Winter Mountain Adventures

If you enjoy winter sports, you’ll love traveling to the Canadian Rockies [1] between December and April. Winter travel and the focus of your vacation will be very different than a summer trip. Instead of hiking and canoeing and barbecuing, you’ll be skiing and snowshoeing in a magical mountain setting purified by snow, then retreating to relax around a roaring fire each evening.

Downhill Skiing

Banff National Park [2] holds three major ski resorts — Lake Louise [3], Sunshine Village [4], and Ski Norquay [4]. Kananaskis Country’s Nakiska [5] was developed for the downhill events of the 1988 Winter Olympic Games. Today, it serves mainly a regional market, offering runs for all levels of skill. Meanwhile, to the north in Jasper National Park [2], Marmot Basin [6] is renowned for its uncrowded slopes and sweeping views.

Cross-Country Skiing

Summer hiking trails are perfect for cross-country skiing in winter; many of those around the towns of Banff [7] and Jasper [8] are groomed. The Canmore Nordic Centre [9] is laced with cross-country trails — and hosts world-class competitions through the winter months.

Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing is a traditional form of northern transportation but is still a popular recreation. Many sports stores have rentals and will lead you in the right direction. If you would like to try dogsledding, head to Canmore [10] or Lake Louise [3], where commercial operators offer trips.

Ice Walks

One of the most unusual winter activities in the Canadian Rockies are ice walks to frozen waterfalls. Guided tours operate in Johnston Canyon [11] (Banff) and Maligne Canyon [12] (Jasper).

Hot Springs

Finally, after a long day of winter sports, there’s no better way to soothe sore muscles than soaking in one of the region’s many hot springs. Try Upper Hot Springs [13] (Banff) or Miette Hot Springs [14] (Jasper).