Banff Sunshine Village

With an elevation of 2,195 metres (or 7,200 feet), Banff Sunshine Village includes three mountains and a 360° view of the Canadian Rockies that spans both Alberta and British Columbia. Ski season at Banff Sunshine Village lasts about seven months, from early November to late May, and receives up to nine metres, or 30 feet, of snow each season. Located just 15 minutes from the town of Banff, Banff Sunshine Village has runs for everyone in the family to master. Ski and snowboard rentals are available on site with lessons available for all ages at the Snow School.

Location: 1 Sunshine access Rd, Banff, AB

Lake Louise Ski Resort

Lake Louise Ski Resort is a world renowned winter destination with 4,200 skiable acres, making it one of the largest ski areas in North America. Beginner, intermediate, and expert runs are accessible from every chair with an endless collection of gentle slopes, cruising runs, remote bowls, terrain parks, and some of the most challenging terrain in the Canadian Rockies. Equipment rentals are available on site along with ski and snowboard lessons for all skill levels. 

Location: 1 Whitehorn Rd, Lake Louise, AB

Castle Mountain Resort

Located 2.5 hours southwest of Calgary, between the communities of Pincher Creek and Crowsnest Pass, Castle Mountain Resort is a unique and affordable ski resort. Alberta’s second largest ski area is owned and operated by skiers and snowboarders, making it an authentic winter adventure experience. Castle Mountain receives approximately 30 feet of snow each season, over 2 mountains, 8 alpine bowls, and one of the only resort based cat-skiing operations in North America. Ski and snowboard rentals are available on site with beginner, private, and group lessons available as well.

Location: HWY-774, Pincher Creek No. 9, AB

Nakiska Ski Area

Located about one hour from Calgary, Nakiska Ski Area is a beautiful destination in the heart of Kananaskis Country and Calgary’s closest mountain ski and snowboard resort. Host of alpine events for the 1988 Winter Olympic Games, Nakiska is a family favourite because of the short drive and runs suitable for all skill levels. Advanced skiers and snowboarders will love the Monster Glades section of the hill with secret powder stashes, but be warned, there is no easy way down. Ski and snowboard rentals are available on site with lessons available at the base of the hill.

Location: 2 Mt Allan Dr., Kananaskis, AB

Mount Norquay Ski Resort 

Mount Norquay Ski Resort has been a popular destination since 1926, with runs for all skill levels. They offer a variety of flexible lift ticket options too. Full day and half day passes are available along with night skiing passes, available on Friday and Saturday throughout the season. The last hour ticket gives you the opportunity to get a couple of runs in at the end of the day, while the Sundance Magic Carpet pass allows you to practice your skills on the beginner terrain. Rent your gear on site or take a lesson at one of Canada’s largest and longest-running Snow School programs.

Location: Mount Norquay Road, Banff, AB

WinSport

Home of the 1988 Winter Olympic Games, WinSport continues to be a ski and snowboard destination right inside the city limits of Calgary. From ski and snowboard lessons to the challenging terrain park and Under Armour Super Pipe, western Canada’s largest half pipe, WinSport is the perfect hill for everyone from beginners to experienced winter sports enthusiasts. Ski and snowboard rentals are available on site. Located just minutes from downtown, WinSport has great views of the Calgary city skyline from the top of the hill.

Location: 88 Canada Olympic Rd SW, Calgary, AB

Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park

Host of biathlon and cross-country skiing events during the 1988 Winter Olympic Games, Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park is a world-class cross-country ski destination for beginners and experienced skiers alike. Rentals and lessons are available on site. Get a trail pass for the day and explore more than 65 kilometres of groomed trails and 6.5 kilometres of illuminated trails for night skiing. If you brought your own equipment, two wax rooms are available to the public free of charge with work tables and ski forms to tune up your skis before hitting the trail. Trail passes are required to access the groomed trails and can be purchased in the main Day Lodge.

Location: 1988 Olympic Way, Canmore, AB

Cross-country skiing in Calgary