Calgary is the location of your next ski and snowboarding vacation. Drive through the Canadian Rocky Mountains from Calgary to Banff to access five unique resorts for all skill levels. 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. Plan your next ski vacation to the Canadian Rocky Mountains and take the chair lift to your next adventure at these great ski resorts and destinations near Calgary.
Canadian Rocky Mountain Ski Resorts Near Calgary
Your Next Great Ski and Snowboard Trip
Canadian Rocky Mountain Ski Resorts Near Calgary
Banff Sunshine Village
With an elevation of 2,195 metres (or 7,200 feet), Banff Sunshine Village includes three mountains and a 360° view of the Canadian Rockies that spans both Alberta and British Columbia. Ski season at Banff Sunshine Village lasts about seven months, from early November to late May, and receives up to nine metres, or 30 feet, of snow each season. Located just 15 minutes from the town of Banff, Banff Sunshine Village has runs for everyone in the family to master. Ski and snowboard rentals are available on site with lessons available for all ages at the Snow School.
Location: 1 Sunshine access Rd, Banff, AB
World class powder at Sunshine Village Ski Resort (Photo credit: Bank & Lake Louise Tourism).
Learning to ski at Banff Sunshine Village (Photo credit: Travel Alberta/Noel Hendrickson).
Lake Louise Ski Resort
Lake Louise Ski Resort is a world renowned winter destination with 4,200 skiable acres, making it one of the largest ski areas in North America. Beginner, intermediate, and expert runs are accessible from every chair with an endless collection of gentle slopes, cruising runs, remote bowls, terrain parks, and some of the most challenging terrain in the Canadian Rockies. Equipment rentals are available on site along with ski and snowboard lessons for all skill levels.
Location: 1 Whitehorn Rd, Lake Louise, AB
Lake Louise Ski Resort is perfect for all skill levels (Photo credit: Travel Alberta/Noel Hendrickson).
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 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
Mountain top fun at Castle Mountain Resort (Photo credit: Travel Alberta/Anthony Redpath).
Snowboarding through the trees at Castle Mountain Resort (Photo credit: Travel Alberta/Anthony Redpath).
Winter Tips for Families
Make the most of the cold weather with these tips for exploring the Calgary with your family.
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 at the base of the hill.
Location: 2 Mt Allan Dr., Kananaskis, AB
Nakiska Ski Resort is in the heart of the Canadian Rockies (Photo credit: Travel Alberta/A.V. Wakefield).
Great runs from every chair at Nakiska Ski Resort (Photo credit: Travel Alberta/A.V. Wakefield).
Mount Norquay Ski Resort
Mount Norquay Ski Resort 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: Mount Norquay Road, Banff, AB
Riding the chairlift at Mount Norquay Ski Resort (Photo credit: Travel Alberta/Mike Seehagel).
WinSport
Home of the 1988 Winter Olympic Games, WinSport continues to be a ski and snowboard destination right inside the city limits of Calgary. From ski and snowboard lessons to the challenging terrain park and Under Armour Super Pipe, western Canada’s largest half pipe, WinSport is the perfect hill for everyone from beginners to experienced winter sports enthusiasts. Ski and snowboard rentals are available on site. Located just minutes from downtown, WinSport has great views of the Calgary city skyline from the top of the hill.
Location: 88 Canada Olympic Rd SW, Calgary, AB
A great day for skiing at WinSport (Photo credit: Travel Alberta/A.V. Wakefield).
Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park
Host of biathlon and cross-country skiing events during the 1988 Winter Olympic Games, Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park is a world-class cross-country ski destination for beginners and experienced skiers alike. Rentals and lessons are available on site. Get a trail pass for the day and explore more than 65 kilometres of groomed trails and 6.5 kilometres of illuminated trails for night skiing. If you brought your own equipment, two wax rooms are available to the public free of charge with work tables and ski forms to tune up your skis before hitting the trail. Trail passes are required to access the groomed trails and can be purchased in the main Day Lodge.
Location: 1988 Olympic Way, Canmore, AB
Groomed trails at the Canmore Nordic Centre (Photo credit: Matthew Clark).
Cross-country skiing in Calgary
Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are welcome in any park in Calgary, making it a fun and easy way to get out and enjoy the winter weather. Calgary also has a selection of groomed trails throughout the city you can access for free. City of Calgary Parks like Shaganappi Point Golf Course, South Glenmore Park, and Bowness Park are trackset and ready for your next cross-country skiing adventure in the city. The University of Calgary Outdoor Centre offers cross-country ski rentals for beginner and experienced skiers.
Cross country skiing at the Shaganappi Point Golf Course in Calgary (Photo credit: @dabertime on Instagram).
More stories from Calgary
Winter Fun in any Weather
Must-See Attractions