Banff 
Ah, the fresh mountain air, the wind rushing past your face as you swish down the hill, the smooth ride of waxed skis on freshly groomed slopes. Perhaps this is the idea you have of a visit to one of the fantastic ski resorts located in the breathtaking Canadian Rocky Mountains. While true for most visitors, this isn’t necessarily the ideal thrill for all.
Lake Louise Ski Resort
Don’t worry, the mountains are calling for more than just skiers and snowboards, as these amazing resorts offer up some fun activities for those who don’t wish to strap on some skis. Soak up the atmosphere amid some of the most spectacular scenery in North America as you enjoy a plethora of events and fun distractions.
FYI: If the reason you do not like to visit is that you don’t ski, you can learn for $29.95 during Never Ever Days held at various ski areas across the country, including some of the resorts listed below.
Alberta Resorts:
1. Lake Louise Ski Resort
It may be quite possible that most people in the world know something of Lake Louise, either from the stunning glacier waters of the lake or the world-renowned ski hill located just outside of town. In any case, this is not just a destination for skiers and snowboarders, Lake Louise Ski Resort offers visitors a variety of experiences during the winter months.
Offering guided snowshoe tours, the Winter Sightseeing Gondola, a Tube Park and multiple dining opportunities, Lake Louise is a great place to hang out and have some fun this winter. There are also some fantastic events held at the resort throughout the winter, such as concerts and ski and snowboard competitions.
Address: 1 Whitehorn Rd, Lake Louise
Lake Louise Ski Resort
- Canadian Rocky Mountain National Parks Road Trip: Calgary – Waterton Lakes – Kootenay – Banff – Yoho – Jasper
2. Banff Sunshine Ski Resort
Many people don’t realize that you don’t need to hit the slopes at Sunshine Ski Resort to soak in the atmosphere and the scenery of the mountains.
The area is gorgeous, so why not take it all in by using a sightseeing pass to ride the Angel Express or Standish chair lifts? Perhaps snowshoeing is more your style, in which case you can explore Sunshine Meadows and walk in the footsteps of early explorers.
If you prefer, you can spend time indoors enjoying the on-site spa, just make sure you make a reservation in advance. Guests staying at the hotel can partake of all the evening activities, such as hot tub bingo and tobogganing.
Address: 1 Sunshine access Rd, Banff
3. Nakiska Ski Resort
An awesome place to spend some time just a short distance from Calgary, Nakiska Ski Resort has a fantastic tubing area that adventurers of all ages can enjoy. Complete with a people mover carpet to get up the hill, you will enjoy flying down the slopes on one of the huge tubes provided to visitors.
Tickets are available for two-hour periods, so you can take advantage of this fun activity for all ages.
Of course, if you want to stay away from all downhill sports, you can instead take advantage of the available snowshoe tours which still get you out into the breathtaking nature here.
Address: 2 Mt Allan Dr, Kananaskis, AB
4. Castle Mountain Resort
For skiers, this is considered a gem of the Rockies, but non-skiers can still spend some time here enjoying the sparkling snow covered mountain area.
By reserving a space on the Last Track Snowshoe Tour, you can ride up one of the chairlifts before traversing down some glades and spaces back to the lodge, where you can enjoy an après snowshoe drink!
Tours last about two hours, and reservations are required. Don’t worry, if you don’t have your own snowshoes, you can rentthem here as well.
Address: HWY-774, Pincher Creek No. 9, AB
5. Mount Norquay
While Norquay is a favourite place for locals from Calgary to ski, this resort is also home to probably the best tubing area in the Rockies. Gorgeous views accompany fun flying tubes on huge runs, with excellent speed and conditions that will be savoured by all ages.
In fact, these are the longest tube runs on any hill in the mountains! Each session is two and a half hours, and there are three sessions – morning, afternoon, and evening.
Since you are there anyway, you should check out their dining options, which are well known for having fantastic food with great views.
Address: 2 Mt Norquay Rd, Banff, AB
B.C. Resorts:
1. Panorama Mountain Resort
This is an excellent place to visit if you don’t ski, mainly because it is a complete village on the mountain, so there are plenty of things to keep you entertained during the days and throughout the evenings.
Tucked away into the oldest mountains in the province, the splendid beauty is unsurpassed. You can head out on a snowmobile adventure, spend some time cross-country skiing, rent a fat tire bike, go ice skating, strap on some snowshoes, hang on in the air on a tandem paraglide, indulge in a unique meal at a high altitude, soak in the pools and hot tubs, or even try your hand at glass bead making.
There is so much to do that you won’t have any problems filling your days here.
Address: 2000 Panorama Dr, Panorama, BC
2. Fernie Alpine Resort
With the stunning backdrop of the mountains, visitors to Fernie Alpine Resort can experience much more than just the fantastic skiing and snowboarding available here.
Snowshoe rentals, guided snowshoe tours and plenty of trails beckon those who want to step out into the sparkling snow. Fat bikes are also available for rent, and this unique experience will delight anyone who likes to be on two wheels, for those who are not experienced, there are guided tours available as well.
Of course, strapping on a pair of skis doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to go downhill – there are set and groomed cross-country ski trails here and rentals available.
Address: 5339 Fernie Ski Hill Rd, Fernie, BC
3. Kimberley Alpine Resort
Southern British Columbia is home to this fantastic winter resort, which offers some fun activities for those who don’t want to ski or snowboard.
Family-friendly experiences include making some S’mores (and eating them, of course!), and some unique tours. Try out their Fat Bike Tour, Snowshoe Fondue Tour, or Mountain Descent Snowshoe Tour, or instead strap on some skates, or warm up by the plaza campfire and cook some marshmallows. Remember that all specialty programs must be booked in advance at the Winter Sports School.
Address: 301 N Star Blvd, Kimberley, BC
4. Fairmont Hot Springs Resort Ski Area
A bit of cheating to list this ski area as having additional services, but since everything is so close together here at Fairmont, it seems reasonable to list the fun activities that can be had for those who don’t want to ski.
Take advantage of the Hot Springs themselves, or join a snowmobile tour, check out the spa, strap on some snowshoes to explore the wilderness, or skate the Windermere Whiteway.
If you happen to be there at Christmas, head to the ski hill for a unique parade. The Fireworks & Torchlight Parade at the Ski Hill brings out dozens of skiers and their blazing torches to wind down the slopes through the darkness during this annual event. After the parade, stay on to enjoy the fireworks display.
Address: 5225 Fairmont Resort Road, Fairmont Hot Springs
5. Kicking Horse Mountain Resort
A must-visit location for those who wish to hurdle down the slopes on skis and boards, Kicking Horse is also a fantastic destination for visitors who want to partake in other activities too.
Beyond the gorgeous scenery, outdoor lovers can find opportunities to get out onto the incredible cross-country ski trails here – all 33 km of them. There are both groomed and skate tracks to enjoy and a warm chalet to utilize when you are finished exploring. Don’t worry if you don’t have your own equipment, you can easily rent it here.
Snowshoeing is also popular in this area, and snowshoes are for rent at the same place as the cross-country skis. On the mountain, you can find 2-kilometre and 4-kilometre snowshoe loops, and off-mountain, you can explore additional trails. If this is not your thing, instead,d check out the tube park, which is fun for all ages, or bring some skates and make some rounds on the new skating area. There is plenty to keep you busy while visiting.
Address: 1500 Kicking Horse Trail, Golden, BC
6. Sun Peaks Resort
Sun Peaks Resort is much more than just a ski hill. There are so many other activities to experience here that there is no need for you to even think about hitting the slopes.
Take yourself off on a horse-drawn sleigh ride, try your hand at axe throwing, take in a hockey game, do some yoga, strap on a pair of skates or snowshoes, hop on the back of a snowmobile, get some professional photos done, explore on the two wheels of a fat bike, drop a line in as you ice fish, experience a dog sled ride, take the family for one of the free indoor family activity nights, or fly down the hill on a tube! Plan to spend at least a couple of days here so that you can get the most out of your visit.
Address: 1280 Alpine Road, Sun Peaks, BC
7. Powder King Mountain Resort
A little bit off the beaten track, Powder King Mountain Resort offers visitors an opportunity to stay in some quaint cabins at the resort itself, and non-skiers and boarders can enjoy some fantastic snowmobiling on both groomed and powder trails.
For those who don’t want the experience of riding on a machine, there are plenty of trails to head out on snowshoes. You can warm up after your adventure in the cute Cafe97 or snuggle up in your onsite cabin.
Address: John Hart Hwy, Fraser-Fort George G, BC
