posted on December 24, 2024
Whether you’re travelling alone or as a family, seeking an adrenaline rush or a romantic holiday, Alberta is a world-class winter destination with something for everyone. Known for its jaw-dropping mountain views and pristine lakes, the province is home to some of the best (and prettiest!) ski hills in Canada. Most of them are just a road trip away from Calgary or Edmonton.
If you’re waiting for winter to end, it’s time to think twice. A visit to Western Canada is bound to banish the seasonal blahs. In this guide, we’ll explore the top ski resorts in Alberta, plus the best winter activities.
- Best ski resorts in Alberta
- Winter hikes and snowshoeing in Alberta
- Lake ice skating in Alberta
- Dogsledding in Alberta
- Ice fishing in Alberta
- Snowmobile trips in Alberta
Disclaimer: Rates, parking information, and other details are subject to change. All information presented below applies to the 2024-25 season. Before hitting the road make sure to refer directly to the service provider for the most up-to-date information on their fees and operation.
Best ski resorts in Alberta
Perfect powder? Yes, please. Carve your way into winter with these favourites for skiing, snowboarding, and more.
Lake Louise
Lake Louise Ski Resortis one of the most scenic ski resorts Alberta offers, and is also open in the summer for hiking and other activities. Located at the bottom of the Icefields Parkway, the resort is surrounded by phenomenal mountain ranges and is the perfect jumping off point to explore Banff and other attractions. After a day on the slopes, head to the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise for a well-deserved après-ski.
- Distance from Calgary: 2 hours
- Distance from Edmonton: 4.5 hours
- Single day admission: $149 to $169
- Season pass: $1,649
- Snow tubing: Yes
- Cross-country skiing trails: Yes
- Equipment rentals: Yes
- Lift hours: 9:00 am–4:00 pm
Where to eat:
- Whitehorn Bistro: Farm-to-table cuisine with a view, located near the top of the Lake Louise sightseeing gondola.
Where to stay:
- Lake Louise Inn: Comfortable and rustic rooms in Lake Louise Village, with the convenience of shuttle connections to the ski hills.
Banff Sunshine Village
Situated in Canada’s first national park, Banff Sunshine Village is one of the most popular spots in Alberta to hone your skills on the hills. Expert skiers seeking a heart-pounding new challenge can head to Delirium Dive, one of the best off-piste destinations in the world. Come back in the summer for a ride on the Sunshine Meadows Sightseeing Gondola!
- Distance from Calgary: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Distance from Edmonton: 4.5 hours
- Single day admission: $174
- Season pass: $1,760
- Snow tubing: No
- Cross-country skiing trails: No
- Equipment rentals: Yes
- Lift hours: 9:00 am–4:00 pm
Where to eat:
- Mad Trapper’s: Village eatery established in 1928, decorated with vintage artifacts and specializing in applewood-smoked meats and southwestern dishes.
Where to stay:
- Sunshine Mountain Lodge: Banff’s only mountaintop hotel, complete with shopping, dining, and a spa. Try riding the gondola up!
Mount Norquay
Mount Norquay has a reputation as a hidden gem, and is home to one of Canada’s longest-running Snow School programs. It’s also the only destination open late for night skiing in the Canadian Rockies. Head to the terrain park to try skiing under the stars.
- Distance from Calgary: 4 hours
- Distance from Edmonton: 1.5 hours
- Single day admission: $134
- Season pass: $1,129
- Snow tubing: Yes
- Cross-country skiing trails: No
- Equipment rentals: Yes
- Lift hours: 9:00 am–4:00 pm, night skiing from 5:00 pm–4:00 pm on select days
Where to eat:
- Lone Pine: Full-service après venue serving pub grub with a twist, plus local beers on tap.
Where to stay:
- Canalta Lodge: Cozy lofts and full suites with a shuttle connection to the resort.
Marmot Basin
Take your ski game to new heights at Marmot Basin. Boasting the highest base elevation of any Canadian ski area, Marmot is a favourite for intermediate skiers seeking a challenge. It’s also a great destination for families thanks to kids’ programming and on-site child care. Head to Jasper for plenty of dining and après-ski options, just 25 minutes away.
- Distance from Calgary: 5 hours
- Distance from Edmonton: 4 hours
- Single day admission: $134.10
- Season pass: $1,625
- Snow tubing: No
- Cross-country skiing trails: No
- Equipment rentals: Yes
- Lift hours: 9:00 am–4:00 pm
Where to eat:
- Caribou Chalet and Paradise Chalet: On-site cafeterias offering food, après, and mountain views.
Where to stay:
- Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge: Luxurious hotel on the outskirts of town, complete with a spa and restaurants.
Castle Mountain
The search for an authentic ski experience off the beaten trail ends at Castle Mountain. Considered Alberta’s best kept secret, his resort is locally loved for its laid-back vibes, live music nights, and its staff of proud powderhounds.
- Distance from Calgary: 2.5 hours
- Distance from Edmonton: 5 hours
- Single day admission: $139.95
- Season pass: $1,399
- Snow tubing: No
- Cross-country skiing trails: Yes
- Equipment rentals: Yes
- Lift hours: 9:00 am–4:00 pm
Where to eat:
- T-Bar Pub & Grub: Laid back restaurant offering pub fare and après, as well as live music, trivia nights, and events.
Where to stay:
- Castle Ski Lodge: Comfortable and cozy mountainside lodge with basic amenities.
Nakiska
Nakiska Ski Area is the closest resort to Calgary, making it one of the most accessible ski destinations in the province. Just starting out? Nakiska is an ideal spot for beginners. Join a class and keep an eye out for the “easiest way down” marked on each run. Note that a Kananaskis Conservation Pass is required for entry.
- Distance from Calgary: 1 hour
- Distance from Edmonton: 3 hours 45 minutes
- Single day admission: $124–$159
- Season pass: $1,059
- Snow tubing: No
- Cross-country skiing trails: No
- Equipment rentals: Yes
- Lift hours: 9:00 am–4:00 pm or 10:30 am–3:45 pm
Where to eat:
- The Finish Line Lodge: Find Nakiska’s full-service restaurant on the top floor of the Day Lodge, serving Canadian pub cuisine and a full bar.
Where to stay:
- The Malcom Hotel: A luxury accommodation in the nearby town of Canmore, with access to shops, restaurants, and the Bow Valley and Banff areas.
Frequently asked questions about skiing in Alberta
How many ski hills are in Alberta?
There are over 30 ski areas in Alberta, each with their own variety of terrain. No matter where you are in the province, you won’t have to search long to find the perfect slope.
What is the biggest ski hill in Alberta?
Lake Louise Ski Resort is the biggest ski area in Alberta, with 4,200 acres of skiable terrain. Known as “Canada’s Friendly Giant”, it’s a great choice for visitors of all abilities to enjoy together. Beginner, intermediate, and advanced slopes are accessible from nearly every chair.
Do you need a Kananaskis pass to ski at Nakiska?
Yes. A Kananaskis Conservation Pass in required to enter and park at Nakiska Ski Area and can be purchased online.
What are the Big Three ski resorts?
Lake Louise Ski Resort, Banff Sunshine Village, and Mount Norquay are Banff’s three ski areas. Together, they boast 7,748 acres of skiable terrain, two gondolas, 27 chairlifts, and 30 feet of pristine Canadian Rockies powder annually. Guests can enjoy access to all three with a SkiBig3 lift ticket.
Is Jasper or Banff better for skiing?
It depends on the type of skiing experience you’re after. Banff is home to Alberta’s “Big Three” mountain ski resorts and receives the most snowfall, but it also has more crowds. Jasper has a more unique, less touristy feel, with Marmot Basin as its main resort. It all comes down to which ski town fits your personal travel style.
Does Alberta get a lot of snow?
It sure does. Alberta receives an average snowfall of 147 inches (373 cm) every year. Along with its generous snowfall, Alberta is Canada’s sunniest province — a perfect combo for skiing!
How cold is Alberta in winter?
Winter temperatures in Alberta range from +5 to -35 degrees Celsius, so don’t forget to wrap up warm! It’s important to dress warmly in this part of the world, so make sure to check the forecast before you embark on your skiing experience.
What is there to do in Banff in winter besides skiing?
Plenty! Banff is one of the top winter destinations in the world, and there’s no shortage of activities to enjoy off the slopes. Dogsledding, ice skating, hiking, and snowshoeing are just some of the things to do in Banff. Read the next section of this article to get inspired.
Is Alberta worth visiting in winter?
Definitely! Winter in Alberta is a breathaking time of year with invigorating activities and unforgettable sights, both on and off the slopes. Why not start planning your getaway to Calgary or Edmonton today?
Best winter activities in Alberta
Not a skier? No problem. Alberta’s lakes and trails promise boundless winter fun.
Discover winter hikes and snowshoeing in Alberta
Snowshoeing or hiking is a fantastic way to exercise while appreciating the beauty of nature. Don’t forget to dress warmly in insulating and waterproof layers, bring hiking poles and ice cleats, and check the weather forecast before you go.
- Tunnel Mountain Trail is one of Banff’s most popular winter hikes, with gorgeous views of the Bow Valley. The trail head is a 1.5-hour drive from Calgary and requires a National Park entrance fee of $11.
- Elk Island National Park has interpretive snowshoeing programs and family-friendly trails with few crowds. The park is a 50-minute drive from Edmonton and has a daily entrance fee of $9. Snowshoe rentals are available.
- Maligne Canyon has some of the most brilliant winter hiking in Jasper National Park, with trails passing by frozen waterfalls and dazzling ice formations. The park is a four-hour drive from Edmonton and has an entrance fee of $11.
- Spray River East Trail is an easy hike perfect for day-trippers and families. It’s a 1.5-hour drive from Calgary and is free to use.
Skate on a lake in Alberta
What could be more Canadian than gliding across a frozen lake, surrounded by the Rockies? Dress warmly and check the ice conditions before you lace up.
- Lake Louise is one of the most beautiful skating spots thanks to its blue glass surface, ice sculptures, and the backdrop of Mount Victoria. It’s about a two-hour drive from Calgary and is free to skate, with rentals available.
- The Vermilion Lakes are known for gorgeous winter sunrises, sunsets, and views of Mount Rundle. Head 1.5 hours from Calgary to find them in Banff National Park, which has a daily entrance fee of $11.
- Two Jack Lake is another Banff National Park favourite, with a beautiful emerald hue perfect for photo ops. It’s a 1.5 hour drive from Calgary with a daily entrance fee of $11.
- Minnewanka Lake is bigger than most, and skaters can glide along for kilometres under the open skies in the heart of the Rockies. Get there by driving 1.5 hours from Calgary to Banff National Park, which has a daily entrance fee of $11.
Have fun dogsledding in Alberta
Let Alberta’s hardworking huskies show you a good time this winter. Canmore and Banff are popular dogsledding hubs for guided tours. Be sure to dress warmly and wear ski goggles for a cozy sledding experience.
- Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours is the oldest sled dog tour company in the Bow Valley with guide-driven, self-driven, and overnight tours just one hour and 15 minutes from Calgary. Tours start at $600 for a two person sled.
- Discover Banff Tours is based in the beautiful scenery of Spray Lakes in gorgeous Kananaskis, just 1.5 hours from Calgary. Their most popular two-hour tour is priced at $267 per person.
- Howling Dog Tours is an experienced racing kennel with tours through Spray Lakes Provincial Park, a one-hour and 15-minute drive from Calgary. A two-hour tour is priced at $290 per person.
Try ice fishing in Alberta
Ice fishing is a unique and rewarding way to slow down and pass the time while enjoying the beauty of nature. Gear is available to rent from local shops. Make sure to get your Alberta fishing license and check the weather and local regulations before you go.
- Calling Lake is surrounded by the enchanting boreal scenery of Athabasca, about 2.5 hours from Edmonton, and is home to northern pike, perch, and walleye. The lake is free to use and guided fishing packages can be purchased from local businesses.
- Chain Lakes Provincial Park is known for trout and scenic views of the Livingstone Mountains. The park is a 1.5-hour drive from Calgary and just over two hours from Edmonton. Admission is free for day use.
- The Kananaskis Lakes are a great spot for trophy fishing, best known for record-sized bull trout and just a two-hour drive from Calgary. Parking requires a Kananaskis Conservation Pass, starting at $15 per vehicle for day use.
- Chestermere Lake is a perfect choice for families and day trippers based in Calgary, just a 30-minute drive from the city. The lake has a reputation for perch and pike and is free to use, with fishing gear available from shops in Chestermere.
Seek thrills on a snowmobile trip in Alberta
Alberta has some of the best snowmobile trails for those seeking an adrenaline rush. Make sure you have a map of the area, avalanche training, a valid driver’s license, and the correct clothing and gear. Local clubs provide guided tours for beginners, as well as rentals and repairs.
- Iron Horse Trail is the longest and oldest trail in the province, covering 300 km and starting in Smoky Lake, about 1.5 hours from Edmonton. Use of the trail is free.
- Athabasca has over 300 km of groomed trails suitable for beginners, with guided tours available. The drive from Edmonton is about two hours and day passes can be purchased from the Athabasca River Runners Snowmobile Club for $25.
- Eckville, Sylvan Lake, and Caroline have over 350 km of trails throughout the three communities, located 1.5 hours from Calgary. Trail passes can be purchased from the David Thompson Snow Riders for $90.
With so much to do in Alberta, why not take a road trip this winter? Browse the Turo marketplace to connect with hosts offering AWD and 4×4 vehicles equipped with winter tires, plus perks like roof racks for all your winter gear. With the perfect car, there’s nothing holding you back from hitting the open road. Start planning your adventure today!
Venturing into the US over winter break? Check out our guide for destinations to inspire your cross-border adventure.
Want to be the one to bring this road trip to life? We’re searching for someone to take on this road trip and capture the magic along the way. If you’re a traveller, storyteller, or content creator ready to hit the road and share this experience, submit your idea to Pitch a Trip for a chance to have Turo cover your vehicle booking. Every month, we select our favourite pitches—this could be your opportunity to turn this itinerary into a reality and share the story with us!
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