Canada

A Ski Vacation in Canada Canada is very well known for having legendary ski resorts. Skiing and snowboarding is considered an institution in Canada and for good reason. There is no shortage of great snow in Canada, and the mountains are big and naturally beautiful. Lift infrastructure and resort facilities are impressive without being overly grandiose, and the laidback atmosphere and friendly locals are a major drawcard.

With the exception of Whistler and Banff, the resorts feel almost deserted. The lack of crowds keeps powderhounds very happy with plenty of opportunities for fresh tracks. And if the ski resorts aren’t enough to satisfy every whim, powderhounds can spread their wings and go heli-skiing. Heli skiing Canada is world renowned! Alternatively powder hounds can become powder cats and partake in some BC cat skiing.

Ski Resorts in Canada There are many resorts in British Columbia (BC) in western Canada. Examples include the mega resort of Whistler near Vancouver, and Silver Star and Big White near Kelowna in the Okanagan. The powder triangle is in the south-eastern corner of BC, but there’s a bit of debate as to how far the triangle extends partly because some people use the term interchangeably with "the powder highway". The area includes Red Mountain, Whitewater, and Fernie Alpine Resort, and the triangle possibly also extends up north to Revelstoke and Kicking Horse near Golden.

In the neighbouring province of Alberta there are also many resorts. Some examples include the Banff ski resorts (Sunshine Village, Norquay and Lake Louise) and Nakiska near Calgary.

Canada also has ski resorts in Ontario and Quebec, but the word on the street is that these are adequate for the locals, but not worthy of an overseas trip considering there’s so much on offer in the west.

Snow and Powder in Canada The quality and quantity of snow varies across Canada. See the Canada resort statistics page for comparison of annual snowfall at each resort. The general distribution of snowfall reflects the proximity of a region to moisture sources, with higher annual snowfall in coastal regions such as Whistler. The powder is generally wetter near the coast and the temperatures slightly warmer. So even though some resorts further east have lower annual snowfalls (e.g. Lake Louise ski resort), the powder is often drier and the snow quality is well maintained due to the altitude and low temperatures.

The Powder Triangle in the BC interior has quantity and quality when it comes to snowfall. This region is renowned for large quantities of light dry powder with a whopping 12-18 metres of snowfall per season on average. This area is home to many BC cat skiing and Canada heli skiing operators who make the most of all this powder.

Skiing Terrain Canadian resorts are renowned for plenty of vertical and ski terrain. You'll definitely need a pre-season fitness program to cope with the thigh-burning ultra-long runs. Most Canadian resorts have something for everyone with runs for all ability levels. However Canada is famous for its steeps with many resorts providing hair-raising runs that are definitely worthy of their double black diamond status.

Heli Skiing and Cat Skiing British Columbia is the home of heli skiing. CMH pioneered heliskiing and the company now has 12 different locations. BC also has another 15 heli-ski operators, and with 20 cat ski operators, Canada could also be considered the capital of snowcat skiing.

Cat skiing and heli skiing are absolute heaven for powderhounds and a highlight of any skiing holiday to Canada. See our overview of heli skiing Canada and cat skiing BC for more information.

Cost of a Ski Holiday in Canada Canada provides a quality snow holiday at reasonable prices, and considering the currency exchange is commonly favourable for those from the US, UK and Europe, the costs are even better. Whilst lift tickets are not dirt cheap, they're certainly cheaper than in Australia, New Zealand or the US.

Ski towns and resorts have a range of accommodations that provide good value for money, and for those wanting to travel on a shoe-string, there are always good quality budget accommodation options.

The food, accommodation and activities at Whistler are relatively expensive. Banff can also be pricey, but there are a range of inexpensive accommodation options available. Silver Star ski resort and Big White offer better value for money, and when you get off the beaten track at places such as Revelstoke, Whitewater and Red Mountain, the value for money is fantastic.

Why Ski or Snowboard in Canada? Canada has a great combination of good snow and impressive terrain, uncrowded slopes, and a very laid-back culture that makes for a very relaxed holiday. The only problem with skiing or snowboarding in Canada is that once you’ve experienced it you’ll be forever addicted. Awesome eh?!

For a detailed comparison of many Canadian resorts download our resort statistics comparison and Powderhounds resort rating documents.

Canada Tours / Operators

	Heart & Soul Tour \| 9 Days \| Alberta + BC Check out Lake Louise & Sunshine whilst staying in picturesque Banff, Alberta & then head to BC for the steep & deep at Kicking Horse. For intermediate riders & above.

	Pure Powder Adventure \| 9 Days Check out some of Canada's best powder skiing destinations including Sunshine & Lake Louise (Banff, Alberta) & Fernie, Castle Mountain & KickingHorse in BC.

	West Kootenay Classic \| 9 Days \| 3 Resorts Pack your snorkel for this one! This tour visits probably what is the best selection of BC powder destinations including Revelstoke, Red Mountain & Whitewater.

	Canada BIG Mountains Tour \| 10 Nights Find out what all the fuss is about at Revelstoke Mountain Resort - Canada's new "big mountain". More vertical than Whistler; steep & deep. Whilst you are at it get kicked by the horse at Kicking Horse resort

	BC Powder Triangle Tour \| 9 or 13 Days Experience the some of BC's best powder skiing destinations including Fernie, Red Mountain & Whitewater (PLUS Kicking Horse for those on the 13 day tour).

Ski & Snowboard Improvement & Instructor Courses

	Yes Improvement Program / Tour Improve your skiing and boarding to instructor level and at the same time have the holiday of a lifetime - Whistler / Blackcomb from 1 to 11 weeks in duration.

	Ski & Snowboard Instructor Courses Earn your ski or snowboarding level 1 or level 2 instructor certification at one of the best ski resort destinations on the planet; Whistler Blackcomb. Duration 4 weeks or 11 weeks.

Cat Ski Tours

	Powder Safari \| 4 Days Cat + 2 Days Resort Can't decide whether to go out cat skiing with Big Red Cats or Valhalla Powdercats? Then do 2 days with each of them with this combined tour PLUS ski Red Mountain and/or Whitewater.

	Kootenay Sampler \| 4 Days Heli + 3 Days Cat This is the ultimate powderhound experience! Combine a day of resort skiing at Red Mountain with 2 days of cat skiing & 3 days of heli skiing.

	Catski Intro Tour \| 3 days & 3 Nights This tour is specifically designed for skiers & boarders who have never been cat skiing before or who have never skied deep powder before. Includes 3 nights lodgng & all meals. 2 dates only so be quick!

	Selkirk Sampler \| 3 Days Cat Skiing & 3 nights Experience the best cat skiing the world has to offer with Selkirk Wilderness Skiing in BC Canada. Includes 3 days of cat skiing, 3 nights of lodging & all meals plus more..

	Selkirk Classic \| 5 Days Cat Sking + 6 Nights This is the ultimate in cat skiing with the world's best cat skiing operation; Selkirk Wilderness Skiing. Spoil yourself for the best time of your life; you won't want to leave!