Everything about Canada is wonderful: the people, the scenery, the cities and most definitely, the skiing. If you haven’t been, then start saving, because Canada really is the bees’ knees for family snow holidays.
If you’re thinking of taking the family on a fabulous Canadian ski trip, we’ve done the hard yards for you with our round-up of great ski resorts. These destinations not only have excellent skiing but also plenty of kid-friendly facilities and apres-ski fun.
Whistler-Blackcomb
Even non-skiiers have heard of Whistler! The biggest resort in North America, Whistler is much more than just a ski resort, it’s a big ticket destination. Located just two hours from beautiful Vancouver, British Columbia, the season at Whistler runs from mid-November to late April, or even late May.
The Slopes
Whistler Blackcomb has over 241 runs connected by 27 lifts on two big mountains, with three glaciers and 16 alpine bowls on offer. There are four terrain parks ranging from beginner to expert, a halfpipe and a snow cross track. Forget just going for a few days – you’ll need at least a week, if not two.
Terrain: 20% beginner, 55% intermediate, 25% advanced
Snow School
The snow school is at the forefront in teaching kids to ski and snowboard, with incredible facilities.
Accommodation
Whistler Village is the perfect place to set up base, with ski-in ski-out family accommodation, fantastic restaurants and plenty on offer for little ones. Creekside is another option ski-in ski-out accommodation, with fantastic restaurants in abundance.
Good to Know
The ZipTrek zipline tour is highly recommended and don’t miss the amazing Fire and Ice Show on Sunday nights.
Sun Peaks Resort
Warning: skiing at Sun Peaks is addictive for families! Its small ski-through village is like something out of a fairytale. The season runs from mid-November to late April with stellar spring skiing conditions.
The Slopes
Sun Peaks’ three mountains deliver a big punch of snow fun for skiers and boarders of all levels. The 13 lifts service 139 trails, including 19 gladed areas, with green, blue and black runs waiting at the top of every mountain. Choose the beautiful groomed runs or head through the trees; it’s all stunning. It also has a 4ha terrain park featuring three zones for all levels and two alpine bowls.
Terrain: 10% beginner, 58% intermediate, 32% advanced and expert
Good to Know
The kids will love the tube runs, ice skating, sleigh rides and dog sled tours.
Sunshine Village
The breathtaking Banff National Park in Alberta is home to Sunshine Village. Banff’s skiing and snow delights are renowned around the globe and with so many visiting families, season to season, they have family fun, facilities and food down to a fine art!
Sunshine Village delivers a ray of sunshine to those who want a bit of skiing with their Banff experience. There are gentle runs for beginners right up to extreme runs that are scary enough to curl hair. The season runs from early November to late May.
The Slopes
The resort has 12 lifts servicing 137 runs as well as a snowcross course and five terrain parks packed with features to jump, slide and ride on.
Terrain: 20% beginner, 55% intermediate, 25% advanced
SilverStar Mountain Resort
SilverStar Mountain Resort shines bright in the ski world in more ways than one. It has won many awards and has a unique Victorian-inspired village that is very colourful, with the rainbow hues a striking contrast to the brilliant white of the snow.
The Slopes
SilverStar is one of British Colombia’s larger ski areas with 132 marked runs, 12 lifts and three terrain parks.
Terrain: 15% beginner, 40% intermediate, 45% advanced and expert
Good to Know
The resort’s focus is on family, with a raft of activities to enjoy when you finish skiing for the day. Go snowtubing, ice skating, try ice hockey, go on a snowmobile tour, indoor rock climbing, enjoy movie nights, family bingo or the fireworks show, all very close to the many ski-in, ski-out accommodation options.
Fernie Alpine Resort
Fernie is a world-class snow destination with uncrowded trails, ski-in, ski-out accommodation and an eclectic vibe. The season runs from early December to mid-April.
The Slopes
Ten lifts service 145 named runs plus five alpine bowls and tree skiing. Fernie has an exceptional beginners’ area.
Terrain: 13% beginner, 30% intermediate, 57% advanced and expert
Good to Know
Fernie offers plenty of things to do, including geocaching treasure hunts – wow, how high-tech is that? And then of course, keen-eyed kids can see if they can spot some wildlife, including moose, elk or deer! Childcare is also available.
Opening image: Aerial view of Sun Peaks Resort in Sun Peaks, British Columbia, Canada.
