Canmore is your gateway to some of Canada’s best skiing. Just minutes from town, you’ll find everything from gentle beginner runs to challenging alpine terrain.
As for nearby resorts, all have their own character and charm. Some cater to families, while others to advanced rides chasing deep powder.
Today, we’ve rounded up the essential details about each mountain – from ticket prices to terrain parks. Our guide has everything you need to know to have a perfect ski day near Canmore.
Let’s plan your next adventure!
1. Sunshine Village
- Location: 15 km southwest of Banff on the Continental Divide (51.0785° N, 115.7765° W)
- Daily Lift Tickets (subject to change according to season and demand):
- Adult (18+): $127
- Youth (13-17): $99
- Child (6-12): $49
- Under 5: Free
Sunshine Village is a powder-seeker’s paradise. Three mountains serve up 3,358 acres of natural snow terrain. The resort is famous for its long season, often running from November through late May.
The terrain here suits everyone from beginners to experts. Wide-open bowls and gentle groomers make up 20% of beginner, 55% of intermediate runs, and 25% of advanced/expert runs.
Speaking of experts, there’s steep and deep terrain like Delirium Dive and Wild West that you guys must check out! They’re some of North America’s most challenging in-bounds skiing.
As for getting there, the Sunshine Coach offers regular shuttles from Canmore ($25 round trip). If driving, it’s about 50 minutes from Canmore. All parking is free at the base.
There’s on-mountain lodging at Sunshine Mountain Lodge, near multiple restaurants and bars. Sunshine Village also has Canada’s highest elevated heated quad chair too – a comforting feature during those biting winters!
Want an alternative place to stay other than the lodge? Check out our open-concept, charming condo featuring a cozy bed, a well-stocked kitchenette, and gorgeous views. It’s pet-friendly, so bring your furry friend along for the fun (for an additional fee)!
Mountain Stats
- Vertical Drop: 3,514 ft
- Skiable Terrain: 3,358 acres
- Annual Snowfall: 30 ft
- Runs: 120+
- Lifts: 12
2. Lake Louise Ski Resort
- Location: 50 minutes from Canmore, just outside Lake Louise Village (51°26′N 116°10′W)
- Daily Lift Tickets:
- Adult (18+): $159
- Youth (13-17): $119
- Child (6-12): $59
- Under 5: Free
Lake Louise is an icon of the Canadian Rockies. With views that’ll stop you in your tracks, this place gives you 4,200 acres of skiable terrain spread across four mountain faces.
Additionally, the resort’s layout is brilliant for mixed-ability groups. Every chairlift has at least one easy way down, so beginners and experts can explore together. The back bowls serve up endless powder stashes, while the front side offers meticulously groomed runs.
Getting there is simple. Free shuttle service runs from Canmore daily during peak season. Driving instead? Then take the Trans-Canada Highway west – the drive is scenic and well-maintained.
Other highlights of Lake Louise include a world-class ski school, heated gondola cabins, and night skiing events throughout the season. They also have some of the best intermediate terrain in Canada.
Mountain Stats
- Vertical Drop: 3,250 ft
- Skiable Terrain: 4,200 acres
- Annual Snowfall: 16.4 ft
- Runs: 145+
- Lifts: 10
3. Nakiska Ski Area
- Location: 45 minutes from Canmore in Kananaskis Country (50°56′N 115°08′W)
- Daily Lift Tickets:
- Adult (18+): $109
- Youth (13-17): $85
- Child (6-12): $45
- Under 5: Free
Nakiska is a local favourite and the closest mountain resort to Canmore. Built for the 1988 Winter Olympics, it’s now the go-to sport for quick ski trips and family outings. The resort is perfect for beginners and intermediates looking to level up.
With extensive snowmaking and some of the best grooming in the Rockies, you’ll find consistently good conditions. The terrain gets more challenging as you go higher, with some solid black runs up top.
Note: No shuttle service from Canmore is available, but the easy drive along Highway 40 makes up for it. There’s plenty of free parking at the base too.
It doesn’t stop there! Nakiska also offers night skiing on select dates and excellent learning terrain, making it great for families.
For the perfect vacation stay in the Rockies, book this property of ours with a shared gym, hot tub, pool, and underground parking. The design is modern and cozy and features 2 bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, and a living space.
Mountain Stats
- Vertical Drop: 2,412 ft
- Skiable Terrain: 1,021 acres
- Runs: 79
- Longest Run: 3.1 km
- Lifts: 6
4. Mt. Norquay
- Location: 10 minutes from Banff, 30 minutes from Canmore (51°12′N 115°35′W)
- Daily Lift Tickets:
- Adult (18+): $89
- Youth (13-17): $69
- Child (6-12): $39
- Under 5: Free
- Afternoon tickets available at reduced rates
The closest resort to Banff, Mt. Norquay packs a punch for its size. This historic hill opened in 1926 and still delivers some of the best night skiing in the Rockies. While it’s smaller than its neighbours, locals love it for quick ski sessions and challenging technical runs.
Standout features include both a tubing and terrain park, and a historic lodge with great views. They have an excellent ski school as well, and offer the best deals on lift tickets in the area.
Roam Transit offers regular bus service from Banff. But if you’re getting there from Canmore, driving is your best bet. Take the Trans-Canada to the Mt. Norquay exit.
After a day on the slopes, why not unwind in a hot tub or gather around a cozy fire pit? Head down to one of our listings for the perfect accommodation during your mountain getaway! It has a fully equipped kitchen, comfortable living spaces, and stunning views.
Mountain Stats
- Vertical Drop: 1,650 ft
- Skiable Terrain: 190 acres
- Runs: 60
- Lifts: 5
- Night Skiing: Thursday to Saturday
5. Kicking Horse
- Location: 2.5 hours from Canmore in Golden, BC (51°18′N 117°03′W)
- Daily Lift Tickets:
- Adult (18+): $139
- Youth (13-17): $109
- Child (6-12): $49
- Under 5: Free
- Early booking discounts are available online
A bit further out but worth every minute of the drive, Kicking Horse is where you go when you want to ski with a side of adrenaline. This place earned its nickname ‘The Champagne Powder Capital of Canada’ honestly – we’re talking seriously deep snow and seriously steep terrain.
Don’t let its reputation for extreme skiing scare you off though. While experts flock here for the hair-raising chutes and bowls, there are still plenty of cruisy runs for intermediates. Beginners might find the options limited, but the views from the gondola alone are worth the trip.
Next to the gondola, there’s also the famous Eagle’s Eye Restaurant at the summit. Kicking Horse features 85+ chutes for advanced riders and some of the best bowl skiing in North America. You’ll find smaller crowds than at the Banff resorts too.
There’s no direct shuttle from Canmore to the Kicking Horse. You’ll have to drive west on the Trans-Canada Highway – the route takes you through some stunning mountain passes.
Mountain Stats
- Vertical Drop: 4,314 ft
- Skiable Terrain: 3,486 acres
- Annual Snowfall: 24 ft
- Runs: 128+
- Lifts: 5 (including that epic gondola!)
6. Canada Olympic Park (WinSport)
- Location: West Calgary, about 1 hour from Canmore (51°05′N 114°13′W)
- Daily Lift Tickets:
- Adult (18+): $54
- Youth (13-17): $49
- Child (6-12): $39
- Under 5: Free
- Multi-visit passes offer better value
Don’t let its urban location fool you – COP (as the locals call it) is a genuine piece of Olympic history right on Calgary’s doorstep. While it’s not a massive mountain resort, it’s perfect for learning, training, or sneaking in some turns after work.
This is where countless Canadian Olympians got their start, and it’s still the best place near Canmore for newcomers to find their ski legs. The hill specializes in teaching absolute beginners and helping intermediate riders polish their technique.
COP also makes an excellent warm-up destination before hitting bigger mountains. The resort partners with several Canmore ski lodges and hotels as well to offer learn-to-ski packages.
Get there by car. It’s an easy drive east on the Trans-Canada Highway. Calgary Transit also serves the park during operating hours.
Tip: For a rich Canmore ski resort experience, try out other activities available in the park. You can go mountain biking, ziplining, or mini golfing. There’s a children’s activities area too, so no one is left bored!
Mountain Stats
- Vertical Drop: 538 ft
- Skiable Terrain:25 acres
- Annual Snowfall: 16.4 ft
- Runs: 14
- Lifts: 6
- Night Skiing: Daily until 9 pm
Conclusion
Whether you’re planning a full ski vacation or looking for a quick powder fix, consider staying at one of the Canmore ski lodges on our list. Each resort brings something unique to the table.
Sunshine Village and Lake Louise deliver that big mountain experience with terrain for everyone. Nakiska offers family-friendly convenience, while Mt. Norquay gives you affordable local charm.
If you’re willing to venture further, Kicking Horse serves up legendary powder and steeps. COP keeps things accessible for learners and after-work sessions.
Pro Tip: Check each resort’s website for early booking deals and multi-day passes. More importantly, don’t forget to check road conditions before heading out – mountain weather can change quickly.
Are you ready yet to hit the slopes? Grab your gear, pick your peak, and experience some of Canada’s finest skiing, all within reach of Canmore!
