British Columbia’s ski resorts draw visitors from around the world due to the consistent snow and the convenient flight connections between Vancouver and the resorts.
Also, good skiing conditions and several budget-friendly resort styles make these locations ideal for all ability levels.
Alberta ski resorts are home to some of Canada’s best-known locations, such as Lake Louise, Jasper, and Banff.
These locations have incredible views and superb skiing. These factors make these locations the ideal choice for a winter vacation.
The article extensively covers the best ski resorts in BC and Alberta.
Where Is British Columbia?
The westernmost province of Canada, British Columbia, is known for its diverse geography.
It is located between the Pacific Ocean and the Rocky Mountains and is characterized by rugged landscapes, sandy beaches, mountains, et cetera.
It borders the provinces of Alberta to the east and the Northwest Territories and Yukon to the north.
As of 2021, British Columbia has a population of 5.2 million. Its capital is Victoria, and its largest city is Vancouver.
One of the thirteen provinces in Canada, Alberta is also known for its diverse geography. It is bordered by British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and the Northwest Territories.
It is also a part of Western Canada and one of the prairie provinces. The province of Alberta is the fourth-largest by area and the fourth-most populous in Canada. It has a population of over 4 million people. Its capital is Edmonton.
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Best Ski Resorts in BC and Alberta
Although Alberta is best known for its flat, icy, and snowy conditions, it also has several diverse mountain areas and resorts that are popular with winter sports enthusiasts.
In British Columbia, many ski resorts offer more than just great skiing. They also have various activities for all kinds of winter sports lovers. Some of these include cross-country skiing and dog sledding.
These are the best ski resorts in British Columbia and Alberta;
1. Whistler Blackcomb
The Whistler Blackcomb is of the most popular resorts in British Columbia. It has two mountains in some of the province’s most spectacular scenery. This resort is easily accessible by car from Vancouver.
Due to its location and consistent snowfall, the area around the resort has a deep base.
It receives an average of over 30 feet of snow during winter. As a result, this impressive resort makes our list of best ski resorts in BC and Alberta.
2. Marmot Basin
The Marmot Basin is an excellent choice for intermediate and advanced skiers. It features numerous tree-lined slopes, steep drops, moguls, and chutes.
It also has various food options, such as hot chocolate and Baileys. Other activities at the resort include watching skiers send it down at the terrain park or taking in the outdoor fire.
Marmot Basin is located in Alberta and makes our list of the best ski resorts in BC and Alberta.
3. Big White Ski Resort
Big White is another impressive resort that features a vertical drop of over 2,500 feet.
It also has a variety of named runs and is known for its unique snow ghosts. It receives an average of over 26 feet of snow during winter.
This mountain resort features several terrain parks and runs that are rated intermediate. One is the TELUS Park, which features jumps, bumps, and boxes.
Big White also has 38 acres of night skiing. If you’re still in the mood for more skiing, this area offers a variety of trails and runs for night skiing. This resort is located in British Columbia.
4. Sunshine Village
Another excellent ski resort in Alberta is Sunshine Village, which has three mountains. If you’re looking for fresh pow and accessible terrain, Sunshine is the place for you.
The Great Divide also has a variety of features that are designed for riders who are looking for a more challenging experience.
5. Sun Peaks Resort
It is almost unbelievable that Sun Peaks is Canada’s second-largest ski area, with over 4,000 acres of terrain. It features over 120 named runs and is known for its accessible terrain.
This mountain resort is situated over three mountains: Mount Morrisey, Mount Todd, and Mount Sundance.
The resort features 13 lifts, four high-speed quad and two triple chairs. In addition, it has six surface lifts, a vertical drop of over 2,800 feet, and receives around 18 feet of snow each year.
Sun Peaks has a beautiful alpine village right at the base of the runs. This area is a great place to gather and reflect on your day. It also has several shops and restaurants.
6. Lake Louise
With a vertical of over 900 m, Lake Louise makes our list of the best ski resorts in BC and Alberta. It is located in Alberta, in case you were wondering.
If you’re looking for an endless amount of terrain, then Lake Louise is the place for you.
This mountain resort has four different mountain faces that feature chutes, glades, and bowls. With over 4,000 acres of terrain, you can spend the day skiing or exploring.
7. Revelstoke Mountain Resort
The Revelstoke Mountain resort is located in British Columbia and is known for its excellent snow conditions.
It receives around 30 feet of snow annually. This area’s ski hill has the most significant vertical drop in North America at over 5,500 ft.
This area’s ski area features a variety of features that are designed for advanced and intermediate riders. It also has four big bowls ideal for exploring and wide-open skiing.
Selkirk Tangiers is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a heli-ski experience. It offers a short distance from the town and has access to thousands of feet of untracked snow.
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8. Mount Norquay
The Norquay ski area is an excellent choice if you’re looking for an escape from the crowds in nearby resorts.
It features a variety of steep runs and is known for hosting Canada’s longest-running ski race. It is located in Alberta.
9. SilverStar Mountain Resort
The mountain’s front side is ideal for intermediate riders and offers deep and mid-level terrain. The back side of the hill is also deep and features a variety of steep runs.
The SilverStar resort gets plenty of snow each year, and it boasts of having no snowmaking capabilities.
For over 60 years, the SilverStar resort has been operating as one of British Columbia’s best family-friendly ski areas. It features over 2,500 vertical feet of terrain and over a hundred runs.
One of the main attractions of the SilverStar resort is its beautiful alpine village, which is right on the mountain.
This area has 18 restaurants and various shops. The resort is also great for hanging out and taking in the views.
Due to the limited number of cars in the area, the resort is a great spot to keep the keys.
10. Castle Mountain
The Castle Mountain resort is located in southern Alberta and features eight alpine bowls and two mountains.
It’s also known for its variety of terrain. If unsatisfied with the mountain’s offerings, head to the two terrain parks.
With a vertical drop of approximately 860 m, Castle Mountain makes our list of the best ski resorts in British Columbia and Alberta. This resort is located in Alberta.
11. Apex Mountain Resort
The snow conditions at the resort are ideal for both beginner and expert skiers. The average wait times at the resort are around two minutes.
The only resort in the area that faces northeast is the Apex. This alignment allows the resort to receive a beautiful amount of snow each year.
On average, it acquires around 20 feet of natural snow. It is located in British Columbia.
12. Nakiska
The Nakiska Ski Area is an excellent choice for families looking for a relaxing and fun-filled ski trip. It features several runs and a brand-new tube park.
The resort also has various accommodations designed to accommodate adults and children. It is situated in Alberta.
13. Red Mountain Resort
For those who are looking for a ski resort that’s full of old-school skiing vibes, look no further than Red Mountain.
This resort is known for its varied terrain and is located in British Columbia. It receives an average of 25 feet of snow each year.
The resort features over 3,850 acres of skiable terrain. It also features 110 runs. For experienced skiers, the resort’s glade skiing is considered one of the best in North America.
14. Fortress Mountain
Fortress Mountain has the highest base elevation in Canada. It is located in Alberta and makes our list of best ski resorts in British Columbia and Alberta.
Unfortunately, it was closed for a while due to Covid but has since been reopened.
15. Kicking Horse Mountain Resort
It is located in British Columbia and makes our list of best ski resorts in British Columbia and Alberta.
The Kicking Horse Mountain resort is known for its abundance of powder snow. This natural resource helps it achieve an average of 24 feet of snow each season.
The terrain at the Kicking Horse Mountain resort is intense, and most of its runs are suitable for advanced and intermediate skiers.
Make sure that you have your legs prepared for the challenging runs that the resort has to offer.
16. Canyon Ski Area
It’s not technically a mountain but can be used for board riding and skiing. It also has a tube park that features banked corners and special tubes.
The canyon is only a 10-minute drive away from Red Deer. It is located in Alberta.
17. Fernie Alpine Resort
The Fernie Mountain resort has a vertical of 3,550 feet and receives an average of over 30 feet of snow each season.
Fernie is an excellent choice for those looking for a warm and sunny place to ski. However, it’s also prone to rain, affecting snow conditions.
Fernie features various types of terrain, such as long moguls, wide groomers, and multiple alpine bowls.
It also has ten lifts capable of accommodating up to 143 runs. It is one of the best ski resorts in British Columbia.
18. Silver Summit
The Silver Summit is a family-owned and operated resort located 50 kilometers north of Edson.
It offers a large lodge and 100% natural snow, making it an ideal choice for families and individuals looking for a relaxing getaway. It is one of the best ski resorts in Alberta.
19. Panorama Mountain Resort
The wide-open groomers at Park City’s Panorama resort welcome skiers. This family-friendly facility is around 20 minutes from Invermere and is an excellent choice for individuals looking for a relaxing getaway. Fifty percent of its runs are rated intermediate.
Advanced skiers can enjoy a playground in the Taynton Bowl, which features black diamond runs and deep terrain.
This area is an excellent choice for those looking for a challenging and relaxing experience. It is located in British Columbia.
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20. Hidden Valley
Alberta Parks operates the Hidden Valley Ski resort. It’s located in the beautiful Alberta province, an excellent choice for people looking for a fun skiing experience.
The slopes at the resort are ideal for both beginner and advanced skiers.
21. Whitewater Ski Resort
This local ski resort is known for its impeccable snow conditions. It’s located near Nelson, known for its abundance of snow.
The resort’s average snowfall each season is over 40 feet. This ski resort also has an old-school vibe to it.
The resort features three fixed-grip lifts and over 2,300 acres of terrain, ideal for beginner and advanced skiers.
It also has a vertical drop of over 2,000 feet. In addition, this facility has an unusual cast of characters, making it an ideal choice for individuals looking for a fun and unique experience.
Best Time to Visit Alberta and British Columbia
The shoulder seasons (April to early June and September to October) are the best time to visit both provinces for people who are looking for great deals on accommodations and activities.
During this period, people can hike across the West Coast Trail and the Chilliwack Lake Provincial Park.
How Much Does It Cost to Visit Both Provinces?
The average cost of a seven-day trip to both provinces is $1,022 for a single traveler. It costs approximately $1,500 for a couple and $1,900 for a family of four.
In both regions, the average hotel room cost is around $81.