Are you in a habit of making annual spring break ski trips to Colorado or Utah? Whether you’re from Texas or Florida, or a big east coast city like New York, you probably love the big mountain ski experience your spring break ski trips provide. Combine that with après, laid back west coast energy, and you’ve got a perfect vacation that feels worlds away from Gulf Coast beaches or east coast concrete jungles.

But if Breckenridge or Aspen are starting to feel like old stomping grounds, it might be time to look further north. Canada offers everything you love about spring break ski trips — legendary snow, vibrant ski towns, and unforgettable terrain — and a few extra perks that make crossing the border well worth it.

Legendary Snowfall

Colorado is famous for its powder, but being further south, its peak season often comes slightly before the spring break ski trips get going. While Colorado mountains typically are at their best in deep winter months like February, March is king in Canada.

Canadian ski resorts like Whistler Blackcomb, Banff Sunshine, and Lake Louise regularly record their deepest snowpacks during spring break. Revelstoke — home to North America’s biggest vertical — sees storm cycles that keep powder stashes fresh well into April. With slightly colder temperatures than American counterpart resorts, your chances of scoring a deep ski day later in the season are higher.

Your Dollar Goes Further

One of the biggest advantages of heading north is the value Americans get from the exchange rate. Over the past year, $1 US Dollar has equaled about $1.40 Canadian Dollars. That $20 burger on the hill? Closer to $14. A $300 hotel room? Around $210. Spending US dollars in Canada really works in your favor. It feels like everything is 30% off.

On top of the exchange rate, many Canadian ski towns are simply more affordable than their U.S. counterparts. Whether you’re booking a slope-side stay or a cozy lodge in town, you’ll often find better deals in Canada. For families and groups planning spring break ski trips in a tight economy, it’s a smart way to stretch your budget further.

Your Ski Pass Works in Canada

If you’ve already got an Epic or Ikon Pass, your Canadian spring break ski trip is practically calling your name.

  • Epic Pass: Valid at Whistler Blackcomb, the largest ski resort in North America. Most passes have additional partner access at Fernie Alpine Resort and Kicking Horse Mountain Resort — two of the best mountains in the Canadian Rockies
  • Ikon Pass: Works at Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise, Mt. Norquay, RED Mountain, Panorama Mountain Resort, Sun Peaks, and Revelstoke. The “Powder Highway” loop from Banff to Revelstoke is Canada’s best ski trip, and the Ikon Pass is the perfect ski pass to head to those resorts on.

Border Basics

One of the main hesitations we hear around taking ski trips to Canada is based around the fact that it’s an international trip. Don’t worry, crossing the border from the US to Canada is simple. FarOut Wilderness can help plan out every step of your trip, and that includes giving you a rundown on what to expect at the border.

Here are a few common concerns we hear:

  • Passports:US citizens need a valid passport to enter Canada, but border crossings are typically quick and straightforward. They usually won’t even stamp your passport.
  • Customs: Flying home? You’ll actually clear U.S. customs in Canada before boarding, so no added time at the airport when you land. If you’re a US passport holder, they typically only ask you a question or two about any souvenirs you’re bringing back with you.
  • Insurance: Many US credit cards and health plans cover emergency medical care in Canada as a travel insurance option, but check the fine print to be sure.
  • Car rentals: Your US driver’s license is valid in Canada. FarOut Wilderness offers winter ready 4×4 vehicles with snow tires, which you’ll want on our snowy roads. Keep in mind: speed limits are posted in kilometers—100 km/h equals about 62 mph.

Why Choose Canada for Your Spring Break Ski Trip?

From the storm cycles of Revelstoke to the iconic peaks of Banff and the endless terrain of Whistler, Canada takes spring break skiing to the next level. Add in a favorable exchange rate, passholder perks, and the easy border crossing, and it’s clear why more Americans are heading north.

This year, trade the familiar for something unforgettable. Your next great spring break ski trip is waiting in Canada. Chat with our team at FarOut Wilderness to start planning your vacation today