Plan the Perfect Ski Trip to the Canadian Rockies This Winter

Canmore is the ideal home base for a ski or snowboard trip in the Canadian Rockies. With access to world-class resorts, cozy accommodations, and snow-packed fun, it’s the perfect place to stay and play all winter long.

There are several places to ski and snowboard in and around Canmore and Kananaskis.

• Nakiska Ski Resort: Located in Kananaskis Country, Nakiska is the closest resort to Calgary and popular with families and intermediate skiers.
• SkiBig3 Resorts
  • Mt. Norquay: The closest to Banff, the resort offers lots of steep terrain and is the only resort with night skiing.
  • Banff Sunshine Village: Sitting on the continental divide, Sunshine is famous for its all-natural snow, long season, and fun terrain.
  • Lake Louise Ski Resort: One of Canada’s largest resorts with a long runs and diverse terrain.

Booking your dream winter vacation to the Canadian Rockies? Here are some frequently asked questions to help you plan your ski trip to Canmore and Kananaskis.

Where should I stay in Canmore and Kananaskis?

Canmore and Kananaskis have a huge selection of winter accommodations for every kind of traveller. You’ll be sure to find the right space to relax and feel right at home:

Condo-style Stays

Need room to spread out? These condo-style stays are perfect for families and groups, with kitchens, living space, and plenty of home amenities.

• Basecamp Resorts Canmore
• Copperstone Resort Hotel
• Lodges at Canmore
• Spring Creek Vacations (includes Rundle Cliffs Lodge, The Tamarack Lodge, Timberstone Mountain Lodge, White Spruce Lodge)

Hotel-style Comforts

Prefer classic hotel ease? Canmore and Kananaskis have plenty of options for families, couples, and anyone chasing a little luxury.

• Basecamp Lodge Canmore
• Canmore Inn & Suites
• Canmore Downtown Hostel
• Canmore Rocky Mountain Inn
• Chateau Canmore
• Lamphouse Hotel Canmore
• Northwinds Hotel
• Stoney Nakoda Resort
• The Drake Inn
• The Malcolm Hotel

Boutique-style Lodging

Want to elevate your stay? Check out these unique winter escapes in Canmore and Kananaskis.

• Canmore Creek House
• Creekside Villa
• Lady MacDonald Country Inn
• Mount Engadine Lodge
• Paintbox Lodge
• Skyridge Glamping

When is the best time of year to ski in Canmore?

Ski season in the Canadian Rockies typically starts in November and ends in May. Check ski resort websites directly for their official opening and closing dates.

Here is a general guide for what you can expect throughout the season:

• November-December: Early season, with new snow and fresh winter spirit.
• January-March: Typically the coldest months with the most snow.
• April-May: Shifting toward spring-like conditions with longer, warmer days.

Do I need a park pass to ski?

Yes! If you are skiing at Nakiska Ski Resort, you will need a Kananaskis Conservation Pass. If you are skiing at one of the SkiBig3 resorts in Banff National Park, you require a National Parks Pass.

Where can I rent ski or snowboard equipment in Canmore?

There are several shops in Canmore that offer ski and snowboard equipment rentals:

• SkiBig3 – Canmore Adventure Hub
• GearUp Mountain Sport and Rentals
• Rocky Mountain Adaptive: Offers a range of winter sport and recreational equipment, available for rent to adaptive guests and their families/friends
• Electric Mountain – Ski Bike Rentals

Pro tip: Reserve your rentals online ahead of time to guarantee you get the equipment you need!

Where can I take ski lessons in Canmore?

• Nakiska Ski Resort
• SkiBig3 Resorts
• Rocky Mountain Adaptive: Offers private lessons for adaptive visitors with mobility or neurological needs

Where can I eat in Canmore?

Canmore is a mountain town with a diverse selection of restaurants.

• Craving comfort foods? Warm up with classic après ski favourites at casual eateries in town.
• Thirsty for a pint? Check out our local breweries and distilleries.
• Planning a fancy date night? Treat yourself to an elevated meal at romantic restaurants in Canmore and Kananaskis.
• Need breakfast fuel to start your day? Discover the best breakfast and brunch places in the Bow Valley.

Your choices are endless!

What else can I do in Canmore and Kananaskis in the winter?

Winter in the Canadian Rockies extends beyond the ski hills. Here are some popular winter activities to do in Canmore and Kananaskis:

Snowshoeing and winter hiking: Explore quiet forests and frozen canyons in a winter wilderness.

Try booking with one of the following recommended guides for a curated experience:

• Canadian Rockies Experience
• Buffalo Stone Woman
• Get Outside
• Kananaskis Outfitters

Need to buy or rent snowshoes? Try one of the following options:

• GearUp Mountain Sport and Rentals
• Kananaskis Outfitters
• Sports Experts
• Sports Garage Consignment

Cross-country skiing: Glide through groomed trails at the Canmore Nordic Centre or scenic backcountry tracks in Kananaskis. Need rental gear or lessons? Try these businesses:

• GearUp Mountain Sport and Rentals: Rentals
• Kananaskis Outfitters: Rentals and lessons
• Sports Garage Consignment: Rentals
• Trail Sports: Rentals and lessons

Fat biking: Cruise along packed snow trails for a fast-paced ride through the Rockies. New to fat biking? The following businesses provide lessons and/or rentals:

• GearUp Mountain Sport and Rentals
• Rebound Cycle
• Trail Sports

Ice skating: Skate with mountain views on outdoor rinks in Canmore.

Dogsledding: Experience the thrill of mushing through the backcountry with a team of eager sled dogs at Howling Dog Tours Ltd.

Ice fishing: Drop a line and try your luck at catching fish on a frozen lake with Canmore Fishing Adventures or Wapiti Sports & Outfitters.

In Canmore and Kananaskis, our natural ecosystems and stunning landscapes are the heart and soul of our local mountain culture. Before your visit, we encourage you to sign the Pledge to the Peaks, committing to mindful exploration to ensure the safety of all inhabitants of the region and preserve the beauty of our unfiltered wilderness for generations to come.