Resort Comparisons

Many Canadian ski resorts are huge and offer significant vertical and skiable terrain. The table below provides a comparison of snowfall and other stats comparing some Canadian resorts to a few mountains in Australia. 

  Annual average snowfall (m) Vertical (m) Skiable terrain (hectares) Powder hounds overall rating
Whistler-Blackcomb 9.5 1,609 3,307 4.5
Big White 7.5 811 1,147 3.5
Silver Star 7+ 760 1,240 3.5
Kicking Horse 7 1,260 1,113 4.5
Lake Louise 3.6 991 1,700 3.5
Sunshine  8 1,070 1,359 4
Norquay 3 503 77 3
Nakiska 2.5 735 132 2.5
Mt Hotham 3 411 320 3
Mt Buller 1.5 400 263 2
Thredbo 2 672 480 2

Powderhounds rating are out of 5. The rating is based on the quality and quantity of powder, the likelihood of finding freshies at lunchtime, uncrowded slopes and lift lines, and an average rating for advanced and expert terrain including off-piste terrain, back-country, steeps, steep chutes and tree skiing. See our powderhounds ratings document for the scores for other Canada ski resorts and resorts in Japan, USA, Europe and South America. This includes the powderhounds rating, an overall resort rating, and a rating on many other factors such as terrain for different ability levels, lift infrastructure, family friendliness, apres, nightlife and value for money.

For a detailed comparison of mountain statistics for many Canadian resorts (including Sun Peaks, Revelstoke, Panorama, Red Mountain, Whitewater, Kimberley, Fernie, Apex and Marmott Basin) download our resort statistics comparison. This comparison includes the proportions of beginner, intermediate and advanced runs, and lift ticket price guides.

Interestingly unlike Japan, the Canadian resorts don't provide statistics on the gradient of the steepest slopes. They must feel that they don't need to boast about steepness. As examples, Whistler, Kicking Horse, Big White, Lake Louise and Sunshine all have super steep slopes.