As we’ve shared in this blog and on SLR’s Instagram, we’re all about embracing the winter season! Luckily SLR is located within a 1/2 day’s driving distance to several fantastic Mountain Resorts.
Spending a weekend at one of these stunning destinations is so revitalizing, whether it’s a couples’ getaway or a trip with the kids. (Or: Gather the ladies for a super fun girls-only escape.)
Here are our Top 5 Mountain Resorts to visit. While now is not the time to travel, hopefully this gives you inspiration for a future trip.
Marmot Basin (Jasper National Park)
Just 3.75 hours from SLR and 20 minutes south of Jasper, this alpine ski area boasts the highest base elevation of the Canadian Rockies. With seven lifts servicing 86 runs, there’s plenty to choose from whether you’re a novice, amateur or somewhere in between.
To refuel after a day on the hill, relax at the Caribou Chalet (located at the base), which features gorgeous views of the Athabasca Valley.
Banff Sunshine Village
Three mountains of diverse terrain make up this resort, located 4.5 hours from SLR. Affectionately described as having “Canada’s best snow,” Banff Sunshine Village is situated on the Continental Divide of the Rockies within Banff National Park in Alberta and Mt. Assiniboine Provincial Park in B.C. 120 trails are serviced by 9 chairlifts, with beginner, intermediate and expert slopes.
Treat yourself to a stay at the boutique hotel Sunshine Mountain Lodge, a ski-in, ski-out oasis.
Mt. Norquay (Banff National Park)
Just five minutes from the townsite of Banff (four hours from SLR) is Mt. Norquay Ski Resort, a smaller resort with 60 runs that’s great for families. With a fully lit terrain park, it features the only night skiing in the Alberta Rockies as well as Alberta’s largest tube park.
Fun fact: Norquay is the Rockies’ original ski resort, opened in 1926.
Lake Louise Ski Resort
Also within Banff National Park, Lake Louise is one of the largest ski resorts in North America,. With more than 145 runs spanning four mountain faces. it features a wide variety of terrain and phenomenal views of lakes, glaciers, forests and, of course, mountains.
In 2019, Lake Louise was voted the #1 Ski Resort in Canada at the World Ski Awards.
Nakiska Ski Area
Four hours from SLR in the Kananaskis Valley, Nakiska is another excellent choice for families, with 70% of its terrain rated as intermediate and a range of Learn to Ski programs offered.
The mountain was home to the Calgary 88 Olympic Alpine Events, and has easy access to Kananaskis Village with great dining, accommodation and spa options. Check out the upscale Kananaskis Mountain Lodge for a luxe getaway and the amazing Nordic Spa for hydrotherapy and massage.
Closer to home, we have several ski resorts within an hour or two from SLR, including Rabbit Hill Snow Resort (15 mins east of Devon), Snow Valley, (30 mins east of Spruce Grove), Sunridge (20 mins east of Edmonton), and Silver Summit (50 mins north of Edson).
Do you have a favourite ski spot in the area? Let us know in the comments!
We’re so thankful to have access to these incredible places. This list will stay up on the blog, so you can refer to it anytime you’re planning a trip.