The Rocky Mountains of Western Canada are jam-packed with great resorts that offer fantastic destinations for a family ski vacation. From Whistler to Lake Louise, there are options to suit every preference.
At Skican, we’ve found that the biggest challenge of choosing a resort is navigating all of your options. Do you need daycare services for younger children? Are you looking for the best ski-in ski-out resort, so you can hit the slopes early in the morning? You want to select a destination that’s the right fit for you and your family.
In this article, we’ve broken down the top family-friendly features of seven fantastic resorts and explained what we love about each. We hope you find something that gets your family excited!
If you’ve got additional questions, we’d be happy to answer them — our team is here to help find a place that’s right for you. Get a free, personalized quote for your family ski vacation from one of our agents and start planning your trip today!
Big White Ski Resort
Location: Okanagan Valley, B.C.
Best fit: Families looking for the ultimate convenience of a fully ski-in ski-out resort.
Family-friendly features:
- Mountain village providing solely ski-in ski-out accommodations
- Ski schools for kids and adults
- Kids’ centre and daycare programs
- Tubing, mini-snowmobiles & other activities
Why we love it: Big White is known as Canada’s favourite family resort and it deserves the name! It’s the largest entirely ski-in ski-out resort in Canada, offering amazing convenience for guests with dozens of restaurants and shopping options in the village.
Big White is also known as one of the best powder destinations in the Rockies. The resort has a well-deserved reputation for amazing snow conditions and its signature Okanagan Champagne powder — it’s no surprise that they call it Big White!
Big White has fantastic terrain and a wide range of activities to experience off the slopes — your family won’t get bored during your stay. Try tubing, snowshoeing, or snowmobiling in custom mini-snowmobiles specially-designed for kids!
Fernie Alpine Resort
Location: Powder Highway, B.C.
Best fit: Adventurous families who want to experience an authentic Canadian ski town.
Family-friendly features:
- Options for ski-in ski-out lodgings
- Lessons for kids and adults
- Daycare services
- Snowshoeing, sleigh rides & other activities
Why we love it: Fernie is the real deal. It’s one of British Columbia’s original ski towns and it continues to offer a great ski experience to guests of all ages and levels, providing a wide range of terrain.
Planning to leave the kids for the morning (or the day)? Find something more challenging for mom and dad to tackle and check out Fernie’s legendary alpine bowls. This terrain is made for powder lovers and boasts some of the best snow conditions in the region.
If you want to continue exploring off the pistes, there are options for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, holiday sleigh rides, and much more! Take a step off the beaten track and explore this classic ski destination.
Lake Louise Ski Resort
Location: Banff, Alberta
Best fit: Nature-loving families looking to ski and explore in equal measure.
Family-friendly features:
- Great terrain for beginner and intermediate skiers
- Ski lessons for kids and adults
- Week-long kids’ programs
- Tubing, snowshoe tours & other activities
Why we love it: Set in the heart of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lake Louise offers spectacular views and great skiing in equal measure. Take in the sights of the Rocky Mountains as you cruise down the mountain and you’ll understand why we recommend this spot.
If you’re looking to provide your family with an amazing experience off the slopes, there is no better destination. Take a day trip to the nearby Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, go ice skating on the frozen lake, or snowshoe through the beautiful wilderness of Banff National Park.
Finally, and most importantly for some families, Lake Louise offers one of the longest ski seasons in Canada. It is a great destination for spring skiing and perfect for March Break trips. If you’re trying to accommodate your kids’ school schedule, this might be the perfect choice.
Panorama Mountain Resort
Location: Powder Highway, B.C.
Best fit: Adventure-seeking families who want a pure Canadian mountain experience.
Family-friendly features:
- Mountain village with ski-in ski-out accommodations
- Ski lessons for kids and adults
- Tubing, snowshoeing & other activities
- Options for heli-skiing, cat-skiing, and more
Why we love it: There’s more to Panorama than your average mountain. Their unique and scenic ski village has great options for ski-in ski-out lodgings, shopping, and dining. The mountain also offers a wide range of terrain for beginner, intermediate, and expert skiers — and the slopes are never crowded.
When you want to mix it up, the resort offers a wide range of activities, including tubing, snowshoeing, and fat tire biking. If you’re feeling really adventurous, you can even try some cat-skiing or heli-skiing. There’s no better way to experience the stunning vistas that surround Panorama.
SilverStar Mountain Resort
Location: Okanagan Valley, B.C.
Best fit: Families who want a charming and cozy ski village that feels like home.
Family-friendly features:
- Mountain village with ski-in ski-out accommodations
- Lessons for kids and adults
- Ski academy and freestyle programs
- Tubing, snowshoeing & other activities
Why we love it: There’s something about the intimacy of SilverStar’s colourful village that sets it apart from other Canadian resorts. Families who visit SilverStar love it and keep coming back year after year. That’s why it has the reputation of being Canada’s best small ski resort.
Maybe it’s the friendly locals and staff, the great ski conditions, or the incredibly diverse terrain on both sides of the mountain. Or perhaps it has something to do with the welcoming atmosphere of this hidden gem. Whatever the case, we’re sure that SilverStar will win you over too!
Sun Peaks Ski Resort
Location: Okanagan Valley, B.C.
Best fit: Families looking for a relaxed ski vacation at a major resort with top amenities.
Family-friendly features:
- Mid-mountain village with ski-in ski-out lodgings
- Lessons for kids and adults
- Ski school and camps for kids
- Tubing, snowshoeing & other activities
Why we love it: Sun Peaks is the second largest ski area in Canada and it offers a lot of variety for visitors. Choose from a wide range of ski-in ski-out options and explore the resort’s three mountains directly from your doorstep. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced skier, there’s something for everyone here.
Located in the heart of the Okanagan Valley, Sun Peaks has great snow conditions and ample sunshine — as its name suggests! Its slopeside village has tasty dining, convenient shopping, and a laid-back ambience that’s perfect for a family vacation.
Whistler-Blackcomb
Location: Squamish, Coastal Range, B.C.
Best fit: Families who want to experience one of the best ski resorts in the world.
Family-friendly features:
- Mountain base village with ski-in ski-out accommodations
- Mid-mountain playgrounds for kids to explore
- Lessons for kids and adults
- Kids’ ski camps and day care services
- Ice skating, snowshoeing & other activities
Why we love it: Whistler has always had a special place in our heart. As the biggest ski resort in North America, it has something for everyone to experience. The two mountains of Whistler and Blackcomb have a huge amount of terrain for skiers of all levels, as well as unique mid-mountain playgrounds where you can take a break from skiing. Check out the Tree Fort on Whistler and the Magic Castle on Blackcomb to learn more!
Off the slopes, your options for entertainment are limitless! Whistler’s ski village is one of the biggest and best developed in the world. Go outdoor ice skating or sledding at the Whistler Olympic Plaza, explore a fun range of options for evening entertainment, and much more! Check out the Whistler websites for other family-friendly activities.
Whistler has become an iconic destination for many skiers and it’s something that most skiing families will want to experience at least once. Why not check it off your bucket list this year?
