Updated November 10, 2020
Calgary is Alberta’s gateway city to the Canadian Rockies, making it a prime spot for outdoor activities year-round. Snow sports are no exception! While you may only think about Calgary as the home of the annual Stampede, there are tons of fantastic, world-class slopes for snowboarding and skiing near Calgary, many of which are just a short drive away. In fact, the 1988 Winter Olympics was hosted in this very city and its surrounding peaks. Interested to know more? We’ve compiled this list of the best ski resorts near Calgary to help you plan your next outdoor winter adventure.
Best Ski Resorts Near Calgary
WinSport
- Distance from Calgary: 15 miles (~30 minutes)
- Accommodations Available: Not on-site
- Ability Level: All levels
Known for being the host to t he 1988 Winter Olympic Games, WinSport is the closest and one of the most famous places to go skiing near Calgary. WinSport is a training facility for snow sports, especially across many youth programs in the Alberta area. Because of this, the ski area has terrain for beginners to experienced athletes, including jumps and a terrain park that’s suitable for beginner and intermediate skiers. There’s also a skating rink for those looking to take a break from the slopes. Calgary locals call WinSport their “city hill,” as it’s just a half-hour from the center of the city.
How to Get There: If driving, start on Bow Trail SW, merge onto Trans-Canada Hwy/AB-1 W. Take the Canada Olympic Drive Southwest/Bowfort Road Northwest, then go to Canada Olympic Drive SW. If not driving, Calgary Transit has multiple buses a day that take you directly to the Olympic Park.
Nakiska Mountain Resort
- Distance from Calgary: 99 miles (~1 hour, 10 minutes)
- Accommodations Available: Yes
- Ability Level: All levels, mostly intermediate
At just an hour from the city, Nakiska Mountain Resort is one of the closest ski resorts near Calgary. It’s more of a traditional ski resort as it consists only of downhill slopes. Located in the Kananaskis region of the Canadian Rockies, Nakiska was designed for racing and has an optimal mixture of snowmaking and natural snow. As most of the trails are beginner and intermediate-level, so it’s best for less experienced snowboarders and skiers.
The 79 trails at Nakiska are marked by wide, well-groomed, and long. Beginners especially love Sweetgrass and Sundance, while intermediate-level skiers and riders love Olympic Chair and all of the blue runs accessible from there. For Calgary locals, the early bird pass program is a great way to save on lift tickets to the closest traditional ski resort to the city.
How to Get There: If driving, start on Bow Trail SW, merge onto Trans-Canada Hwy/AB-1 W. Keep left to continue on 16 Ave NW/Trans-Canada Hwy/AB-1 W, follow signs for Banff, take exit 118 toward Kananaskis Country. If you are not driving, there are shuttle buses from the airport that take you to the mountain.
Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park
- Distance from Calgary: 106 miles (~1 hour, 20 minutes)
- Accommodations Available: Not on site
- Ability Level: All levels (Nordic)
Seated at the foot of the magnificent Mount Rundle, the Canmore Nordic Centre is a hub for all things Nordic skiing. It was originally built as a cross-country skiing hub for the 1988 Winter Olympics, and also served as the site for the 2005 Cross-Country World Cup. The area now has tons of trails open to cross-country ski aficionados (as well as hikers and bikers in the summertime).
There’s a 6.5 kilometer track that lights up in the night-time for night skiing, as well as several trails for more of a back-country feel. The best part? If you’ve got your own gear, there’s no fee to use the Canmore Nordic Centre area.
How to Get There: If driving, start on Bow Trail SW, merge onto Trans-Canada Hwy/AB-1 W. Keep left to continue on 16 Ave NW/Trans-Canada Hwy/AB-1 W, follow signs for Banff. Take exit 93 toward Three Sisters Parkway/Bow River Campground. If not driving, there are buses from Calgary to Canmore, and then a short walk or drive to the centre.
Sunshine Village
- Distance from Calgary: 143 miles (~1 hour, 40 minutes)
- Accommodations Available: Yes
- Ability Level: All levels
Located on the Continental Divide of the Canadian Rockies, Sunshine Village is one of the four ski resorts near Calgary that’s located in Banff National Park. From the top of the slopes, you can see all the way out to the striking Mount Assiniboine – the tallest peak in the region. The resort occupies property across 3 mountains – Mount Standish, Lookout Mountain, and Goat’s Eye Mountain – and has trails ranging from beginner to expert levels.
Pro tip: If you’re slope-hungry, the SkiBig3 lift ticket that also gives access to Lake Louise and Mt. Norquay. You can also buy a SkiBig3 season pass for regular access to all 3 resorts.
Sunshine Village boasts high-speed gondolas (including a heated lift!) and a network of 139 runs spanning 3,500 acres. Goat’s Eye features a broad variety of terrain, while Mount Standish caters more to intermediate riders and skiers. Visitors love the views from the lifts and the top of the slopes, the resort’s annual Slush Cup event, as well as the well-maintained resort facilities.
How to Get There: If driving, start on Bow Trail SW, merge onto Trans-Canada Hwy/AB-1 W. Keep left to continue on 16 Ave NW/Trans-Canada Hwy/AB-1 W, follow signs for Banff,take the exit towards Sunshine. If not driving, you can get to Sunshine Village from Calgary with a SkiBig3 lift ticket (which includes transportation).
Mount Norquay
- Distance from Calgary: 132 miles (~1.5 hours)
- Accommodations Available: Not on site
- Ability Level: Mostly intermediate/advanced
As one of the other SkiBig3 resorts in Banff National Park, Mt. Norquay is one of the most beloved ski resorts near Calgary. Known for advanced slopes and terrain, experienced snowboarders and skiers will love the challenging runs that Mt. Norquay has to offer. It’s a bit smaller than the other two resorts in Banff, but it’s great for advanced skiers and snowboarders who want to train on some of the best runs in the area. In fact, many Olympic-level athletes use Mt. Norquay as a training facility!
When you’re ready for a break from the slopes, Mt. Norquay has a fantastic on-site cafe – the Cliffhouse Bistro – which was built in a former alpine teahouse. The resort is also very close to the town of Banff, where you have plenty of options for restaurants and bars. Visitors love the carpool/bring a friend discounts and the relaxed vibe of the resort, especially compared to others in the area.
How to Get There: If driving, start on Bow Trail SW, merge onto Trans-Canada Hwy/AB-1 W. Keep left to continue on 16 Ave NW/Trans-Canada Hwy/AB-1 W, follow signs for Banff, then onto Mt. Norquay road. If not driving, you can get to Mt. Norquay from Calgary with a SkiBig3 lift ticket (which includes transportation).
Lake Louise
- Distance from Calgary: 2 hr (182 miles)
- Accommodations Available: not on site
- Ability Level: all levels
As the largest and most popular Banff ski resort, Lake Louise is one of the most iconic places in Canada to plan a ski trip. With over 145 marked runs across 4 mountain faces and some of the most epic views in all of Banff, it’s one of our favorite places for snowboarding and skiing near Calgary. It’s also the host resort to the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup – the only destination in Canada where this event takes place.
Pro tip: Take a free guided tour of the resort when you first arrive to orient yourself, as Lake Louise is MASSIVE and somewhat overwhelming to navigate.
At Lake Louise, you can also find one of the largest terrain parks in North America, perfect for adrenaline junkies who want to shake up their skiing or snowboarding experience. The lifts are also organized in such a way that almost all of them service runs of all levels – perfect for mixed-level groups or families who want to ride up together!
How to Get There: If driving, start on Bow Trail SW, merge onto Trans-Canada Hwy/AB-1 W. Keep left to continue on 16 Ave NW/Trans-Canada Hwy/AB-1 W, follow signs for Banff, Take the Bow Valley Parkway exit toward Lake Louise. If not driving, you can get to Lake Louise from Calgary with a SkiBig3 lift ticket (which includes transportation).
Castle Mountain Resort
- Distance from Calgary: 243 miles (~2.5 hours)
- Accommodations Available: Not on site
- Ability Level: All levels, mostly intermediate and advanced
Located about 2 and a half hours driving from Banff National Park, Castle Mountain Resort is an experienced snowboarder’s and skier’s dream. Its name can sometimes be a point of confusion, as it is not located on Castle Mountain (pictured above), but rather on the Castle River and Windsor Mountain’s Castle Peaks. The resort served as the site of the 1975 Canada Winter Games and is well-known in the Western Canada community. If you’re hoping to escape the crowds of Banff’s ski resorts, head to Castle Mountain for a more laid-back, less crowded experience.
Despite its local feel, Castle Mountain is the second largest in all of Alberta, and one of the largest ski resorts near Calgary. The resort features 78 ski trails, with a mix of beginner, intermediate, and advanced slopes, although due to the mountain’s steep faces, runs here tend to lean more on the difficult side.
How to Get There: If driving, start on AB-2 S, then turn right onto AB-3 W (signs for Crowsnest Pass/Fernle/Crowsnest Highway). Continue straight onto AB-774 W (signs for Castle Mountain). If not driving, bus lines 100 and 300 stop at Castle Mountain from Calgary.
Kicking Horse Mountain Resort
- Distance from Calgary: 275 miles (~3 hours, 15 minutes)
- Accommodations Available: Yes
- Ability Level: Mostly advanced
While Kicking Horse Mountain Resort sits over 3 hours away from Calgary, the drive is worth it if you are an advanced skier. While there are several trails accessible to beginner and intermediate-level skiers and riders, the resort prides itself on having the most accessible steep and challenging terrain in BC/Alberta. This is one of the few places in North America where both beginner skiers and advanced skiers can ski above the trees and clouds. Needless to say, this resort is definitely not for the faint of heart.
Kicking Horse has 120 runs over 3,400 skiable acres, 60% of which are rated as advanced. The Golden Eagle Express lift can take you straight from the resort entrance all the way up to the summit. Although it leans heavily on expert level trails, there is a single long beginner trail that extends from the summit of the mountain all the way to the front entrance of the park. For advanced skiers and snowboarders looking for adrenaline, Kicking Horse offers Purcell Heli-Skiing. Visitors love the stunning views of 6 surrounding national parks from the summit, as well as the secluded location of the resort.
How to Get There: If driving, start on Bow Trail SW, merge onto Trans-Canada Hwy/AB-1 W. Keep left to continue on 16 Ave NW/Trans-Canada Hwy/AB-1 W, follow signs for Banff, then onto Kicking Horse Dr. If not driving, there is a bus from the Calgary International Airport to Kicking Horse that runs twice a week, not including in lift ticket price.
Fernie Alpine Resort
- Distance from Calgary: 294 miles (~3 hours, 15 minutes)
- Accommodations Available: Yes
- Ability Level: All levels
Located in the Lizard Range in the southern Canadian Rockies, Fernie Alpine Resort is a more remote place for snowboarding and skiing near Calgary, known for its high yearly snowfall and powder skiing. The resort’s 142 runs are a pretty even split between beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels, meaning there’s truly something for all levels on this mountain range. The runs here follow ridges and not peaks, making for a unique skiing experience with a lot of terrain to explore. Beginners and families will love the Mighty Moose section, which has wide, beautiful runs for first-timers and less experienced folks.
How to Get There: If driving, start on AB-2 S, then Turn right onto AB-3 W (signs for Crowsnest Pass/Fernle/Crowsnest Highway), turn onto Fernie Ski Hill Rd. If not driving, there is a bus to Fernie from the Calgary International Airport. It’s advised to book seat in advance, and the shuttle runs 5 times a week.
Fairmont Hot Springs Resort
- Distance from Calgary: 298 miles (~3 hours, 20 minutes)
- Accommodations Available: Yes
- Ability Level: All levels
For those looking for more of a holistic winter getaway than an intense skiing experience, the Fairmont Hot Springs Resort is the perfect, secluded place to enjoy the slopes and the comforts of a full-service mountain resort. Located on the site of Canada’s largest natural hot mineral pools, the industry here revolves around wellness and the relaxing warm waters of the springs. All lift tickets come with FREE access to the hot springs – a great 2-for-1 deal.
Back to the topic of winter sports… There are just 12 runs and 2 terrain parks on-site that are mostly beginner and intermediate-level, but there are also tons of other winter activities you can experience, such as Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, skating, and snowmobiling, as well as an on-site spa. Visitors love hitting the slopes for half a day, then soaking in the hot springs right afterward to relax.
How to Get There: The easiest way to get to the Fairmont Hot Springs is to drive. If driving, start on Bow Trail SW, merge onto Trans-Canada Hwy/AB-1 W. Keep left to continue on 16 Ave NW/Trans-Canada Hwy/AB-1 W, follow signs for Banff. Take the AB-93 S exit toward Radium Hot Springs. Turn left onto Fairmont Resort Rd.
Panorama Mountain Village
- Distance from Calgary: 296 miles (~3.5 hours)
- Accommodations Available: Yes, at Panorama Lodge
- Ability Level: All levels
Panorama Mountain Village is a bit of a haul from the city, but it’s one of the best spots for skiing and snowboarding near Calgary if you make the trip! This resort has 129 runs that are mostly intermediate and advanced, but there are plenty of areas for beginners and first-timers.
Known for long runs, big bowls, and beautiful views of the Canadian Rockies, Panorama really lives up to its name. Located near Kicking Horse, many people opt to pair the two resorts together in one trip. It’s one of the sunniest resorts in Canada, boasting 60 days of sun on average during the season. Plus, the on-site resort and lodge here is absolutely stunning, with opportunities for ski-in, ski-out rooms.
How to Get There: If driving, start on Bow Trail SW, merge onto Trans-Canada Hwy/AB-1 W. Keep left to continue on 16 Ave NW/Trans-Canada Hwy/AB-1 W, follow signs for Banff. Take the AB-93 S exit toward Radium Hot Springs, turn right onto Athalmer Rd (signs for Invermere/Panorama), to Panorama Dr. If not driving, there is a bus to Panorama from Calgary International Airport, runs twice a day, not included in lift ticket price.
Kimberley Alpine Resort
- Distance from Calgary: 394 miles (~4.5 hours)
- Accommodations Available: Yes
- Ability Level: All levels
Located in the Purcell Mountains, Kimberley Alpine Resort is a fantastic mid-sized resort that offers a variety of terrain across all levels. With 80 runs across beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels, visitors love the resort for family or group trips, as there’s something for everyone here. The resort also boasts the longest night skiing runs in North America!
Beginners will enjoy the ski school and gentler slopes on the front side of the mountain, while advanced practitioners can fly down the tree glades in powder snow. With ample ski-in, ski-out accommodations, Kimberley is beloved by Calgary locals and visitors alike as a fantastic winter getaway destination.
How to Get There: If driving, start on Bow Trail SW, merge onto Trans-Canada Hwy/AB-1 W. Keep left to continue on 16 Ave NW/Trans-Canada Hwy/AB-1 W, follow signs for Banff. Then, take the AB-93 S exit toward Radium Hot Springs, Continue straight onto Kimberley Hwy/BC-95A (signs for British Columbia 95 Alternate). If not driving, there is a bus to Kimberley from Calgary International Airport.
Revelstoke Mountain Resort
- Distance from Calgary: 413 miles (~4 hours, 40 minutes)
- Accommodations Available: Yes
- Ability Level: All levels, mostly intermediate and advanced
Home to North America’s greatest vertical (1,713 meters/5,620 feet), Revelstoke Mountain is one of the more adrenaline-inducing ski resorts near Calgary. The longest run on-site, The Last Spike, is a whopping 9.5 miles long, and there’s tons of opportunities for off-piste skiing/snowboarding as well.
While there are not very many runs for beginners, intermediate and advanced snowboarders and skiers will thrive here with the resort’s steep runs and powder snow. It’s a perfect place for experienced folks to learn more about navigating backcountry trails with lots of trees and challenging terrain. There’s also heli-skiing available for those looking for the experience of a lifetime!
How to Get There: If driving, start on Bow Trail SW, merge onto Trans-Canada Hwy/AB-1 W. Keep left to continue on 16 Ave NW/Trans-Canada Hwy/AB-1 W, follow signs for Banff, Turn left onto Townley St (signs for CIty Centre/Skl Area). Then, turn right onto Camozzi Rd. If not driving, there is a bus to Revelstoke from Calgary (Westbrooke Mall), and the resort provides a free shuttle to the resort from the town of Revelstoke.
Marmot Basin
- Distance from Calgary: 418 miles (~5 hours)
- Accommodations Available: Not on site
- Ability Level: All levels
With its stunning location in Jasper National Park, Marmot Basin is one of the most beloved getaways for snowboarding and skiing near Calgary. It’s about a 5-hour drive, but the views along Canada’s Icefields Parkway are worth the trip alone. As it’s a bit more out of the way than the Banff resorts, the crowds are often smaller and more manageable than some of the more popular places.
Home to 91 trails across four mountain faces, it has hosted the Canadian National Team for training several times. There’s a fairly even spread of beginner, intermediate, and advanced slopes here, so mixed-level families and groups will all have something to enjoy. You can also ski for free on your birthday!
How to Get There: If driving, start on Bow Trail SW, merge onto Trans-Canada Hwy/AB-1 W. Keep left to continue on 16 Ave NW/Trans-Canada Hwy/AB-1 W, follow signs for Banff, Take the Alberta 93 exit toward Jasper/Rocky Mointain House, to Marmot Rd. If not driving, there is a bus to the resort from Calgary International Airport.
Whitefish Mountain Resort
- Distance from Calgary: 463 miles (~5 hours)
- Accommodations Available: Yes
- Ability Level: All levels, mostly intermediate and advanced
We wouldn’t include Whitefish Mountain Resort on our guide if it weren’t an absolutely epic place for snowboarding and skiing near Calgary. It’s just 31 miles from Glacier National Park (in Montana), and the views from the resort and in the surrounding areas are absolutely spellbinding.
Whitefish boasts 3,000 acres of skiable terrain, including 105 trails that are mostly rated intermediate and advanced. People love tackling Hellfire, the 3.3-mile run that’s the longest in the park. Visitors love the community feel of the resort, and rave about the gorgeous vistas in the area between the resort and Glacier National Park.
Pro tip: Pair your getaway to Whitefish with a drive through Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park; it’s absolutely worth the extra effort!
How to Get There: The only way to get to Whitefish from Calgary is by car. If driving, head east on 9 Ave SW toward 3 St SW S/Barclay St SW S. Keep left to continue on AB-2 S. Turn right onto Crowsnest Hwy/AB-3 W (signs for Crowsnest Pass/Fernle/Crowsnest Highway. Turn left onto BC-93 S (signs for Roosville/US Border), then turn right onto Big Mountain Rd.
Things to Know for Snowboarding or Skiing Near Calgary
What to Pack
- Waterproof outerwear – Possibly the most critical pieces of clothing for your ski trip packing list is durable, waterproof outerwear. Burton and Helly Hansen are famous ski brands for having best-in-class clothing that will keep you warm in the coldest, snowiest conditions. Click here to shop ski jackets and compare prices.
- Thermal layers – Thermal baselayers are absolutely critical for a smooth skiing experience, as these will keep you warm and dry underneath your outerwear. The best kinds of thermal baselayers are made of Merino wool, which is moisture-wicking and comfortable. Our favorite brand of thermal layers is SmartWool – their tops and leggings are soft, lightweight, but warm and durable for all kinds of outdoor activities, including skiing. Click here to shop thermal tops and leggings and compare prices.
- Ski goggles – No ski trip packing list would be complete without a pair of fog-resistant ski goggles, especially if you’re going somewhere that makes artificial snow. Ski slopes often have snow blowing into the air several times a day and it can be hard to keep freezing snowflakes out of your eyes, even during clear days. We use and recommend these ski goggles. However, you can shop ski goggles and compare reviews/prices here.
- Waterproof outerwear – Possibly the most critical pieces of clothing for your ski trip packing list is durable, waterproof outerwear. Burton and Helly Hansen are famous ski brands for having best-in-class clothing that will keep you warm in the coldest, snowiest conditions. Click here to shop ski jackets and compare prices.
- Thermal layers – Thermal baselayers are absolutely critical for a smooth skiing experience, as these will keep you warm and dry underneath your outerwear. The best kinds of thermal baselayers are made of Merino wool, which is moisture-wicking and comfortable. Our favorite brand of thermal layers is SmartWool – their tops and leggings are soft, lightweight, but warm and durable for all kinds of outdoor activities, including skiing. Click here to shop thermal tops and leggings and compare prices.
- Ski goggles – No ski trip packing list would be complete without a pair of fog-resistant ski goggles, especially if you’re going somewhere that makes artificial snow. Ski slopes often have snow blowing into the air several times a day and it can be hard to keep freezing snowflakes out of your eyes, even during clear days. We use and recommend these ski goggles. However, you can shop ski goggles and compare reviews/prices here.
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