From Beginner to Best: 25 Canadian Ski Hills Worth Hitting in 2016

From west to east, here are 25 ski hills you should hit in Canada.

BRITISH COLUMBIA 
B.C. definitely has some of the greatest skiing in North America and is home to more than 20 pristine mountains that are perfect for all winter activities. Here are just a few must-skies.

Whistler:
Whistler’s two linked mountains add up to make the largest ski resort in North America. Whistler receives an average of almost 12m of snow a year and has top bowls and chutes that are usually powder filled. One of the best features of Whistler is definitely the lower village, which has tons of shops and restaurants and pubs to check out. So even if you aren’t planning on hitting the slopes, the apres ski is well worth the visit.

Kicking Horse:
Kicking Horse Mountain Resort is a great destination for skiers and riders looking for a diverse mix of challenging terrain, excellent snow conditions, and spectacular views. Kicking Horse is a must-ski mountain and features more than 120 runs.

Revelstoke Mountain:
Revelstoke was originally just a small hill for locals and only had one short lift. But now a gondola and two fast chairlifts have transformed Revelstoke into a resort with the biggest vertical in North America. Revelstoke Mountain receives fresh powder almost daily and features deep vertical drops that are perfect for expert skiers.

Fernie:
Located just 30 minutes outside of Fernie, the mountain features more than 142 runs.  Skiers and snowboarders of all levels can enjoy Fernie mountain and will appreciate the five enormous bowls and the countless glades and chutes. If snowboarding or skiing isn’t your thing, you can go snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, or snowshoeing.

Adam Baker Photography

Adam Baker Photography

ALBERTA
Forget your cowboy hat, but don’t forget to hang on – Alberta has some of the best runs in the country.

Banff:
A must-ski area in Alberta, Banff has three ski areas that are all accessible by bus. Guests can visit the small mountain of Norquay or hit up Sunshine Village for some larger fun.

Lake Louise:
Located in the heart of Banff National Park, Lake Louise has runs that will please all ski levels.  Guests will enjoy the spectacular scenery, beautiful terrain, and captivating wilderness.

SASKATCHEWAN
For Canadians who love winter, Saskatchewan is a must-visit for all winter activities. You can try snowmobiling, cross-country and downhill skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, hiking, tobogganing, snow tubing, hockey, skating, curling, dogsledding, ice fishing, and horseback riding. Not the Prairies you thought you knew, huh?

Duck Mountain:
Saskatchewan’s hidden winter wonderland is located in the heart of Duck Mountain Provincial Park. Duck Mountain has 21 lifts and has lessons for children, beginners, and adults.

Table Mountain Ski Resort:
Table Mountain has more than 40 acres of skiable grounds with 10 trails and a terrain park for experts. At night, guests can go night-skiing or try snow tubing.

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MANITOBA
Winter sport enthusiasts will enjoy visiting the many mountains in Manitoba as they feature perfectly groomed runs, fresh champagne powder, and are surrounded by thick evergreen forests.

Asessippi:
Asessippi Ski Area is the province’s largest ski resort and recently debuted a newly expanded snow tubing park. The resort boasts 26 runs as well as two freestyle terrain parks, three aerial lifts, and a bustling winter village.

Holiday Mountain Resort:
Holiday Mountain Resort has been a staple ski mountain in Manitoba for over forty years. Expert riders will enjoy the freestyle terrain park and the 11 downhill runs.

Mystery Mountain:
Mystery Mountain features 18 runs ranging from beginner slopes to steep mogul fields, plus a 300-foot half pipe to challenge boarders of all skill levels.

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ONTARIO
Ontario skiers and snowboarders have an array of winter sports options thanks to ski resorts located near Toronto. Blue Mountain is Ontario’s largest ski resort and definitely a must-ski mountain in the province.

Blue Mountain:
Located along the shores of Georgian Bay, Blue Mountain is the area’s largest mountain village resort and has evolved into a year round destination that provides many off-the-hill activities. For those not interested in skiing and snowboarding, there’s tubing, skating, snowshoeing, mountain coasting, and spas galore.

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QUEBEC
La Belle Province has the best slopes east of Alberta. If you’re on the east coast of Canada, its runs are a no-brainer.

Mount Tremblant:
Mount Tremblant features a charming village that was built in the style of Old Quebec, with narrow cobbled streets that surround the base of the mountain that features a variety of slopes for all ski and snowboard levels. Its nightlife is almost as famous as its slopes.

Mount-Saint-Anne:
Mont-Sainte-Anne is a year-round mountain destination located within the Laurentian mountain chain about 30 minutes outside of Quebec City. The ski resort features 71 trails, four terrain parks, and is known for its spectacular scenery, long groomed trails, and family friendly activities. The ski area contains a wide mix of terrain that ranges from beginner to advanced.

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NEW BRUNSWICK 
New Brunswick features the highest vertical in the Maritimes, many cross-country trails, and slopes that are more suitable for beginners intermediate downhillers.

Ski Crabbe Mountain:
Ski Crabbe Mountain has 27 trails and glades, so there’s a run for all ski and snowboard levels. It’s located just 45 minutes north of Fredericton.

Sugarloaf Provincial Park:
Sugarloaf is perfect for families and has 12 ski trails, a ski school, groomed cross-country ski trails, groomed snowmobile trails, snowshoeing, tobogganing, tubing, and ice skating.

Poley Mountain:
Poley Mountain is extremely accessible as it’s located near Sussex and between New Brunswick’s three major cities – Moncton, Saint John, and Fredericton. The mountain has 30 trails and five lifts for skiers to chose from.

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P.E.I
With only one alpine ski hill in the province, winter sport enthusiasts must visit Brookvale Provincial Ski Park to get their winter activity fix.

Brookvale Provincial Ski Park:
Brookvale is located in the central part of Queens County an has lots of fun winter activities for people of all ages. Spend an afternoon cross country and alpine skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing. An adult day ticket is just $25.

NOVA SCOTIA
Enjoy the day downhill skiing, snowboarding, and cross-country skiing as you take in the amazing landscape and wildlife. But don’t forget about the best part of winter activities in Nova Scotia, the après ski.

Ski Ben Eoin:
This 11-run mountain overlooks Cape Breton’s beautiful Bras d’Or Lake, Nova Scotia, and has children and adult ski programs available.

Ski Wentworth:
Located in Wentworth Valley, Wentworth has the largest vertical in Nova Scotia (815 feet) and 20 trails making it the largest ski area in the province.

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NEWFOUNDLAND
With an average snowfall of 5 metres in regions of the province, Newfoundland and Labrador is the East Coast destination for skiing and snowboarding.

Marble Mountain:
Marble Mountain is Atlantic Canada’s premier ski resort, featuring a 1,700-foot vertical drop, 39 runs ranging from novice to expert, four lifts, and an average snowfall of 5 metres. Did someone say powder?

Smokey Mountain Ski Club:
Smokey has 100 per cent natural snow, some of the best skiing conditions on the East Coast, and offers the longest ski season in Atlantic Canada with lifts opening as early as December and closing in April.

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YUKON
Yukon winters have loads of action, indoors and out. Explore snowy trails by snowshoe, dogsled, snowmobile, or cross-country skis. Or try your hand at ice fishing or snowboarding and skiing as you’re surrounded by breathtaking winter scenery.

Mount Sima:
Mount Sima is the perfect northern alpine mountain as it offers something for every rider. There are runs for every level, two terrain parks, and a bunny hill. So whether you want to get some extra practice, or perfect your skills, this is the place to do it.

Mount Maichen:
Mt. Maichen has been in operation for more than 40 years and has been a ski institution for the people of Watson Lake and the surrounding areas. There are two lifts, nine runs, and one partial half pipe, which offers challenges to beginners through advanced skiers and snowboarders alike.

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NORTHWEST TERRITORIES
The best time to head out into the northern wilderness on skis is in the spring. With a minimum of 18 hours of sunshine, you’ll get lots of time to soak up the spectacular views as you cross the tundra, a glacier, or venture out onto the frozen ice.

Yellow Knife Ski Club:
Located at Niven Lake, this ski club’s grounds have trails for both advanced and beginner skiers. There are also lessons offered for children and beginners to experienced skiers.

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