Winter Experiences in Canada

There are few other countries on earth that celebrate winter as Canada does. Whether it’s hitting the slopes of the world-renowned Canadian Rockies, mushing along snow-laden trails, or angling for trophy fish from a cosy hut in the middle of a frozen lake, wintertime in Canada is truly magical.

Canada's Best Ski Resorts

British Columbia

It’s no wonder people travel from far and wide to take a turn on these incredibly exciting slopes. With 13 major ski resorts across 10 different mountain ranges, British Columbia is a ski vacation mecca and home to North America’s largest ski resort!

Whistler Blackcomb Ski Resort

Whistler Blackcomb is the largest ski resort in North America and it’s so easy to get there as it’s only a 1.5-hour drive from Vancouver. Whistler and Blackcomb are side-by-side mountains that offer over 200 marked runs, 8,171 acres of terrain, 16 alpine bowls, and three glaciers. With bountiful powder and 360-degree views, skiers can choose from alpine, backcountry, heli, cat and Nordic skiing, and snowboarding on runs ranging from beginner to double black diamond. Snow-lovers will also find every imaginable winter activity: snowshoeing, snowmobiling, tubing and sliding, plus ice climbing, ice fishing, and ice skating.

The Canadian Rockies

Stretching from British Columbia into southwest Alberta, the Canadian Rockies form the backbone of Jasper and Banff National Parks. We have you covered with some of the most popular areas for skiing in what’s colourfully referred to as the pinnacles of powder.

Banff

Sunshine Village Ski and Snowboard Resort is just one of many popular ski resorts in Banff. It comprises three sprawling mountains and is located only 5 miles (8 km) west from Banff.

Mt. Norquay is another resort in Banff that brings skiers to its hills. Best known for the legendary ski racers who have claimed their glory on the mountain’s slopes since the 1930’s, Norquay has over 60 runs that range from easy green runs to challenging double blacks.

Lake Louise

In the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Lake Louise is home to several amazing ski resorts. The Lake Louise Ski Resort has 4,200 acres of ski-able world-class terrain. Each lift at this mountain services beginner, intermediate, and expert runs, and there are endless groomers, chutes, glades, and cullies that are perfect for any level.

Marmot Basin, Jasper National Park

Only 20 minutes from the town of Jasper, Marmot Basin offers 3,000 vertical feet (914 m) of spectacular skiing and snowboarding on 1,720 acres of varied terrain. Marmot Basin is the northernmost Rocky Mountain ski area.

Self-Drive Ski-Safari Itineraries

Rocky Highlights

This self-drive ski safari will introduce you to five of the Rockies’ best ski resorts: Fernie Alpine Resort, Marmot Basin (Jasper), Mount Norquay, Sunshine Village and Lake Louise. After your first day in the “powder” you will know that this is the fulfilment of the dream you have always had!

Self-Drive Ski & Snowboard Safari 12 days/11 nights from Calgary to Edmonton.
A total of 8 full ski days at the following ski resorts: Sunshine Village, Mount Norquay, Lake Louise, Fernie, Marmot Basin (Jasper)

Day 1: Arrival at Calgary airport, collect your SUV and drive to Fernie. Four nights at Fernie Slopeside Lodge in Fernie.

Day 2 - 4: Ski Fernie! After a short transfer with the hotel shuttle you arrive at the ski hill. With an average annual snowfall of 9-metres Fernie is renowned for its excellent natural snow conditions and perfect runs for every level of skier. Enjoy!

Day 5: Today it is off to Banff. After your check-in at Brewster’s Mountain Lodge (4 nights) there is still time for a stroll through town.

Day 6 - 8: During these three days you are skiing the most famous ski areas in the Canadian Rocky Mountains: Sunshine Village, Mount Norquay and Lake Louise. Every day, the free shuttle will take you to the ski area of your choice.

Day 9: Today you continue to Jasper. Enjoy the great scenery along the Icefields Parkway, one of the most scenic drives in the Rockies. Upon arrival in Jasper, check-in at the Chateau Jasper (3 nights).

Day 10 and 11: Ski Marmot Basin! A ski resort renowned for its abundant, dry snow, trails for every skiing ability, spectacular scenery and a relaxed, unhurried atmosphere. On both days, a shuttle bus will take you to the ski hill.

Day 12: Drive from Jasper to Edmonton Airport.

Powder Circle

No doubt, the motto here is: steep and deep! This self-drive ski safari will introduce you to the four ski resorts – Fernie, Whitewater, Red Mountain and Revelstoke - which boasts the longest vertical descent in North America. Unbelievable skiing and boarding can be found here. Ideal winter temperatures make for incredibly light snow that is always supplied in generous amounts. Average annual snowfall ranges from 7.5 to 13 metres!

Self-Drive Ski & Snowboard Safari
11 days/10 nights from Calgary to Kelowna

A total of 8 full ski days at the following ski resorts: Fernie Alpine Resort, Whitewater, Red Mountain, Revelstoke

Day 1: Arrival at Calgary airport, collect your SUV, and drive to Fernie (approx. 3 hrs). Three nights at Fernie Slopeside Lodge in Fernie.

Day 2 - 4: Ski Fernie! After a short transfer with the hotel shuttle you arrive at the ski hill. With an average annual snowfall of 9 metres Fernie is renowned for its excellent natural snow conditions and perfect runs for every level of skier. Enjoy! After skiing on day 4, drive to Nelson in the West-Kootenays (approx. 4hrs.). Your hotel for the next two nights is the Prestige Lakeview Inn.

Day 5: Ski Whitewater! After a short drive (20 min) you arrive in what many consider to be powder heaven. Fun and interesting fall line runs, glades, chutes, open bowls and groomed trails are waiting to be explored.

Day 6: In the morning, drive to Rossland (approx.1 hr). Two nights are spent at the Surestay Rossland Hotel. The shuttle bus will then take you to the ski hill (5 min). Red Mountain is another area famous for its light, deep powder. ‘Comparable to heli-skiing at a chairlift price’ is the slogan here.

Day 7: One more day to enjoy at Red Mountain.

Day 8: Drive from Rossland to Revelstoke (approx. 4 hrs). Upon arrival at Revelstoke, check in at Sutton Place Hotel where you will spend the next three nights.

Day 9 and 10: Just a few steps from your hotel and you are on the slopes! Enjoy those two days skiing at Revelstoke. With some of the best powder skiing in Canada, and the longest vertical drop in North America, Revesltoke has something for everyone.

Day 11: Drive from Revelstoke to Calgary airport (approx. 4.5 hrs).

To book your Canadian ski adventure, call your Travel Counsellor today.

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