The beauty of Canada’s ski destinations is unrivaled. Skiers will marvel at the majestic peaks, high cliffs, sparkling rivers and impossibly blue lakes overlaid by thick snowy blankets. From the high drama of the Rockies, to the rolling cascade of the Laurentians and the inspiring setting at Whistler, skiing in Canada guarantees the experience of a lifetime.
Mount Norquay Ski Area
Banff's Mount Norquay, located above the Town of Banff, offers the rare experience of night skiing once a week, from January until the end of March. Day time skiing starts in early December. Located only minutes from downtown Banff, Mount Norquay offers a wide range of ski terrain. Mount Norquay has 90% snowmaking capacity and offers some of the best grooming in the Rockies.
Sunshine Village
Sunshine Village is located on the Continental Divide creating a vast bowl of deep snow with an average of 30 ft. of powder from November to May - the longest ski season in Canada. Throughout Sunshine's history, all development, including $11 million in resort improvements, has been carefully designed to harmonize with the natural beauty of the Canadian Rockies and Banff National Park. Still standing is the original log cabin of 1928, known as Old Sunshine Lodge.
Lake Louise Ski Area
Lake Louise is one of Canada's largest ski areas with a 3,250 ft. vertical drop, spread over four mountain faces. Lake Louise Ski Area had record breaking snow conditions in 1998/99, prompting the World Cup Ski Organizers to choose Lake Louise as the host site for the 1999 Men's and Women's World Cup ski races. With over 1,000 skiable acres, 100 named runs and 4 mountain faces to choose from, this alpine terrain offers the perfect variety for all abilities. Every chair lift has both an easy and a more difficult way down, allowing everyone from novice to expert to enjoy and explore the whole mountain, including the famed back bowls.
Nakiska
Nakiska was the spectacular venue of the 1988 Winter Olympics. Specifically designed to host the Olympic alpine events, the result was the creation of a ski area carefully designed to match the needs of today's skier. Nakiska is equipped with one of the most expensive and sophisticated snowmaking systems in the world, ensuring the highest quality of snow coverage on the mountain from early December through mid-April.
Marmot Basin
Skiers and snowboarders of all abilities will find everything they’re looking for at Marmot Basin. The closest ski area to Jasper, there is 1,500 acres of skiable terrain including tranquil groomed slopes, open bowl skiing and 75 named trails. Although this is one of the least crowded ski areas of its size in North American, the modern lift system carries 11,931 skiers uphill per hour and boasts superb facilities. Rentals, ski shop and daycare are just a few amenities available at the hill. Located only 11 miles (19 km) from The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, you can perfect your skill at any level on long winded novice runs or steep alpine bowls and chutes.
Lake Louise Ski Area
Lake Louise is one of Canada's largest ski areas with a 3,250 ft. vertical drop, spread over four mountain faces. Lake Louise Ski Area had record breaking snow conditions in 1998/99, prompting the World Cup Ski Organizers to choose Lake Louise as the host site for the 1999 Men's and Women's World Cup ski races. With over 1,000 skiable acres, 100 named runs and 4 mountain faces to choose from, this alpine terrain offers the perfect variety for all abilities. Every chair lift has both an easy and a more difficult way down, allowing everyone from novice to expert to enjoy and explore the whole mountain, including the famed back bowls.
Mount Norquay Ski Area
Banff's Mount Norquay, located above the Town of Banff, offers the rare experience of night skiing once a week, from January until the end of March. Day time skiing starts in early December. Located only minutes from downtown Banff, Mount Norquay offers a wide range of ski terrain. Mount Norquay has 90% snowmaking capacity and offers some of the best grooming in the Rockies.
Sunshine Village
Sunshine Village is located on the Continental Divide creating a vast bowl of deep snow with an average of 30 ft. of powder from November to May - the longest ski season in Canada. Throughout Sunshine's history, all development, including $11 million in resort improvements, has been carefully designed to harmonize with the natural beauty of the Canadian Rockies and Banff National Park. Still standing is the original log cabin of 1928, known as Old Sunshine Lodge.
Le Massif
Located in the picturesque village of Petite-Riviere-St-francois, this resort boasts the highest vertical drop in Eastern Canada at 750+ meters. Le Massif attracts thousands each season and is one of the region’s premier downhill skiing destinations. Possessing 30 excellent runs, an annual snowfall of 650 cm and breathtaking views of the Saint Lawrence River this ski destination is a winter paradise by any standards. Le Massif is located approximately 45 minutes west of La Malbaie.
Mont Grand-Fonds
For terrific alpine skiing within minutes of the La Malbaie-Pointe-au-Pic area, Mont Grand-Fonds is not to be missed. The park boasts a vertical drop of almost 400 meters, 20 runs, four advanced and two expert trails and also includes the thrilling Les Braconniers and Nagano runs. Cross-country skiing and snowboarding is also available with 15 breathtaking trails and a snowboard park. Mont Grand-Fonds’ restaurant and pub offers a relaxing way to wind down after a vigorous day on the slopes.
Mont Sainte-Anne
This park has provided visitors with the chance to experience nature in its purest form for many years. Located just 25 miles outside of downtown Quebec, Mont Sainte-Anne offers everything from hiking and mountain climbing to some of the areas most popular alpine and cross-country skiing. The park is more than an hour’s drive east of La Malbaie.
Stoneham Ski Hill
Quebec City is known for its captivating atmosphere and Stoneham Ski Resort is a prime example. Located less than 20 minutes away, great skiing awaits you in addition to top-notch facilities and high quality services. Experience perfect conditions on 300 acres, 185 of which are lit terrain for night skiing. 10 lifts accommodate skiers and drop them at runs spread out over four mountains. The impressive snow quality is attributed to Stoneham’s location in a horseshoe shaped valley, protecting it from winds. In addition to 20 km of cross-country skiing trails, a children’s center, restaurants, lounges and a skating rink are also at hand.
Mont Tremblant
The Tremblant has received a great deal of publicity from “American Ski Magazine” and has earned recognition as the “Best Resort in Eastern North America”. It is easy to see why this resort has become a perennial favorite when this 600-acre mountain is seen in its full winter glory. Boasting more than 90 first-rate runs and 9 fully operational lifts, the resort makes 30 trails available as early as December. Test your skill on such daredevil dreams as Verige, a 220-plus meter drop, and the aptly-names Dynamite, whose 245-meter drop is guaranteed to provide a thrill. The resort offers a wide range of fun of alternatives if skiing isn’t what you’re after. Snowmobile rentals, ice-skating, guided cross-country skiing, and even dogsledding excursions are available.
There are three skiing areas within a 45-minute drive of Vancouver:
• Grouse Mountain (downhill only)
• Mount Seymour (cross-country and downhill) and
• Cypress Mountain (cross-country and downhill)
Whistler/Blackcomb
These magnificent side-by-side mountains provide the perfect setting for any winter sport lover to discover their passion. Over 7,000 acres of skiable terrain and a vertical rise of more than 5,200 feet are just two of the reasons why Whistler/Blackcomb has earned such unbeatable reputation.
Whistler/Blackcomb is the recipients of the following prestigious awards:
• #1 Ski Resort in North America: SKIING Magazine
• #1 Ski Resort in North America: Conde Nast Traveler
• #1 Resort Hotel in Canada: Travel & Leisure
• #1 Ski Resort in North America: SKI Magazine
• Top 20 Foreign Resorts, Gold List: Conde Nast Traveler
