Wondering which are the best ski resorts in Alberta? While there are several, most of them are located within the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks region. As such, you’re going to need a separate entry pass for access to the resorts themselves.
Alberta is a province located in western Canada and is arguably most known for the Rocky Mountains. While the Rocky Mountains is an attraction that can be enjoyed and explored year-round, it’s most commonly visited by those who want to hit the slopes during the winter!
Luckily, the options are several, with several ski resorts located across 40,000 square meters of the world-renowned mountainous landscape. If you’re looking to book a trip to Alberta for a ski trip of a lifetime, consider visiting towards the end of February through March because its initial winter months can get quite cold.
Alberta has quite the extended ski season with nearly seven months of winter weather. Spanning from November through May, you shouldn’t have any issue finding a date that works best for you!
- Lake Louise Ski Resort
- Sunshine Village, Banff
- Mount Norquay, Banff
- Marmot Basin, Jasper
- Nakiska Ski Resort (Canada Olympic Park)
Marketed as the big three, the most popular ski resorts in Alberta are part of Banff National Park, notably Lake Louise, Sunshine Village, and Mount Norquay. Other regions comprising top Albertan ski resorts include Jasper, Kananaskis, and Winsport, among others.
Lake Louise Ski Resort
If you’re planning a family ski trip to the Rocky Mountains, Lake Louise should likely sit atop the list of resorts to choose from. Voted the World’s Best Family Ski Resort just a couple of years back, Lake Louise is undeniable in what it offers its visitors. From small and approachable runs to fast and furious runs, there’s an opportunity for everyone to have fun. It definitely deserves a spot as one of the best Ski Resorts in Alberta.
Comprising a total of 160 runs and ten lifts across 4200 acres of the mountainous landscape, you’ll be spending your entire trip trying to tackle them all. Note to self – you likely will be unsuccessful in that endeavor, though you’ll have the most fun trying!
For those looking for a place to stay, look no further than Lake Louise Village. Surrounded by bars, restaurants, and cafes, it’s a great place to turn in after a long day of skiing. The best part? There are plenty of other activities and attractions for those less adept at the hills that you can do while visiting Lake Louise!
Sunshine Village, Banff
One of the most popular ski resorts in Alberta and Canada, Sunshine Village is infamous for the sheer amount of snow it produces year-to-year; great news for those who love to shred powder. Not to mention, it’s one of the largest in Canada, as well…
Comprising three different mountains, 139 unique runs, and 12 lifts, including high-speed gondolas, there’s truly nothing like it in the world. Suitable for all skill levels, Sunshine Village, located in Banff, Alberta, is one of the best ski resorts in Canada.
Withstanding the skiing itself, Sunshine village offers amenities that will turn your ski trip into a luxury vacation. After a long day on the hill, be sure to hit the bar, relax at the spa, or unwind in your balcony hot tub! An actual all-encompassing vacation.
The closest ski resort to Banff’s city center makes it the most popular of the big three for locals looking to get a weekend shred in. Though smaller than the other two resorts mentioned above, comprising of 60 runs and six lifts, it doesn’t mean it’s any less impressive; although it does mean it’s a little less expensive!
For those visiting who want to explore more than just the ski hills, there’s plenty to do here besides shredding the slopes. From snowshoeing and cross-country skiing to snow tubing and general sightseeing, there’s endless fun to be had at Mt Norquay.
If you’re eager to spend longer than a weekend with the locals, however, you’re going to have to look outside the resort itself for accommodations. The good news is that there are plenty of options in and around Banff that are just minutes from the resort itself.
It can often be challenging to separate yourself from the big three ski resorts in Banff National Park; however, contrary to popular belief, there are plenty of other incredible skiing opportunities in Alberta that are just as amazing and that draw less of a crowd; a plus for anyone who prefers more room for error while trucking down the hill. One of those options is Marmot Basin in Jasper, Alberta, one of the best ski resorts in the province and the highest elevation of the bunch.
While it might be a little more of a timely journey to get there, the drive will be worth it, offering a total of 91 runs and seven lifts across 1200 acres of mountainous terrain. The best part? Their ski passes are often argued to be the best deal offered in the Canadian Rockies!
The list of best ski resorts in Alberta wouldn’t be complete without tipping the hat to the home of the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics. Nakiska Ski Resort, otherwise referred to as Canada Olympic Park, is known throughout the skiing community to be the best-groomed hill in the province, and for a good reason.
About 56 km away from Canmore and over 80 km away from Banff, Nakiska Ski Resort is undoubtedly a trip in and of itself. However, the reward is certainly worth it upon arrival. Comprising nearly 80 runs, six lifts of which 3 are high-speed quad chairs, there’s no shortage of opportunity on the hills of Nakiska.
A great experience for youth, adults, and seniors alike, the home of the ’88 Olympics are certainly worth a visit.
https://www.travelalberta.com/ca/things-to-do/winter-outdoor-activities/skiing-snowboarding/
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