Looking to ski Canada’s legendary resorts, and having trouble deciding the best month for a ski trip? With a ski season stretching from November to May, a wide range of resorts and prices, it can be a tough decision to make. In this blog, we’re breaking down the pros and cons of each month, helping you decide the best month for a ski trip in BC and Alberta!

November:

Yes you read that right, November! Annually, Canada’s ski resorts race to open first, and the winner is typically Lake Louise or Mt. Norquay in Banff National Park, with Nakiska opening shortly afterwards.

There isn’t much to ski in November. These mountains only have a couple of runs open, typically just greens. If you’re looking to ski anything other than easy groomed runs, this isn’t the best month for a ski trip.

However, if you only want a day on the slopes and, you’re looking to make skiing part of a bigger sightseeing trip in Banff, this is a great time to visit. Crowds are non-existent, the sun’s out for longer, and accommodation is about as low-priced as it ever is in Banff.

December:

This is when the ski season starts to open up all over! Whistler typically opens around late November, and the rest of BC’s famed mountains are shortly behind, with all resorts opening by mid-December

Snow is a 50/50 gamble this time of year. Some years, it’s the best month of the entire season. Other seasons, it won’t get quite cold enough and would-be powder days turn into rainstorms. Since snow is hit-or-miss, you’ll find significantly cheaper accommodations until about a week before Christmas.

From Christmas to New Year’s, our tip is to get FAR away from any urban centers. This means checking out resorts like Whitewater, Red Mountain Resort, Sun Peaks, and Panorama. Tourists and locals alike will descend on the mountains over the Christmas break. If you’re a 4+ hour drive away from Vancouver or Calgary, prices will go down and it won’t be as crowded.

January & February

After the Christmas period, the ski season is in full swing. Even in bad snow years, all the terrain will be open on every resort. Powder days tend to stack up in January and February. If you’re looking for the lightest, driest snow, this is the time to go.

Revelstoke, Fernie, and Red Mountain are our favourites in January and February. These are the snowiest months at these resorts. Slightly lower elevations mean they don’t hold as much good snow in the spring, so it’s the time to go.

Our other recommendation in January and February is to dodge colder temperatures. Banff, Kicking Horse, and Jasper get COLD this time of year. We’re talking like -20 up to -30 Celsius (sub-zero Fahrenheit). It’s just not super enjoyable to ski in those conditions.

Fernie, Revelstoke, and Red hover around -5 to -10 (15 to 25 Fahrenheit). The snow is still light and dry, but it’s not quite as cold as the Banff area.

March

March is the KING of all ski months in Western Canada. With a massive snow base, tons of powder days, and warmer temperatures, there is no better time to plan a ski trip in BC.

This is the best month for a ski trip in Banff and the surrounding areas. March sees some of the highest snowfall, and the weather warms up a few degrees, making for perfect skiing conditions. Banff typically averages less snowfall than other ski areas in Western Canada, so the powder will be fully stacked up by this time of year.

You can’t really go wrong in March, in our opinion it’s the best month for a ski trip. Any BC or Alberta ski spot will be absolutely legendary this time of year. There will be a few more people on the mountains with spring break trips, but it’s not as crowded Christmas, and the snow is better.

April & May

April through closing day (around May 20th), is when you want to make the powder pilgrimage to Whistler Blackcomb.

From Christmas to mid-March, Whistler is crowded, expensive, and a bit stressful to plan a ski trip to. It’s still worth a stop if you’re planning a trip in other times of the season, but April is when it really starts to shine.

In April, the snow base is incredible, with every line on the mountain filled in. Powder days are still common, and storms move in and out of the area quickly, leading to a bunch of bluebird powder days. Accommodation prices fall from ~$600/night for hotels to ~$200. Many Vancouver locals start golfing, camping, or taking up other winter activities, so lift lines become non-existent.

The fun doesn’t stop in April! Whistler has enough snow that it could probably stay open well into June most years, but the mountain typically closes on May 20th. Only one mountain, typically Blackcomb, will be open from ~April 20th on. Expect sunshine, fun costumes, no lift lines, and the odd powder day (in May!).

Elsewhere in BC and Alberta, resorts typically close around mid-April. This is a shame, as it’s often still a great time for skiing throughout most of western Canada. But luckily, Whistler keeps the skiing going!

Car Rental

From November through April, winter tires are required on Canadian roads. Many rental companies only offer M&S tires, but FarOut Wilderness offers 4×4 rentals with three peak winter tires. If you’re chasing powder days this winter (as you should), don’t take chances on BC and Alberta’s snowy winter roads. Book your vehicle with us here today.