56 | SKI CANADA AND USA


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September/October 2025 A Coast-to-Coast Ski Adventure on Canada’s Coolest Slopes


FROM the rugged Rockies of the west to the softer curves of the Laurentians in the east, Canada’s vast and varied landscape makes it a paradise for skiers and snowboarders. Long winters, deep snowpacks, and a mountain of resorts (literally!) ensure every kind of snow- seeker finds their perfect downhill destination.


Whether you’re chasing


powder, apres-ski indulgence, or family- friendly fun, Canada’s slopes deliver.


Family-Friendly Skiing in British Columbia


British Columbia is a skier’s dream, with 13 major resorts spread across 10 different mountain ranges. For families, the interior Thompson Okanagan region is a go-to, full of resorts that balance world-class skiing with warm, welcoming vibes. Sun Peaks Resort, just under an hour from Kamloops, is Canada’s second-largest ski area, boasting over 4,200 acres of bowls, trails, and glades. After carving through the snow, unwind with fondue and chocolate at the cozy Fondue Stube, followed by a hot tub session right beside the slopes. Further south near Kelowna, Big White Ski Resort features 16 lifts and 119 trails, plus a 4.8-metre ice-climbing tower that’s a thrill for adventurers. Off the hill, sample one of the 60 hot sauces at Underground Pizza or snuggle under blankets on a horse-drawn sleigh ride before brunch. Close to Vernon,


SilverStar Mountain


Resort invites you to start the day on gentle open bowls before tackling secluded glades and challenging steeps.


Prefer Nordic?


Canada’s largest daily groomed cross- country network is right here. Top it all off with a family game at the world’s only ski-in/ ski-out bowling alley and sleep slope-side in one of nine on-mountain lodgings.


Island Powder Paradise: Mount Washington


Who knew Vancouver Island could give the Rockies a run for their snow? Mount Washington Alpine Resort receives more than 11 metres of snow annually, making it one of North America’s snowiest spots. Located just 1.5 hours north of Nanaimo, this alpine playground serves up 1,700 acres of downhill terrain along with cross-country, snowshoe, and fat bike trails. After a powder-packed day, fuel up on poutine, popcorn shrimp, and local brews at Ted’s Bar + Grill, or enjoy a wine-and- charcuterie moment at Eagle View Bistro. Retreat to a cozy condo, A-frame cabin, or Swiss-style chalet in the charming village, and if you can, score a stay at the rustic-luxe


Bear & Deer Lodge. Chasing Powder on BC’s Legendary Highway


No ski pilgrimage to BC is complete without a trip down the Powder Highway, an epic circular route linking eight unique resorts and mountain towns across


the


Kootenay Rockies. Near Golden, Kicking Horse Mountain Resort lives up to its name with 60% of its runs rated advanced or expert. After conquering some of its 85 inbound chutes, reward yourself with duck confit or wild boar at Eagle’s Eye Restaurant, perched at 2,347 metres, Canada’s highest five-star dining experience.


Fernie Alpine Resort, anchored by a postcard-perfect historic town, is a powder haven with diverse terrain and serious small-town charm. Meanwhile, Panorama Mountain Resort near Invermere welcomes everyone from first-timers to black-diamond warriors. Make time for a raclette lunch at Elkhorn Cabin, then soak your sore legs in Canada’s largest slope-side hot pools.


Ski Like an Olympian Canada has twice hosted the Winter


Olympics, first Calgary in 1988 and then Vancouver in 2010, and you can still carve turns where gold medals were won. At Whistler Blackcomb, a 1.5-hour scenic drive from Vancouver, ski the same Franz’s run where Lindsey Vonn famously rocketed to Olympic glory. Then, step back into Olympic history at Whistler Olympic Park, or ride the awe-inspiring Peak 2 Peak Gondola. Don’t miss the Audain Art Museum, tucked into the forest for a touch of culture with your powder. Closer to Vancouver, Cypress Mountain


is where Alex Bilodeau won Canada’s first Olympic gold on home soil. You might not match his mogul finesse, but you can wind down like a pro on the enchanting Lights to the Lodge snowshoe trek. In Alberta, Nakiska, purpose-built for the 1988 Olympics, still shines, with 79 trails and four aptly named chairs: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Olympic. Recharge post-ski at the serene Kananaskis Nordic Spa, offering mountain- view pools, saunas, and steam cabins just down the road.


Big Mountain Vibes in Alberta


In the southwest corner of Alberta, the Canadian Rockies are home to some of the country’s most exhilarating alpine terrain. Just 30 minutes from Jasper, Marmot Basin holds Canada’s highest base elevation at 1,698 metres. The resort’s chutes, glades, moguls, and groomers are all framed by sweeping Jasper National Park views. Don’t miss the Maligne Canyon Icewalk on your way back to town, frozen waterfalls and icy caves make it a must-see. Near Banff,


Sunshine Village enjoys Canada’s longest non-glacial ski season and 5 Family-Friendly Ski Destinations in the USA


FROM glittering lakeside peaks to legendary powder havens, America’s mountain towns are tailor-made for families who crave crisp air, alpine adventures, and plenty of apres-ski options. Whether you’re a seasoned family of skiers or just introducing your kids to the slopes, these five destinations deliver a perfect mix of terrain, amenities, and winter magic.


1. Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada


Less than three and a half hours from San Francisco, Lake Tahoe straddles the California–Nevada border in the Sierra Nevada Mountains and remains one of


the most breathtaking ski


destinations in the world. Framed by snow-draped peaks and a shimmering alpine lake, Tahoe boasts 15 ski areas, with Heavenly Mountain Resort standing out as the largest and most luxurious.


Heavenly is unique in more ways than one, you can start your ski day in California and end it in Nevada. That’s because the resort’s terrain literally crosses state lines. So after carving up the slopes, adults can venture to nearby casinos for apres-ski entertainment.


2. Park City, Utah


What makes Park City a standout is its unbeatable location - less than an hour from Salt Lake City International Airport, making it one of the most accessible major ski destinations in North America. Families can go from plane to piste in under 60 minutes, and with eight top-tier resorts in the area, you’ll be spoiled for choice.


The town itself is a lively hub of outdoor adventure, local shopping, and family-friendly eateries. The 2002 Winter Olympics put Park City on the global ski map, and the legacy lives on. Park City Mountain Resort (now part of the largest ski area in the US), The Canyons, and Deer Valley all cater to varying skill levels.


3. Vail, Colorado


Two hours from Denver, Vail delivers world-class skiing with a luxurious twist. The town is as renowned for its high- end boutiques and gourmet dining as it is for its legendary terrain. But families shouldn’t


be intimidated, the front


side of the mountain is filled with wide, forgiving trails perfect for beginners and intermediate skiers.


More adventurous families can explore


the sprawling Back Bowls, known for their open terrain and deep powder, ideal on bluebird days. On clear afternoons, you might even catch a glimpse of Mount of the Holy Cross, a 14,000-foot peak etched with a snowy cross visible from the slopes.


4. Aspen, Colorado


Aspen may be synonymous with celebrity sightings and designer stores, but at its core, it’s a charming mountain town with deep roots in Colorado’s silver mining past. And when it comes to skiing, variety is everything here. The Aspen Snowmass area includes four distinct mountains, each tailored to different types of skiers and snowboarders. Aspen Mountain looms right over town and is best suited to expert skiers while


boasts the only heated chairlift in the country. With three mountains and seven restaurants, it’s easy to ski, snack, and repeat. Stay slope- side at Banff’s only boutique ski-in/ski-out hotel, then head 40 minutes to Lake Louise Ski Resort. There, green, blue, and black trails all start from every lift, making it easy for mixed-skill groups. Cap off the day with a guided snowshoe under the stars and a stay at the iconic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.


Ontario’s Alpine Escape


For skiers based in Toronto, Blue Mountain Resort is a winter haven just 1.5 hours north. Ontario’s largest ski area covers 363 acres, with everything from challenging north-side trails to mellow village runs. Bonus: 30 of its 42 trails stay lit for night skiing until 9pm. Beyond


the slopes, take a twilight


skate around the 1-kilometre Woodview Mountaintop Loop, or ride the adrenaline- pumping Ridge Runner Mountain Coaster, a twisting 1-kilometre track through the trees. Wind down at the Scandinave Spa, where hot and cold pools await, then settle in at a cozy inn, lodge, or townhome nearby.


French Flair and Deep Snow in Quebec


With 10 resorts spread across three regions, Quebec offers a European twist on North American skiing. Bilingual locals and rich Quebecois culture only add to the allure. In the Laurentian Mountains, Tremblant is


a true classic, home to North America’s first ski lift and still a perennial favourite. Just under two hours from Montreal, the resort sprawls across the range’s highest peak with 102 trails. Take it easy on 6-kilometre-long Nansen, or go bold on the double-black Dynamite. Either way, you’ll wind up in the cobblestoned, European-style village, perfect for apres and boutique shopping. Try dog sledding or splash into Brind’O Aquaclub for waterslides and games. Further northeast, Le Massif de Charlevoix impresses with the highest vertical drop east of the Rockies. Its 53 trails seem to tumble directly into the St. Lawrence River, offering panoramic sea-meets-mountain views. Eat clean at the no-fried-food Summit Cafeteria, sled with a guide down a twisting run, then tuck into a cozy forest chalet or slope-side tiny house.


Canada knows how to do winter right. For


more information on skiing in Canada, visit destinationcanada.com.


Snowmass offers a massive playground of intermediate trails and is ideal for family groups of mixed abilities. Aspen Highlands provides a quieter, less crowded experience with advanced terrain while Buttermilk is a beginner’s paradise, and also home to the Winter X Games.


5. Killington, Vermont


Don’t let its elevation fool you, Killington Resort punches well above its weight. With six interconnected mountains and 140 trails,


it’s the


largest ski area in the eastern U.S. and only a few hours’ drive from New York City or Boston.


It gets cold here, really cold, so families will want to bundle up. But the chill comes with perks - reliably firm snow, minimal crowds midweek, and a long season that often stretches into late spring. The terrain is evenly split for all ability levels, so everyone in the family will find their groove. For more information on family- friendly ski resorts in the USA, check out visittheusa.co.uk.


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