Canmore, Alberta is known for its world-class skiing and with good reason. The slopes are challenging and varied, the scenery is stunning, and the town itself is a great place to spend a few days. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced skier, there’s something for everyone in Canmore.

In this post, we will help you make the most of your Canmore skiing trip.

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Ski slopes near Canmore

There are plenty of great slopes near Canmore. Here are a few of the ski resorts:

Mount Norquay

With its convenient location just minutes from Banff, Mount Norquay is a popular choice for both beginner and experienced skiers. The mountain offers a variety of terrain, from gentle slopes to challenging black diamonds, making it a great place to learn or improve your skiing skills. And with its scenic views of the Canadian Rockies, Mount Norquay is also a great place to simply enjoy the winter scenery. it also has night skiing!

Lake Louise

Lake Louise Ski Resort is world-famous for its striking scenery, challenging runs, and varied terrain. Nestled in the heart of Banff National Park in the Canadian Rockies, the resort offers something for everyone, from beginner to expert. The gentle slopes of the Starter Area are perfect for those just learning to ski or snowboard, while the more advanced runs provide a true test of skill. And for those who really want to test their limits, the famous Lake Louise Backbowls offer some of the most challenging skiing in North America.

Sunshine Village

Sunshine Village offers skiers and snowboarders access to some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world. With over 3,400 acres of skiable terrain, Sunshine Village has something for everyone, from gentle slope to black diamond run. And if you’re looking for a little extra excitement, be sure to check out the terrain park, which features a variety of jumps and rails. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-time skier, Sunshine Village is sure to give you an unforgettable experience.

Nakiska ski resort

With over 2,000 acres of skiable terrain, Nakiska is a paradise for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. The resort offers a variety of trails, ranging from beginner to expert, and there is also a terrain park for those who want to test their skills. In addition to its excellent skiing, Nakiska is also known for its stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

ski stood up in the snow with poles and backpack on the ground, with mountains in the background

Places to rent ski and snowboard gear

Here are our favourite places to rent winter equipment:

Gear Up

Gear Up Sports was first established in 1996 and offers complete rental services for all your needs while you’re visiting the Canadian Rockies. They offer a variety of rental gear – from skis, snowboards, alpine skis, ice skates and more. They also offer 24 hour rentals with the ability to pick up gear the day before at no extra charge.

Chateau Mountain Sports

Chateau Mountain Sports was founded in 2008 with a retail store and rental shop at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. They have since expanded to three locations—Lake Louise, Banff, and Canmore—with their most recent establishment opening in spring 2020.

At both the Canmore and Banff Springs resorts, they offer equipment rentals for all kinds of winter activities. You can choose from downhill skis, snowboards, cross-country skis, ice skates, snow shoes, and more.

Activities in the Canmore area

There are plenty of fun winter activities to enjoy in Canmore and the surrounding bow valley. Here are a few to consider:

Dogsledding

Dogsledding is a popular winter activity in Canmore, and there are a few different companies that offer this unique experience. One of our favourites is Snowy Owl.

Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing is a great way to get some exercise and enjoy the natural beauty of Canmore.

Ice skating

Ice skating is always a fun activity, and Canmore has several ponds and rinks that are perfect for skating. The town also has an indoor rink if the weather is bad.

Visit Kananaskis country

The Kananaskis area is a beautiful place to explore. For those who enjoy hiking, there are a number of trails to choose from, ranging from easy walks to more challenging hikes. For those who prefer a more relaxed pace, there are plenty of scenic spots to enjoy, including lakes, forests and meadows.

In addition, Kananaskis Country is home to a number of wildlife species, making it a great place for animal lovers to explore. With so much to see and do, Kananaskis Country is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Kananaskis with snow on the mountains and frozen lake

Places to eat and drink in Canmore

Canmore is full of great places to eat and drink, no matter what your budget is.

Here are a few our favourite:

Fergus & Bix

Fergus & Bix have a wide variety of food options, from burgers and fries to steak and lobster, and the prices are very reasonable. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, and the service is friendly and efficient.

Rocky Mountain Flatbread Co.

Rocky Mountain Flatbread is a great place to eat in Canmore. They have a wide variety of pizzas, as well as salads and desserts. They also have a great selection of beers and wines.

The Canmore Brewing Company

The Canmore Brewing Company is a great place to grab a drink after a long day on the slopes. The brewery offers a variety of beer, as well as cider and wine.

Conclusion

Canmore is a great place to come for a ski or snowboarding vacation, with plenty of slopes for beginner to expert skiers. Canmore offers a variety of places to eat and drink, from casual restaurants to fine dining establishments. There are also plenty of fun winter activities to enjoy in Canmore, such as dogsledding, snowshoeing, and ice skating. The closest airport is Calgary international airport which is just over 1 hour away. If you are looking to stay in a hostel check out Canmore hostel options guide!

Make sure you check out CanmoreAlberta.com to find out what’s happening when you are in Canmore!


Nicola Wightman

Nicola Wightman is a regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) under the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC). Her professional immigration consultant number is R706497.

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