Travel Tips

Canada ski season 2025: When and where to hit the slopes

Canada ski season is almost here! Discover when it starts, the best resorts to visit, and where to find deep powder, scenic runs, and après-ski charm.

November in Canada means only one thing, Ski season begins!

Every winter, Canada transforms into a snow-dusted playground, and 2025’s ski season is shaping up to be one of the best yet.

Canada ski season promises adventure, breathtaking views, and après-ski charm. But with so many incredible destinations, where should you go to experience the snowy magic?

From British Columbia’s world-class powder to Quebec’s charming alpine villages, we’re revealing the best ski resorts across Canada, including when to visit and what to expect.

Province	Top Resorts	2025 Season Start Date	Unique Features	Best For
Alberta	Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise	Mid – late November	UNESCO World Heritage scenery, long ski season, and well-groomed runs	Beginners, families
British Columbia	Whistler Blackcomb, Revelstoke, Big White,	Late November – early December	Deep “champagne powder,” longest runs in North America, and lively après-ski villages	Adventure seekers, advanced skiers
Quebec	Mont Tremblant, Le Massif	Early – mid-December	European-style ski villages, cozy chalets, and relaxed vibe	Beginners, intermediates

In this article

When does Canada’s ski season start in 2025?

Thanks to the country’s vast size and varying climates, the opening dates of Canada’s ski resorts differ by province. Therefore, it’s crucial to check the Canada ski season schedule online before booking your trip.

In 2025, the majority of Canada’s ski season will be in full swing by late November. However, some resorts open from as early as November 2nd or as late as December 26th.

British Columbia & Alberta: Banff Sunshine and Lake Louise are among the first resorts to open their doors, kickstarting the Canada ski season on November 4th. Many other ski resorts in the region open on November 22nd, including Grouse Mountain and Whistler Blackcomb.
Quebec & Eastern Canada: Mont-Tremblant opens on November 28th, shortly followed by Le Massif de Charlevoix on December 5th. All other resorts in Quebec and Eastern Canada are typically open by mid-December.

Once open, you can check the latest snowfall updates at each resort, including live data on snow depth and the number of trails and lifts open. And while you’re planning your ski trip, don’t forget to arrange travel insurance for Canada to cover potential flight delays, injuries, or lost gear.

One of the main things Canada is known for is its long ski seasons. Most slopes stay skiable until April, with some resorts closing early to mid-April and others staying open until the beginning of May (in high-altitude areas).

So January and February are the best months to hit Canada’s slopes, as you’re guaranteed a solid snow base and the Christmas crowds have gone.

Pro tip: Stay connected on the go with a Holafly eSIM. With unlimited data and instant activation, you can check live snow reports and map your route to the lifts without worrying about roaming charges!

Best ski resorts in Western Canada (British Columbia & Alberta)

Western Canada is the essence of Canada’s winter playground. With huge vertical drops and abundant “champagne powder” snow, British Columbia and Alberta’s unique geography make the Canadian ski season truly magical.

Here’s our four top picks:

1. Whistler Blackcomb (British Columbia)

Source: Shutterstock

Whistler Blackcomb is North America’s largest ski resort. It’s home to the world’s longest continuous lift system, spanning 4.4 kilometers (2.73 miles) and connecting the Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains.

Whistler Blackcomb boasts extensive skiable acreage (8,000 acres) and has runs for all levels, making it the most visited ski resort in Canada.

Off the slopes, Whistler Blackcomb has a buzzing ski village with tons of fine-dining restaurants and bars that stay open long after the lifts close.

2. Revelstoke (British Columbia)

Boasting North America’s biggest vertical drop, Revelstoke Mountain Resort attracts experienced skiers chasing adrenaline and looking to test their limits.

Instead of the usual crowds and lifts, Revelstoke is more about backcountry heli-skiing and deep, untouched powder snow.

3. Banff Sunshine & Lake Louise (Alberta)

Located in the heart of Banff National Park, these two iconic resorts offer an unbeatable mix of accessibility, scenery, and snow quality.

Banff Sunshine Village is known for its long ski season (often stretching to May!) and welcoming atmosphere for beginners, while Lake Louise has some of the most photogenic runs in the world.

Here you will find plenty of gentle slopes and modern facilities, ideal for first-timers.

4. Big White (British Columbia)

Big White is a family favorite, thanks to its relaxed, friendly vibe and abundance of activities. It’s the largest ski-in, ski-out village in Canada, meaning you can walk to almost any restaurant, shop, or accommodation in the town.

Along with a huge ski school offering lessons to all ages and abilities, you can try tubing, dog sledding, sleigh rides, or snowshoeing.

Best ski resorts in Eastern Canada

Western Canada offers a different, but equally magical, ski experience. Quebec and Ontario are home to many charming European-inspired ski villages, complete with cobblestone streets, colorful chalets, and cute après-ski cafés.

Here’s where we recommend:

1. Mont Tremblant (Quebec)

Source: Shutterstock

In the Laurentian Mountains, 130 km northwest of Montreal, is Mont Tremblant, a ski village that looks straight out of the French Alps.

Boutique shops, après-ski bars, and slope-side chalets line the cobblestone streets. Plus, the resort boasts over 100 trails and three snow parks, making it ideal for families, beginners, and intermediate skiers.

2. Le Massif de Charlevoix (Quebec)

Perched dramatically above the St. Lawrence River, Le Massif offers the most scenic runs in Eastern Canada.

Le Massif has the highest vertical drop east of the Rockies, at 2,625 ft (800 m), as well as varied terrain, including advanced glades and off-piste areas, making the resort ideal for experienced skiers.

3. Blue Mountain (Ontario)

Blue Mountain is Ontario’s largest ski resort, and at just two hours from Toronto, it makes the perfect weekend ski escape. With night skiing, terrain parks, and cozy slope-side lodges, Blue Mountain has a laid-back vibe that blends adventure with relaxation.

4. Stoneham & Mont-Sainte-Anne (Quebec)

If you want to avoid the crowds, head to Stoneham or Mont-Sainte-Anne, both near Quebec City. These hidden gems have solid snow conditions, runs for all levels, and an authentic, local atmosphere.

Off-the-radar ski spots worth discovering

Beyond the larger touristy resorts, Canada has plenty of lesser-known ski spots. Here you can ski alongside the locals and feel like you’ve got the whole run to yourself:

Fernie (BC): Situated 7,000 feet (2134 meters) above sea level, Fernie has consistent snowfall, an impressive vertical descent of 3,550 feet (1052 meters), and a welcoming local vibe.
Kicking Horse (BC): Known as the “Champagne Powder Capital of Canada,” Kicking Horse combines steep terrain with challenging off-piste runs, perfect for advanced skiers. There’s also a breathtaking mountaintop restaurant at 2,350 meters with panoramic views.
Red Mountain (BC): Red Mountain is one of Canada’s oldest ski resorts and is proudly independent. It might not have all the modern thrills of the larger, newer resorts, but here you will find uncrowded runs, retro charm, and plenty of terrain variety.

Red Mountain ski slope, Source: Shutterstock

Stay connected during Canada ski season with Holafly

With snowy highways, remote resorts, and expensive roaming costs in Canada, staying connected throughout the Canada ski season can be tricky. The last thing you want is to lose signal when navigating the way back to your chalet after dark!

Thankfully, Holafly’s Canada eSIM boasts reliable coverage across even the most scenic alpine routes, as well as unlimited data, so you’ll never be left stranded on the slopes.

Check out Holafly eSIM for Canada.

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