Canada ski areas feature some of the best skiing in the world, whether you prefer to ski Canada or snowboard Canada, and whether you are an experienced skier or its your first time on the slopes. Canada ski vacations are a popular way to spend a weekend, a week, or even longer. There are hills and mountains from Pacific to Atlantic in Canada, so take your pick of which hot spot (or should I say cold?) you’d like to shred.

Wherever you find mountains, you will find Canada ski areas. The most popular areas are in the Rocky Mountains and in British Columbia. Banff, Lake Louise, Jasper and Whistler are the best of these. The next popular ski Canada area is Quebec, followed by Ontario. You can even ski or snowboard Canada in Newfoundland and the Maritimes. There are also a few decent runs in Manitoba and Saskatchewan.

Most Canadian big cities are within close proximity to the slopes. Vancouver is about a 90-minute drive from Whistler, Calgary is close to the big six centers of the Rockies, Ottawa is only half an hour away from Mount Cascade and Camp Fortune, and Montreal is around one hour from the Laurentian Mountains (including Mont Tremblant). With such great skiing so accessible to the cities, it is no wonder that Canada ski vacations and snowboard vacations are so popular.

Canada Map

If you haven’t had the pleasure of skiing before, the Canada ski areas are a great starting point. You can choose between the scenic cross-country skiing or the more thrilling downhill skiing. To ski Canada or to snowboard Canada is not a cheap hobby. At most of the major resorts a lift ticket and rental can cost you around $90 CAN for the day. Never fear, there are usually better rates during later months when the crowds have gone.

Downhill skiing is best in the Canadian Rockies and at Whistler-Blackcomb. The 1988 Winter Olympics were held just outside of Banff National Park, and the 2010 Winter Olympics are set to take place in Whistler. Whistler-Blackcomb has often been awarded the title of Best Ski Resort in North America. Canada ski vacations packages are easy to find in these popular destinations. Prime ski Canada in the west is from December until February, but the slopes are usually open from November until May.

For good cross-country skiing, try to drier snows of eastern Canada, like the Laurentian Mountains. The Laurentians are located in the province of French-speaking Quebec, and have their own charm. The best time to ski in the east is from January to March.