Skiing and snowboarding in Canada

Ski Big 3 - best for snowboarders

• Ski area - Ski Big 3 264km
• Resorts - Banff and Lake Louise
• Length of blue runs - 70km
• Length of red runs - 120km
• Length of black runs - 88km
• Snowparks - 10

Inghams top tip - The longest ski run in Ski Big 3 is actually a green / blue and is 8km - so anyone can enjoy this fantastic, long and view worthy ski run.

The area:

As the name implies, Ski Big 3 is made up of three different ski areas – Banff (Sunshine Village), Mount Norquay and Lake Louise, all situated within a National Park, making it one of the most scenic ski areas in the world. Canada is a mix of Indigenous culture and European culture, speaking mainly English and French. There is no doubt whilst there you need to try some classic Maple syrup (on pancakes perhaps).

Banff resort is in the amazing Banff National Park, nestled in the Canadian Rockies. They like their food here so you will find an abundance of cafes, bars and restaurants to keep you going. Lake Louise, set over a glistening iced like, is a Canadian and tourist favourite. A bustling place, full of life with fantastic accommodation options that sets Lake Louise above the rest. 

The skiing:

Ski Big 3 is a freeriders / snowboarders paradise ski area. With a total of 10 snowparks and funparks across the area, there is never ending exploration to be had here.

The area is vast so you can explore a new section everyday. Banff’s longest run is 5 miles long, so you can really improve your downhill techniques. There are endless lift options as well, so no long queues or trekking with your skis from one place to the next.

Highlighted resort of Banff:

Banff is not only set in one of the most stunning locations in Canada but is also a good hub to reach all 3 ski terrains. Expect Canadian hospitality at its finest and a calendar full of winter events to enjoy. Stay at the world renowned Fairmont Banff Spring Hotel, a castle like structure that proudly sits overlooking the national park.

Banff Lake Louise

Whistler Blackcomb - best for intermediate to advanced

• Ski area - Whistler Blackcomb 200km
• Resorts - Whistler
• Length of blue runs - 40km
• Length of red runs - 110km
• Length of black runs - 50km
• Snowparks - 5

Inghams top tip - Extend you stay and visit the city of Vancouver as part of your holiday. A vibrant city with so much to see and do.

The area:

You will find a lot of Canadian history highlighted in the Whistler Blackcomb area and if you have time, it is really worth visiting the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre.

The town itself is lively and friendly, with a mix of art culture and modern activities available to view or par-take in. Adults will enjoy the Zip Tek zipline - a high zipwire that is pretty intense and for the families, a visit to 'Winter Vallea Lumina', a light show that is thoroughly enjoyable for all ages.

Lots of bars and restaurants are located in the resort centre and if you have the time, a 1 or 2 night stay over in the nearby city of Vancouver is certainly worth it.

The skiing:

Whistler Blackcomb ski area provides so much opportunity when it comes to the slopes. With plenty of tree-lined runs for a pretty, downhill experience to fantastic off-piste opportunities to test skills as an advanced skier. The runs are long and well maintained and the lifts are located in the resort centre, meaning they are easily accessible.

With the 2 peaks of Whistler and Blackcomb linked via a gondola, you can explore both mountains easily. Whistler is rated year after year as Canada’s top rated ski resort, so well worth a visit. 

Highlighted resort of Whistler:

Whistler is a great resort all round as there is something for everyone. Family friendly restaurants, Après bars for party goers or social hotels for solo travellers. The resort has everything you need from good transport services, a variety of accommodation options such as the Hilton Resort & Spa, a mix of cafes, bars and restaurants and plenty of shops from supermarkets to tourism. It’s no doubt you will enjoy Whistler.

Whistler Blackcomb

Laurentian Mountains - best for beginners

• Ski area - Laurentian Mountains 265km
• Resorts - Mont Tremblant
• Length of blue runs - 81.6km
• Length of red runs - 92km
• Length of black runs - 91.1km
• Snowparks - 5

Inghams top tip - As a beginner, try the Nansen run - a lovely green/blue run that still offers the best of the mountains, from the top of Mont Tremblant all the way back down to resort.

The area:

Mont Tremblant resort offers you the shortest flight and transfer time of the the Canadian ski areas from the UK.

You will find the food in healthy portion sizes here and very influenced by America, with plenty of Burgers and chips on the menus - you certainly will need it after a day of skiing. The village is pedestrianised, making it easy and safe to get about. Everything is fairly central location wise, with shops, ski lifts and bars all next to each other.

The local town of Tremblant is worth a visit, situated by a lake and full of charm and culture including the old railway station that has been converted into an art museum.

The skiing:

Mont Tremblant is actually the perfect ski destination for any level of skier with a great mix of terrain, however it is highlighted as a good spot for beginner skiers due to the area not being too large or intimidating. Its renowned for good snowfall, so less chance of finding ice-patches on your way down the slopes.

The beginners area is right on the edge of the resort and is well designed for children. There is a dedicated practice slope in this area but actually you can ski safely as a beginner throughout the entire resort via green or blue runs.

Highlighted resort of Mont Tremblant:

Mont Tremblant is a classic Canadian ski resort, often visited by locals on the weekend. Making it an authentic feeling town, busy with life. Stay at the Marriott Residence Inn in the heart of the resort to truly immerse yourself in the Canadian way of life and enjoy all the resort and surrounding slopes have to offer.

Laurentain Mountains