The Best Ski & Snowboarding Spots in the Canadian Rockies

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Temperatures are dropping and snow is falling on the Canadian Rockies!

For you adventurous, snow-loving souls, it’s finally time to take out your gear and start planning your ski or snowboarding getaways.

Haven’t been to the Canadian Rockies yet? It’s time you did! Champagne powder, small line-ups, beautiful villages, stunning scenery… and cozy chalets for those who prefer to drink hot chocolate by the fire or relax in a hot tub.

For the first-time visitor, here is a list of some of our favorite spots in the Canadian Rockies:

Jasper & Marmot Basin

Jasper & Marmot Basin is a great destination for those looking for a more rustic mountain experience in the Canadian Rockies. Jasper is small mountain village peppered with B&B’s, mom & pop bakeries, and local “watering holes”.

The resort, Alberta Greenwood Lodge, is a short drive up the mountain. With hardly any crowds, you will have the space to explore the mountain on your own terms whether is be on the groomed trails or through the trees. Be sure to stop for a Kokanee and a bowl of chili at the mid-mountain lodge!

Revelstroke

Revelstoke is the hidden gem that Canadians don’t want you to know about. Famous for staggering amounts of powder and untouched backcountry trails, Revelstoke is where the resort hardcore skiers and boarders flock. There is no such thing as a crowd on this hill and the area is great for adventure trips such as heli-skiing and cat skiing. Additionally, the chalets and lifts are top-notch. This place is the cat’s pajamas.

Fernie

Fernie, a beautiful resort in Southern B.C, is known for its warm conditions and thick fluffy snow. If you plan on traveling and snowboarding this winter, then you are going to need a good snowboard wheelie bag. If you are looking to organize a wild snowboard trip, this is the place to be! There’s no lack of parties, live music, or potential romances. The snow resort has beautiful trails for every level of skier/boarder as well as thick tree trails and big pillows of snow to roll around in. This will be one of your most memorable ski vacations, for sure!

Big White

Big White is ideal for a memorable family vacation in the Canadian rockies. Reserve a comfortable townhouse chalet that features ski-in/ski-out access, balcony with a hot tub, and a fully outfitted kitchen. The mountain boasts is a wide variety of ski runs for every level. Be sure to drive down to the city of Kelowna to visit and buy a few bottles of local wine at the myriad of vineyards in the Okanogan.

Whistler/ Blackcomb

Whistler/Blackcomb is the biggest and busiest resort in Canada that attracts many international visitors. The sheer scale of this resort is jaw dropping. For those of you who ride park, Whistler will be a treat because of its world-class jumps, huge half-pipes, and long rails.

After, jump on the “Peak to Peak” gondola to zip over to Blackcomb for long, winding slopes. Whistler village offers a myriad of premier restaurants and hotels that will keep you more than satisfied when not playing in the snow. As it is a premier tourist destination, be prepared to pay tourist prices.

What are your favorite slopes?

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About Author

Meredith was bit by travel bug in 2009 and has been on the move since then. Her adventures started in Finland where she visited a Sami reindeer farm in Lapland, dogsled and ran in the forests of Finland, and then backpacked around western Europe. Later, she moved to Kenya for a Communications internship. She took advantage of her good fortune and went on safari in the Maasai Mara as well as explored beach paradise on a motorcycle. No matter where she goes, she never forgets about her home in Canada and greatly enjoys road trips across the Rocky Mountains and along coast of British Columbia. She is currently living in Canada working as a freelance writer and a communications specialist. You can follow her adventures and discoveries on curiousmeredith or get your tweet on with her @MeredithBratlan

2 Comments

  1. In your ski advice you missed 3 of the best ski and snowboard hills in Canada. Sunshine, Lake Louise and Mt. Norquay. All within an hour of each other. Lots of places to stay. You should look into this.

    • Hi Tracy, that is a good point! I hail from Alberta and have spent considerable time at two of three resorts you mentioned. I would definitely recommend Lake Louise for snowboarders. To me, Sunshine and Mt. Norquay are best for skiiers. Another hill I’ve heard very good things about for snowboarders is Castle Mountain.

      Thanks for your comment 🙂

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