Canadian Ski Resorts

If you are going to stick close to the west coast, trip out of gorgeous Vancouver to the mighty Whistler-Blackcomb ... say no more. These twin giants attract skiers the world over each year, and with the next Olympics in their backyard, things are set to busy up.

In Alberta, you will find classic, frigid, frostbitten beauty like nowhere else. Banff and Lake Louise are stoic legends, while the lesser-known Red Mountain is the quiet champion for those who like their skiing tough.

What have I left out? Heli-skiing - taking you to never-imagined pitches reserved solely for your skiing delight. It's expensive, but the deep powder is never forgotten.

Out east, Mont-Tremblant offers a taste of the European not too far from Montreal, though the snow out this side of the country isn't quite as enviable as further west.

Whistler-Blackcomb Ski Resort

Host of the 2010 Winter Olympics, #1 Rankings in countless Ski Resort Rankings, Whistler-Blackcomb continues to be the worlds heavy weight ski resort. Whistler boasts over 200 runs, 400 inches of ski a year, and 38 lifts.