Skiing in Canada and America
If you want a ski destination a little further afield, why not fly to the Canada or the USA. Pack your skis and say G’day to these great ski destinations.
Canada
Whistler Blackcomb
There’s a reason everyone flocks to Whistler Blackcomb every winter. Not only is it beautiful, but it also flaunts the biggest ski area in North America. Less than two hours’ drive from Vancouver, there’s over 3,237 ha of terrain on the two adjacent mountains, which includes 200 runs and some of the best backcountry trails in the world. Make sure you take a ride on the Peak2Peak Gondola, the highest Gondola of its kind in the world. There is plenty of dining options, accommodation and venue's to boogie in Whistler village. Plus, if you’re not that keen on skiing, there’s zip-lining, bobsleigh, and tubing available as well.
- 2 hour drive from Vancouver
- Average Winter temperature: -10°C
Lake Louise
If you’re looking for a lengthy ski holiday, Lake Louise is the resort for you. With a ski season that lasts around 6 months, Lake Louise is a winter wonderland. Sitting right in the middle of Banff National Park, Lake Louise is the biggest resort in the Canadian Rockies. There’s terrain on all four of the mountain faces surrounding the resort and 145 runs. While there’s no on-mountain accommodation available, rooms can be found at Lake Louise village, just a short drive away.
- Two hour drive from Calgary
- Average temperature: -7°C
Big White
Big White resort offers up some of the best “champagne” powder in all of Canada. Living up to its name, the resort has a mammoth 1,119 ha ski area and 34 ha area for night skiing. There’s also around 762 cm of snowfall per year. The village may not be as big as behemoth Whistler, but it does offer a wide range of après ski and plenty of snow activities for the youngsters. Accommodation is ski in ski out and caters to all travellers, from budget to luxury.
- 4 hour drive from Vancouver
- Average temperature: -5C
Sun Peaks
The second-largest resort in Canada, Sun Peaks stretches across 1,728 ha. There’s suitable terrain for all skiers. With easy ski-in/ski-out accommodation and a good ski school available, this resort is perfect for the whole family. Not convinced? There’s also tobogganing, skating and snowmobiles on offer as well. While it may not get as much snow as Whistler or the other resorts on the powder highway, when it does snow, you’re guaranteed nice, dry powder.
- 4 hour drive from Vancouver
- Average temperature: -9°C
Mont Tremblant
Considered one of Canada’s best premier resorts, Mont Tremblant is as quaint as it is epic. The resort has terrain to suit all skiers. Just 90 minutes from Montreal, the resort is easily accessible, which can often lead to heavy crowds (especially on weekends). But don’t let this deter you, there are 100 runs and three terrains to ski on. The village which is somewhat reminiscent of a mini Disneyland is car-free and extremely enchanting. After a long day on the snow, Mont Tremblant village is the perfect place to sit back and relax. The Quebecois cuisine makes Après ski particularly exceptional in Mont Tremblant Village.
- Two hour drive from Montreal
- Average temperature: -9°C
America
Lake Tahoe
There’s nothing quite like a winter in Lake Tahoe; From majestic lake views and mountain tops blanketed with pure white snow, to local dining and charming community culture, Lake Tahoe is a winter wonderland home to some of North America’s largest ski resorts, with budget and ability-friendly options for everyone.
You’ll have no trouble finding fine, casual and leisure dining options as well as a place to lay your head within the unique and beautiful communities that dot the shores of the lake and the surrounding mountainsides.
- Three hour drive from San Fransisco
- Average temperature: -4°C
Mammoth Mountain – Mammoth Lakes
Mammoth is California’s premier four-season mountain resort offering year-round lodging and endless outdoor recreation. With 3,500 skiable acres, 10 m of average snowfall, and 300 days of sunshine per year, Usually the first resort to open, and the last to close, seasons at Mammoth are long and legendary, typically stretching from Nov–June. Offering a strong mix of runs to satisfy every skill level. Mammoth lodging is spread out across various areas with some ski-in ski-out accommodation and some very affordable lodging in the nearby town of Mammoth Lakes.
- Five hour drive from Los Angeles
- Average temperature: -5°C
Aspen
One of the glitziest resorts in America, Aspen has been the go-to spot for the rich and famous for over 70 years. Since then, the ski resort has expanded into four different ski areas: Aspen (also known as Ajax Mountain), Snowmass, Buttermilk, and Aspen Highlands. Linked by an expert shuttle system, the four areas centre around one of the best ski villages in the world, Aspen. There’s over 2,246 ha of skiable terrain on the resort, so you’re pretty spoilt for choice. As expected, the Après Ski is very popular with numerous bars, restaurants and clubs to frequent. Accommodation can be found on the resort, ranging from luxury to basic.
- Four hour drive from Denver
- Average temperature: -9°C
Jackson Hole
Considered one of the best skiing locations in America, Jackson Hole is infamous for its extreme terrain and steeps. Not suitable for young skiers, the resort’s recent improvements have made it a little more accessible for intermediate skiers. The town itself is geared more towards summer as winter is the off-season in Jackson Hole. Which means lines aren’t really a problem and accommodation is cheaper in winter. For ski-in/ski-out accommodation stay in Teton Village, otherwise, Jackson town is just a 20-minute drive away.
- 5 hour drive from Salt Lake City
- Average temperature: -9.4°C
Vail
One of the most, if not the most popular ski destination in America is Vail. Every year massive crowds descend on the resort because of its huge ski area and beautiful ski village. Covering a massive 2,140 ha, Vail is the largest resort in Colorado. It also sees quite a bit of snow during the snow season. The resort is split into three base areas: Golden Peak, Vail Village, and Lionshead. With plenty of accommodation options in all three villages, you’re pretty spoilt for choice. If can spend the money, the villages have some pretty amazing bars, restaurants and clubs to choose from.
- Four to five hour drive from Denver
- Average temperature: -8.8°C
Alta
If you’re looking for an old-school ski resort, Alta is the ski destination for you. Only accessible for skiers (sorry snowboarders), Alta is a no frills, all ski resort. Just a bus ride away from Salt Lake City, Alta has some of the best snow in America. There’s around 890 ha of incredible chutes, steeps and tree runs for all ski levels available on the resort. In terms of accommodation and Après ski, Alta keeps things pretty tight. There are lodgings and dinner packages available but you won’t find any night clubs or bars here, so your best bet is catching the public bus to Salt Lake City.
- 1 hour drive from Salt Lake City
- Average temperature: -9°C
Breckenridge
Home to the highest lift in America, the Imperial Express Super Lift, Breckenridge or Breck is one of the most visited resorts in America. With great high alpine skiing and an outrageous clubbing and nightlife scene, Breck is a lot of fun. There’s 1,177 ha of skiable terrain across the five peaks, fit for all ski levels. Make sure you stay in the historic mining town of Breck. Breck has a selection of accommodation, from the luxe hotels to ski-in/ ski-out accommodation and killer spots to drink, including a historic old-timey saloon.
- Two hour drive from Denver
- Average temperature: -9.4°C