Top 9 Family-Friendly Canadian Ski Resorts

Planning a family ski trip can feel like a juggling act – finding a resort that keeps everyone happy, from little first-timers to seasoned shredders, isn’t always easy. You want slopes that cater to all skill levels, enough room for your youngest skier to practice turns without worrying about crowds, reliable childcare so the adults can sneak in a few solo runs, and a destination that keeps the fun going after the lifts close. That’s where Canada comes in.

Sure, Canada’s ski scene is famous for bucket-list adventures like the Powder Highway, which is the birthplace of snowcat and heli-skiing. But it’s also a haven for families seeking world-class – and stress-free – ski vacations. With a lineup of family-friendly resorts that deliver amazing terrain for all abilities, fewer crowds than many other ski hotspots, and après-ski activities for every age, Canada is an unbeatable choice for your next winter getaway.

To help you plan the perfect trip, we’ve rounded up the top 9 family-friendly resorts in Canada – each one offering an unmatchable mix of on-mountain fun and off-slope adventures. Whether it’s your first family ski trip or your 10th, these resorts are sure to make everyone’s winter dreams come true.

1 - Big White, BC

Big White’s slogan, “It’s the Snow,” isn’t just clever marketing – it’s the real deal. With an impressive 24.5 feet of annual snowfall, this resort is a paradise for powder lovers. But what really sets Big White apart? The famous “snow ghosts.” These snow-covered, ice-draped trees transform the slopes into a magical winter wonderland that’s equal parts stunning and surreal. They’re the kind of backdrop that makes you stop mid-run to snap a family photo—or maybe just marvel at nature doing its thing. 

With 16 lifts and an uphill capacity of 28,700 skiers per hour, Big White is all about keeping lift lines short – so short, in fact, that even on the busiest days, you’ll rarely wait more than a few minutes to hop on a chair. Once you’re on the mountain, you’ll have 119 designated trails to choose from on every level: 18% beginner, 54% intermediate, 22% advanced and 6% expert.

Planning to sign the kids up for lessons? Big White makes it easy to relax with its Flaik tracking system, which lets you check in on their location at any time. Whether they’re tackling the bunny slopes or venturing onto the greens, you’ll always know exactly where they are – giving you peace of mind and more time to enjoy your own runs.

When you aren’t hitting the slopes, there’s no shortage of family-friendly après-ski activities. Hop on a horse-drawn sleigh for a scenic ride, explore the backcountry on a snowmobile tour, glide through peaceful trails on cross-country skis, or take the kids to the tubing park for some high-energy thrills. And don’t miss the resort’s free Saturday carnival nights, running from early January through March at the Village Center Mall, complete with games, face painting, popcorn, and plenty more to keep the kiddos entertained.

Big White makes it easy to get around with its ski-in and ski-out village, and the free on-mountain shuttle ensures that you’ll never miss a beat. Whether you’re heading to the slopes or exploring the resort’s other offerings, everything is just a quick ride away.

2 - Banff and Jasper, AB

The Big Three Resorts in Banff  – Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise, and Mt. Norquay – are all about family fun, but Banff Sunshine stands out at the top. With its magical forests, smooth beginner runs, and progressive steeps and bowls, it features something for every level. Whether you’re just starting out or ready for fresh snow and adventure, Banff Sunshine delivers the perfect mix for the whole family.

Banff Sunshine goes above and beyond for families with a range of programs designed to keep the kids happy while the adults tackle more advanced terrain or hunt for secret powder stashes. From ski daycare for little ones as young as 19 months to lessons for future shredders aged 3-12, there’s something for every age group.

The resort provides 130 runs, with a terrain breakdown of 20% beginner, 22% intermediate,  50% advanced, and 8% expert, all spread across 3,300 acres. Whether you're enjoying gentle runs or tackling big mountain challenges, you'll have plenty to explore with 13 lifts, including 2 heated bubble chairs that keep things cozy on colder days.

Located just outside of Jasper, Marmot Basin boasts a perfect balance of terrain for skiers and riders of all levels. While it’s on the smaller side with just 7 lifts – including a magic carpet for beginners – it packs plenty of variety.

With 1,720 acres of terrain, Marmot Basin provides a solid breakdown: 30% beginner, 30% intermediate, 20% advanced, and 20% expert. Whether you're cruising groomers, exploring alpine bowls and chutes, or testing your skills on trees and moguls, there’s something for everyone in the family. Marmot Basin provides top-notch childcare for the younger crowd, with services available for kids 19 months up to 6 years old. You can even add a ski lesson to their day, giving you the best of both worlds – younglings are entertained and learning, while you get to hit the slopes guilt-free. 

Banff Sunshine is famous for its “storybook scenery and postcard adventures,” while Marmot Basin stands out for its lack of crowds, unbeatable value, and stunning views of Jasper National Park. No matter which resort you choose, both promise iconic experiences, incredible snow, and a memorable family getaway.

3 - Kimberley, BC

Kimberley, a charming British Columbia resort, is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and uncrowded slopes, making it easy to keep track of everyone while you explore. With slopes that funnel down into 2 main base areas, it's simple to split up based on skill level and meet at the bottom. In addition to its 68+ runs, Kimberley boasts North America's largest area of gladed terrain – unlocking endless opportunities for fresh tracks.  Families rave about the resort’s friendly staff, from the welcoming folks working in the rental shops to the lifties giving high-fives to kids on the magic carpet. According to TripAdvisor reviews, the staff’s kindness creates a warm, inviting environment perfect for beginners.

With just 5 lifts, Kimberley delivers a balanced mix of terrain – 20% beginner, 42% intermediate, and 38% advanced – ensuring everyone in the family has a run to enjoy. Off the slopes, there’s plenty of family fun to be had, like s’mores snowshoe tours through the Canadian wilderness and skiing under the stars from January to early March. If you're lucky, the dark skies of Kimberley might just reward you with a glimpse of the Northern Lights, adding an unforgettable touch of magic to your vacation.

4 - Mont Tremblant, QC

Families will love their ski vacation at Mont Tremblant, a self-contained resort that boasts a world-class ski school and vibrant village that’s free of cars. With 102 different trails, evenly split between beginner, intermediate and advanced, there truly is something for everyone at Mont Tremblant, the largest and most famous ski resort in Quebec, Canada.

Off the slopes, families can head to Brind’o Aqua Club, a center for water fun featuring slides, games, hot tubs and a fitness club for adults who want to sneak in a quick workout. For more family adventures, kids can try fat biking, ice skating, dog sledding, ATV tours, helicopter rides, sleigh rides, laser tag, snow tubing, and more. And for the adults? Relax with a luxurious massage at the spa, test your luck at the casino, or enjoy live music performances every Saturday from mid-February to mid-March at Place Saint Bernard, right at the base.

5 - Panorama Mountain Resort, BC

Panorama is known for its wide-open groomers, accessible via 10 strategically placed chairlifts that help spread skiers across the mountain. This makes it an ideal spot for learning, with less crowding and plenty of space to get comfortable on your skis or snowboard. With 2,975 acres of terrain, Panorama features a solid balance of 15% beginner, 35% intermediate, 20% advanced and 30% expert runs. Bonus: After a day on the slopes, guests can relax and soak in Canada’s largest slope-side hot pools and tubs, free for all resort guests.

Panorama makes family ski trips a breeze with childcare in the base village for kids 18 months to 5 years old, giving parents the chance to carve out some solo time on the slopes. Craving untouched powder? Hop on a snowcat for a cat skiing adventure or take it to the next level with heliskiing through nearby RK Heliski. For a true adrenaline rush, try tandem paragliding for a whole new perspective on the mountain.

Off the slopes, the Nordic Center offers rentals of snowshoes, cross-country skis and fat bikes for you to explore over 12 miles of expansive trails. Here’s an added perk according to recent visitors: The trails are dog-friendly, so your four-legged family members can join in on the fun!

6 - Revelstoke, BC

Revelstoke, tucked in British Columbia's northern interior, is famous for its big snow and even bigger selection of terrain, leaving families raving about their trips for years. While much of the mountain caters to advanced skiers, newbies can bask in dedicated beginner areas, learning zones, and magic carpets.

One of Revy’s biggest claims to fame is hosting the longest run in North America—a jaw-dropping 9 miles from summit to base. While that might sound intimidating, skiers of all levels can tackle this epic descent. Beginners can cruise down the green-rated Last Spike, while more experienced skiers can take on steeper, more technical terrain.

The resort’s 75 runs––12% green, 43% intermediate and 45% advanced–– add up to a total of 3,121 skiable acres. And with over 34 feet of snow each year, you're practically guaranteed a taste of Revelstoke's legendary powder.

Revelstoke offers affordable childcare for kids 18 months to 6 years old, with the option to add group lessons – perfect for youngsters learning to ski without the pressure of a full day on the mountain. Lodging options in town cater to a range of budgets, and most hotels provide free shuttle passes to the base for hassle-free access. When it’s time to unwind, downtown Revy serves up 40+ dining options to satisfy even the pickiest eaters, while parents can toast the day with a well-earned cocktail.

7 - SilverStar, BC

SilverStar sets the “gold standard” for family vacations, earning the title of #1 resort in Canada’s Okanagan region and Best for Beginners in the HWK Ski Awards, according to the resort website. With its kids-first mindset, this charming destination shines – think pastel rainbow buildings lining the mid-mountain village and a lineup of family-friendly activities that go far beyond the slopes.

Nestled in the Monashee Mountain Range, the resort averages almost 23 feet of snow each season, blanketing its 132 different trails. With terrain that caters to both beginners finding their groove and parents chasing fresh powder, this resort strikes the perfect balance for family fun.

SilverStar's ski school gets solid reviews, with one TripAdvisor traveler sharing: "Don’t come here if you want the bustle and crowds of a bigger resort. Come for the great runs, amazing snow, friendly people, and one of the best groups of instructors we’ve ever experienced." Off the slopes, SilverStar keeps the fun going with an epic tubing hill, mini snowmobiles for kids, snowshoeing, fat biking, ice skating, hockey games, and live music events in the base area.

8 - Sun Peaks, BC

As the second-largest ski area in Canada with 4,270 acres and plenty of ski-in, ski-out lodging with direct access to the base village – Sun Peaks lives up to its reputation as a family favorite. This BC resort is known for fewer crowds (even by Canadian standards), which means a quieter village during the evenings and less congestion on the mountain. Get this: It’s not uncommon to have wide-open runs all to yourself.

Sun Peaks offers a variety of private and group lessons tailored to kids, whether they’re first-timers or looking to fine-tune their skills in bumps or freestyle tricks. The base village is designed for easy access, making lesson drop-offs, rental pick-ups and lunch breaks effortless. For the youngest members of the family, Sun Peaks stands out with its Sundance Kids Center, offering childcare for non-skiers ages 3-5, conveniently located at the base of the Sunburst Express chairlift.

One of the reasons Sun Peaks keeps crowds to a minimum is its abundance of intermediate terrain – which sets it apart from many other top resorts in North America – with a terrain breakdown of 10% beginner, 58% intermediate and 32% advanced/expert. The après-ski scene at Sun Peaks delivers horse-drawn sleigh rides, ice skating, starlight alpine fondue, Nordic skiing and snowshoe tours, plenty to keep all members of the family engaged and fuel their sense of adventure.

9 - Whistler Blackcomb, BC

Last but certainly not least on the list: Whistler and Blackcomb. Together, these two peaks make up the largest resort in North America, clocking in at 8,171 acres of skiable terrain. The mountain features a diverse terrain mix: 18% beginner, 40% intermediate, 35% advanced, and 7% expert runs; plus the Big Easy Terrain Garden designed for kids who want to send it.

Beyond the vast slopes, families can take advantage of exciting activities offered by the resort like the Whistler Sliding Center, ziplining and the tube park. If the youngsters need a break from the mountain, they can let loose at the Magic Castle and Tree Fort, where they can run, climb, and burn off extra energy. For childcare, Teddy Bear Daycare in the village welcomes kids ages 2.5 to 5. Plus, ski and snowboard lessons are available for children ages 3 and up, giving little ones the chance to learn while parents enjoy the mountain.

Whistler Village is famous for its pedestrian-only streets, vibrant nightlife, and a wide range of dining options – perfect for both families and night owls. Whether you're taking a leisurely morning stroll for breakfast or searching for a family-friendly dinner spot, everything is just steps away, adding extra convenience to your stay. 

Planning your ski vacation at any of these 9 resorts ensures endless family fun and lasting memories, both on and off the slopes. Ski.com is here to help you create the perfect family getaway.  Contact us today to get a quote and set your next big Canadian ski vacation in motion!