UPDATED: The new season 2023/24 dates have been released for the ski resorts in Canada. Check them out here.
It’s hard to picture Canada without envisioning a winter wonderland. A bucket list destination for skiers and boarders across the globe, it’s known for big snowfall and legendary resorts – including the largest skiing destination in North America: Whistler Blackcomb.
Most Canadian ski resorts are located in British Columbia, including Big White, Fernie and Panorama. You’ll find additional resorts in Alberta, including Banff Sunshine and the picturesque Lake Louise Ski Resort. The stunning peaks and breathtaking national parks make Canada a destination you’ll never forget.
Ski seasons in British Columbia typically open towards the end of November into early December, and close throughout April. Alberta enjoys a slightly earlier season start, in early November, and closes later than the B.C. resorts around the beginning of May. Without further ado, these are the Canada Ski Season dates
The 2023/24 ski season is here and the resorts are open. Check them out below before deciding what destination is best for you.
British Columbia Ski Season Dates
With the most ski resorts in Canada, the biggest problem you’ll have in British Columbia is narrowing down your final destination! The state is home to massive mountains and world-renowned ski resorts.
Big White
Opens: 23 November 2023
Closes: 07 April 2024
Big on powder and big on terrain, at Big White Ski Resort you’ll find something for everyone. There’s terrain suitable for all types of skiers and boarders, family friendly activities and has the largest ski-in ski-out resort village in Canada.
Fernie Alpine Resort
Opening: 02 December 2023
Closes: Mid April 2024
Located on the Powder Highway, Fernie is a small historic town with a reputation as having some of the best powder in the Rockies, meaning Fernie should definitely be on your list!
Kicking Horse Mountain Resort
Opens: 08 December 2023
Closes: Mid April 2024
With a real mountain town culture, Kicking Horse has fantastic expert and extreme terrain and is ideal for those snow-seekers who are on the hunt for a challenge. Kicking Horse is known as the Champagne Powder Capital of Canada – and yes it’s also on the legendary Powder Highway.
Kimberley
Opens: Mid December 2023
Closes: Early April 2024
Kimberley is well known for a being a family-friendly resort, but there’s a huge amount of options for expert skiers too and it offers North America’s largest gladed terrain! The perfect place to go if you are looking to get away from the busy ski villages and with 420 acres of terrain, you’ll have some trails to yourself.
Panorama
Opens: 08 December 2023
Closes: 14 April 2024
Ski-in Ski-out! Panorama has an incredibly large amount of skiable terrain, combined with a huge vertical drop of 1,300 metres. The lift lines also tend to be short as well and that means more runs down the mountain!
Red Mountain Resort
Opens: Mid December 2023
Closes: Early April 2024
With 4,200 acres, the western Canadian gem, Red Mountain Resort is a great place to find powder stashes and since it’s along the famous Powder Highway, it is a tantalising spot for skiers and boarders looking to explore something new.
Revelstoke Mountain Resort
Opens: 02 December 2023
Closes: 14 April 2024
Revelstoke is a great place for expert skiers and riders looking for vertical – it boasts North America’s greatest vertical at 1,173m, not to mention 12 metres of powder each year and 3,121 acres of skiable terrain featuring alpine bowls, phenomenal glades and excellent groomed runs.
SilverStar Mountain Resort
Nordic Opens: 24 November 2023
Alpine Opens: 30 November 2023
Closes: 07 April 2024
The colourful SilverStar Mountain Resort offers true ski-in ski-out access to the slopes, and terrain for every level. Don’t underestimate this resort for its lack of crowds, that is just one of the benefits alongside family friendly fun for all.
Sun Peaks Ski Resort
Opens: 18 November 2023
Closes: 07 April 2024
Sun Peaks is the 2nd largest Ski Resort in Canada. With varied runs, three mountains and the convenience of the award-winning ski-in ski-out village, Sun Peaks is a fantastic destination for families.
Whistler Blackcomb
Opens: 23 November 2023
Closes: Mid May 2024
Whistler is world famous, and if you ever get the chance to visit, you’ll see just why. Legendary chutes, powder-filled bowls, groomers and dedicated family zones alongside its undisputed vibe, pedestrian village, convenient ski-in/ski-out lodging, après ski activities, shopping and night life!
Whitewater
Opens: 08 December 2023
Closes: 07 April 2024
The powder at Whitewater is award-winning, and the resort has trails for every level of expertise. It’s simple and relaxed, not too many frills, but the snow and trails here are all you need, and they’re both fantastic!
Alberta Ski Season Dates
Banff & Lake Louise is an absolute treat to visit with its steep slopes and bustling town. There’s plenty of variety amongst the three resorts in Banff, and the area is well set up for the huge amount of tourists it gets every year with great accommodation and a charming ‘village’. Banff is a must-visit for any ski-buff heading to Canada.
Banff Sunshine
OPEN: 10 November 2023
Closes: 20 May 2024
Beginners and experts alike will be rapt with the runs they find at Banff Sunshine. Plus the resort features Canada’s “hottest” chair – the bubble heated high speed quad!
Lake Louise Ski Resort
OPEN: 10 November 2023
Closes: 5 May 2024
Voted #1 Ski Resort in Canada at the 2017 World Ski Awards, Lake Louise Ski Resort is known as the friendly giant of Canadian skiing. With over 4,200 acres spread across four mountain faces, Lake Louise is also one of the largest ski resorts in North America.
Mt Norquay
OPEN: 3 November 2023
Closes: Late April 2024
The locals best kept secret! Mt Norquay is the original ski resort of the Canadian Rockies and just 10 minutes from the town of Banff. A whole mountain of fun including a tube park and the only night skiing in the area.
Here is the quick sum of the Canada Ski Season Dates for 2022/23:
Ski Season Dates |
||
Resort | Opens | Closes |
Big White | 23 November 2023 | 07 April 2024 |
Fernie Alpine Resort | Early December 2023 | Mid April 2024 |
Kicking Horse Mountain Resort | Early December 2023 | Mid April 2024 |
Kimberley | Mid December 2023 | Early April 2024 |
Panorama | 08 December 2023 | 14 April 2024 |
Red Mountain Resort | Mid December 2023 | Early April 2024 |
Revelstoke Mountain Resort | 02 December 2023 | 14 April 2024 |
SilverStar Mountain Resort | 30 November 2023 | 07 April 2024 |
Sun Peaks Ski Resort | 18 November 2023 | 7 April 2024 |
Whistler Blackcomb | 23 November 2023 | Mid May 2024 |
Whitewater | 08 December 2023 | 7 April 2024 |
Banff Sunshine | 10 November 2023 | 20 May 2024 |
Lake Louise Ski Resort | 10 November 2023 | 5 May 2024 |
Mt Norquay | 03 November 2023 | Late April 2024 |
Our Active Travel Experts have exclusive deals, information and prices at their fingertips, they’ll help you find the best value deals and experiences to suit your needs and budget on your next ski/board experience in Canada. Get in touch on NZ Toll-Free: 0800 555 035 or click here for our latest offers. We can’t wait to chat about your perfect skiing or boarding experience!
*Ski resort opening and closing dates are subject to change