Some people like to use winter vacations as a chance to escape the cold, but vacations can also provide exciting opportunities to embrace winter weather and take full advantage of it. Canada is a great place to do the latter. No one knows this better than skiing enthusiasts, who are very likely to consider Canada their perfect winter vacation destination. But how do you decide where to stay in a country absolutely brimming with amazing ski resorts? The amount of excellent ski resorts in Canada is a blessing and a curse, so we’ve put together a list of the top five Canadian ski resorts to help you narrow down your many incredible options. We considered proximity to the slopes as well as special features of the resorts themselves, like unique amenities and accommodations. Here’s our top five that made the list:
Collingwood, Canada
The Mountain View Villas at Cranberry is in the perfect location for an all-season resort. It’s in the Georgian Bay area, close to both the beach and the mountains. As such, you can enjoy winter sports, including skiing and snowmobiling, or enjoy warm weather activities like canoeing and hiking, depending on when you go. The resort also does an excellent job catering to all ages, with a spa for adults and a playground for the kids, as well as three swimming pools for everyone to enjoy.
St. Hippolyte, Canada
This resort is only number four because it’s a 20 minute drive from the slopes, but it’s worth the extra distance if you’re looking for elegant luxury or you want easy access to other winter sports. The downhill slopes may require a car ride, but cross-country ski trails are readily available on-site for your convenience. Adventures Plein Air, which offers snowmobiling, dog sledding, and more is also right on-site, so you can try your hand at some other winter activities. You can also skate on-site on the gorgeous frozen lake. When you’re not having snowy adventures, you can visit the resort spa, which offers unique treatments to improve relaxation, health, and/or beauty, or visit the resort’s very own wine cellar. The resort has it’s own vineyard as well, and a highly trained sommelier to assist and educate you.
Fairmont Hot Springs, Canada
Th Fairmont Vacation Villas is one of the best ski resorts in Canada because it’s right on the mountains and offers on-site skiing. It also features three hot mineral pools, an uncommon resort feature that’s sure to be an incredible experience. However, because the pools are quite special, their use comes with a cost. That said, a full day of skiing from the nearby ski school entitles you to a free swim. The resort also has a decadent on-site natural springs spa! If you return to the property in warmer weather as well, you’ll find easy access to three golf courses within close proximity to your villa. This resort makes it halfway up our list due to the convenience of its skiing and unique amenities.
Banff, Canada
This resort, located in Banff National Park and situated right at the base of the Rundle and Cascade Mountains, is surrounded by absolutely beautiful natural scenery. The resort currently offers a Build Your Own Ski Vacation special, part of which includes a discount on your accommodations if you purchase a lift ticket. It also includes free night skiing on Mount Norquay when available, ski bus shuttle service, and more. Plus, Mount Norquay is a very short drive away, for an abundance of great alpine skiing. The Banff Rocky Mountain Resort is also pet friendly, and your furry friend is treated like royalty, so they are sure to have as much fun as you. The resort decor is the perfect blend of rustic and elegant elements to give you that winter cabin-in-the-woods-but-better ambiance, and you have many mouthwatering options at the resort’s restaurant, Alpha Bistro. Have fun exploring the national park right outside your door when you’re not skiing!
Whistler, Canada
Mountainside Lodge in Whistler is our number one pick for best ski resorts in Canada. It’s just a one-minute walk from the very highly acclaimed Whistler Slopes. In fact, Whistler Blackcomb was ranked number one ski resort in North America by SKI Magazine. Whistler is an incredibly popular ski destination, not just for the mountains, but also because of Whistler Village, and Mountainside Lodge is located right in the midst of it. The village is quaint, with many shopping and dining opportunities. You’ll find shops selling woodsy souvenirs, ski apparel, gourmet chocolate, and much more. Stop at Araxi, a restaurant that has been praised for many consecutive years by readers of Vancouver Magazine. Also be sure to take a dip—or several—in Mountainside Lodge’s hot tub with an incredible view overlooking the ski slopes. Additionally, you’ll be pleased to find that all accommodations come with a jacuzzi and some even come with a dry sauna as well! A stay at the Mountainside Lodge is the iconic ski getaway you’ve been looking for.
Whether you’d prefer to rent for a week or set yourself up for many vacations to come, you should consider a timeshare. Our rentals and resales are a fraction of the cost of retail, and you’ll still receive the same great quality vacation. Browse our Canadian ski resort timeshares and enjoy an adventure-filled winter wonderland!
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