The Ultimate Guide to Downhill Skiing in Alberta

A skier rips down a slope at Lake Louise Ski Resort under a blue sky with the snow-capped Rockies in the background.

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Find the best Alberta ski hills in the Rocky Mountains, where deep snow, epic views and a welcoming vibe make every winter trip memorable.

Discover why Alberta’s skiing ranks among the best in the world.
Beyond skiing, try ice walks, snowshoe trips and fat biking.
Find your perfect place to stay while skiing, whether it’s cozy or luxe.

Alberta’s ski slopes deliver it all: fresh powder, wide open skies and the Rocky Mountains as a backdrop. High elevations and a cold, dry climate keep the snow light and consistent all season long. Skiers have more days on the hill than almost anywhere else in North America, with plenty of Alberta ski resorts open from November to May.

Bruce Millar has been skiing Alberta’s backcountry and resorts for more than 50 years. “Each resort offers a very different experience and terrain,” says Millar, the owner of The Lodge at Bow Lake. For him, the magic of skiing in Alberta lies in the variety, from big mountain runs to quiet backcountry routes, and the unbeatable scenery that surrounds it all. “We’re so lucky,” he says.

Two skiers ski down an intermediate run with chairlift and blue sky in the background, at Sunshine Village in Banff National Park. — High-altitude slopes and crisp mountain air keep Alberta’s powder light and ski season stretching from November to as late as May some years.

What are the best places to ski in Alberta?

With five standout destinations—Banff Sunshine Village, Lake Louise Ski Resort, Norquay, Marmot Basin in Jasper National Park and Castle Mountain Resort—there’s a resort to suit every kind of skier.

Plus, Alberta’s Rockies offer a full winter playground to keep you exploring (or recovering), from cozy lodges and luxury spas to scenic snowshoe trails and lively après-ski spots. Experience the thrill of the best skiing in Canada for yourself in Alberta.

Where to ski in Banff

Banff National Park is a dream for skiers and snowboarders chasing mountain adventure. It’s home to three major ski resorts, Banff Sunshine Village, Lake Louise Ski Resort and Mount Norquay, known collectively as SkiBig3. All three hills are within a 1.5- to two-hour drive from YYC Calgary International Airport, with easy connections by car, shuttle or private transfer, from operators including Airport Shuttle Express and Brewster Express.

The accolades speak for themselves: Condé Nast Traveller recently named Banff one of the best places to ski in North America, and Banff won National Geographic’s reader’s choice for best place in the world to travel.

Two skiers head down the hill toward the base of Sunshine Village in Banff National Park, with pine trees and the Rocky Mountains in the distance. — Banff has been ranked among the best places in the world to ski and to travel in general. And at Banff Sunshine Village, the snow is all natural and the runs are packed with fun.

Banff Sunshine Village

Perched high on the Continental Divide, Banff Sunshine Village Ski and Snowboard Resort is just a 20-minute drive (18 km or 11 mi) from the town of Banff, followed by a 20-minute gondola ride to the base. Spread across 3,300+ acres and three mountains, the resort offers access to slopes for all abilities. There’s gentle beginner runs and expert-only descents like Delirium Dive, ranked among the world’s top off-piste zones.

Sunshine’s lofty elevation and cold, dry climate mean soft, natural snow all season long. The ski season at Banff Sunshine typically runs from early November to late May.

“Although (winter) is cold in Alberta—and Albertans can attest to that—that cold really helps keep our snow quality consistent through the entire season,” says Rachel Wilson, director of marketing at SkiBig3. Unlike most major resorts, Banff Sunshine Village doesn’t make artificial snow. Instead, it relies on snow farming to preserve its natural powder, using snow fences to catch drifts of snow and snowcats to spread it.

Families love the resort’s easy-to-navigate layout, where all lifts funnel back to the village, while expert skiers chase Delirium Dive and Wild West, which require avalanche gear and a partner. “Some of the most thrilling inbounds terrain in Canada is available in those two spots,” Wilson says. Plus, Banff Sunshine was recently ranked as Canada’s #2 ski resort by Condé Nast Traveler.

Two people ski biking on bikes with skis instead of wheels, surrounded by mountains at Banff Sunshine Village. — Banff Sunshine Village is a rare spot where you can try out ski bikes rented from Electric Mountain, which have skis in place of wheels, for another way to play on the slopes.

Where to stay and what to do when you’re skiing Banff Sunshine Village

The recently renovated Sunshine Mountain Lodge, the only ski-in, ski-out hotel in Banff National Park, offers a hot pool, spa services and multiple dining options.

In Banff, the new Kenrick Hotel features a hydrotherapy spa with a saltwater pool, sauna, steam room and cold plunge.

Wellness is also a new focus at The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, the iconic, castle-like hotel that recently opened BASIN Glacial Waters, an elevated thermal wellness experience.

Beyond skiing, try a guided snowshoe trip to Sunshine Meadows with White Mountain Adventures for stunning views of Mount Assiniboine, or try ski biking down the slopes with rentals from Electric Mountain in Banff.

Lake Louise Ski Resort

Just a 45-minute drive (59 km or 36 mi) from Banff, Lake Louise Ski Resort spans more than 4,200 acres of terrain across four mountain faces. “They’re known as the Friendly Giant,” says Wilson. “There is a green or blue run accessible from nearly every chair lift at Louise, but also some pretty amazing back chutes and bowls and really great powder skiing.” Lake Louise was recently named Canada’s Best Ski Resort by the World Ski Awards.

In early spring 2026, the resort expands again with Richardson’s Ridge. The new ski area adds 200 acres of beginner and intermediate terrain, accessed by a high-speed quad chairlift. Also debuting this ski season is a heated six-person bubble chairlift, which keeps skiers comfortable on colder days and improves access to the West Bowl.

Two cross-country skiers cross Lake Louise, surrounded by mountain views, in Banff National Park. — Change up the pace and enjoy scenic views of the Lake Louise area with some cross-country skiing after a few days on the hill.

Where to stay and what to do when you’re skiing Lake Louise

For a truly immersive alpine retreat, stay at The Lodge at Bow Lake. It sits along the shores of Bow Lake, about a 30-minute drive (41 km or 25 mi) from Lake Louise Ski Resort. The Lodge, originally built in the 1920s, is open from late January to early April. A stay here blends historic charm with modern mountain comfort, with all meals included.

Owner Bruce Millar describes the lodge as a warm, welcoming place in the heart of the Rockies, where guests gather around two grand fireplaces to share stories from their day. “Whether you were ski touring, downhill skiing, cross-country skiing or snowshoeing, everybody comes back and has something to share,” he says. On select weekends, the Lodge offers guided backcountry skiing. Avalanche safety gear is included and ski rentals are available from Wilson Mountain Sports in Lake Louise.

If you prefer something gentler, snowshoeing is a great way to explore. “If you can walk, you can snowshoe,” Millar says.

Other nearby winter adventures include snow tubing at the Lake Louise Sunny Tube Park, ice skating on Lake Louise, cross-country skiing on some of Canada’s most scenic trails, or guided canyon icewalks with Radventures or Discover Banff Tours.

Norquay

Where do the locals like to ski in Alberta? Mount Norquay, just 15 minutes (7 km or 4 mi) from Banff, is a top choice. It’s Alberta’s oldest ski hill, celebrating 100 years this winter. The resort has a friendly, community vibe and offers the only night skiing in the Alberta Rockies.

There’s a misconception that Norquay is an easy resort because of its smaller size (190 acres of skiable terrain), says Wilson, with SkiBig3. But Norquay actually has some of the steepest runs around. Plus, she adds, it’s amazing on a powder day, with smaller crowds than other Alberta ski resorts.

The ski season at Norquay typically runs from December through April, giving skiers plenty of time to enjoy everything from gentle groomers to advanced pitches, and a tubing park with Alberta’s longest lanes.

An aerial view of people enjoying the light show in the evening at Pursuit's Nightrise Experience at the Banff Gondola. — After the lifts close, wind down your day by heading up, up, up to Nightrise on the Banff Gondola.

Where to stay and what to do when you’re skiing Norquay

For a quieter base, stay at Storm Mountain Lodge just outside Banff, or choose a cozy bed-and-breakfast, like Buffalo Berry B&B right in town. Or try Basecamp Suites, also in town, which boasts a rooftop hot tub.

Skiing is just the start of Banff’s winter fun. After the lifts close, experience Nightrise at the Banff Gondola, a glowing, multisensory experience created with the Stoney Nakoda Nation. For more adrenaline, Alpine Air Adventures offers personalized programs like ice climbing and backcountry ski touring.

And when it’s time to refuel, Banff’s dining scene is thriving, with nearly two dozen new restaurants opening in recent years—from hearty alpine Italian at The Fat Ox to Japanese rice balls at Yama Onigiri.

Two cross-country skiers ski under a blue sky at the Canmore Nordic Centre. — Get a taste of Alberta's Olympic history with cross-country skiing at Canmore Nordic Centre, the site of many events during the 1988 Winter Olympics hosted by Calgary.

Why Canmore is the perfect base for Banff skiing

Just an hour from Calgary (104 km or 64 mi) and a short drive to Banff’s three resorts, Canmore makes an ideal basecamp for a Canadian ski holiday.

Stay at cozy spots like Canmore Creek House or Lady MacDonald Country Inn, or check into the Paintbox Lodge for alpine charm. If you’re looking for extra relaxation after your outdoor adventures, the new Everwild Canmore spa absolutely delivers. Enjoy a luxurious après-ski retreat, complete with thermal circuits and sauna rituals.

With a stay in Canmore, there’s plenty to do off the slopes, too. Experience the thrill of dog sledding with Howling Dog Tours. Head to the Canmore Nordic Centre to glide on cross-country skis through more than 65 km (37 mi) of groomed trails, or try winter biking with an e-fat bike rental and guided ride with Trail Sports.

A family of skiers, including two small children, ski down an open trail at Nakiska Ski Resort with mountain views in the distance. — Make mountain memories together at Nakiska, where family-friendly runs meet stunning Kananaskis scenery.

Local Favourite: Nakiska Ski Resort

Nakiska Ski Resort is another great option for those looking for easy access to the slopes.

Set in Kananaskis Country, in the front ranges of the Canadian Rockies, Nakiska is a family-friendly favourite. The resort, which hosted the alpine events for the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics, offers a mix of terrain over more than 1,000 acres—plus a tube park.

It’s a popular ski spot among Calgary residents, given its location just a one-hour drive (99 km or 61 mi) from the city. After a day on the slopes, unwind at the nearby Kananaskis Nordic Spa, a true alpine retreat.

A skier with a backpack, carving and skiing the backcountry at Fortress Mountain in Kananaskis Country in Alberta. — Millions have seen this terrain in movies, but far fewer have ever skied it. Book guided cat-skiing at Fortress Mountain and you and your group will have this wild space to yourself.

Cat-skiing a Hollywood backdrop at Fortress Mountain

For strong skiers seeking a true bucket-list adventure, add a day of cat skiing at Fortress Mountain to your Alberta ski holiday. Tucked in Kananaskis Country, about a one-hour drive from Calgary (106 km or 66 mi), this legendary terrain sees seven to nine metres (23 to 29 feet) of snowfall each season.

Instead of joining lift lines, you and up to 13 other skiers or snowboarders travel by snowcat to access expansive backcountry terrain. Follow experienced ski leaders as they seek out the best snow, guiding you through steep bowls, famous glades and—if you’re lucky—divine untracked runs. Between laps, refuel with a hearty lunch, including with all bookings.

Fortress Mountain is also one of the most cinematic places you can ski. Its dramatic landscapes have been the backdrop for major Hollywood films, including The Revenant, Inception, Brokeback Mountain and The Bourne Legacy.

Where to Ski in Jasper

Marmot Basin

Located in Jasper National Park, Marmot Basin is best reached via Edmonton International Airport, followed by a scenic four-hour drive (392 km or 244 mi) to Jasper. Weekend shuttle packages are available with MagicBus Tours, combining round-trip transportation with lift tickets.

Marmot Basin offers varied terrain, reliable snow from mid-November to early May and fewer crowds, making it a top choice for a serene ski escape. Just a 25-minute drive (21 km or 13 mi) from Jasper, Marmot Basin is the northernmost ski area in the Rockies, spanning 1,720 acres over five mountain faces. What sets Marmot apart is its relaxed, Jasper vibe: Big mountain skiing without the crowds.

A couple skates on frozen Pyramid Lake with the Canadian Rockies in the background. — Possibly one of the most Canadian pastimes ever: Skating on a frozen lake with the Rockies all around you is a perfect way to spend an hour or two when you're not on the hill.

Where to stay and what to do when you’re skiing Marmot Basin in Jasper

Stay at Pyramid Lake Lodge for breathtaking views and direct access to outdoor adventure. Guests can enjoy complimentary ice skates, snowshoes and fat bike rentals to explore the frozen lake and surrounding trails.

For indulgence, the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge blends rustic charm with luxury, while Park Place Inn offers boutique comfort right in town.

Off the slopes, head into Jasper’s backcountry with private guided ski touring trips with Rockaboo Mountain Adventures, or trade skis for crampons on an ice climbing experience. No climbing experience is necessary, as Rockaboo’s expert guides show you how to scale downtown Jasper’s Ice Wall.

A snowboarder carves the side of Castle Mountain while onlookers stand in the distance. — Don't miss out on Castle Mountain Ski Resort in the Southern Rockies, a powder-packed local secret with a mix of small-town charm and big terrain.

Hidden-Gem Skiing in the Canadian Rockies

Castle Mountain Resort

Tucked in Alberta’s southwest corner near Crowsnest Pass, about a 2.5-hour drive (252 km or 156 mi) from Calgary, Castle Mountain Resort blends big-mountain skiing with small-town warmth. Often called one of the Canadian Rockies’ best-kept secrets, Castle boasts 3,500+ acres of terrain, deep powder and steep fall lines—perfect for both experienced skiers and families looking for laid-back fun.

The ski season runs from early December to mid-April, and this season brings a new high-speed quad that expands lift-serviced terrain by 25%, adding access to new terrain with deeper snowpacks on Mount Haig.

A family at a luxury cabin at the base of the hill gear off after skiing Castle Mountain Resort. — Gather your crew in a cozy hillside cabin at Castle, where you can even get ski-in, ski-out digs.

Where to stay and what to do when you’re skiing Castle Mountain Resort

Perfect for groups, Castle Mountain Resort’s spacious slopeside cabins (managed by the resort) include ski-in, ski-out options and hot tubs for post-powder soaks. About 30 minutes away (41 km or 25 mi), Saddle Hill Ranch Cabins offers a one-of-a-kind stay in converted grain bins, packed with rustic charm.

Rent cross-country skis, snowshoes or fat bikes from the resort and explore Castle Provincial Park’s scenic trails, including more than 20 km (12 mi) of groomed ski trails on the Syncline Trail Network. Or head to Crowsnest Pass for guided fat-biking with Sweet Riders or icewalks and snowshoe tours with Uplift Adventures.