While some folks might grumble about the winter season, a lot of Calgarians are all about it and get pumped for winter activities. One of the favorites? Hitting the slopes at ski resorts!
The good news is that Calgary peeps are lucky to have awesome ski resorts just a drive away from Alberta. Regardless of the distance from the city, these resorts are still close enough for Calgarians to visit and elevate their skiing game.
Curious about which ski resorts we’re talking about? We’ve curated a list of the best Calgary ski resorts (or, shall we say, around Calgary), voted on by our staff, just for you.
Table of Contents
- Nakiska Ski Area
- Banff Sunshine Village Ski & Snowboard Resort
- Innisfail Ski Hill
- Mount Norquay
- Lake Louise Ski Resort
- Canyon Ski Resort and Recreation Area
- WinSport
- Castle Mountain Resort
- Kimberley Alpine Resort
- Marmot Basin
- Panorama Mountain Village
- Revelstoke Mountain Resort
- Fernie Alpine Resort
- Kicking Horse Mountain Resort
- Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park
- Fortress Ski Area
Nakiska Ski Area
Website: https://skinakiska.com/
Address: 2 Mt Allan Dr, Kananaskis, AB T0L 2H0, Canada
Contact Details: +1 403-591-7777
Operating hours: Monday – Sunday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Best For: Beginners and Intermediate
Slopes/Runs: 1,000 acres of slopes and 79 marked trails
Calgary’s premier local ski destination, Nakiska Ski Area, offers an array of attractions for both skiers and snowboarders. It’s small, easy to navigate, and totally family-friendly.
Sure, it might not be the go-to for hardcore experts, but Nakiska has that always-snowing charm – and it’s just a 45-minute hop from the city!
If you’re up for the ultimate ski vacay, Nakiska has you covered with 1,000 acres of slopes and 79 marked trails. They have all kinds of gear for rent, and they’re not stingy with the lodging deals for you and your family to crash.
There’s even more fun stuff beyond the run. You’ll find a tube park, a rail park, and even a spot for snowshoeing – perfect for all ages if you’re just looking to switch things up.
Banff Sunshine Village Ski & Snowboard Resort
Website: https://www.skibanff.com/
Address: 1 Sunshine access Rd, Banff, AB T1L 1J5, Canada
Contact Details: +1 403-705-4000
Operating hours: Monday – Sunday: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Best For: Beginners, Intermediate, and Experts
Slopes/Runs: 3,300 acres of slopes and 139 runs
If you’re into rocky, steep, snowy adventures in snowboarding and skiing, Sunshine Village at Banff National Park outshines most other options.
With superior snow conditions and steeper, more exposed terrain, this place is a thrill-seeker’s paradise, offering 139 runs and 3,300 skiable acres. You could spend the entire day on the slopes and only explore a fraction of what Sunshine Village has to offer!
Additionally, the resort boasts two terrain parks, gear rentals, and lessons. Keep in mind that there’s only one (fortunately excellent) hotel on the mountain. So, for your dining, drinking, and spa treatment needs, you might want to consider staying in Banff.
Innisfail Ski Hill
Website: http://www.innisfailskihill.com/
Address: 60 St, Innisfail, AB T4G 1R6, Canada
Contact Details: +1 403-227-5155
Best For: Beginners and Intermediate
Slopes/Runs: 6 runs
Now, if you’re up for some local vibes, check out Innisfail Ski Hill. It’s entirely run by volunteers, and while it may not be the biggest or the fanciest, it’s got that special charm and simplicity.
Just a heads up, you’ll need to tackle the hill with a tow rope, so bringing along some old gloves is a smart move to save your good ones!
Once you make it to the top, there are six main runs waiting for you, catering to both beginners and intermediates. Plus there’s a rail park for some extra fun if you’re tired from all the skiing.
It’s no secret that skiing can be a pricey hobby, but Innisfail Ski Hill breaks the mold with ridiculously low rates for visitors. Not only that, but they have affordable rental gear available at the chalet on top of the hill!
Mount Norquay
— Media by alcharest
Website: https://banffnorquay.com/
Address: Improvement District No. 9, AB, Canada
Contact Details: +1 403-762-4421
Best For: Beginners, Intermediate, and Advanced
Slopes/Runs: 190 acres of slopes and 60 runs
While Mount Norquay may be the smallest of the three ski resorts in Banff National Park, it’s still packed with steep and challenging terrain.
For an extra challenge, hit up the North American lift and check out the Memorial Bowl run. But if you’re new to the sport, no stress – the resort’s Deerfoot Trail is a gentle slope where you can take in the beauty without zooming down the mountain.
Beyond the slopes, Norquay spices things up with night skiing on selected dates during the season, which offers a unique experience.
Families, in particular, will dig Norquay for its family-friendly amenities. There’s a tube park open for a good chunk of the season, and if you have little ones not quite ready for the hill, they even have daycare available!
Lake Louise Ski Resort
Website: https://www.skilouise.com/
Address: 1 Whitehorn Rd, Lake Louise, AB T0L 1E0, Canada
Contact Details: +1 403-522-3555
Operating hours: Monday – Sunday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Best For: Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced
Slopes/Runs: 4,000 acres of slopes
Now, let’s talk about the grandest ski resort in Banff National Park: Lake Louise Ski Resort. This spot is a regular at the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup – a signal to the top-notch experience waiting for you!
You have a massive 4,000 skiable acres to explore, and let’s not forget the absolutely breathtaking views that the resort serves up. Not only that, but you’ll discover over 140 marked runs, including the Back Bowls and the West Bowl – all serviced by a total of 10 lifts.
If you’re a seasoned skier pushing the limits, the Back Bowls at Lake Louise are your playground. And if skiing isn’t everyone’s jam in your crew, there’s a sightseeing gondola for soaking up those stunning Rocky Mountain views in the distance.
Canyon Ski Resort and Recreation Area
Website: http://www.canyonski.ca/
Address: 38433 Range Rd 264, Red Deer County, AB T4E 0Z1, Canada
Contact Details: +1 403-346-5588
Operating hours: Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Best For: Beginner and Intermediate
Slopes/Runs: 80 acres of slopes and 23 runs
This spot is up north of Calgary, and while you won’t catch those dramatic slopes and jaw-dropping Rocky Mountain views, there’s still a ton of fun waiting.
Speaking of snow, Canyon Ski Resort & Recreation Area can whip up the fluffy stuff to cover 95% of its 80 skiable acres. So, even though this resort’s peak sits at just 2,950 feet, you can count on having some snow to play in throughout the season.
Now, it’s not the spot for hardcore skiers looking for a challenge, but there are still some cool runs to try, like the quick thrill of Karl’s Mistake and the longer ride of Nordic Jump.
And if you’re just starting out, no worries – they have beginner-friendly runs like Cloverleaf and Sundeck to help you get the hang of it.
WinSport
Website: https://www.winsport.ca/
Address: 88 Canada Olympic Rd SW, Calgary, AB T3B 5R5, Canada
Contact Details: +1 403-247-5452
Operating hours: Monday – Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM | Saturday – Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Best For: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, and Experts
Slopes/Runs: 214 acres of slopes and 6 runs
If you’re on the lookout for top-notch Calgary ski-resorts without a lengthy drive, head over to Winsport. This resort not only serves as an exceptional training ground for high-performance athletes but also promises a blast for families.
This is your go-to spot if you’re keen on learning skiing, thanks to their Discover Skiing program tailored for beginner skiers. And that’s not all – Winsport boasts a superpipe where experienced professional snow sports athletes can sharpen their freestyle skiing skills.
The cherry on top? You can make the most of their facilities at a discounted price with seasonal passes. Plus, they offer affordable winter sports classes suitable for all ages. It’s a win-win for both beginners and seasoned riders alike!
Castle Mountain Resort
Website: http://www.skicastle.ca/
Address: HWY-774, Pincher Creek No. 9, AB T0K 1W0, Canada
Contact Details: +1 403-627-5101
Operating hours: Monday – Friday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM | Saturday – Sunday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Best For: Intermediate and Advanced
Slopes/Runs: 3,592 acres of slopes
This resort in the Crowsnest Pass area is known for its laid-back vibe and the super-light “blower” snow, the kind that kicks up around your face as you cruise through it.
Besides the regular lift-accessed runs, Castle also runs Powder Stagecoach cat skiing, taking you into challenging terrain like steep chutes, bowls, and tree runs.
But Castle doesn’t just stop at the slopes; they have on-site amenities too. For a place to crash, take your pick from ski-in/ski-out chalets and suites. Cozy fireplaces, full kitchens, and killer mountain views come standard, along with top-quality ski and snowboard equipment rentals.
Extra points for their dining spot, the T-Bar Pub and Grill, where you can wrap up your ski day with a pizza and a cold one!
Kimberley Alpine Resort
Website: http://www.skikimberley.com/
Address: 301 N Star Blvd, Kimberley, BC V1A 2Y5, Canada
Contact Details: +1 250-427-4881
Operating hours: Monday – Sunday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Best For: Beginners, Intermediate, and Advanced
Slopes/Runs: 1,800 acre of slopes and 68 runs
Perfect Purcell powder and an abundance of sunny days come together to make Kimberley Alpine Resort the top choice for your next ski vacation!
We’re talking about a wide variety of ski-in/ski-out accommodations and family activities, including a family skating rink, night skiing, events, and kids’ après activities.
When it comes to skiing, the North Star Mountain area is unparalleled. Your skiing experience here includes a newly enhanced beginner’s area, enjoyable long intermediate trails, and exciting glades and steep terrain for the advanced skier and rider.
When you’re done tearing up the slopes, head into town and enjoy some ale and music at the Pedal & Tap pub before unwinding in your room.
Marmot Basin
Website: http://www.skimarmot.com/
Address: 1 Marmot Rd, Jasper, AB T0E 1E0, Canada
Contact Details: +1 780-852-3816
Operating hours: Monday – Sunday: 8:000 AM – 5:00 PM
Best For: Beginners, Intermediate, Advanced, and Experts
Number of Slopes/Runs: 1,720 acres of slopes and 91 runs
Marmot might be a bit of a hike compared to other ski spots on the list, but it’s a total blast for everyone. From smooth, groomed runs to sneaky, tree-lined chutes, Marmot has it all.
It’s a bit of a road trip – around five hours by car from Calgary – but that just means fewer folks on the slopes. If you’re lucky, you might hit some classic Rockies powder while skiing, but watch out for those tricky “shark fins” hiding just below the surface.
Down at the base of the hill, you have the Caribou Chalet, serving up killer views of the Athabasca Valley and nearby peaks. The chalet also boasts a cafeteria open daily, serving a variety of food and both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
Panorama Mountain Village
Website: https://www.panoramaresort.com/
Address: 2000 Panorama Dr, Panorama, BC V0A 1T0, Canada
Contact Details: +1 800-663-2929
Operating hours: Monday – Sunday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Best For: Beginners, Intermediates, Advanced, and Experts
Slopes/Runs: 3,000 acres of slopes
Calgary skiers adore Panorama for its slope-side accommodations, amenities, and impressive vertical rise. With nearly 3,000 acres of terrain spanning 4,265 vertical feet of fall line perfection, you might discover a new favorite run with each descent.
While it may not be the most glamorous spot, and the skiing is only slightly above average, for families, it’s a hard-to-beat package. We’re not just talking about the ski opportunities, but the resort in general!
Speaking of which, there are plenty of hotels with (artificial) hot springs, tons of family activities, a bunch of tasty restaurants and pubs, and a general store for all your random needs.
Revelstoke Mountain Resort
Website: https://www.revelstokemountainresort.com/
Address: 2950 Camozzi Rd, Revelstoke, BC V0E 2S1, Canada
Contact Details: +1 866-373-4754
Operating hours: Monday – Sunday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Best For: Intermediates and Advanced
Slopes/Runs: 3,121 acres of slopes
Revelstoke is all about that massive snow energy. Imagine an average of 10.5 meters annually (that’s over 34 feet!). You’re practically guaranteed fresh tracks whenever you visit.
The resort boasts fantastic terrain and provides numerous chances to venture into the backcountry.
You can also opt for guided ski touring, cat skiing, and heli-skiing excursions, conveniently arranged through the Revelstoke Outdoors Centre at the base of the Sutton Place Hotel.
For top-notch gear, savings, and convenience, hit up their slopeside rental shop. They have the latest skis and ski boots from sought-after brands like Salomon, Atomic, and Blizzard.
Fernie Alpine Resort
Website: http://www.skifernie.com/
Address: 5339 Fernie Ski Hill Rd, Fernie, BC V0B 1M6, Canada
Contact Details: +1 250-423-4655
Operating hours: Monday – Sunday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Best For: Beginners, Intermediates, and Advanced
Slopes/Runs: 2,500 acres of slopes and 142 runs
Fernie is another ultimate winter playground for Calgary skiers and riders of all levels. They take pride in offering over 2,500 acres of skiable terrain, 142 runs, 5 alpine bowls, and an exceptional beginner’s area!
Sure, it may sound like just a bunch of features, but here’s the bottom line: they have that perfect ski destination vibe. We’re talking about up to 37 feet of snow in a season here!
In fact, they don’t just stop at the slopes; Fernie throws some rad ski events where you can chill with folks who love skiing just as much as you do. Check out their website for the activity calendar – they’re always keeping it up to date.
Kicking Horse Mountain Resort
Website: http://kickinghorseresort.com/
Address: 1500 Kicking Horse Trail, Golden, BC V0A 1H0, Canada
Contact Details: +1 250-439-5425
Operating hours: Monday – Sunday: 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Best For: Beginners, Intermediates, Advanced, and Experts
Slopes/Runs: 3,486 acres of slopes and 250+ runs
For the ultimate group ski adventure, whether it’s with your ski buddies, officemates, or family, Kicking Horse Mountain Resort got your back!
They offer a variety of group activities, including heli-skiing that goes beyond the typical day heli experience. These day trips feature unlimited vertical, a small group setup, and expansive terrain with over 250 runs to explore.
But that’s not all – your friends will also be taken care of by a group salesperson. They can hook you up with great rates on lift tickets and provide concierge service to help coordinate lessons and rentals for your crew.
Plus, there’s a chance for a killer group discount to make sure your time at Kicking Horse is as chill as can be!
Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park
Website: http://www.albertaparks.ca/canmore-nordic-centre.aspx
Address: 1988 Olympic Way, Canmore, AB, Canada
Contact Details: +1 403-678-2400
Operating hours: Monday – Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:300 PM
Best For: Beginners, Intermediates, and Experts
Slopes/Runs: 65 kilometers of trails for cross-country skiing
Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park is a top-notch cross-country ski destination, perfect for both Calgarian ski beginners with available lessons on-site and experienced skiers.
Just like other cool ski spots, they have gear for rent. And if you brought your own stuff, no worries – there are two wax rooms you can use for free. They also have work tables and ski forms, so you can get your skis ready before hitting the trail.
Keep in mind that to explore the more than 65 kilometers of groomed trails and 6.5 kilometers of illuminated trails for night skiing here, you’ll need a trail pass. You can grab these passes in the main lodge.
Fortress Ski Area
Website: http://kpow.ca/
Address: Kananaskis Village, AB T0L 2C0, Canada
Contact Details: +1 403-808-5972
Operating hours: Wednesday – Saturday (depending on time of season)
Best For: Intermediates and Advanced
Slopes/Runs: 2000+ acres of slopes
If you’re into cat-skiing, where you get to explore untouched snow, then you have to check out the KPOW cat-skiing tour at Fortress Ski Area. Here, you’ll hop into “the cat” at Fortress Mountain, just about 90 minutes west of Calgary.
The team will whisk you up the mountain, and then it’s time to let loose on the trails. It’s fast, it’s fun, and it’s just a bit wild (at least, that’s what the adventurous folks say!).
It’s perfect if you’re all about that adrenaline rush and consider yourself an advanced skier.
