Canada’s ski resorts are set amidst glorious scenery of its network of expansive national parks. They offer everything from gentle nursery slopes to exhilarating off-piste action, and there’s even glacier skiing to try.
Canada is ideal for novice skiers, families and black diamond run adrenaline addicts who are looking to notch the excitement up to the next level. But, where are the best places to make the most of all that Canadian white stuff?
Let’s take a closer look at three of Canada’s winter sport wonderlands.
For the Rush: Whistler Blackcomb (British Columbia)
Just a couple of hours north of Vancouver you can discover more than 8,100 acres of slopes nestling next to three glaciers. In addition, there are five terrain parks, 12 alpine bowls and a 450 foot super pipe.
Whistler Blackcomb offers something for everyone – children’s lessons start from the age of three, there are day camps for teens and expert instruction for adult beginners. Yet, what it really excels at are the thrills and spills for the experienced skier.
Its highest level slope is 1,720 feet long and a near vertical 485-foot drop. Along the way you’ll find technical table tops, spines, jibs and rails that have been thrown in just to keep daring skiers and boarders on their toes.
If this still sounds a little tame you should head off on a heli-skiing tour into the pristine mountain wilderness where untouched powder awaits you.
But don’t worry, back in car-free Whistler village you can come home to four championship golf courses, a lively cultural scene and some very fine hotels, bars and restaurants indeed.
Where to Stay in Whistler Blackcomb
The Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler is just a few minutes from the Blackcomb pistes. Its ski valet service, at the base of the mountain, will store your equipment overnight and the impeccable service continues into the hotel. Spacious rooms are equipped with walk-in wardrobes and spas provide outdoor pools and hot tubs.
For the Family: Lake Louise (Alberta)
Lake Louise is part of the Banff ski area, two hours from Calgary. Here you’ll find immaculate slopes planned with impeccable discretion.
The layout is designed to allow families, and groups of different abilities, to ski together. From every chair you will find a choice of expert, intermediate or beginner runs. What’s more there are plenty of them – Lake Louise is one of the largest ski areas in North America.
Après-ski here is more relaxed and laid-back than at other resorts. This makes it the perfect choice for families and those who want to raise hell on the slopes rather than back at their base.
Forget those cocktails and, instead, try some serene ice skating on the beautiful floodlit lake or take a soothing sleigh ride through the snow-covered pine
Where to Stay in Lake Louise
The Fairmont Château Lake Louise has breathtaking views of Lake Louise and the Victoria Glacier. Inside there is plenty to indulge in, including a full-service spa, health club facilities, pool, hair salon and six quality restaurants.
If you fancy a break from the slopes the concierge can arrange guided hiking, mountaineering and snowshoeing. Or, if you fancy a break from the kids, they can arrange child care!
For the Peace and Quiet – Jasper (Alberta)
Encompassing an area that is larger than all the other Rocky Mountain national parks combined, Jasper offers you plenty of space to find great skiing and some much needed peace and quiet.
Here you will find one of North America’s least crowded ski resorts that has plenty of remote, less traversed slopes waiting to be conquered.
The small town of Jasper is centred on just a couple of streets which are lined with cosy shops and inviting restaurants. Manicured runs are abundant, but where Jasper really makes its mark is off-piste on its cross-country skiing around Maligne Lake, the Athabasca Falls and Evelyn Creek.
After your gruelling cross-country ski head out to the steaming, mineral-rich waters of Miette Hot Springs and soak those aches away blissfully. It’s not all cross country, of course. Alberta has Canada’s highest base elevation. This allows it an exciting 86 runs, with 7 ski lifts and two terrain parks with jumps, rails, boxes and jibs for the advanced skiers and snowboarders out there.
Where to Stay in Jasper
The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge is peacefully located in the rugged mountains of a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with wildlife, pristine lakes and untouched forests. The small village of luxury rustic cabins here is the best place for skiers looking to get away from it all.
Ready to Hit the Canadian Slopes?
Our Travel Managers can help you find your perfect luxury ski holiday in Canada. Let us take care of all the arrangements, from pre-bookable lift passes to off-slope activities. All you have to do is ski with style.
Call us today on 0203 535 9290, or email leisure@simplexitytravel.com.