Let’s face the facts—Canada rules for skiing and snowboarding. There are few places in the world that offer the amazing combination of snow, elevation, and lift access that we do here in Canada. People come from around the world to ski our mountains and if you’re into skiing or snowboarding, we think it’s about time you took advantage of what our country has to offer, too. Here are our picks for five of the top resorts worth hitting this winter.
Whistler/Blackcomb
If you’re looking to visit one of the biggest and arguably best resorts on this side of the Atlantic, then you might as well head to Whistler. After all, there’s a reason this is the centre of all things ski/snowboard related. With more than 200 marked runs, 8171 acres of terrain, the Peak2Peak gondola, which gives you the ability to move back and forth between the mountains with ease, and an average snowfall of 1174 centimetres, this place is a skier’s paradise. And that’s without mentioning the world-class accommodations and amenities found in the village below. And if you really want to dive into the ski and snowboard culture, try visiting the mountain during the chaotic, yet legendary World Ski and Snowboard Festival, running from April 11th to 20th this year.
Le Massif
When it comes to skiing powder in the east, there are few resorts that can compete with the snowfall of Le Massif, which has averaged at 645 cm over the past five years. An hour east of Quebec City, Le Massif offers spectacular views of the St. Laurence and boasts the highest vertical east of the Rockies with nearly 800 m of vertical from top to bottom. And think about this: When there’s more than two feet of snow, grooming is forbidden, meaning those that run the resort are as stoked on powder as you are.
Whitewater
If you haven’t seen this video yet, then it’s worth taking a look. The entire segment was filmed at Whitewater. It’s probably one of if not the only resort in North America that would allow people to streak the liftline. Located just outside of Nelson, B.C., Whitewater gets an average of 12 m of snow each year. And while the town of Nelson itself may only have a population of 10,000 or so, many its inhabitants are bigwigs in the ski and snowboard industry. Pros, writers, photographers, videographers, and product developers all call Nelson home, and that’s in large part because of Whitewater.
Revelstoke
With the longest vertical in North America at 1713 m, Revelstoke has a lot to boast about. Tons of terrain, a consistent pitch from top to bottom, and up to 18 m of snow annually, it’s one of B.C.’s most exciting new resorts. Ski-in, ski-out style lodging, lift, cat, and heli-skiing options, and a growing après scene means there’s more than enough to be stoked about in the Stoke.
Island Lake Lodge
Among skiers and snowboarders in the know, Island Lake Lodge is legendary. The cat ski operation is a luxury resort if there ever was one, and fine dining prepared by top chefs will blow your mind ever single night you’re here. But the skiing will blow your mind even more: Located just outside of Fernie, B.C., with an average snowfall of 11 m, the chance to ride here is the gift of a lifetime. The terrain is nearly limitless and the people here don’t only know where the best snow is, they know how to get you there, no matter how inaccessible it may seem. The guides are as passionate about riding great snow as you, so they don’t mess around. With incredible alpine bowls, unreal glades and world-class cuisine there is nothing about Island Lake Lodge that isn’t totally awesome.
