This blog was updated in August 2024 to reflect the changes to Jasper National Park following the wildfires.

Been missing the slopes? Well, it’s time to dust off those ski boots and make tracks for the Canadian mountains. With bag-loads of jaw-dropping snowy scenery, Canada is a haven for skiers and snowboarders alike. If you know your ski bums from your steeze (or even if you’ll be firmly on the beginner slopes), here’s a quick slalom through Canada’s best ski resorts.

Pssst, this is extra nifty: fly with Air Canada from Europe, and you’ll get free ski and snowboard carriage as part of your ticket.

An easy 90 minute drive from Vancouver on the Sea to Sky Highway (the views are gorgeous!) Whistler-Blackcomb, officially, is named for the two mountains that make up the largest ski resort in North America. The two peaks are connected by the Peak-2-Peak gondola – the world’s longest and highest unsupported lift.

It gets loads of snow throughout the year, and is great for dumps of the powdery stuff – what those in the trade call ‘powpow’ and consider the best type to ski on. It’s a proper all rounder resort, with a fab ski school and green runs for families and beginners, as well as diamond runs, backcountry and heli-skiing for the fancy pants people.

Whistler Village is full of shops and restaurant and has a mix of accommodation too. It’s the best place to be for the gondolas and  the après scene. Upper Village, at the base of Blackcomb, meanwhile is all about the more secluded and Alpine vibes.

How to get there: fly direct to Vancouver from multiple UK airports

62 miles outside Calgary, the gateway to the Canadian Rockies, is Banff. Set within the wider Banff National Park, there’s actually three skirt resorts here – Lake Louise, Sunshine Village, and Mt. Norquay (the smallest of the three). Banff was Canada’s first national park. It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so the scenery is pretty bloomin’ special. Sunshine Village is ideal for beginners, while the other two are best for more advanced skiers and boarders. You can buy a lift pass for all three, though, and they’re all connected by regular buses.

When you’re not doing a yardsale (crashing out on the slopes, your stuff lying everywhere like a yardsale), you’ll find plenty more to do. You could go on a guided walk through an ice canyon, soothe your tired muscles in a thermal spring, or watch a game of ice hockey in one of Banff’s bars.

The town of Banff is the main base here, bigger and with more stuff to do, but Lake Louise Village is smaller, quieter, and more quaint.

How to get there: fly direct to Calgary from London airports

Small but perfectly formed, Marmot Basin in Jasper is one of Canada’s best ski resorts. With 90 runs, this petite ski area is one of the highest in the country – so you’re guaranteed fantastic snow. There’s lots of green and blue runs for beginners but, if you’re an advance skier or boarder you can tackle the Tres Hombres – built in 2018, this vertical, north-facing slope is made up of five intense runs, and it ain’t for the faint-hearted.

There are lots of other activities on offer in Jasper, too. You’ll be in the heart of the Rockies, so you could try dog-sledding and snowshoe hiking. Or why not go on a guided wildlife tour in search of elk, moose and bears?

In July 2024, Jasper suffered a devastating wildfire that so far has destroyed more than 34,000 hectares, including a large portion of the town. Both Jasper and Jasper National Park are currently closed to visitors and residents whilst they work to recover and rebuild.

How to get there: fly indirect to Edmonton from multiple UK airports

If you’re a fan of France’s ski resorts, you’ll love Mont Tremblant. In French-speaking Quebec, this scenic spot oozes European charm, from the croissant-filled bakeries to the authentic restaurants. More importantly, the skiing and snowboarding is brilliant. Featuring around 110 runs, Tremblant is the largest ski resort in Eastern Canada. And, because it was specifically designed to be a ski resort, the town is car-free and most hotels are ski-in, ski-out.

When you fancy a pamper session after a day on the slopes, head to Scandinave Spa. Tucked away in the woods, this relaxing retreat has hot tubs, saunas and – if you’re feeling brave – you can even go for a bracing dip in the ice-cold river.

How to get there: fly direct to Montréal from multiple UK airports