Powder Up

Whether you're a serious slalomer, a ski bunny or a spa devotee, here are five mountain resorts to schuss it up in style

BY ANDREW BRUDZ

Exterior view of the Fairmont Chateau in Whistler, BC

There’s no better way to make the most of winter than by hitting the slopes—and the lodge. From the Rockies to the Laurentian Mountains, Canada is home to some of the world’s most incredible ski resorts. Here are five of our favourites from coast to coast.

FAIRMONT CHATEAU WHISTLER, WHISTLER, BC

British Columbia has no shortage of spectacular slopes and resorts, but the 539-room Fairmont Chateau Whistler is the peak (pun intended) of luxury. At the base of Blackcomb Mountain, it blends in with its alpine setting, and offers guests views of the mountain or the village. fairmont.com/whistler

APRES SKI: Have their guides take you off the beaten path for a soothing dip at some of Whistler’s warmest lakes.

BONUS FEATURE: Trade white for green in the off-season, and hit the par 72, 18-hole Audubon-certified championship golf course.

Skiing Whistler Blackcomb

PANORAMA MOUNTAIN RESORT, PANORAMA, BC

As the name suggests, Panorama offers some breathtaking Rocky Mountain views. Its long descents and hot slopeside pools have been attracting guests since the 1950s. Today, it is recognized as one of the best in North America. The resort even has townhouses and condos if you want to make your permanent home here. panoramaresort.com

APRES SKI: Head to the charming town of Invermere on the Lake, in the Columbia Valley, for some stunning scenery and eclectic shops.

BONUS FEATURE: Every March, the resort hosts the High Notes Musical Festival, attracting some of Canada’s most exciting emerging talent in blues, country and rock.

SUN PEAKS RESORT, SUN PEAKS, BC

With 4,270 acres of skiing spanning three peaks, this is Canada’s second largest ski resort. It’s also home to peaceful, scenic Nordic trails, some of which are even dogfriendly. In the summer months the charm doesn’t stop, with Market Days adding fresh produce, live music and art to the mountain experience. sunpeaksresort.com

APRES SKI: You must treat yourself to hot, fresh mini donuts sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar at Baby D’ohs.

BONUS FEATURE: As the sun goes down and the slopes have been cleared, you’re invited to an unforgettable experience—the Alpine Fondue and Starlight Descent. Savour the chef-prepared three-course Swiss-style fondue dinner, before descending down the slopes in the moonlight.

LE GRAND LODGE, MONT-TREMBLANT, QC

Mont-Tremblant combines the charm of a lively Quebec village—street performers and all—with almost 100 ski trails. La Grand Lodge, nestled on Lac Ouimet, is a log-cabin style hotel with a picturesque view all year long. Rooms, both stylish and cozy, make it feel like your nestled in the canopy. legrandlodge.com

APRES SKI: Refuel at Chez Borivage, serving fine Quebec fare, or head to the Whisky Bar for a night cap, in the company of the resident chansonnier.

BONUS FEATURE: While the slopes here don’t see as much annual snowfall as their west-coast counterparts, Mont-Tremblant is home to 1,000 snow guns that keep the powder coming.

Enjoying outdoor chill time at Sun Peaks Resort Grand Hotel and Conference Centre

SUNSHINE MOUNTAIN LODGE, BANFF, AB

Stay 2,200 metres above sea level with 360-degree views of the iconic Canadian Rockies. Located within Banff National Park (Canada’s first national park and part of a UNESCO World Heritage site), Sunshine Mountain Lodge boasts the area’s largest hot tub and the slopes are right outside the door. At night, stare at an incredible starry sky like you’ve never seen before. sunshinemountainlodge.com

APRES SKI: Head for a therapeutic hot stone massage at the Verde Day Spa.

BONUS FEATURE: Take the Standish Chairlift to the viewing deck more than 2,400 metres up for an unparalleled view of Banff, Lake Louise and pristine alpine lakes.