We braved the cold at Calgary’s top ski resorts, and it was worth every shiver!
The first time I hit the slopes near Calgary, I spent more time picking myself up off the snow than actually skiing—but the thrill of carving down those powdery runs kept me coming back for more.
Now, after many bruises and one too many après-ski hot chocolates, I’ve discovered the best spots where the views are epic, and the slopes are worth every tumble.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a clumsy enthusiast like me, these ski resorts have something to keep you coming back for more. Dive into the article to find out which spots made the list—and get ready to gear up!
Carve through Fresh Powder at Winsport – Canada Olympic Park
– Media credit: winsportcanada
Distance from Calgary: 14.6 km
Address: 88 Canada Olympic Rd SW
Contact details: +1 403-247-5452
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Friday: 11am to 7pm
- Saturday and Sunday: 10am to 4pm
If you’re searching for a winter getaway near Calgary, look no further! Families will love the variety of activities available, including tubing sessions and lessons tailored for beginners.
This nostalgic venue is steeped in history from the 1988 Winter Olympics. Not only is it a training hub for winter sports athletes, but it also transforms into a vibrant summer camp destination.
Affordable pricing makes it accessible, with a day pass costing only $50. Kids will have a blast racing down the tubing hills, with a convenient magic carpet lift to carry them back up. Each ticket is priced at just $28.35, and while helmets are recommended for safety, they can be rented for a mere $10.
At Winsport, you can set your own pace—zoom past your friends or take it easy and enjoy the scenery. And for just $20, you can capture the memories with all your photos at the end of the day.
Pro tip: It’s definitely worth a visit, but be aware that weekends can get very crowded. To avoid the hassle, it’s best to purchase tickets in advance. |
Embrace the Thrill of the Slopes at Nakiska Mountain Resort
– Media credit: nakiskakiarea
Distance from Calgary: 99.1 km
Address: 2 Mt Allan Dr, Kananaskis
Contact details: +1 403-591-7777
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 8am to 4:30pm
If you’re a family planning winter adventures or a ski enthusiast seeking the perfect slopes, Nakiska Ski Area is your go-to destination! Ideal for families and intermediate skiers alike, this resort offers family-friendly lessons and childcare options.
Just a short 45-minute drive from Calgary on well-maintained roads, Nakiska is a true gem nestled in the breathtaking Rocky Mountains. It’s the closest mountain resort to Calgary and draws crowds on weekends for good reason.
While it may not be the most challenging hill in Alberta, Nakiska excels in providing an affordable and enjoyable experience for beginners and families.
The beginner trails are designed to teach turning and stopping techniques on gentle slopes, while the green runs offer plenty of fun without overwhelming newer skiers.
Considered a “fun” resort, Nakiska is perfect for those looking for a relaxed skiing experience rather than extreme terrain.
Pro tip: To save some money, consider bringing your own lunch and utensils, as there is an extra charge for cutlery. |
Discover Breathtaking Views At Banff Sunshine Village
– Media credit: sunshinevillage
Distance from Calgary: 143 km
Address: 1 Sunshine Access Road
Contact details: +1 403-705-4000
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 8am to 6pm
Banff Sunshine Village has family-friendly slopes and scenic gondola rides. Staying here is a good idea as it provides cozy accommodations right at the heart of the action.
Banff Sunshine Village boasts some of the world’s most breathtaking mountain vistas, offering long, open runs. With plenty of tree skiing options and efficient quad chair lifts, you’ll spend less time waiting and more time carving through the powder.
The slopes are well-marked, with a solid mix of green, blue, and black runs that cater to every skill level.
And on sunny days, the views from the summit are simply spectacular! Plus, you can take a break at one of the many eateries and lounges at the two base areas to refuel for more adventure.
Pro tip: The resort offers vast and diverse terrain for riding, but snowboarders should be prepared for a few flat sections on some of the green runs. |
Challenge Yourself on the Diverse Terrain at Mount Norquay
– Media credit: mtnorquay
Distance from Calgary: 132.4 km
Address: Improvement District No. 9
Contact details: +1 403-762-4421
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday: 8:30am to 4:30pm
- Saturday and Sunday: 8am to 5pm
Mount Norquay is just a stone’s throw from Calgary, caters to everyone, from first-timers to seasoned pros. Here, you’ll glide down quieter slopes, perfect for families and beginners alike, where kids can thrive in specially designed programs.
While you’re here, don’t miss the exhilarating snow tubing park—an absolute blast for all ages! And for those looking for a more relaxed vibe, there are plenty of amenities to keep everyone happy.
The terrain park offers excitement for tricksters, while the numerous runs cater to all skill levels. Beginners can enjoy the gentle slopes, while experienced skiers can tackle a range of thrilling runs.
Pro tip: Snow goggles aren’t a must, but they’re definitely helpful, especially since the runs are fast. If you have a pair, it’s worth bringing them along. |
Experience World-Class Skiing at Lake Louise Ski Resort
– Media credit: skilouise
Distance from Calgary: 184.7 km
Address: 1 Whitehorn Road
Contact details: +1 403-522-3555
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 9am to 4pm
Tucked away in the stunning Canadian Rockies, this resort is a winter wonderland with a remarkable array of runs designed for everyone—from novices to seasoned skiers. The trails are impeccably groomed.
Beginner-friendly areas make it easy for newcomers to find their footing, while intermediate and expert trails provide challenges for more experienced skiers.
For advanced skiers seeking an extra thrill, don’t miss the First Tracks program, which allows you to carve fresh lines before the slopes open to the public.
We recommend riding the open chairlift at Lake Louise. As you ascend, you’ll be treated to jaw-dropping views of the surrounding peaks and the shimmering lake below.
Pro tip: Bringing your own snacks and food is highly recommended if you want to avoid paying typical resort prices. |
Escape to the Serene Beauty of Castle Mountain Resort
– Media credit: castlemountainresort
Distance from Calgary: 247.9 km
Address: HWY-774, Pincher Creek No. 9
Contact details: +1 403-627-5101
Operating hours: Monday to Thursday: 8:30am to 4:30pm
Castle Mountain Resort has an incredible ski area and is a playground for seasoned skiers and snowboarders, renowned for its challenging terrain and thrilling backcountry skiing.
If you’re ready to tackle some steep runs and chase after the best Alberta powder of your life, Castle Mountain is where the adventure begins. If you’re not quite ready for the double blacks; the resort also has beginner-friendly novice terrain.
With ample parking close to the entrance and a variety of runs to fill your day with excitement, Castle Mountain Resort promises an unforgettable winter getaway.
Pro tip: Don’t be misled; many of the diamond-rated runs here would be classified as double diamonds at other ski resorts. This area is truly for hardcore skiers, so intermediates and beginners may want to think twice! |
Glide Down the Pristine Runs at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort
– Media credit: kickinghorsemtn
Distance from Calgary: 275.6 km
Address: 1500 Kicking Horse Trail, Golden
Contact details: +1 250-439-5425
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 10am to 3:30pm
This resort is renowned for its advanced terrain featuring unique vertical drops that will get your adrenaline pumping. But don’t worry if you’re just starting out—Kicking Horse has something for everyone!
The lower mountain lifts are perfect for families and beginners, with shorter lines so you can maximize your time on the slopes.
For those looking for a challenge, the upper mountain and gondola offer a thrilling mix of intermediate to expert runs.
And after a day of skiing, indulge in a dining experience at the Eagle’s Eye restaurant, where you can savor delicious meals while soaking in breathtaking views. If you visit in spring, you might even spot Boo the bear wandering nearby!
Pro tip: There are more affordable ski pass options available, including a half-day pass from 12:30 to 3:30 PM. Additionally, a single chair lift pass grants access to all novice and intermediate terrain. |
Enjoy the Family-Friendly Atmosphere at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort
– Media credit: farimonthotspringsresort
Distance from Calgary: 298.7 km
Address: 5225 Fairmont Resort Road
Contact details: +1 888-870-8889
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: Open 24 hours
This charming little hill is ideal for younger families and those just starting to learn the ropes of skiing and snowboarding. It’s an excellent spot for beginner and intermediate skiers alike, offering an affordable day pass at just $47.
With a delightful mix of terrain, you’ll find everything from easy greens to thrilling black runs that provide just the right amount of challenge. The hill features a carpet lift, a platter lift, and a triple chair lift.
While it’s a smaller ski hill, making it potentially less exciting for advanced skiers used to larger mountains, it’s the perfect place for anyone who might feel nervous or intimidated by bigger resorts.
Pro tip: If you’re staying in a cabin nearby and want to try cross-country skiing, you’ll need to drive about 40 minutes to the Panorama Grey Wolf Golf Course. |
Adventure into the Rugged Landscapes at Fernie Alpine Resort
– Media credit: ferniealpineresort
Distance from Calgary: 298.9 km
Address: 5339 Fernie Ski Hill Road, Fernie
Contact details: +1 250-423-4655
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 10am to 4:30pm
This resort offers a variety of terrain for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels. You won’t have to worry about long lift lines here, as the large, diverse runs ensure great dispersion, even on busy weekends.
With an incredible range of ski terrain spread across five bowls, you can easily spend the entire day exploring without hitting the same piste twice.
If you love tackling steep runs, you’re in luck—Polar Peak bowl features a thrilling selection of double and triple black runs.
Best of all, parking is free and conveniently located near the slopes, making your day even easier. Lift tickets are around $100 for the day, and ski rentals, including boots and helmets, typically range from $50 to $65.
Pro tip: The best rental option is The Quest at the resort. While it’s a small shop, it offers excellent advice, a top selection of skis (many from Völkl), competitive prices, and direct access to Bear Fiste. |
Challenge Your Skills on the Slopes of Panorama Mountain Village
– Media credit: panoramaresort
Distance from Calgary: 296 km
Address: 2000 Panorama Drive
Contact details: +1 250-342-6941
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 8:30am to 10pm
Panorama Mountain Resort is a welcoming destination packed with fantastic amenities! It has enough runs to keep you entertained for three full days. Plus, you can take advantage of free mountain ski guides available both in the morning and afternoon.
Getting around is a breeze with a complimentary gondola ride that whisks you up to all the activities. You’ll find free cubbies available for storing your gear during the day—just simple shelves, so no need to worry about locking up.
You can easily purchase activities, which are loaded onto cards for easy access; just scan your card to hop on rides.
The mountain offers a fantastic variety of terrain for downhill skiing, featuring some of the most challenging runs in the Taynton Bowl.
Pro tip: The gondola can experience some backlogs when getting in and out, so we recommend using the free shuttle service instead. |