in Banff, the Mount Royal Hotel—with its rooftop hot tubs, cocktails and tapas at Brazen and buses to all Big 3 ski resorts—can’t be beaten.

Marmot Basin

Located within Banff’s neighbor, Jasper National Park, there’s another stunning resort surrounded by the jagged Rocky Mountains and glaciers. Marmot Basin makes an easy addition to a Banff and Lake Louise itinerary up the scenic Icefields Parkway. Its high altitude means many runs are above the treeline and have wide-open spaces for both pros and beginners. The resort also hosts the annual Jasper Pride festival in April. Undeniably, the best place to stay here is the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, which comes alive in winter with skating, a lakeside hot tub, and seasonal programming.

Kicking Horse Ski Resort

Kicking Horse Ski Resort, an hour west of Lake Louise, is known for its steep terrain, gigantic chutes, jagged Rocky Mountain peaks, and fluffy dry snow.

“One of the great things about Kicking Horse is the elevation of the ski resort,” says professional skier Tessa Treadway. “When warmer storms roll through BC mid-winter, we often get really lucky with tons of snow, whereas lower elevations will be getting rain. As a mom of three crazy boys, we love winter to feel like winter for family runs down the mountain.”

The resort boasts Canada’s highest restaurant and is an epic destination for expert skiers and riders. Glacier Mountain Lodge, the resort’s official on-mountain accommodations, is just a few steps from the main gondola.

Fernie Alpine Resort

In the realm of Rocky Mountain resorts, none can rival Fernie Alpine Resort’s knee-deep powder skiing in expansive bowls (Curry Bowl is my favorite) and the exhilarating experience of navigating snow-laden tree runs.

“In Fernie, both the mountain and the town aren’t pretentious, and you don’t find that pro ski ego like other places,” says professional skier Dylan Siggers. “It’s very laid-back; sometimes we show up at noon and ski powder until 4 p.m. I particularly love catching air at Fernie. You don’t have to worry about back-breaking cliffs here, just easygoing, powder-laden jumps all around the mountain that go with the flow.”

At the base of the mountain is Lizard Creek Lodge, where outdoor hot pools and an ice bar make for the ultimate mix of après fun and relaxation.

Revelstoke Mountain Resort

Revelstoke Mountain Resort is celebrated for offering the longest vertical drop in North America (5,620 feet), complemented by copious snowfall that averages 408 inches each year. The resort’s trails present a harmonious blend, from gentle slopes that welcome novices to adrenaline-fueled routes designed for the seasoned expert, ensuring a fulfilling experience for every level of skier. Nestled within the unique ecosystem of the world’s sole inland temperate rain forest, Revelstoke also boasts exceptionally enchanting tree runs. The Sutton Place Hotel, located on the mountain, has outdoor hot pools and offers activities like snowmobile tours and Nordic skiing.

Red Mountain Ski Resort

Red Mountain Ski Resort may not be known around the world, but it’s a gold mine for in-the-know powder hounds seeking the thrill of big resorts without the big price tag or crowds.

“Growing up as a ski racer in Northern BC, you learn about Red Mountain—its legacy of athletes, challenging terrain, and abundance of snow,” says Pippa Chappell, former ski racer and a ski coach of the Red Mountain Racers. “Rossland and Red Mountain draw many people with their incredible mountain town culture. Our whole family couldn’t be more grateful for the history, sense of community, and just plain stoke of living here.”

Red has some beginner runs but tends to lean more on the intermediate side for the brave and daring. At the base of the mountain is the luxurious Autograph Collection Josie Hotel. It packs the same amenities, service level, and dining options as a big mountain lodge but, with just 106 rooms, retains a more intimate feel. Red Mountain is typically under a three-hour drive north of Spokane, Washington, for those who wish to fly within the U.S. and then head up to Canada.

Big White Ski Resort

This family-operated ski resort is best accessed via the nearby Kelowna International Airport (YLW) in the heart of British Columbia’s Okanagan wine country. Although it’s in a desert region, the Okanagan receives world-famous snow due to the valley being surrounded by mountains that trap cold air. The result? Lots of dry snow blanketing an equal amount of bigger and intermediate runs, making Big White Ski Resort a great choice for mixed-level groups. Milder temperatures and low-lying clouds are also common, which create ice on trees to which the snow sticks; this results in solid white ghostly figures known as “snow ghosts.”

Big White Village is perfectly designed to accommodate skiers and riders, and once you’re up there, there’s really no reason to leave. While you can choose from numerous vacation rentals and on-mountain accommodations, Big White’s most luxurious hotel is the Stonegate Resort. The ski-in, ski-out lodge is ideal for families; after a day on the slopes, parents can warm up in a whirlpool spa while kids head to the game room for foosball, air hockey, and arcade basketball.

Whistler Blackcomb Ski Resort

When it comes to the crème de la crème of ski resorts in Canada, it’s hard to beat North America’s largest ski resort. Boasting 8,171 acres, Whistler Blackcomb is known for hosting the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Skiers and snowboarders etch their artistry on the snowy canvas of the resort, which is bridged by the colossal Peak 2 Peak gondola, itself an experience. Whistler is known worldwide in the LGBTQ+ community for its annual Whistler Pride festival, and while the resort attracts experts and intermediates, there are enough beginner runs and après options to fill a week-long stay.

Mountainside accommodations don’t get much better than the Four Seasons Whistler with its ski concierge program (wake up and find your warm boots and skis ready to go!), rooms with mountain (and courtyard) views, and a spa that partners with a local Indigenous-owned skincare line. For accommodations in the village, check out the Pan Pacific Whistler Village. Located just 15 minutes outside of Whistler, Wedge Mountain Lodge & Spa is an exclusive retreat for up to 20 adults and six kids, with a movie theater, personal chef, and spa.

Mount Washington

Nestled on stunning Vancouver Island, Canada’s westernmost ski haven boasts breathtaking views of Strathcona Provincial Park to the west and ocean views over the Strait of Georgia to the east. Although it may not be the most renowned, Mount Washington Alpine Resort is celebrated for receiving some of the heaviest snowfall in North America, with an impressive annual average of 432 inches. It’s one of the best ski resorts in Canada for beginners and families, but expert terrain can be found at the summits as well. Accommodations are limited to vacation rentals, but most are ski-in, ski-out and can be found on the resort website. 

Tremblant

Nestled in the heart of Quebec’s Laurentian Mountains, Tremblant stands out as eastern Canada’s premier skiing destination. Renowned for its picturesque, European-inspired village, the resort is a favorite among families for its kid-friendly slopes and activities during school breaks, though Tremblant has its share of challenging runs, too. Above all, the village is well known for its vibrant après-ski scene, dining, shopping, and entertainment. At the base of the mountain, the historic Fairmont Tremblant blends rustic elegance with modern comforts like its Moment Spa, outdoor hot pools, and a contemporary French restaurant serving warming bouillabaisse.