1. Whistler
Home to North America’s largest ski resort Whistler, British Columbia also boasts a vibrant village with hundreds of bars and restaurants to choose from. It is the most popular ski resort to do a Canadian winter season for a good reason.
With ample terrain to suit skiers and snowboarders ranging from beginner to expert, this is the top choice for both experienced riders and those who are new to the sport. While lift passes can be expensive, there are many employers who offer free lifts passes as a perk of employment.
Another plus is the fact that Whistler is only a short (and stunningly beautiful) 1.5 hour drive on Highway 99 from Vancouver, the biggest city in Western Canada.
PROS:
- Biggest mountain resort
- Lots of terrain for experts, intermediates, and beginners
- Best nightlife
CONS:
- Most expensive
- Long lift lines
Check out the Whistler Job Board HERE
2. Revelstoke
The new kid on the block, Revelstoke, BC is known as a more authentic ski town while still boasting an impressive resort with expansive terrain. Despite only having a handful of lifts in the resort, there is plenty of terrain available for intermediates and experts. The easily accessible backcountry is another huge plus here, along with the highest greatest vertical in any North American ski resort.
Although it is a bit more isolated (2.5 hour drive from Kamloops, BC) the town of Revelstoke has a great feel to it and is growing every year with more things to do and places to eat and drink.
If you are looking for a more classic ski town experience, Revelstoke is a great option to visit this winter.
PROS:
- World class expert terrain
- Quieter mountain, less lift lines
- Authentic ski town
CONS:
- Harder to get to
- Less beginner and intermediate terrain
Check out the Revelstoke Job Board HERE
3. Banff
Banff, Alberta is home to three ski resorts having Lake Louise, Sunshine Village, and Mt. Norquay all within 30 minutes from town. This means that there is a huge variety of terrain to choose from when you head up the mountain, so you will never get bored!
Offering the most spectacular “postcard” Canadian scenery and views, Banff is one of the most photographed areas in North America. You will understand as soon as you arrive. Home to some amazing hotels, bars, and restaurants, Banff is a great place to visit for a ski trip this winter.
Easily accessible from Calgary (1 hour drive) Banff is a popular spot for tourists all year round and thus has all the amenities you could want while living there for a season.
PROS:
- Three resorts to choose from
- Established town with lots of stuff to do
- Most scenic area in Canada
CONS:
- Colder temperatures
- Town is farther from resorts (30 min drive)
- Receive less annual snowfall then most BC resorts
Check out the Banff Job Board HERE
4. Fernie
Situated in the East Kootenays in the South-Eastern part of British Columbia, Fernie is known for it’s high snowfall amount and dry, cold powder skiing. Located about 3.5 hours from Calgary by car or 11 hours from Vancouver, Fernie is a bit harder to get to but we promise it is worth the trip.
With 5 separate alpine bowls there is ample terrain for experts and intermediates, boasting one of the largest skiable areas in Canada complete with excellent tree skiing as well.
The town of Fernie is a classic Canadian ski town with lots of restaurants and bars, options for live music and apres ski fun.
PROS:
- High amount of snow
- Good quality snow
- Big mountain
CONS:
- Isolated
- Not a ton of nightlife
Check out the Fernie Job Board HERE
5. Kicking Horse
Located in Golden, BC, Kicking Horse offers a combination of the BC and Alberta ski experiences as it is situated so close to the provincial border. With a more rocky mountain feel compared to the resorts such as Revelstoke or Whistler-Blackcomb, Kicking Horse is an expansive resort with plenty of inbounds hiking for those willing to earn their turns.
The town of Golden is a 15 minutes drive from the ski resort, and has a more industrial feel to it then the other towns on this list. Despite that, there is a good choice of restaurants and bars giving this town a more local community vibe then tourist towns like Whistler and Banff.
PROS:
- Great terrain variety
- Tons of inbounds hiking
- Very quiet, no lift lines
CONS:
- More of an industrial town then a classic ski town
- Less annual snowfall
- Isolated (3 hours from Calgary)
Check out the Kicking Horse Job Board HERE