From famous Whistler to the quieter vibe of Fernie, we take a look at four Canadian ski resorts, so that you can decide where to purchase a ski chalet.
Winter in the UK means grey skies, rain and the promise of sludge-like snow, winter in Canada means a beautiful white wonderland. If you want to make the most of Canada’s epic winter landscapes, then what better way then by owning a ski home? Here, we go through four amazing ski resorts to look into buying. Not only do we cover what makes them fantastic ski resorts but we also explore what there is to do at each one other than ski. Be it for after a day on the slopes, or, if you don’t share your partner’s love of skiing and want to be entertained too. Let’s ski right into it!
Whistler
Welcome to Whistler!
It seems apt to start with Canada’s most world-famous ski resort, Whistler. Its reputation is deserved with a sprawling 8,171 acres of skiable terrain, encompassing sixteen alpine bowls, three glaciers and over 200 marked trails. Although truly at the mercy of mother nature, it is predicted that skiing will commence on November 24th this year. This is a typical of the Whistler ski season, which ends in May, totalling about 200 days of skiing a year. Plus, Whistler is home to the highest gondola of its kind, the Peak 2 Peak, offering panoramic views of the mountains.
What to do other than ski: Luckily, Whistler is a great destination for festivals. In the warm evening summer air, you can have a boogie to live music played on the Olympic Plaza stage. Or celebrate beer or writers, at their respective festivals. Meanwhile, in October, the Whistler Wine Walk pairs a tour of the art galleries with wine-tasting. Then, in the winter, there’s Movie Magic in the Mountains, a chance to watch never-seen-before projects, shorts and features. Aside from festivals, Whistler is packed with opportunities for hiking, ziplining over the valley and water rafting. It has a bustling village with plenty to eat and drink, and revelries to be had after dark.
Nearest major city: Vancouver, 1.5 hour by car.
Nearest international airport: Vancouver International Airport, almost two hours. Shuttle service available.
Banff
Beautiful Banff.
A picturesque town nestled in the Canadian Rockies, Banff boasts of three connected resorts Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise and Mt Norquay. Together, they form 7,748 acres of skiable terrain with two gondolas and twenty-seven chairlifts. Access to all can be covered by a single ski pass. For the most challenging trails, head to Lake Louise.
What to do other than ski: Banff is home to Canada’s first national park, which formed after three railway workers came across a natural hot spring there in 1883. It is amazing place for hiking, and you may even come across a grizzly bear. The area remains famous for its hot springs, and they make for a welcoming soak after to a day on the slopes. Additionally, Banff possesses world-renowned golf resorts, including the Fairmont Banff Springs Resort and the Silvertip Resort.
Nearest major city: Calgary, 1.5 hour by car.
Nearest international airport: Calgary international airport, 1.5 hour by car. Shuttle service available.
Mont Tremblant
Mount Tremblant.
Mont Tremblant is a charming resort town located in the Laurentian Mountains of Quebec. Tremblant itself 875 metres with breathtaking vistas. The ski area covers over 700 acres and includes 102 ski trails over four distinct slopes, suited to skiers and snowboarders of varying ability. Though it should be noted that out of the 102 ski trails, 49 are classed as very difficult or extreme.
What to do other than ski: One of Mount Tremblant’s big selling points is its pedestrian village at its foot. It has cultivated a vibe that is both European and family-friendly, with a choice of boutique shops, plenty of places to purchase ski wear, French and Italian dining, street performers and a mascot called TouFou. There’s also golf, treetop walks and paintballing. Its lakes are opportune for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding.
Nearest major city: Montreal, 1.5 hour by car.
Nearest international airport: Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport, 1.5 hour by car.
Fernie
Fernie.
Located in the Canadian Rockies, Fernie experiences less extreme temperatures than other resorts, making for a more enjoyable experience. With over 2,500 acres of skiable terrain and 142 trails and five different alpine bowls, Fernie offers trails for those of all abilities. Plus, it possesses a reliable level of snow, with perfectly powdery amounts for beginners. The ski season starts a little later than some of the other resorts mentioned here, from early December to mid-April.
What to do other than ski: One of the major advantages of Fernie is that because it is far from major cities, meaning that it simply has not become overrun by tourists. It can be your gem in the Rockies. Plus, the atmosphere is extremely friendly and relaxed. It’s just a lovely place to be. Aside from skiing, you can enjoy craft and art classes, play at the Fernie Golf Club and drink ice-cold beer at the Griz Bar.
Nearest major city: Calgary, a three-hour drive.
Nearest international airport: Cranbrook is a 50-minute drive; Calgary is three hours.
Ready to start your home hunt? Check out ski properties on Snow Only.
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