Canada Ski Season Dates 2026/27: Opening and Closing Dates by Resort
Last updated: October 2026 | By Nick Suturin
Quick answer: The Canadian ski season for 2026/27 runs from early November 2026 to late May 2027. Banff Sunshine and Lake Louise are scheduled to open first, on 6 November 2026, followed by Mt. Norquay on 7 November and Whistler Blackcomb on 20 November. Most British Columbia resorts open between late November and mid December and close in early to mid April. For the longest season, look at Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise and Whistler Blackcomb, where spring skiing usually runs into May, and some summer skiing for Banff Sunshine too.
Opening dates are set by each resort and depend on snow. Closing dates marked as estimated are based on recent seasons and will be confirmed closer to spring.
Season dates at a glance
Resorts are listed in order of opening date. “Announced” means the resort has published the date, subject to snow. “Projected” and “Estimated” are our best guide until the resort confirms.
| Resort | Province | Opens | Opening status | Closes | Closing status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Banff Sunshine | Alberta | 6 Nov 2026 | Announced | Late May 2027 | Estimated |
| Lake Louise | Alberta | 6 Nov 2026 | Announced | Early May 2027 | Estimated |
| Mt. Norquay | Alberta | 7 Nov 2026 | Announced | Mid April 2027 | Estimated |
| Whistler Blackcomb | British Columbia | 20 Nov 2026 | Announced | Mid April 2027 (Whistler Mountain into May) | Estimated |
| Sun Peaks | British Columbia | 21 Nov 2026 | Announced | 4 Apr 2027 | Announced |
| Marmot Basin | Alberta | Late Nov 2026 | Projected | Early May 2027 | Estimated |
| Big White | British Columbia | 26 Nov 2026 | Announced | 4 Apr 2027 | Announced |
| SilverStar | British Columbia | 27 Nov 2026 | Announced | Early April 2027 | Estimated |
| Panorama | British Columbia | 4 Dec 2026 | Announced | Mid April 2027 | Estimated |
| Revelstoke | British Columbia | 5 Dec 2026 | Announced | Mid April 2027 | Estimated |
| Fernie | British Columbia | 5 Dec 2026 | Announced | Mid April 2027 | Estimated |
| Kicking Horse | British Columbia | Mid Dec 2026 | Projected | Mid April 2027 | Estimated |
| Kimberley | British Columbia | Mid Dec 2026 | Projected | Early April 2027 | Estimated |
| Red Mountain | British Columbia | Mid Dec 2026 | Projected | Early April 2027 | Estimated |
| Whitewater | British Columbia | Mid Dec 2026 | Projected | Early April 2027 | Estimated |
British Columbia ski season dates
Most British Columbia resorts open between late November and mid December and close in early to mid April. Whistler Blackcomb opens first in BC and usually skis the longest.
Whistler Blackcomb
Opens: 20 November 2026 (announced)
Closes: mid April 2027
North America’s largest ski resort, with 8,171 acres, 241 runs and 36 lifts across two mountains. The base village has over 200 shops, restaurants and bars, and many places to stay are ski-in/ski-out. Fly into Vancouver, then it’s a 2-hour transfer the Sea-to-Sky Highway.
Sun Peaks
Opens: 21 November 2026 (announced)
Closes: 4 April 2027
Canada’s second-largest ski area, with 4,270 acres and 144 runs across three mountains. The ski-in/ski-out village sits at the base of all three and was built to reflect traditional European alpine villages, with family-friendly events daily. Fly into Kamloops, then it’s about an hour’s transfer to the village.
Big White
Opens: 26 November 2026 (announced)
Closes: 4 April 2027
Canada’s biggest fully ski-in/ski-out resort, with Okanagan Champagne Powder and 7.5 metres of snow a year. Family-friendly, with a ski school, kids’ centre, dog sledding, sleigh rides and tubing. Fly into Kelowna, then it’s 1 hour 20 minutes by road.
SilverStar
Opens: 27 November 2026 (announced)
Closes: early April 2027
A colourful, pedestrian-only mid-mountain ski-in/ski-out village with 3,282 acres and 132 runs across four mountain faces. Gentle front-side groomers suit beginners and families, while the back side is steep and deep. Fly into Kelowna, then it’s about an hour transfer to the resort.
Panorama
Opens: 4 December 2026 (announced)
Closes: mid April 2027
An authentic mountain village with 2,975 acres, 1,300 metres of vertical and free hot pools for resort guests. An excellent ski school and kids’ programs make it a strong family pick. Fly into Calgary for a scenic drive through the Rockies.
Revelstoke
Opens: 5 December 2026 (announced)
Closes: mid April 2027
The most skiable vertical in North America, at 1,713 metres, with 10.5 metres of snow a year. Big mountain terrain for all skill levels, a ski-in/ski-out village base and a friendly town with breweries and restaurants. Fly into Kelowna, then it’s a scenic 2.5-hour drive.
Fernie
Opens: 5 December 2026 (announced)
Closes: mid April 2027
Small-town charm with big mountain adventure: 2,500 acres, 145 runs and 9 metres of snow a year. The town has local cafés, craft breweries and plenty of heart. Fly into Calgary for about 3.5 hour transfer or drive.
Kicking Horse
Opens: mid December 2026 (projected)
Closes: mid April 2027
A true big mountain experience where three mountain ranges meet, with 1,260 metres of vertical and 128 runs. It’s best for advanced and expert skiers, with a compact village at the base, just outside Golden. Fly into Calgary, then it’s a scenic 3-hour drive through Banff National Park.
Kimberley
Opens: mid December 2026 (projected)
Closes: early April 2027
North America’s largest gladed terrain, known for sunshine, dry Purcell powder and uncrowded slopes. Perfect for families and first-timers, with a ski-in/ski-out village and the Bavarian-inspired town minutes away.
Red Mountain
Opens: mid December 2026 (projected)
Closes: early April 2027
Legendary terrain and endless powder on the Powder Highway, with 3,850 acres and short lift lines. The best bet for steep and deep, with family-friendly areas too, and Rossland is a real character town.
Whitewater
Opens: mid December 2026 (projected)
Closes: early April 2027
Big personality in a laid-back mountain, with 12 metres of snow a year and steeps, deeps, chutes, bowls and glades. Nelson is about 20 minutes away, with over 40 restaurants and hot springs.
Alberta ski season dates
Alberta’s Rockies resorts open first in Canada, from early November, and Banff and Lake Louise have one of North America’s longest seasons, running into May. Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise and Mt. Norquay share the SkiBig3 lift pass, with a free shuttle between them.
Banff Sunshine
Opens: 6 November 2026 (announced)
Closes: late May 2027
Canada’s highest-elevation resort, high on the Continental Divide, with 3,358 acres across three mountains and a long, sunny season. Terrain runs from beginner runs to big-mountain and off-piste skiing. It’s about 20 minutes from Banff, which is 1.5 hours from Calgary.
Lake Louise
Opens: 6 November 2026 (announced)
Closes: early May 2027
The giant of Canadian skiing, with amazing views and 4,200 acres across four mountain faces. Terrain suits all levels, from gentle slopes to glades, chutes and wide-open bowls, making it a perfect family ski holiday. It’s minutes from Lake Louise Village, 45 minutes from Banff town, and about 2 hours 10 minutes from Calgary.
Mt. Norquay
Opens: 7 November 2026 (announced)
Closes: mid April 2027
The local’s spot with big mountain charm, just ten minutes from Banff. Great for families and half-day skiing, it has the only night skiing in Banff and the largest tube park in the Canadian Rockies.
Marmot Basin
Opens: late November 2026 (projected)
Closes: early May 2027
Uncrowded, unhurried and laid back, 20 km from Jasper. It’s the northernmost of the Canadian Rocky Mountain ski areas, with runs off each lift for different levels, so mixed-ability groups can ski together. Fly into Edmonton, the closest international airport to Jasper.
Which Canada resort is right for you?
- Best for early-season: Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise, Mt. Norquay and Whistler Blackcomb all open in November.
- Best for spring skiing: Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise and Whistler Blackcomb, which usually ski into May.
- Best for families: Sun Peaks, SilverStar and Panorama, with ski-in/ski-out villages, ski schools and kids’ programs.
- Best for first-timers: SilverStar’s groomers, Kimberley, and Mt. Norquay’s beginner and intermediate terrain.
- Best for advanced skiers: Revelstoke, Kicking Horse, Lake Louise Red Mountain and Whitewater.
- Best for ski-in/ski-out: Sun Peaks, SilverStar, Panorama and Fernie take the crown.
- Best for a lively town base: Banff, with Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise and Mt. Norquay on one SkiBig3 pass, Whistler Blackcomb.
Frequently asked questions
When does the ski season start in Canada?
The 2026/27 season starts in early November. Banff Sunshine and Lake Louise are scheduled to open on 6 November 2026, Mt. Norquay on 7 November and Whistler Blackcomb on 20 November.
When does the ski season end in Canada?
Most British Columbia resorts close in early to mid April. Sun Peaks have announced 4 April 2027. Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise and Whistler Blackcomb usually ski into May.
When does Whistler Blackcomb open for 2026/27?
Whistler Blackcomb has announced 20 November 2026 as opening day, subject to conditions.
Which Canadian ski resort has the longest season?
Banff Sunshine usually has the longest season, from early November to late May, or even summer skiing in 2026. Together, Banff and Lake Louise have one of North America’s longest seasons.
What is the best time to ski in Canada?
For the deepest snow, January to March. For Christmas on the slopes, choose a resort that opens in November, like Whistler Blackcomb, Sun Peaks or Banff. For spring skiing in April and May, go for Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise or Whistler Blackcomb.
Are Canadian ski season dates guaranteed?
No. Opening and closing dates depend on snow and can change. We keep this page updated as resorts confirm their dates, and we’ll always check your dates before you book.
Plan your Canada ski holiday
Know your dates? Tell us who’s coming, and we’ll match you to the right resort, room and flights for 2026/27, with transfers and lift passes sorted.
Call 0800 555 035, email enquire@travelandco.nz or [Enquire Here]
Ski resort opening and closing dates are subject to change and depend on snow conditions. Dates marked “confirmed” come from resort announcements as of October 2026. We update this guide as new dates are released.
