When you think of Canada, the first thing that comes to mind is white winters and fresh snow. Canada is an excellent destination for snowboarding and other winter sports.
Whether you’re an avid snowboarder or you’re just learning, going to snowboarding resorts for a getaway can be some of the most fun and exciting experiences.
If you’re planning a solo snowboarding trip or a family snowboarding vacation, we have a list of all the top Canadian snowboarding destinations you should try! Some things to look out for in snowboarding resorts are great snow parks, plenty of snowboarding equipment rentals, modern lifts, and a great après ski.
Here are our top 10 best places for snowboarding in Canada:
1. Whistler
Whistler usually makes it to the top of the list for the best snowboarding destinations in Canada every year. Whistler is a monolithic resort that has hosted many snowboarding events, including the Winter Olympics.
Professional athletes, amateur snowboarders, and hobbyists alike all have great things to say about Whistler. With reliable snowfall, great views, and plenty of activities and facilities to try out, Whistler is our number one choice. Whistler also has a good array of runs, great parks and pipes, and lots of terrain for beginners.
2. Banff
Banff is a world-class resort for snowboarders. It has incredible runs, lots of stunning views, and fantastic nightlife. There are also many options for some good old-fashioned Canadian food in the villages and towns around the resort.
If you’re looking for a combination of great slopes as well as luxurious and comfortable accommodation for the perfect snowboarding vacation, Banff is the place for you.
3. Fernie
If you’re looking forward to snowboarding down the Rockies in an average of 30 feet of snow a year, then the Fernie Alpine Resort is the perfect snowboarding resort for you. You can practice your bowl freeriding on slopes that are rarely ever crowded and full of fresh powdery snow. The resort has some great slopes for beginners and freestyle snowboarders, too. Once you’re done snowboarding for the day, you can head off downtown for some great Canadian après ski.
4. Big White
A winter snowboarding vacation with the family and kids can be had at no better resort than the Big White. As per its name, Big White is one of the most extensive ski areas in all of Canada and is white and snowy all year round, with an average of 24 feet of snow every year.
There are plenty of facilities and accommodations for families with young children. There is also a wonderful Main Street to visit when you’re off the slopes. You’ll find plenty of restaurants, shops, bars, and cafes to spend your downtime in.
5. Lake Louise
Lake Louise is located a short 45-minute drive away from Banff Resort and is just as incredible for snowboarding. There are four mountain faces in the Rockies for you to explore and freeride on. If you want to get really integrated into the slopes and feel one with nature, this is the perfect spot for you. There isn’t much sense of nightlife at Lake Louise compared to Banff. There are, however, some fantastic hotels and accommodations to stay at, such as the lakeside Fairmont Chateau and the Lake Louise Inn.
6. Sun Peaks
Sun Peaks resort is located 40 miles away from Kamloops and has seen lots of expansion in the last few years. It boasts all-new fast and modern lifts that can make any snowboarding experience a hundred percent better. If you’re looking for an amazing mountain in the Rockies to snowboard on that isn’t overcrowded and has a big vertical descent, the Sun Peaks resort might be your best choice. There is terrain suited for all levels of skilled snowboarders and suitable for different snowboarding styles.
7. Mont Tremblant
Mont Tremblant is the skiing capital of Quebec and is one of the oldest snowboarding resorts in all of North America. The ski town has an incredible French-Canadian vibe and incredible accommodation, including the Hotel Ermitage Du Lac, the Marriott Residence Inn and Apartments, and the Hotel Fairmont Tremblant.
The South and North sides of the resort are especially suited for beginners, and there is an excellent practice slope at the base station village.
8. Jasper
If you’re after a snowboarding resort with incredible views and slopes that are well suited for snowboarders of different skill levels, then Jasper is the resort you should be visiting. There are many terrain choices and plenty of well-prepared slopes for adventurous snowboarders to try out.
9. Panorama
Panorama resort is located in the Purcell Mountains in the Canadian Rockies. As per the name, you get awe-inspiring 360-degree panoramic views of the Rockies while you’re on the slopes. The resort also offers a great vibe with its intimate atmosphere. The slopes are never overcrowded, there are amazing slope-side hot springs to check out and some comfortable and quaint accommodations to stay at.
10. Kimberley
It’s a wonder that Kimberley Alpine Resort in British Columbia isn’t as well-known as other resorts in the country. The resort offers the perfect mountain village near the Bavarian-themed town of Kimberley. If you’re after some sunny skiing and snowboarding, four different kinds of terrain, and over 500 acres of gladed slopes, Kimberley is the place to go.
Our Final Thoughts
Snowboarding in Canada is an excellent experience whether you’re a snowboarding pro or just starting. Be sure to keep these 10 snowboarding resorts in mind when planning your next trip. From the world-famous Whistler resort to the lesser-known Kimberley Alpine resort, Canada has the best snowboarding destinations for all kinds of snowboarders.
Before your trip, however, get your snowboards and other equipment ready to go! We suggest you try the System Redwood Men’s Snowboard with APX Bindings (ASIN: B07H11BJFJ) or the BURTON Process Flying V Snowboard (ASIN: B096T2WZY6).
Also, if you’re looking to learn some new tricks and tips for snowboarding, check out the book The Art of Snowboarding: Kickers, Carving, Half-Pipe, and More (ISBN-13: 978-0071456883) by Jim Smith.
