Whistler Blackcomb and 4 of Canada’s Other Best Ski Resorts

There’s a reason Canada is known as the “Great White North.” The North American country averages the second-highest annual snowfall behind Japan and, as such, boasts a multitude of world-class ski and snowboard resorts from coast to coast. However, the best skiing is found in the western provinces of Alberta and British Columbia, the latter of which is home to the world-famous Whistler Blackcomb resort.

The largest skiing resort in North America, Whistler Blackcomb features diverse terrain for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels. It has several wide-open bowls, and the resort’s five terrain parks, which include more than 150 features, 90 rails, and 40 jumps, provide a perfect winter playground for extreme skiers.

It’s also known for its PEAK 2 PEAK gondola, which connects Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. At more than 3 kilometers long, it is the longest unsupported lift in the world.

Whistler Blackcomb is about a two-hour drive from the Vancouver International Airport. The season typically runs from late November to late May, and annual snowfall is about 35 feet. The resort village offers a variety of après-ski entertainment with diverse dining options, art galleries, and shopping boutiques.

The following is a look at four other top-rated ski and snowboard resorts in Canada.

Revelstoke Mountain

Revelstoke Mountain is another resort in British Columbia, about a 2.5-hour drive from Kelowna. It’s usually not as busy as Whistler Blackcomb but also isn’t suited for beginner or inexperienced skiers. More experienced or thrill-seeking skiers will be happy to know it features the largest vertical drop in North America and offers heli-skiing and cat-skiing opportunities.

Revelstoke Mountain also has year-round outdoor leisure and entertainment. The park is a great place for hiking and mountain biking, with a lift-accessed trail network that takes riders to the peak of the Fifty-Six Twenty. With a vertical drop of 5,620 feet, it is believed to be the longest flow trail in the world. The Pipe Mountain Coaster, meanwhile, is a family-friendly miniature roller coaster ride that travels up to 42 kilometers per hour (26 miles per hour) through multiple ski runs and a tunnel.

Lake Louise

East of British Columbia, Alberta is also home to several prominent and enjoyable ski resorts. Lake Louise, about a two-hour drive from Calgary International Airport in Banff National Park, is one of the best resorts in the province and is known for its world-class terrain and stunning scenery. It also has one of the longest seasons among all North American resorts; the 2022–23 season opened on November 4 and ran until May 7.

Lake Louise has about 4,200 acres of skiable terrain with groomed runs and other features suitable for skiers of all skill levels. Intermediate and advanced skiers will have fun at the West Bowl, a 480-acre area with more challenging terrain. Lake Louise is one of three popular ski resorts near the town of Banff. Those who plan on visiting Banff for an extended stay can purchase a SkiBig3 pass to enjoy the slopes at Mount Norquay and Banff Sunshine as well.

Other popular winter activities in Banff National Park include snowshoeing, sleigh rides, dog sledding, ice skating, and tubing. There’s also a plethora of sightseeing opportunities, dining establishments, and shops and boutiques.

Mont Tremblant

Mont Tremblant in Quebec is one of the few well-known resorts outside of British Columbia and Alberta. At about a 1.5-hour drive from Montreal, Mont Tremblant has 665 acres of skiable terrain and more than 2,000 feet of vertical drop. It also has 102 ski trails, almost half of which are suitable for advanced skiers.

A cozy resort with a European-style atmosphere, the village at the base of the mountain has plenty of high-end shopping and dining establishments as well as luxury accommodation. The resort is perfect for families as it also features play centers for children and family-friendly activities like fat biking and snowshoeing.

Readers of Ski Magazine ranked Mont Tremblant as the №1 resort in the East in a recent annual survey.

Big White

Big White is another popular ski resort near Kelowna, but, unlike Revelstoke, it is perfect for families and inexperienced skiers and snowboarders. It receives an average of 26 feet of snowfall each year and offers unmatched powder skiing with more than 2,700 acres of skiable area. It also features well-groomed trails and a ski-in/ski-out village, making it a perfect destination for visitors who want easy access to the slopes.

There are 16 lifts, including a gondola, on the mountain. Moreover, nearly 40 acres of the mountainside are lit up at night for scenic night skiing. Other winter recreation activities at Big White include tubing, dog sledding, ice climbing, and snowmobiling.

Expect minimal wait times at Big White. The recently-built central reservations office features seamless check-in and checkout options, while the new Magic Carpet lift has improved the flow of traffic in the learning area.