Home to some of the best ski hills and resorts in the world, the Canadian Rocky Mountains host many opportunities to get out on your skis or snowboard this winter.
From complex, multi-lift hills to smaller facilities, there is something for every skill level and ability. Stretching through the mountainous regions of the provinces of Alberta and some of British Columbia, the Rockies offer up spectacular scenery and clean, fresh mountain air to provide the perfect backdrop as you swoop down the varied runs.
Nearby towns and mountain resorts provide accommodation options and plenty of places to eat, drink and shop.
Alberta Side:
Lake Louise
Well known during the summer months for the famous Lake, the ski hill here is one of the largest in North America, with 4,200 skiable acres. With a varied landscape, this is a great place for families or friends of different abilities to ski together. There are beginner, intermediate and expert runs leading down from every chairlift. Beginners and intermediate skiers can access an abundance of gentle slopes and long cruising runs. Experts can explore endless chutes, glades, gullies and remote bowls in some of the Rockies’ most challenging terrain.
Beginner Runs (Green): 35
Intermediate Runs (Blue): 64
Advanced Runs (Black): 42
Chair Lifts/Carpets: 11
Amenities: Terrain Park, Dining, Tubing, Gondola Rides, Snowshoe Tours, Lessons, Rentals
Opening Date: November 3, 2023
Address: 1 Whitehorn Rd, Lake Louise, AB
Mount Norquay
Located just by Banff, Mount Norquay is a popular and beautiful place for Calgarians and visitors to the area to head out to experience the slopes. Rapidly approaching the 100th anniversary (2026), Mount Norquay is a must visit in the area. It is famous for having some of the best ski racing slopes, but also for its excellent snow conditions and variety of runs for all abilities. On Fridays and Saturday nights you can take advantage of their nighttime skiing hours, and as one of the three major ski hills in the area, it is also part of the SkiBig3 program.
Beginner Runs (Green): 20%
Intermediate Runs (Blue): 36%
Advanced Runs (Black): 28%
Extreme Free Ride Zones (Double Black): 16%
Chair Lifts/Carpets: 6
Amenities: Terrain Park, Dining, Lessons, Rentals, Tube Park
Opening Date: November 3, 2023
Address: 2 Mt Norquay Rd, Banff, AB
Marmot Basin
Situated in the heart of Jasper National Park, this is the only Rockies ski resort within Jasper. Stunning views accompany surprisingly quiet slopes. Marmot offers some fantastic deals throughout the season for those who may be looking to experience the slopes on a budget. Marmot may not be the most famous resort in the Rockies, but it offers plenty of thrills out on the slopes, with epic powder-filled bowls and plenty of wide-open terrain for off-piste adventures. The town of Jasper is known as one of the friendliest ski resort areas, so, while you may find relatively few services at the ski hill itself, the town is full of activities, shops, hotels and restaurants.
Beginner Runs (Green): 26
Intermediate Runs (Blue): 26
Advanced Runs (Black): 17
Extreme Free Ride Zones (Double Black): 17
Chair Lifts/Carpets: 7
Amenities: Terrain Park, Dining, Lessons, Rentals, Daycare
Opening Date: November 9, 2023
Address: 1 Marmot Rd, Jasper, AB
Banff Sunshine Ski Resort
Located just outside Banff township, Sunshine is a mecca for adventurous skiers and snowboarders. With the longest season in the Rockies, this ski resort is well known for having some of the best conditions and being so close to the town of Banff means that it is a popular place for visitors from all over the world. The Rockies provide a beautiful backdrop for those venturing out on the slopes and is a perfect venue for experienced skiers who want to try their hand at the infamous Delirium Dive. Still, there are also plenty of options for beginners and intermediate visitors as well, with 3,358 acres of skiable terrain. Families will find plenty of wide, beginner slopes perfect for little skiers, along with other family-friendly activities.
Beginner Runs (Green): 25%
Intermediate Runs (Blue): 25%
Advanced Runs (Black): 45%
Extreme Free Ride Zones (Double Black): 5%
Chair Lifts/Carpets: 12
Amenities: Terrain Park, Dining, Lessons, Gondola, Rentals, Snowshoeing, Day Spa, Tobogganing
Opening Date: TBA
Address: 1 Sunshine access Rd, Banff, AB
Nakiska Ski Resort
A smaller ski hill located in Kananaskis Country, this is a fantastic place for beginners, intermediates and families. It is a smaller hill with not as many tourists, but still offers varied terrain and gorgeous mountain scenery. Conveniently located by Canmore, and within driving distance from Calgary, this is a great option if you would like to feel like you are experiencing time on a mountain alone. This little ski hill has a total of 64 trails, and 785 acres to explore.
Beginner Runs (Green): 25%
Intermediate Runs (Blue): 70%
Advanced Runs (Black): 5%
Chair Lifts/Carpets: 6
Amenities: Terrain Park, Dining, Lessons, Rentals, Daycare, Tube Park, Snowshoeing
Opening Date: TBA
Address: 2 Mt Allan Dr, Kananaskis, AB
Castle Mountain Resort
A fantastic ski resort to spend time on the slopes if you are a powder junkie, as it is well known for its exceptional powder conditions when the weather has cooperated. The laid-back atmosphere matches the relatively quiet slopes, which makes it great for those who are looking for a lot of space but few people. Considered a gem of the Rockies, the resort is spread out over two mountains and has some of the longest continuous fall lines in the region.
Beginner Runs (Green): 6
Intermediate Runs (Blue): 25
Advanced Runs (Black): 32
Extreme Free Ride Zones (Double Black): 5
Chair Lifts/Carpets: 6
Amenities: Terrain Park, Dining, Lessons, Rentals, Daycare, Snowmobiling, Cat Skiing
Opening Date: December 1, 2023
Address: HWY-774, Pincher Creek No. 9, AB
British Columbia Side:
Fernie Alpine Resort
Fernie boasts fantastic snow in January and February especially, along with spectacular scenery, stellar services and a charming village where you can stay and play. While Fernie provides steep slopes, deep snow, and lightly wooded hillsides for those with years of experience or an adventurous spirit, there are also plenty of easy runs, perfect for novices or complete beginners, with a total of 142 named runs, plus 5 alpine bowls and tree skiing. This is a perfect resort for families, with plenty of offered activities for children, and dedicated kids trails.
Beginner Runs (Green): 30%
Intermediate Runs (Blue): 40%
Advanced Runs (Black): 30%
Chair Lifts/Carpets: 10
Amenities: Snowpark/Fun Park, Dining, Lessons, Rentals, Snowshoeing, Cross Country Skiing, Sleigh Rides
Opening Date: December 2, 2023
Address: 5339 Fernie Ski Hill Rd, Fernie, BC
Panorama Mountain Resort
Located near the B.C. and Alberta border, this ski hill is a popular place for residents from both provinces, as well as tourists who are willing to get a bit off the beaten track. With some of the best climate, you will get for downhill sports in this area, the winter months are a dream here. Panorama also has one of North America’s Top 10 verticals. Panorama Mountain Resort is suitable for skiers of all levels, and a good place for families. You can even take advantage of one of Canada’s largest complexes of on-hill hot tubs after you are done skiing.
Beginner Runs (Green): 20%
Intermediate Runs (Blue): 55%
Advanced Runs (Black): 25%
Chair Lifts/Carpets: 10
Amenities: Terrain Park, Dining, Lessons, Rentals, Daycare, Tube Park, Snowshoeing, Fat Biking, Snowmobiling, Paragliding, Heli-skiing, Cross Country Skiing, Skating
Opening Date: TBA, December 2023
Address: 2000 Panorama Dr, Panorama, BC
Revelstoke Mountain Resort
Considered an icon of the Canadian Rockies, this ski resort has 120 years of skiing history, not to mention the phenomenally beautiful landscape, legendary powder and incredible terrain. Due to these conditions, this is an excellent mountain for advanced skiers who want a challenge, or some thrills. Home to the most vertical in North America at 1,713 metres (5,620 feet), Revelstoke is world renowned for its incredible terrain, from wide-open alpine bowls to perfectly spaced glades, which makes it a truly special place to spend time on the slopes. Families will be pleasantly surprised that there are a decent number of beginner and intermediate slopes to enjoy. The nearby town of Revelstoke offers accommodations, restaurants and other activities suitable for all ages.
Beginner Runs (Green): 12%
Intermediate Runs (Blue): 43%
Advanced Runs (Black): 45%
Chair Lifts/Carpets: 5
Amenities: Terrain Park, Dining, Lessons, Rentals, Heli-skiing
Opening Date: December 2, 2023
Address: 2950 Camozzi Rd, Revelstoke, BC
Kimberley Alpine Resort
Located in stunning southern British Columbia, this ski hill covers 1,800 acres and has four very distinct areas, with plenty of variety available for all levels of skiers and snowboarders. The black diamond areas have great and extended glades, chutes, and bowls, intermediates will find the most terrain to enjoy, but novices aren’t left out with free reign in one area and a total 20% of the mountain with plenty of space to enjoy. This resort offers the chance to ski under the stars, as they offer night skiing in gorgeous conditions.
Beginner Runs (Green): 14
Intermediate Runs (Blue): 23
Advanced Runs (Black): 41
Extreme Free Ride Zones (Double Black): 3
Chair Lifts/Carpets: 8
Amenities: Terrain Park, Dining, Lessons, Rentals, Daycare, Ice Skating, Cross-country skiing, Dog sledding, Snowshoeing
Opening Date: TBA, December 2023
Address: 301 N Star Blvd, Kimberley, BC
Fairmont Hot Springs Resort Ski Area
This is a great little ski area if you are an intermediate skier, as the majority of the slopes are perfectly made for those with a little experience. With only 13 runs, this hill provides excellent facilities for families with smaller children. Located near the famous hot springs, you not only have a great little ski area to enjoy, but a place to relax afterwards.
Beginner Runs (Green): 3
Intermediate Runs (Blue): 8
Advanced Runs (Black): 3
Chair Lifts/Carpets: 3
Amenities: Terrain Park, Dining, Lessons, Rentals
Opening Date: Not yet published
Address: 5225 Fairmont Resort Road, Fairmont Hot Springs, BC
Kicking Horse Mountain Resort
A list of Rocky Mountain ski hills would not be complete without including Kicking Horse. This resort is nestled between the Purcell and the Rocky Mountains and offers 2,800 skiable acres, 4 alpine bowls, 7,133 vertical feet, 128 runs, incredible scenery and North America’s highest 5-star restaurant. It also boasts the longest vertical drop in the Canadian Rockies, it is often compared to Jackson Hole, as the hill has some massive terrain. However, even with that, it is also a wonderful place to learn to ski or hone your intermediate-level skills. This is a fantastic destination for all ages and should be on your must-visit list this winter.
Beginner Runs (Green): 24
Intermediate Runs (Blue): 24
Advanced Runs (Black): 54
Extreme Free Ride Zones (Double Black): 18
Chair Lifts/Carpets: 4
Amenities: Dining, Lessons, Rentals, Terrain Park, Tube Park, Heli-skiing, Ice Skating
Opening Date: December 8, 2023
Address: 1500 Kicking Horse Trail, Golden, BC