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Canadian apres ski resorts are the places where the best parties in the Canadian mountains happen!
If you're looking for the best ski resort night life in Canada and the best off slope facilities, then this list of the ten best apres ski resorts in Canada is the place to start planning your wild Canada ski holiday
Canada: Top 10 Ski Resorts for Apres Ski
Consistently voted near, if not at the top of almost every skier’s dream destination as well as most official rankings, Whistler has planted its roots very deeply and is there to stay. This monolithic resort has hosted events like the Winter Olympics and continues to draw in athletes, holidaymakers and anyone else who visits with an intense, immeasurable and undiminishing pull.
With a slightly different ski holiday on the cards, spend your days out and about exploring the sights and ski areas of the magnificent national park (featuring some of the best scenery and slopes on the planet) – before heading downtown for hearty Canadian grub, friendly nightlife and world-renowned accommodation in one of North America’s legendary mountain towns.
Marmot Basin is heaven on earth if you love unpretentious, untamed skiing. The slopes are split evenly for beginners, intermediates and experts, all covered in deliciously dry powder; both Marmot Basin and Jasper Town have a friendly, authentic and down to earth vibe where you’ll feel right at home and the surrounding Rockies are naturally awesome.
Family-focused and Quebec’s skiing capital, this is one of North America’s oldest, most loved resorts. Whether it’s the brightly coloured village, Franco-Canadian atmosphere or another thing entirely, there’s something seriously enchanting about Mont Tremblant – a ski town like no other where maple taffies meet Savoie fondues.
Set in the Purcell Mountains within the Canadian Rockies range, Panorama ski holidays provide an unbeatable mix of excellent skiing and take-your-breath-away, soul-rejuvenating views (it’s all in the name!). The atmosphere is intimate and laid back, with slope side hot spring baths, quality accommodation and reliably tasty Rockies’ grub.
Whether it’s down to a local legend, the Griz, or just good old Mother Nature, an annual snow depth of more than two double-decker buses is the making of an awesome week on the Rockies. And with those glorious groomers and deep powder bowls up in resort, plus some cool Canadian vibes downtown, what’s not to love about Fernie?
Voted “Best Ski Resort in Canada” (in the World Ski Awards), this is one of the most beautiful places you’ll ever ski. With a unique ski area that lets all abilities ski from every lift, a 360° panorama of Banff National Park and iconic hotels like the lakeside Fairmont Chateau, Lake Louise is truly world class.
Kimberley Alpine Resort has the sunniest skiing in British Columbia, with 4 different sections including the most gladed terrain in North America (over 500 acres). A friendly mountain village near the quirky, Bavarian themed mountain town of Kimberley, its lesser known status in the ski world leaves gloriously crowd-free slopes.
Three skiable mountains (forming Canada’s second biggest ski area), a European style ski-out village and oodles of both powder snow and sunshine make Sun Peaks a winner when it comes to hassle free, good time ski holidays.
A huge hit with families, and anyone who wants a holiday with minimum hassle and maximum time on the mountains. It’s BIG (one of the largest ski areas in Canada) and it’s WHITE all winter long (enough snow each year to bury a house). The name says it all really…
Canadian Après-ski FAQ:
Wonderfully varied, unpretentious and full of Canadian cheer. Ice carving shows and ice hockey games are great fun. You’ll experience a laid back vibe as you tuck into a poutine or sip steaming apple cider. There are plenty of lively bars too if you like your DJs and dancing.
Anytime from the early afternoon you’ll find that people will start sipping hot apple cider or a refreshing craft beer. Families may try out a fun afternoon activity like husky sledging.
- Live music
- DJ and dancing
- Ice skating
- Hot springs / hot tub
- Eating out
Canadians are known for craft beer, and apple cider’s their favourite après hot drink. British style pub grub and American favourites like burgers or mac ‘n’ cheese are popular, and Canadians create fabulous poutines (fries topped with gravy and cheese curds). Sweet-toothed folk might enjoy maple taffy (candy made from maple syrup).
Often the après-ski attire is precisely what you’ve spent the day skiing in. There’s no need to get particularly dressed up, unless you’re going somewhere extra swanky – in which case some smart knitwear, trousers and snow-suitable boots should suffice.
- Dusty’s Bar in Whistler
- Garibaldi Lift Co. in Whistler
- Le P’tit Caribou in Mont Tremblant
- Bar Cafe d’Epoque in Mont Tremblant
- Snowshoe Sams in Big White
- Garfinkel’s and Moe Joe’s in Whistler
- Le P'tit Caribou in Mont Tremblant
Dusty’s was the first après ski bar in Whistler and has legendary status for good reason. Come for live music, post-ski merriment and awesome BBQ food. We love the huge terrace on sunny days and the indoor fireplace when it’s cold out.
The Fairmont in Whistler has to be a top choice, with its Mallard Lounge bar, and ‘bar of chocolates’, plus a spa and choice of several restaurants. Banff’s Sunshine Mountain Lodge is splendid for fireside cocktails or live sports. The Residence Inn, Mont Tremblant is a gorgeous modern hotel with terrace fire pits and a delightful spa.
Our favourites include Araxi in Whistler for gourmet, Ya’Oooo Pizza Bar in Mont Tremblant for families and Whitehorn Bistro in Lake Louise for scenery. Whistler’s Dusty’s an awesome après and foodie all-rounder – devour pulled pork and a pint on a buzzing sun terrace.
In Whistler, there’s family après on two evenings a week, with face-painting, balloon animals, dressed up characters, juggling and lots more. In Fernie you can go on trips to view wild elk, deer and Rocky Mountain sheep, and in Mont Tremblant you can take guided snowmobile tours.
It varies from resort to resort - some premises won’t let minors in at all but often there’s a designated area for families and a certain time until which kids are allowed. Restaurants shouldn’t be a problem - they’ll be used to hosting families with children.
Age 18 for Alberta, Manitoba, and Québec provinces, and 19 for the rest of the country.
(this information was accurate when written)
Usually C$7-10, which is around £4-6.
(this information was accurate when written)
It’s a certain time slot (usually 1-3 hours) when drinks and/or food are on special offer. It’s a great opportunity to bag a bargain and a bustling time of the day to grab some refreshing post-ski beverages while sharing stories about the day’s adventures.
The Canadians call these bachelor or bachelorette parties, so don’t be surprised if they look at you oddly when you talk about stags and hens! We haven’t heard of this being a problem, but if you aren’t sure if somewhere will be happy with your group turning up, it’s probably best to ask in advance.
Yes - resorts offer half-day lift passes. Some also sell evening only passes which are valid from the late afternoon if you fancy a spot of night skiing. We’d be happy to check this out for you if you have a particular resort in mind.
Lots of places take cards, but it’s a wise idea to stash some Canadian dollars in case you find yourself in a remote spot. Resorts have ATMs - check with your bank about foreign transaction and currency exchange fees if you do prefer to use a card.
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