Canada

Why we love it: The largest ski resort in North America, Whistler Blackcomb offers an extensive network of trails, high-quality snow, and a legendary après-ski scene. The resort's two connected mountains provide 8,171 skiable acres with a diverse set of trails from beginner to expert and everything in between. Despite the massive expanse, it’s quite easy to navigate thanks to the resorts PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola which connects Whistler and Blackcomb mountain. 

Incredible Tyrolean-style base villages, which are divided into the main Village, Upper Village and Creekside provide guests with a range of dining, lodging, après-ski bars, shopping and nightlife options to fit every ski vacation preference.

In comparison to other famed North American ski destinations, Whistler is extremely easy to get to from anywhere in the world, thanks to its close vicinity to Vancouver International Airport.

Highlights: Peak 2 Peak Gondola, Whistler Village, and a world-class ski school.

Closest airport: Vancouver Intl. Airport - 85 miles (2 hour drive)

Why we love it:  The SkiBig3 resorts—Mt. Norquay, Lake Louise Ski Resort, and Banff Sunshine Village—offer an unparalleled skiing experience in the stunning Canadian Rockies.  With their proximity to Banff and the beautiful wilderness of Banff National Park, these resorts provide not only excellent skiing but an amazing opportunity to escape into the serenity of Banff National Park for year-round fun. Banff’s location ensures feet of light and fluffy power for which the region is famous for. 

Highlights: 

Mt. Norquay: A family-friendly resort with 60 diverse trails, night skiing, an excellent ski school, and additional activities like tubing and snowshoeing.

Lake Louise Ski Resort: One of North America’s largest ski resorts with over 4,200 skiable acres and 145 runs, offering panoramic views, extensive off-piste and backcountry options and varied terrain for all skill levels.

Banff Sunshine Village: With a long ski season that goes from November to late May, this resort has over 3,300 acres of skiable terrain across three mountains, more than 120 runs, and is known for its dry, light powder snow and exceptional alpine bowls.

Who it's good for:

Mt. Norquay: Ideal for beginners and families looking for a relaxed and accessible ski experience, with close proximity to Banff.

Lake Louise Ski Resort: Perfect for intermediate and advanced skiers, as well as those who appreciate stunning views throughout their mountain exploration.

Banff Sunshine Village: Great for skiers and snowboarders of all levels who want to enjoy a long season and pristine powder

Closest airport: Calgary International Airport - 81 miles (1.5 hour drive)

Why we love it: Big White Ski Resort is known for its exceptional snow quality, diverse terrain, and family-friendly atmosphere. Located in the beautiful Okanagan Valley, it offers a perfect blend of convenience, stunning scenery, and a variety of activities both on and off the slopes.

Highlights: Renowned for its light, fluffy consistent powder, extensive night skiing and a well-maintained terrain park for all levels, family-friendly activities including tubing and ice skating. 

Who it's good for: Big White is ideal for families, beginners, and intermediate skiers looking for a well-rounded, friendly ski resort. Its extensive terrain also caters to advanced skiers and snowboarders seeking diverse and challenging runs.

Closest airport: Kelowna International Airport - 37 miles (1 hours)

Why we love it: With 5,620 vertical feet, Revelstoke offers among some of North America’s longest lift-served vertical. Its longest run, Last Spike, is 9.5 miles long. Revelstoke’s is accessed by a modern lift system consisting of an eight-person, high-speed gondola, high-speed quad chairs and magic carpet conveyor lifts. Revelstoke Resort, or “Revy” as locals call it, features a resort village at the base of the mountain around the new Nelson Lodge. It offers a full-service restaurant, retail and rental shops and lift ticket and skier services.

 The town of Revelstoke provides a great setting for winter activities like cross-country skiing, ice- skating and snowshoeing. You’ll also have the opportunity to indulge in natural hot springs to soothe your aches and pains.

Highlights: Cat-skiing, heli-skiing, back-country skiing, longest-vertical drop and challenging runs.

Who it’s good for: Expert skiers, powder-hounds and those looking to avoid the crowds of Whistler-Blackcomb

Closest airport: Kelowna International Airport - 120 miles (2.5 hour drive)

Why we love it: Mont Tremblant Ski Resort is a charming destination known for its picturesque village, excellent skiing, and rich cultural atmosphere. With 22 green runs, 31 blue and 49 black diamonds, the resort caters to a wide range of abilities. However, expert skiers hold Mt. Tremblant near and dear with its abundant snowfall and steep and deep runs. Located in the Laurentian Mountains, it combines European-style architecture with modern amenities, creating a unique and inviting experience.

Highlights: 755 of terrain with 102 trails, three terrain parks for improving freestyle skills, a cozy European inspired village with options for lodging and dining

Who it's good for: Mont Tremblant is perfect for families, beginners, and intermediate skiers who enjoy a comprehensive resort experience with a blend of skiing and cultural activities. Advanced skiers and snowboarders will also find challenging runs and off-piste opportunities.

Closest airport: Montreal International Airport - 85 miles (1.5 hr drive)

Why we love it: Like many other ski resorts in Canada, Kicking Horse is renowned for its ridiculously long runs and deep powder, although Kicking Horse tops the charts with some of the most compelling and technical terrain on the Powder Highway.  With 120+ runs spread across steep chutes, expansive bowls, and incredible descents, the resort caters to advanced and expert skiers. The impressive vertical drop of 4,314 (1,350m) and the resort's reputation as the "Champagne Powder Capital of Canada" make it a top destination for skiers and riders alike. Located in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, it offers an intoxicating skiing experience with breathtaking views.

Highlights: Short lift lines, long vertical drops and spectacular scenery. 

Who it's good for: Kicking Horse is ideal for advanced and expert skiers and snowboarders that are looking for a challenge. Intermediate skiers will find enjoyable runs to put their skills to the test, while beginners can take advantage of the resort’s dedicated learning areas and ski school.

Closest airport: Calgary International Airport - 174 miles (3-hour drive)