The Ultimate Guide To Skiing In Canada’s Alberta

With its spectacular scenery and world-class resorts, Alberta is an underrated destination for British and European skiers – but that’s about to change. Wondering where best to start? We’ve teamed up with Ski Solutions to share the best skiing holiday destinations in Alberta, from the incredible natural beauty of Banff to the untouched slopes of Jasper. With the ski season fast approaching, book now with Ski Solutions to secure the best early bird deals.

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Where To Go Skiing In Canada’s Alberta

Banff

With the Rockies as a breathtaking backdrop, Banff is a stunning destination on and off the slopes. Set in the world’s third ever National Park (and Canada’s first), it’s best known for its glittering lakes, majestic mountains and incredible skiing facilities. The charming town itself is picturesque and accommodating, plus there’s the nearby ‘SkiBig3’ ski resorts – Sunshine Village, Mount Norquay and Lake Louise – all catering to every skier, from first-timers looking for easy runs to seasoned skiers ready to glide through fresh powder. Away from skiing, the Banff Gondola can whisk you up to 2,292 metres above sea level to appreciate the Rockies from an otherworldly vantage point, or traverse the Sulphur Mountain Boardwalk to Sanson Peak to see the best views in Alberta.

Snowshoeing on Bow Lake, Banff © Banff & Lake Louise Tourism/Noel Hendrickson

Stay: Fairmont Banff Springs

You might recognise this gorgeous mountain resort from Prime Video’s series Wilderness starring Jenna Coleman; it’s just as beautiful in person, totally immersed in mountain views. It dates back to 1888, with 739 rooms ranging from the cosy to the expansive, with windows framing alpine vistas. A front-door shuttle service will deliver you straight to the slopes, with a 40,000 square foot spa for winding down afterwards. Book at skisolutions.com

Lake Louise

If you’re set on SkiBig3 but you are wondering which to book, our top pick is Lake Louise. With views from the piste across to idyllic Lake Louise, it’s one of Canada’s largest ski resorts with 100 km of slopes to sample. Beginners are well-equipped here with easy slopes accessible from every chairlift, while advanced skiers can test their skills on runs once competed on by the world’s best downhill ski racers.

There are plenty of dining options, including Lake Louise’s best cheese fondue at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise’s restaurant, Walliser Stube. Plus, for a change from the slopes, make unparalleled memories racing through the Rocky Mountain landscape on a dog sled. Or skate across natural ice on Lake Louise, and admire a glistening frozen waterfall up-close on the nearby Johnston Canyon Ice Walk.

© Reuben Krabb

Stay: Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

The setting of Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is guaranteed to take your breath away. Set on the shore of the frozen Lake Louise, head here for five-star luxury immersed in incredible natural beauty. World-class skiing is right at your fingertips (just a 10-minute drive to be precise), with an indulgent spa that’ll leave you feeling fresh and rejuvenated. Make it a memorable stay with natural ice skating right on the lake, plus little ones can enjoy the Kid’s Adventure Camp, with nature explorations, pyjama parties and crafts. Book at skisolutions.com

Jasper

Relaxation meets excitement in Jasper, a small mountain town with a friendly and welcoming vibe. It’s not all skiing here: take a guided ice walk tour of Maligne Canyon, or hire a guide to tour you around one of Alberta’s beautiful natural wonders, from frozen waterfalls to ice caves and formations. In terms of food, the locally-sourced seafood at the Fiddle River restaurant is a definite highlight; think Earl Grey smoked candied salmon, creamy seafood chowder and to-die-for Atlantic lobster.

Only 20 km away is Marmot Basin, another ski area with a very relaxed vibe – the queues of European resorts are a world away here. Ski aficionados can make the most of uncrowded lifts and slopes, with up to 100 km of marked pistes and slopes for all abilities.

Marmot Basin

Stay: The Crimson

Breathe a breath of fresh mountain air at The Crimson, where modernity meets the classic adventure, energy and excitement all skiers seek. Trailheads, shops and restaurants are all right on the doorstep, with an indoor pool and hot tub inside, as well as 99 rooms including studios and suites equipped with kitchens if you like to carve your own path. Book at skisolutions.com

Stop Over: Calgary

Extend your trip – and break up your journey – with a stopover in Calgary, a unique city with history, sports, art and culinary delights by the bucketload. Foodies can indulge at one of the many award-winning restaurants, from Major Tom’s incredible seafood and Alberta Beef, to Ten Foot Henry’s vegetable-focussed mouth-watering menu.

Craft lovers can learn all about bootmaking at the Alberta Boot Company, while music enthusiasts can celebrate the stars of Canada’s music scene at Studio Bell, see the city from up high at Calgary Tower. Wrap it all up with a visit to a local brewery to sample the best of Calgary’s burgeoning craft beer scene.

Better still, it’s only an hour and a half away from Banff and just over two hours away from Lake Louise by car, and Ski Solutions’ experts are right on hand to advise on the best way to incorporate this city break into your ski holiday.

BOOK IT

Convinced? Visit skisolutions.com to access the world-class insight of Ski Solutions’ experts and cinch an early-bird deal for your Alberta skiing adventure.