North America's Biggest Playground, One Gondola Ride Away
Whistler
Whistler Blackcomb is North America's premier ski resort, with two mountains joined by the record-breaking PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola and over 8,000 acres of terrain for every ability. Add a vibrant village with world-class dining, shopping and nightlife, and it's easy to see why this former Winter Olympics host stays at the top of so many wish lists.
- Best for: all skill levels seeking varied terrain, vibrant village life and nightlife
- Terrain mix: Beginner 20%, Intermediate 55%, Advanced 25%
- Accommodation: a wide range from budget-friendly lodges and inns to luxury slopeside hotels (Four Seasons, Fairmont Chateau Whistler) and self-contained condos
- Getting there: Fly into Vancouver International Airport (YVR), then transfer by road (roughly 2.5-3 hours) via shared or private shuttle to Whistler Village.
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Canada's Quiet Powder Secret, Ski Right to Your Door
Sun Peaks
Sun Peaks is Canada's second-largest ski area, a 45-minute flight from Vancouver and a 45-minute transfer from the airport to your hotel. A pedestrian-only, ski-through village surrounded by three mountains means light, dry powder without the crowds or lift queues that plague bigger-name resorts.
- Best for: families and skiers wanting an uncrowded, pedestrian-only village with light dry powder
- Terrain mix: Beginner 10%, Intermediate 58%, Advanced 32%
- Accommodation: a pedestrian, ski-through village with hotels, lodges and condos such as Lord Aberdeen and Sundance Lodge
- Getting there: Fly to Kamloops Airport (nearest, about a 45-minute transfer) or Kelowna Airport (about 3 hours) then transfer by road to the resort.
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Four Mountains, One Pass, World-Class Everything
Aspen Snowmass
Aspen Snowmass combines four distinct mountains on a single lift ticket, all within a 14km radius - from powder bowls and off-piste terrain to long groomed cruisers and gentle beginner slopes. It's consistently rated the #1 resort in North America for dining, with 100 bars and restaurants to choose from after a day on snow.
- Best for: experienced skiers and foodies wanting four varied mountains on one pass plus top-tier dining and après
- Terrain mix: Beginner 15%, Intermediate 41%, Advanced 44%
- Accommodation: everything from romantic boutique hotels to catered chalets and family apartments across Aspen and Snowmass villages
- Getting there: Fly into Aspen Airport (5 minutes from town, with direct flights from Denver, LA and other cities), or Denver International Airport (about a 4-hour drive).
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Japan's Powder Capital, Made Easy for Australians
Niseko
With deep, dry powder, four resorts on a single pass and a buzzing après scene, Niseko is Japan's biggest ski area and one of the most popular Japan destinations for Australians. Plenty of English-speaking services, English signage and self-contained apartments make it an easy, family-friendly introduction to Japan powder.
- Best for: families and English-speaking travellers wanting deep powder and a vibrant après scene
- Terrain mix: Beginner 30%, Intermediate 40%, Advanced 30%
- Accommodation: self-contained apartments and international-style lodges concentrated in Hirafu, with quieter options in Niseko Village and Annupuri
- Getting there: Fly into New Chitose Airport (Sapporo), then a shared or private transfer (about 150km, 2-3 hours) to Niseko.
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Ten Mountains, One Unforgettable Japanese Ski Trip
Hakuba
Hakuba is Japan's most accessible big-mountain valley, spreading skiers and boarders of all abilities across 10 ski areas including Happo One, Hakuba47, Iwatake and Cortina. It's relatively westernised, making it a great first Japan trip, while still delivering authentic local restaurants, temples, natural onsens and even snow monkeys nearby.
- Best for: first-timers to Japan wanting westernised comforts with access to 10 varied ski areas
- Terrain mix: Beginner 30%, Intermediate 40%, Advanced 30%
- Accommodation: mostly Western-style self-catered apartments and hotels, with some traditional Japanese ryokan options
- Getting there: Shared and private transfers connect Hakuba with Tokyo's Haneda and Narita airports (roughly 4-5 hours by road).
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Hokkaido's Best-Kept Powder Secret for Families
Rusutsu
Rusutsu is one of Hokkaido's best ski resorts, known for light powder, uncrowded slopes and a welcoming atmosphere just 90 minutes from New Chitose Airport. Beginners get wide, gentle terrain while advanced skiers explore tree skiing and powder stashes across three interconnected mountains, and an indoor wave pool keeps the whole family entertained off the snow.
- Best for: families and first-time skiers wanting quieter powder skiing than nearby Niseko
- Terrain mix: Beginner 30%, Intermediate 40%, Advanced 30%
- Accommodation: ski-in/ski-out resort hotels (Westin Rusutsu, The Vale Rusutsu) plus self-contained chalets and budget lodges
- Getting there: About 90 minutes by shared or private transfer from New Chitose Airport.
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Real Japan, Real Onsens, Real Family Magic
Nozawa Onsen
Nozawa Onsen, about an hour from Nagano, is a quaint, authentic Japanese village of cobbled streets, pensions and ryokans - plus a few Western-style hotels, since the village is officially 'sister' to St Anton in Austria. It's a superb family choice, with a great ski school and nursery staffed in English, alongside some of Japan's best hot springs.
- Best for: families seeking an authentic Japanese village experience with hot springs and English-speaking ski school
- Terrain mix: Beginner 40%, Intermediate 30%, Advanced 30%
- Accommodation: traditional ryokans and pensions alongside a few Western-style (Austrian-influenced) hotels
- Getting there: Shared and private transfers connect Nozawa Onsen with Tokyo's Haneda and Narita airports (around 4 hours).
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21 Resorts, One Pass, Endless Terrain to Explore
Shiga Kogen
Set in the Joshinetsu National Park, Shiga Kogen is one of the largest and highest ski resorts in Japan, with 21 interlinked resorts on a single lift pass. Much of the accommodation is ski-in/ski-out, and the European-style terrain means a new area to explore every day of your stay.
- Best for: families, couples and groups wanting European-style ski-in/ski-out convenience across 21 linked resorts
- Terrain mix: Beginner 30%, Intermediate 40%, Advanced 30%
- Accommodation: mostly ski-in/ski-out hotels, including the large Prince Hotel wings and boutique properties like Hotel Alpenburg
- Getting there: Shared and private transfers connect Shiga Kogen with Nagano Station and Tokyo's Haneda/Narita airports.
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Legendary Terrain, Legendary Nights
Val d'Isère
Val d'Isère is a classic European resort high in the Tarentaise Valley, its compact, pedestrian-friendly village backed by a fabulous ski area, a modern lift system and an equally famous après scene. Linked to Tignes, the combined area is five times the size of most Canadian resorts, with reliably excellent snow.
- Best for: families, couples and groups wanting a vast connected ski area (with Tignes) and legendary après-ski
- Terrain mix: Beginner 10%, Intermediate 58%, Advanced 32%
- Accommodation: mostly upscale hotels and catered chalets through to self-contained apartments, concentrated in the pedestrian-friendly central village
- Getting there: Fly into Chambéry (about 2 hours by airport bus) or Geneva/Lyon/Grenoble (around 3 hours' drive); alternatively take the train to Bourg-St-Maurice (30km away) then a bus.
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Champagne Powder in a Storybook Mountain Village
Silver Star
SilverStar is an intimate, colourful mountain resort in British Columbia's Interior, famous for its light champagne powder. Because the village sits mid-mountain, you can ski or board right from your lodge door, and the friendly, low-key atmosphere suits families and more mature skiers especially well.
- Best for: families and mature skiers wanting a small, ski-to-your-door village with champagne powder
- Terrain mix: Beginner 15%, Intermediate 40%, Advanced 45%
- Accommodation: ski-in/ski-out condos and lodges (Firelight Lodge, Vance Creek Hotel) clustered in the mid-mountain village
- Getting there: Fly into Kelowna Airport, then a shared or private transfer to Silver Star Village.
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North America's Longest, Deepest Vertical Descent
Revelstoke
Revelstoke is built for powder chasers, with legendary Selkirk snowfall and North America's longest lift-accessed descent at 1,713 vertical metres. Most terrain suits intermediate and advanced skiers, though a magic carpet and gentle green runs at the base keep beginners covered too.
- Best for: intermediate to advanced skiers chasing deep powder and North America's longest vertical descent
- Terrain mix: Beginner 12%, Intermediate 43%, Advanced 45%
- Accommodation: downtown hotels and ski-in/ski-out properties like Sutton Place Hotel, plus boutique apartment-style stays
- Getting there: Fly into Kelowna International Airport, then transfer by road; Revelstoke is also reachable by road from Calgary and Banff.
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Three World-Class Resorts, One Iconic Rockies Basecamp
Banff & Lake Louise
Banff is an authentic mountain town inside Banff National Park and home base for SkiBig3 - Banff Sunshine, Mt Norquay and, 40 minutes west, the Lake Louise Ski Resort. Lake Louise alone spans more than 4,200 acres and has been named Canada's Best Ski Resort, so a multi-day stay easily covers all three without repeating a run.
- Best for: families and groups of all abilities wanting an authentic mountain-town base with three distinct resorts to explore
- Terrain mix: Beginner 25%, Intermediate 45%, Advanced 30%
- Accommodation: downtown Banff hotels and lodges from value inns to the grand historic Fairmont Banff Springs, plus landmark stays like the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and Post Hotel
- Getting there: Fly into Calgary International Airport, then transfer by road or shuttle (e.g. Brewster Express) to Banff (about 1.5 hours) or on to Lake Louise.
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Hokkaido's Powder Playground Without the Crowds
Furano
Furano, in the centre of Hokkaido, suits skiers and boarders of every ability across 170 hectares of mixed terrain and deep, dry powder, skiable from late November to mid-March. There's a lively après scene too, though accommodation can be spread out from the ski zones, so it pays to book carefully.
- Best for: skiers and boarders of all abilities wanting deep powder and lively après away from Niseko's crowds
- Terrain mix: Beginner 40%, Intermediate 40%, Advanced 20%
- Accommodation: self-contained apartments, houses and hotels (such as Furano Prince) spread around the Kitanomine area
- Getting there: Shared and private transfers run from Asahikawa Airport (closer) or New Chitose Airport, Sapporo (further) to Furano.
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Japan's Most Authentic Powder Escape
Myoko Kogen
Myoko Kogen, near Nagano, offers one of Japan's more authentic ski experiences, with excellent powder across five resorts perched on the edge of a traditional Japanese town. Accommodation ranges from Western-style hotels to traditional ryokan, backed by leading ski schools and a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.
- Best for: beginners and travellers wanting an authentic, relaxed Japanese ski town with excellent ski schools
- Terrain mix: Beginner 42%, Intermediate 41%, Advanced 17%
- Accommodation: a mix of Western-style hotels and traditional ryokan (such as Akakura Kanko Hotel) around Akakura Onsen village
- Getting there: Shared and private transfers connect Myoko Kogen with Nagano Station and Tokyo's Haneda/Narita airports (roughly 3-4 hours).
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Hokkaido's Purpose-Built Powder Retreat for Families
Tomamu
Tomamu is a purpose-built Hokkaido resort with light, dry powder, strong beginner areas and genuinely challenging advanced terrain - plus the tree and chairlift skiing that's restricted at many Japanese resorts. There's no village to speak of, so evenings centre on the resort's two interconnected hotel towers (including Club Med Tomamu), making it ideal for families and first-timers who want everything in one place.
- Best for: families and first-timers wanting a self-contained, activity-packed resort with light powder and no village crowds
- Terrain mix: Beginner 30%, Intermediate 40%, Advanced 30%
- Accommodation: two interconnected high-rise hotels (Risonare, The Tower) plus Club Med Tomamu
- Getting there: Shared or private transfer from New Chitose Airport (Sapporo) to Tomamu.
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Perfectly Groomed Runs and Genuine Japanese Hospitality
Appi
Appi Kogen is a compact, purpose-built resort in Japan's Tohoku region on Honshu, with perfectly groomed long runs that suit beginners and intermediates especially well. Advanced skiers can push onto slopes as steep as 32 degrees or try cat-skiing in untracked powder, and night skiing extends the day further.
- Best for: beginners and intermediates wanting perfectly groomed long runs, with night skiing and cat-skiing options
- Terrain mix: Beginner 30%, Intermediate 40%, Advanced 30%
- Accommodation: large purpose-built European-style resort hotels (ANA Crowne Plaza, ANA InterContinental)
- Getting there: Located in the Tohoku region of Honshu, typically accessed via a regional airport or train transfer - ask your consultant for the current best routing.
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All Powder, No Crowds, Minutes From Niseko
Kiroro
Kiroro is a purpose-built, modern resort near Hokkaido's coast, built almost entirely around its powder and off-piste terrain. Restaurants and nightlife are limited by design - this is a mountain for skiing first - and Niseko is close by if you want a change of scene.
- Best for: powder hounds wanting off-piste terrain without the crowds, close to Niseko
- Terrain mix: Beginner 37%, Intermediate 37%, Advanced 26%
- Accommodation: purpose-built ski-to-door hotels including Sheraton Kiroro, Tribute Kiroro and Yu Kiroro apartments
- Getting there: About 100 minutes by shared or private transfer from New Chitose Airport, Sapporo.
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The Heart of the Three Valleys, France's Biggest Ski Area
Méribel
Méribel is a purpose-designed village built in traditional Savoyard style - wood, stone and slate chalets, authentic markets and lively bars - sitting at the heart of the Three Valleys, the world's largest linked ski area. It suits families, couples and groups equally well, with satellite villages to explore beyond the main resort.
- Best for: families, couples and groups seeking a classic Savoyard alpine village at the centre of the Three Valleys
- Terrain mix: Beginner 15%, Intermediate 43%, Advanced 42%
- Accommodation: ski-in/ski-out Alpine-style hotels and luxury chalets/apartments, many with spas and wellness centres
- Getting there: Fly into Chambéry, Lyon or Geneva, then transfer by road to Méribel - ask your consultant for current transfer times and options.
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Europe's Highest Resort, Snow-Sure From Top to Bottom
Val Thorens
At 2,300m, Val Thorens is the highest resort in Europe and, as part of the Three Valleys with Méribel and Courchevel, sits within the world's largest lift network. It's a certified 'Famille Plus' resort built for families, with the lively La Folie Douce après club and spectacular views over France, Switzerland and Italy from the top of the Thorens tram.
- Best for: families and snow-sure, high-altitude skiers who also enjoy lively après-ski
- Terrain mix: Beginner 25%, Intermediate 60%, Advanced 15%
- Accommodation: ski-in/ski-out hotels and residences with wellness centres, spas and pools
- Getting there: Fly into Chambéry, Lyon or Geneva, then transfer by road to Val Thorens - ask your consultant for current transfer times and options.
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Where Alpine Glamour Meets World-Class Skiing
Courchevel
Courchevel is one of the world's most glamorous ski resorts, spanning four villages - Courchevel, Moriond, Village and Le Praz - with 6-star palace hotels, Michelin-starred dining and even a casino. It doesn't have to break the bank either: smaller, more affordable hotels and apartments sit alongside the five-star names.
- Best for: luxury travellers and glamorous crowds, with some more affordable options too
- Terrain mix: Beginner 20%, Intermediate 36%, Advanced 44%
- Accommodation: ultra-luxury 5- and 6-star palace hotels and Michelin-dining chalets, plus more affordable apartments
- Getting there: Fly into Chambéry, Lyon or Geneva, then transfer by road to Courchevel - ask your consultant for current transfer times and options.
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Austria's Storybook Village for the Rich, Famous and Everyone Else
Lech
Lech, in Austria's Arlberg region, is a former farming village turned charming, relaxed alpine resort of traditional buildings and horse-drawn carriages. It's long been a favourite of the rich and famous, but modern, comfortable, more affordable options make it just as workable for families and couples on a budget.
- Best for: families and couples, plus travellers after a touch of luxury
- Terrain mix: Beginner 43%, Intermediate 40%, Advanced 17%
- Accommodation: traditional chalet-style hotels and ski-in/ski-out family-run apartments with spa facilities
- Getting there: Shared and private transfers connect Lech to Zurich Airport and Zurich Main Station.
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The Cradle of Alpine Skiing, Built for Powder Hounds
St Anton
St Anton, in Austria's Arlberg region, is one of the country's premier winter sports resorts, with a 340km ski area and 270km of well-groomed pistes. Snow here is close to guaranteed, and while much of the mountain suits advanced and strong intermediate skiers, cruisier slopes and a beginners' area are still on hand.
- Best for: advanced and strong intermediate skiers seeking reliable powder
- Terrain mix: Beginner 43%, Intermediate 40%, Advanced 17%
- Accommodation: traditional Tyrolean chalet-style hotels with spas, pools and wellness centres
- Getting there: Shared and private transfers connect St Anton to Zurich Airport.
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Ski Beneath the Matterhorn, Europe's Most Iconic Peak
Zermatt
Zermatt sits at the foot of the Matterhorn, with 3,600 hectares of terrain across four ski areas - Rothorn, Gornergrat, Matterhorn Glacier Paradise and Schwarzsee - all linked by an efficient network of railways and lifts. Nine of Europe's ten highest peaks surround the village, giving skiers, boarders and mountaineers about as dramatic a backdrop as it gets.
- Best for: intermediate to advanced skiers and mountaineers wanting iconic Matterhorn scenery
- Terrain mix: Beginner 9%, Intermediate 55%, Advanced 36%
- Accommodation: rustic-chic to palace-style hotels near the Gornergrat railway, several with Matterhorn views and wellness centres
- Getting there: Fly into Geneva or Zurich, then transfer by rail (Zermatt is car-free, reached via Täsch).
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Century-Old Glamour on Switzerland's Sunniest Slopes
St Moritz
St Moritz, in Switzerland's Engadin region, has drawn winter visitors since the late 1800s and hosted two Winter Olympics. Expansive, scenic terrain, endless dining, shopping and nightlife, and everything from grand palace hotels to more affordable apartments make it a resort for any budget with a taste for history.
- Best for: intermediate skiers and luxury- or history-loving travellers
- Terrain mix: Beginner 20%, Intermediate 70%, Advanced 10%
- Accommodation: historic 5-star palace hotels and intimate luxury boutique hotels with spas
- Getting there: Fly into Zurich, then transfer by rail or road to St Moritz.
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Switzerland's Ultimate Ski-and-Party Playground
Verbier
Verbier sits 1,500m above the valley in Switzerland's French-speaking Valais region, just a 2.5-hour transfer from Geneva. It's internationally famous for its après scene, with a huge choice of restaurants and bars that keep the party going long after the lifts close.
- Best for: party-loving skiers and groups drawn to a big après-ski scene
- Terrain mix: Beginner 43%, Intermediate 29%, Advanced 28%
- Accommodation: luxury boutique hotels and design-led chalets with wellness spas and nightlife on the doorstep
- Getting there: Verbier is about a 2.5-hour transfer from Geneva Airport.
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Dolomites Charm on the Legendary Sella Ronda
Val Gardena
Val Gardena's main village, Ortisei, blends traditional Alpine character with wide-open terrain and huge Dolomites views. Its lively pedestrian centre, boutique shops and strong dining scene make it a relaxed base with access to Seceda, Alpe di Siusi and, via lift links, the full Dolomiti Superski network including the famous Sella Ronda circuit.
- Best for: families, couples and anyone wanting a relaxed village base with big ski mileage
- Terrain mix: Beginner 30%, Intermediate 60%, Advanced 10%
- Accommodation: centrally located, family-run Alpine hotels with pools and spas
- Getting there: Fly into Innsbruck, Verona, Venice or Bolzano, then transfer by road - ask your consultant for current transfer times and options.
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Ladin Culture and Cruisy Dolomites Terrain for the Whole Family
Alta Badia
Alta Badia's hub village, Corvara, sits in the heart of the Dolomites with 130km of local slopes and access to the wider 500km Dolomiti Superski area. Wide, cruisy blues and reds suit intermediates, advanced skiers can test themselves on the Vallon-Boè run, and the region's Ladin culture and cuisine add real character off the mountain.
- Best for: families and groups wanting varied Dolomites terrain and Ladin culture
- Terrain mix: Beginner 40%, Intermediate 40%, Advanced 20%
- Accommodation: Alpine-style hotels and Leading Hotels of the World properties with extensive wellness and spa facilities, some ski-in/ski-out
- Getting there: Fly into Innsbruck, Verona, Venice or Bolzano, then transfer by road - ask your consultant for current transfer times and options.
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Your Gateway to 1,200km of Dolomiti Superski
Val di Fassa
Val di Fassa's Campitello village sits at 1,448m in the heart of the Dolomites, blending traditional charm with access to the vast Dolomiti Superski area. The Col Rodella peak provides sweeping views, while nursery slopes for beginners and genuinely challenging runs for advanced skiers sit side by side, all backed by the ancient Ladin village of Plan di Campitello nearby.
- Best for: all-level skiers wanting Dolomites scenery and Ladin village charm
- Terrain mix: Beginner 20%, Intermediate 45%, Advanced 35%
- Accommodation: traditional Alpine hotels with wellness centres, pools and spas near the cable car
- Getting there: Private transfers connect Val di Fassa with Milan and Venice airports, and Bolzano.
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High-Altitude, Snow-Sure Skiing Under the Matterhorn
Cervinia
Cervinia, at the foot of the Matterhorn, is one of the highest and most snow-sure resorts in the Alps, with slopes reaching almost 3,900m. Its 150km of pistes link directly with Zermatt for an extra 350km of terrain, and long, gentle runs make it especially rewarding for intermediates.
- Best for: intermediate skiers wanting snow-sure, high-altitude skiing beneath the Matterhorn
- Terrain mix: Beginner 40%, Intermediate 40%, Advanced 10%
- Accommodation: a new lifestyle hotel with spa and wellness centre in a car-free village centre
- Getting there: Fly into Milan or Turin, then transfer by road - ask your consultant for current transfer times and options.
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Elegant Trentino Charm Meets the Brenta Dolomites
Madonna di Campiglio
Madonna di Campiglio, in Italy's Trentino region, pairs elegant, historic charm with 150km of slopes on a dense, well-linked network above and below the treeline. Scenic wooded runs suit beginners, tougher terrain keeps advanced skiers busy, and the pedestrianised centre makes for easy, relaxed evenings beneath the Brenta Dolomites.
- Best for: all-level skiers wanting elegant Trentino charm and wooded slopes
- Terrain mix: Beginner 35%, Intermediate 45%, Advanced 20%
- Accommodation: Alpine-style hotels with spas, indoor pools and heated ski storage near the cable cars
- Getting there: Fly into Verona, Bergamo or Milan, then transfer by road - ask your consultant for current transfer times and options.
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Five Powder Bowls and a Historic Mountain Town All to Yourself
Fernie
Fernie is all about the snow - long, steep runs, five huge powder bowls and genuinely breathtaking scenery on a refreshingly uncrowded mountain. It suits intermediates and experts especially well, and the historic mining town of Fernie, just 5km away, means everything you need is close by without feeling crowded.
- Best for: intermediate and expert powder skiers wanting an uncrowded historic mountain town
- Terrain mix: Beginner 30%, Intermediate 40%, Advanced 30%
- Accommodation: ski-in/ski-out lodges, condos and log cabins, many with private hot tubs
- Getting there: Shared and private transfers connect Fernie with Calgary and Cranbrook.
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Steep, Deep and Blissfully Uncrowded
Kicking Horse
Kicking Horse is a relatively new, lesser-known British Columbia resort - which means less crowded slopes. Accommodation ranges from luxurious to affordable, with plenty more hotel and motel options in nearby Golden, and it pairs naturally with a ski trip to Revelstoke or Banff.
- Best for: expert and advanced skiers seeking steep, uncrowded terrain
- Terrain mix: Beginner 20%, Intermediate 20%, Advanced 60%
- Accommodation: ski-in/ski-out townhomes and boutique lodges, from luxurious to more affordable motel-style options in nearby Golden
- Getting there: Shared and private transfers connect Kicking Horse with Calgary, Banff and Revelstoke.
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Family Powder Days Among the Snow Ghosts
Big White
Big White, near Kelowna in British Columbia's Okanagan, is one of Canada's best-known family resorts - famous for its snow-covered 'snow ghost' trees, reliable dry powder and a genuinely ski-in/ski-out village. It's a relaxed, family-first mountain with a strong beginner and intermediate focus and a lively kids' program.
- Best for: families wanting an easy-going, ski-in/ski-out village with reliable dry powder
- Terrain mix: Beginner 18%, Intermediate 55%, Advanced 27%
- Accommodation: ski-in/ski-out condos, hotels and townhomes throughout the compact village
- Getting there: Fly into Kelowna Airport, then transfer by road (about an hour) to the resort.
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A Compact Slopeside Village With Big Mountain Terrain
Panorama
Panorama, about 3.5 hours from Calgary, is a lesser-known British Columbia resort with a compact, easy-to-navigate slopeside village and 1,200 hectares of long, wide, beautifully groomed runs alongside steep and deep powder bowls.
- Best for: intermediate skiers and families wanting a compact, easy-to-navigate slopeside village
- Terrain mix: Beginner 20%, Intermediate 55%, Advanced 25%
- Accommodation: ski-in/ski-out townhomes and condos with full kitchens and access to the Panorama Springs hot pools
- Getting there: Roughly a 3.5-hour drive/transfer from Calgary Airport; shared and private transfers also connect to Banff, Fernie, Golden and Kicking Horse.
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Unspoiled Powder Highway Skiing at Its Best
Red Mountain
Red Mountain Resort, in Rossland BC and the first stop on Canada's famous Powder Highway, delivers 3,850 acres of wide-open groomed runs, an epic 890m vertical, in-bounds cat-skiing and some of the best tree runs anywhere - all without having to fight the crowds for fresh turns.
- Best for: advanced and expert powder and tree-run skiers wanting an uncrowded, unspoiled mountain
- Terrain mix: Beginner 17%, Intermediate 34%, Advanced 49%
- Accommodation: ski-in/ski-out boutique hotels, condos and cabins in historic Rossland village, most with hot tubs
- Getting there: Private transfers connect Red Mountain with Kelowna.
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Untouched Powder, Delivered by Helicopter
CMH Heli-Skiing
CMH (Canadian Mountain Holidays) invented heli-skiing in 1965 and remains the world's largest and longest-established operator, with 11 destinations and roughly 3 million acres of exclusive terrain across the Columbia Mountains of British Columbia. Travelplan Ski has been Australia's official CMH booking agent since 1972, pairing your lodge week with flights, transfers, insurance and pre/post-trip nights as one coordinated, AUD-priced package.
- Best for: confident intermediate-to-expert skiers and riders chasing genuinely untracked powder, guided by the operator that invented the sport
- Season: roughly December to April, with January and February the most consistent for snow and flying conditions
- Accommodation: 11 lodges ranging from remote fly-in retreats to in-town bases (Kootenay, Revelstoke), almost all all-inclusive with hot tubs, saunas and gourmet dining
- Getting there: Most guests stage through Kelowna, Calgary or Banff, with included ground transport (and a helicopter "bump" for fly-in lodges) on to the lodge
Frequently Asked Questions
The Basics
Destinations & Trip Types
Ability, Fitness & Suitability
What's Included & Pricing
Vertical & the Guarantee
Booking, Deposits & Payment
Cancellations, Changes & Refunds
Getting There
Baggage & Flights
Gear & Packing
At the Lodge
Safety & Guiding
Insurance & Travel Documents
Groups, Non-Skiers & Special Trips
Also see our general FAQs below for travel-insurance and passport/visa basics. Jump to general FAQs →
General Ski Trip FAQs
Booking timing, lift tickets, altitude, gear and more
These questions come up no matter which resort you choose — sourced from Travelplan's own FAQ page and 50+ years of booking ski holidays.