10 of the best family-friendly ski resorts in Canada

I still remember the first time my husband and I took our three young children to a ski resort. Their eyes sparkled with excitement. Up until then, they had only strapped cross-country skies onto their feet, so the idea of not having to ski up a slope enchanted them. I felt a little unsure about how they’d do, but luckily we were at a very family-friendly resort with everything in place to make our family ski experience not only positive but memorable. 

How did we know what to look for in a family-friendly ski resort? Well, that’s a great question. Whether you’re new to skiing or looking for a new hill to explore with your family, this article will share those secrets, along with a list of the 10 best family-friendly ski resorts in Canada, to point you in the right direction. 

Why take your family skiing (or snowboarding) at a ski resort in Canada? 

Winters in Canada can be long, cold, and snowy, and while it’s tempting to hunker down until spring arrives, it doesn’t take long for cabin fever (or chaos) to ensue, at least in my home. With five kids, from preschoolers to teens, getting outside in the winter is a must. It keeps the peace while keeping everyone active, and one winter activity that’s a must-do in snowy Canada is skiing.

Just so we’re clear, there are two types of skiing: downhill (alpine) and cross-country (Nordic). I love both, but my kids definitely prefer downhill—something about not having to ski up a hill to get back down. This article focuses on downhill skiing and snowboarding mountain resorts. 

To learn more about cross-country skiing, read: Cross-country tips for newbies.

Skiing as a family has a lot of worthwhile benefits: it’s really fun, it keeps the whole family moving, and it helps build physical literacy all winter long. The fact that it’s such a blast means that kids (and parents) don’t even notice all the hard work and skills they’re learning along the way. 

What to look for in a family-friendly ski resort 

I won’t lie, finding a family-friendly ski resort can feel intimidating, especially if your family is new to skiing. There are definitely ski resorts that are not family-friendly—read: only steep terrain, no kids’ programs, expert-only vibes. So what makes a resort family-friendly? Here’s what I look for:

1. Beginner terrain: Very important! I’m looking for ski resorts that have a good variety of beginner and intermediate terrain (green and blue runs) that are suitable for kids, especially kids new to skiing and snowboarding. Bonus points for resorts with “magic carpets”—slow-moving conveyor belts that bring beginners up slopes.
2. Ski schools: Teaching your own kids can be fun, but having someone else do it (or show you how) means you can sneak in a few runs on your own (bonus!). So I’m looking for ski resorts that have well-developed ski schools and age-appropriate programs. 
3. Off-slope extras: I love ski resorts that have family-friendly amenities just in case my kids (or the weather) say a full day of skiing isn’t happening. Ski resorts with tubing slopes, skating, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing are great, especially if we’re planning a weekend getaway at the resort.
4. Accommodations: This isn’t a make or break, but going on a ski adventure as a family sometimes warrants a full weekend getaway. I’m looking for ski resorts with on-slope accommodations or accommodations nearby.

What about the cost of ski resorts? 

Downhill skiing and snowboarding can get pricey, but there are simple ways to keep costs reasonable for families: 

• If you want to commit to skiing all winter, buy early-bird season passes (or multi-day bundles) when you can. 
• Consider seasonal gear rental packages, off-slope day rentals (often cheaper!), or buying secondhand gear.
• Ski during times that are less busy for lower-cost tickets (avoid holidays and aim for weekdays, evenings, and promotional days).
• Check out the SnowStart Kidz Pass (ages 6-12) for a one-time pass for up to three visits to participating ski areas across Canada.

The 10 best family-friendly ski resorts across Canada

I’m going to be honest. Highlighting only 10 family-friendly ski resorts is no easy task, especially when there are almost 300 ski areas across Canada, according to the Canadian Ski Council. To choose 10, I did some serious research. I asked families across Canada for their favourite, then cross-checked their suggestions with online reviews and my checklist above. The result is this west-to-east roundup of the 10 best family-friendly ski resorts across Canada. 

Be forewarned: this list isn’t exhaustive (remember, I had to pick 10!), and it isn’t ranked.

1. Sun Peaks (Kamloops, British Columbia)

As Canada’s second-largest ski resort, Sun Peaks holds a special place in the hearts of British Columbia families. Located about a 45-minute drive from Kamloops, it was the most voted family-friendly ski resort in my informal social media poll!

What families love: Sun Peaks has great beginner terrain (10% of the runs are beginner) and intermediate terrain (58%), Sports School (ages 3+), and Sundance Kids Centre childminding (ages 3-5). Families love the laidback, friendly vibe and short lift line-ups. The village centre has hotels as well as vacation homes and condos, perfect for families wanting to stay close to the action. Family-friendly extras include tubing, sledding, skating, snowshoeing, fat biking, dog-sled tours, horse-drawn sleigh rides, and kids’ adventure zones.

2. SilverStar Mountain Resort (Vernon, British Columbia)

Known for its abundant snowfall (all natural!) and an adorable village—imagine a 19th century mining town crossed with Victorian architecture— SilverStar is a favourite among local families and tourists. It’s located about 25 minutes from Vernon.

What families love: SilverStar has wonderful beginner (18%) and intermediate (32%) terrain, lessons for kids (3-16) and adaptive lessons, ski-in ski-out accommodations, as well as multi-bedroom condominiums and vacation homes. Family-friendly extras include tubing, sledding, skating, snowshoeing, fat biking, and mini snowmobiles.

3. Big White Ski Resort (Kelowna, British Columbia) 

Expansive and powdery, Big White, about one hour outside of Kelowna, is known for its abundant champagne powder, snow “ghost,” and solid family-friendly programming.

What families love: Big White has a dedicated beginner zone, a good amount of beginner terrain (18%) and even better intermediate (54%) terrain. There are plenty of options for kids’ lessons and programs (ages 3+), along with a Tot Town Daycare, and adaptive programs. Its vibrant no-car village has shops, restaurants, and accommodations for every need and budget, but where it really shines is all the fun family-friendly events and activities. Extras include tubing (five lanes!), sledding, skating, snowshoeing, fat biking, dog-sled tours, horse-drawn sleigh rides, and tons of events.

4. Mount Sima (Whitehorse, Yukon)

Mount Sima is the Yukon’s only ski hill—and it’s run by a non-profit! Located about 15 minutes from downtown Whitehorse, Sima is known for its laidback, family-friendly vibe. 

What families love: Mount Sima has Snow School and lessons for kids (ages 4+), kids’ camps, and adaptive lessons. While it might not boast all the amenities and activities as bigger ski resorts, there are no crowds or big line-ups to contend with, only friendly locals, great snow, and beautiful views.

5. Banff Sunshine Village (Banff, Alberta) 

Located inside Banff National Park, Banff Sunshine Village is about a 20-minute drive from the town of Banff. It was voted one of the top family-friendly resorts during my call-out. 

What families love: This ski resort is known to have some of the best beginner (19%) terrain in Canada along with a dedicated beginner area. It has a Snow School for kids (ages 3+), a daycare for kids (19 months-6 years), and adaptive lessons. The resort has on-slope accommodations at Sunshine Mountain Lodge, but with Banff so close families can also opt to stay there.

6. Nakiska Ski Area (Kananaskis, Alberta)

Nakiska Ski Area, located in the Kananaskis Valley, about 45 minutes from Calgary, was designed for the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics with families in mind. 

What families love: The majority of Nakiska’s terrain is beginner (15%) and intermediate (59%), which includes a large learning area. It has a Sports School for kids (ages 3+) and adaptive lessons. Accommodations and dining are located five minutes from the resort in Kananaskis Village. Family-friendly extras include tubing and snowshoeing.

7. Asessipi Ski Resort (Inglis, Manitoba) 

Yes, there are ski resorts in the Prairies! Asessipi Ski Resort, located on the Manitoba Escarpment, is the largest ski resort in Manitoba. 

What families love: While Asessipi might seem small compared to other ski resorts, it’s a favourite among families. This resort has a 650-foot magic carpet that takes riders to the top of the tubing park and the beginner ski and snowboard area, and it has a Ski School for kids (ages 6-12). While there are no on-site accommodations, there are places to stay in the nearby towns of Inglis (10 minutes away) and Russell (18 minutes away). Family-friendly extras include tubing, snowshoeing, and fat biking. 

8. Blue Mountain Resort (Ontario)

Described as Ontario’s largest and most family-friendly ski resort, Blue Mountain is about two hours from Toronto. 

What families love: Blue Mountain has plenty of great beginner (28%) and intermediate (37%) terrain. It also boasts a well-developed Snow School for kids (ages 2+), a daycare, and adaptive programs. Blue Mountain Village has plenty of shops, restaurants, and accommodations to choose from. Family-friendly extras include tubing, skating, snowshoeing, riding the Ridge Runner Mountain Coaster, swimming at the Aquatic Centre, and exploring the Adventure Park. With all these offerings, Blue Mountain truly stands by its slogan: “One mountain, endless adventures.”

9. Mont Tremblant (Québec)

Seen as the most family-friendly ski resort in eastern Canada, Mont Tremblant is a vibrant destination resort located 90 minutes from Montreal.

What families love: Mont Tremblant boasts some of the best beginner (19%) terrain. It has dedicated learning areas for beginners, Ski School for kids (ages 3+), and adaptive lessons. Its beautiful pedestrian village is filled with an array of shops, restaurants, and accommodations for every interest and taste, and of course there are plenty of events and activities happening all the time. Family-friendly extras include tubing, skating, fat biking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, dog-sledding, ice climbing, sleigh rides, indoor swimming, and so much more. 

10. Mont Blanc (Québec)

Considered very family-friendly, Mont Blanc is located south of the large ski resort of Mont Tremblant and about 75 minutes from Montreal. 

What families love: Mont Blanc has great beginner (17%) and intermediate (26%) terrain, a Snow School for kids (ages 3+), and a beginner area with magic carpet lifts. While this resort doesn’t have all the extras of a bigger resort, its fun laidback vibe, low crowds, and reasonable prices make this resort a great choice for families.

Want more family-friendly Canadian ski resort suggestions? 

If you’ve arrived at the end of my list of the 10 best family-friendly ski resorts in Canada and felt a bit disappointed, I hear you! Choosing only 10 wasn’t an easy task, so I’m going to sneakily add a few more. These ski resorts are much loved and recommended by other Canadian families:

• RED Mountain (Rossland, B.C.)
• Panorama (Invermere, B.C.)
• Mount Seymour (North Vancouver, B.C.)
• Revelstoke Mountain Resort (Revelstoke, B.C.)
• Mount Washington (Vancouver Island, B.C.)
• Whitewater Ski Resort (Nelson, B.C.)
• Lake Louise Ski Resort (Alberta)
• Mount Pakenham (Ontario)
• Stoneham (Quebec)
• Ski Wentworth (N.S.)

Don’t see your favourite family-friendly ski hill listed in this article? Please share it in the comments below. If I get enough votes, we might add it to the extras list at the end of this post.