Canada holidays and flights to Canada

Skiing in Canada is a national treasure, from the epic knee-deep powder runs in British Columbia to the stunning landscape of the Rocky Mountains in Alberta.

Canada has some of the biggest snowfalls of any destination and when you add the picture postcard scenery and wide immaculately-maintained pistes then you have the perfect place for snow bunnies around the world.

Banff

Deep within the Canadian Rocky Mountains, Banff National Park is Canada’s oldest, and perhaps most impressive park. Banff itself is a fantastic resort which promises snow-sure conditions and spectacular scenery and is seen as the link of three big mountains - Mount Norquay, Sunshine Village and Lake Louise. The pistes or trails, as they are known in Canada, are perfect for beginners and intermediates, but the real challenges lie in wait for those more advanced. Snowboarders and veteran skiers will find some of the best off-piste riding in the world in Banff, such as the unbelievable Delirium Dive.

Jasper

Jasper is a lovely little town in the heart of the Rockies, surrounded by ancient glaciers. Great for beginners with sweeping long greens and blues, but also perfect for advanced skiers too. Hailed as one of the best ski areas in North America for powder snow, the difficult double diamond blacks are unforgettable here. The resort is in the Jasper National Park, so expect to see plenty of wild sheep and even elk in the town, but thankfully wolves are too timid to prowl too near. Off the slopes, a dog sled ride or snow shoe expedition are must do activities – alongside a fantastic après ski scene.

Lake Louise

The largest of the Big 3 in Banff, Lake Louise was voted the best resort in Canada in 2013 by the World Ski Awards. The small resort sits by a beautiful lake, close to the ski lifts which take you up to 2700m. The spectacular panorama of the Rocky Mountains alone will make this trip worthwhile, but when you add the superb skiing, it creates an unbeatable holiday. Ideally built for intermediate skiers, you will find some tough blues and single diamond black (European red pistes) near the summit. Its huge ‘Back Bowls’ are world-renowned for snowboarders and advanced skiers.

Fernie

Fernie is fast becoming a haven for snowboarders, due to its superb powder and it being fairly quiet, guaranteeing a fresh track or two when there’s fresh snow. That said, it is also great for ski beginners, with wide easy slopes – especially the ‘cruiser trail’ with its wonderful views of the valley below. Fernie is an old coal mining town which developed into a year-round resort. Eerily, the First Nations put a curse on the town which wasn’t lifted until 1963. The resort is lively, with some great bars to enjoy après ski in style – don’t miss the poutine (chips, gravy and cheese curd) for a tasty treat.

Whistler

Probably the most famous resort in Canada, and for good reason, Whistler offers everyone an opportunity to ski some epic snow. From beginners to experts, from piste to powder, you will find something that suits your level and style. Its massive ski area, impeccably-groomed slopes and superb modern lifts allow skiers to traverse the mountain easily. Advanced skiers and snowboarders will fall in love with the 20 massive powder bowls – unforgettable off-piste. Après ski is also incredible, with great bars, better restaurants and some superb live music on offer. Whistler has it all and you won’t want to leave

Mont Tremblant

Immerse yourself in the culture of Quebec when visiting Mont Tremblant, including fantastic food and a French flair. The ski resort is quite low, but due to an abundance of high-tech snow cannons and a decent natural snow fall each year, the resort is relatively snow sure. Beginners will find some great green runs but Mont Tremblant is better suited to the more qualified skiers, with nearly half of its pistes on the advanced scale. For après ski head to the main square, Place St Bernard, which comes alive after 3pm – with up to 70 bars and restaurants in town, you’ll find something for you.