Canada Family Ski Vacations

Canada Family Ski Vacations
With castle-high snow-capped mountains surrounding you as you carve and shred down the mountain, the gorgeous views are an experience in and of itself. From giant Canadian ski resorts in Lake Louise and Banff to hidden Canadian skiing gems like Apex Mountain, families can enjoy great weather, sprawling mountains and lots of snow-covered trails, skiing and boarding families will love the Canadian Rockies experience. This riding paradise has it all, from leading Canadian ski resorts like the Mont Sainte Anne Mountain Resort and Lake Louise Ski Area to hidden Canadian skiing gems such as Apex Mountain. All of them offer a variety of trails for all skill levels as well as skiing and snowboarding programs, children's programs, slopeside accommodations and a wide range of other winter activities for families. Here is a list of our favorite Canada Ski Resorts:


Apex Mountain
This hidden Canadian skiing gem provides families with great weather, lots of snow-covered trails and extraordinary terrain. From smooth cruisers to steep trails, all skill levels are accommodated. Gently rolling hills offer beginners and intermediates the perfect slopes for those that are just starting out. More experienced riders can carve down the black and double black diamond trails, or try their skills on the resort's terrain park. The resort also offers a second terrain park for all skill levels with low to the ground jumps, boxes and rails. Families can enjoy more than 1,000 acres of skiable terrain, kid's programs, childcare facilities, and a variety of other winter activities including tubing, ice skating and snowshoeing.

Whether you are looking for condos, cabins, hotel rooms or townhomes, Apex Mountain has it all. With several condo properties, cabins and vacation homes, families can enjoy spacious accommodations with the comforts of home. Many include several bedrooms, kitchens and fireplaces in great ski-in/ski-out locations. In the heart of the village the Apex Mountain Inn provides families with luxurious stays just steps away from the slopes.

Lake Louise
Stretching across four mountains, this giant Canadian ski resort features more than 4,000 acres of skiable terrain. With more than enough terrain, this resort features 139 trails with green, blue, black diamond and double black diamond trails. The resort's terrain park features an assortment of rails, jumps and jibs for all skiing and snowboarding levels. Entry-level jumps and rails are located in the progression park as well as in the "warm up" area.

For those who are just starting out, or if you're looking to fine tune your skills on the slopes, Lake Louise Ski Area offers a ski and snowboarding school. Offering child, youth and adult programs, explore the mountain and enjoy a fun learning experience. KinderSki offers one- and two-hour ski and play programs for kids ages 3 and 4. The Lake Louise Daycare offers supervised activities for kids 6 and under.

If you are in need of rental equipment, the resort offers skis, snowboards, boots, helmets and children's equipment. I would highly recommend renting, or bringing your own helmet for kids. Ski and snowboarding rental packages are also available.

With plenty of lodging throughout the area, families can easily find something that will fit their needs. From cozy lodges and hotel rooms, to rustic chalets and spacious condo units, the Banff-Lake Louise area has it all. For more information on area accommodations and lodging you may also want to check out our Banff and Lake Louise resorts pages.

Mont Sainte Anne Mountain Resort
Located minutes from Quebec City, many skiers and snowboarders flock to this leading Canadian ski resort for some of the best trails and riding in North America. With more than 40 miles of skiable terrain, 66 trails and a variety of activities for the whole family it's no wonder why visitors keep coming back year after year.

Mont Sainte Anne offers a wide range of terrains for all skill levels from beginner and intermediate trails to steep sloped expert trails. The resort offers great night skiing with more than nine miles with 17 brightly lit trails. Don't worry if you're not into the whole skiing and snowboarding thing there are a variety of other activities including dog sledding, ice skating, snowshoeing, or pay the ski museum a visit.

For family accommodations, there are several slope side lodging options to choose from as well as other nearby hotels in Quebec City. The Chateau Mont-Sainte-Anne offers families luxurious ski-in/ski-out accommodations offering spacious rooms with fireplaces, kitchens and gorgeous mountain views. The Hebergement Mont-Sainte-Anne and Chalets Montmorency offer spacious chalets and condo units perfect for that home away from home feel.

Mt. Norquay
Located just minutes from the town of Banff, this family-friendly mountain offers excellent trails and terrain for beginner, intermediate and experienced riders. As one of the best-kept secrets in the Canadian Rockies, this resort offers more than 10 miles of skiable terrain, with 28 trails and five lifts. Green and blue trails offer easier rides for beginner and intermediate skiers and snowboarders. More experienced riders can shred down one of the black or double black diamond trails, or take on the terrain park filled with jumps and rails.

With great services for families, Mt. Norquay offers skiing and snowboarding lessons for children and adults, as well as daycare services for children 6 and under. Kids will enjoy a variety of indoor and outdoor activities, with morning, afternoon and full-day programs available. Norquay also offers the only night skiing in the Banff-Lake Louise area, so you can enjoy some extra runs under the lights.

Scattered throughout the Banff-Lake Louise area, there are a wide range of lodging accommodations for families to choose from. Ranging from luxurious hotel rooms, to chalets and spacious condo units, you will surely find something that fits your family's needs and budget.

Sunshine Village
Located within Banff National Park, Canada's highest elevated resort receives over 30 feet of annual snowfall each year. As you carve down the mountain, the stunning Canadian Rockies environment is just the beginning. With 3,358 acres of skiable terrain and more than 100 beginner, intermediate and expert trails, this resort is a skiing and snowboarding paradise for all. Sunshine Village's trails are stretched over three different mountains offering great terrain for all skill levels. The resort features the areas largest terrain park with more than 12 acres of features, including rails, jumps and boxes.

The Tiny Tiger Daycare is located in the village area, offering a variety of indoor and outdoor activities for kids 6 and under. Sunshine Village also offers a skiing and snowboarding school for adults and children of all skill levels. Ski and play packages are available for kids ages 3 to 6. Kids can enjoy indoor and outdoor activities at the Tiny Tiger Daycare, as well as ski lessons on the mountain. Skiing and snowboarding lessons are also available for kids 6 to 12. For ages 13 and up, adult programs teach basic techniques, help with skill developments and offer performance feedback. Full and multiple day lessons are offered for both children and adult programs.

There are three convenient rental locations for those who need riding equipment. A wide range of ski and snowboard rentals are available as well as jackets, pants and helmets.

Sunshine Mountain Lodge, Banff's only ski-in/ski-out lodge, offers families convenient accommodations in the heart of Sunshine Village Ski Resort. With it's perfect mountain location, some of the best skiing around is just steps away. Choose from several room sizes including loft rooms, main lodge suites and deluxe rooms with balconies. If you are looking for other accommodation options, the Banff-Lake Louise area features as assortment of hotels, lodges and condo unit. For more information on lodging, check out our Banff and Lake Louise resorts pages.