Canada is famed for its slopes, but where do you start? Laura French looks at the options.
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Whistler
When it comes to sheer scale and unparalleled variety, nothing beats Whistler; it’s the biggest ski area in North America and has slopes to suit every level, with more than 200 trails scattered between the peaks of Whistler and the Blackcomb Mountains (linked by the Peak2Peak gondola). Greens and blues offer plenty for beginners, while challenging blacks, super-steep bowls and powdery off-piste tours make it a hotspot for the more advanced. It’s also easily accessible at only a two-hour drive from Vancouver Airport, and offers plenty of dancing-on-the-table-type affairs for those more into the après.
Book it: Canadian Affair offers a 10-night trip from £1,279 per person, including flights, hotel accommodation and return transfers in February 2020.
canadianaffair.com
Mont-Tremblant
For clients after a shorter break, look to the east coast – specifically Tremblant, a short transfer from Montreal. Reliable snow, varied terrain, long peaceful runs and a car-free village filled with brightly coloured Quebec architecture make this an excellent alternative to European resorts. A decent beginner’s area means it’s a wise bet for novices as well as those at a higher level, and the range of accommodation offers good value for money, too.
Book it: Premier Holidays offers seven nights at Les Suites Ermitage Du Lac from £1,149 per person, including return transfers and flights on January 14, 2020.
trade.premierholidays.co.uk
Panorama Mountain Resort
If it’s a quieter spot skiers are after, look to Panorama in British Columbia. Lift queues are pretty much non-existent here so you feel like you have the whole area to yourself, and it’s ideal for families with beginner slopes, a pedestrianised centre and slope-side hot springs – complete with water slides – on hand to entertain.
Book it: Crystal Ski Holidays offers a week’s self-catering at Panorama Springs Lodge from £984 per person, including flights and transfers on January 15, 2020.
crystalski.co.uk
Banff National Park
With their jagged, snow-dusted peaks plunging into crystal-clear lakes, the Rockies need little introduction. You’ll find some of the world’s most scenic skiing in Banff National Park, with a huge network of runs spread across the resorts of Lake Louise, Mount Norquay and Sunshine Village – all of which are interconnected with the SkiBig3 pass. Snow conditions are excellent and there’s wildlife in abundance, while snowmobile trips into the wilderness are also on hand.
Book it: Inghams offers a week at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise from £1,157 per person, based on four adults sharing room-only, with airport transfers and flights on December 3.
inghams.co.uk
Sun Peaks
The second-biggest ski area in Canada, Sun Peaks combines family-friendly facilities with warmer climes than your average ski resort – it gets 2,000 hours of sunshine a year. There’s also plenty of ski-in ski-out accommodation and every type of terrain – from long runs to glade skiing through the woods – and it’s all set round a ski-through village designed in traditional Alpine style.
Book it: Powder White offers 14 nights at the Coast Sundance Lodge from £1,155 per person, based on four sharing with transfers and lift passes (excluding flights).
powderwhite.com/agents
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