5 Ski Resorts Near Calgary
Hit the slopes at world-class resorts in the Rocky Mountains near Calgary.
Banff Sunshine Village (Credit: Travel Alberta/Luke Sudermann @lukesudermann)
Calgary is the location for your next epic ski or snowboard vacation. There are five unique resorts within a couple hours of the city. And the drive through the foothills into the Canadian Rocky Mountains is spectacular.
The area’s altitude creates a long and snowy season. Ski lifts open as early as mid-November and run all the way to May. The long season creates lots of opportunities for deep powder conditions but also warm spring skiing.
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Banff Sunshine Village
Located just 15 minutes from the town of Banff, Banff Sunshine Village has runs for everyone in the family to master. With an elevation of 2,195 metres (7,200 feet), Banff Sunshine Village includes three mountains and a 360° view of the Canadian Rockies that spans both Alberta and British Columbia. The ski season at Banff Sunshine Village lasts about seven months, from early November to late May, and receives up to nine metres (30 feet) of snow each season.
Ski and snowboard rentals are available on site and lessons are available for all ages at the Snow School .
Location: 1 Sunshine Access Rd, Banff, AB
Banff Sunshine Village (Credit: Travel Alberta/John Price @johnpricephotography)
Lake Louise Ski Resort
Located approximately 1.5 hours west of Calgary, Lake Louise Ski Resort is one of North America’s largest ski areas, spanning four mountain faces with terrain for all skill levels. It offers more than 4,200 acres of skiable terrain, from wide-open beginner runs to steep bowls and glade skiing for advanced riders. Families, first-timers, and seasoned skiers alike will find plenty of space to explore, along with breathtaking views of Lake Louise and the surrounding Rocky Mountains.
Ski and snowboard rentals are available on site, with lessons offered for all ages.
Location: 1 Whitehorn Rd, Lake Louise, AB
Lake Louise Ski Resort (Credit: Banff & Lake Louise Tourism/Noel Hendrickson)
Mount Norquay Ski Resort
Mount Norquay has been a popular destination since 1926, with runs for all skill levels. They offer a variety of flexible lift ticket options too. Full day and half day passes are available along with night skiing passes, available on Friday and Saturday throughout the season. The last hour ticket gives you the opportunity to get a couple of runs in at the end of the day, while the Sundance Magic Carpet pass allows you to practice your skills on the beginner terrain.
Rent your gear on site or take a lesson at one of Canada’s largest and longest-running Snow School programs.
Location: 2 Mount Norquay Rd, Banff, AB
Mount Norquay Ski Resort (Credit: Banff & Lake Louise Tourism/Paul Zizka @paulzizkaphoto)
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Nakiska Ski Area
Located about one hour from Calgary, Nakiska Ski Area is a beautiful destination in the heart of Kananaskis Country and Calgary’s closest mountain ski and snowboard resort. Host of alpine events for the 1988 Winter Olympic Games, Nakiska is a family favourite because of the short drive and runs suitable for all skill levels. Advanced skiers and snowboarders will love the Monster Glades section of the hill with secret powder stashes, but be warned, there is no easy way down.
Ski and snowboard rentals are available on site with lessons available through their Winter Sports School .
Location: 2 Mt Allan Dr, Kananaskis, AB
Nakiska Ski Area (Credit: Travel Alberta/Josh Segeleski)
Castle Mountain Resort
Located 2.5 hours southwest of Calgary, between the communities of Pincher Creek and Crowsnest Pass, Castle Mountain Resort is a unique and affordable ski resort. Alberta’s second largest ski area is owned and operated by skiers and snowboarders, making it an authentic winter adventure experience. Castle Mountain receives approximately nine metres (30 feet) of snow each season, over 2 mountains, 8 alpine bowls, and one of the only resort-based cat-skiing operations in North America.
Ski and snowboard rentals are available on site with beginner, private, and group lessons available as well.
Location: HWY-774, Pincher Creek No. 9, AB
Castle Mountain Resort (Credit: Travel Alberta/John Price @johnpricephotography)
Bonus: WinSport
Get in your first laps of the trip right inside city limits at WinSport. Home of the 1988 Winter Olympic Games, WinSport continues to be a thriving ski and snowboard destination for both locals and visitors alike. You'll find beginner and intermediate runs, an impressive terrain park, and western Canada’s largest half pipe. Plus the hill offers great views of both the Calgary skyline and the Rocky Mountains.
Ski and snowboard rentals are available on site. Most Calgarians first learn to ski or snowboard with lessons at WinSport .
Location: 88 Canada Olympic Rd SW, Calgary, AB
WinSport (Credit: Tourism Calgary/Stay & Wander Media)