Luxury Ski Resorts

Luxury ski holidays

Canada’s crowded slopes, unrivalled powder snow, heli-skiing adventures and exclusive chalets put skiers in the lap of luxury, says Jessica Pook

Why sell it

Whilst European resorts may be closer, Canada boasts a longer average ski season with seven months of snow, fewer crowds and luxury experiences that range from unwinding in a mountainside hot spring to toasting a glass over a ‘snow bar’ to heliskiing on fresh powder snow.

Research from the Mountain Trade Network shows that Canada is currently the number one ‘dream destination’ for British skiers, who are “looking for more than a ‘typical’ ski holiday – they want to escape the crowds and have an adventure,” says Nickie Mabey, Mabey Ski founder.

As for the skiing, Whistler in British Columbia (BC) has the title of biggest ski resort in North America (8,171 acres, Lake Louise and Sunshine Village in Alberta offer some of the most picturesque skiing, while Sun Peaks and Revelstoke (BC) have great dry powder snow, and Mont Tremblant in Québec has excellent luxury accommodation options and a lively apres ski scene.

Who to sell to

With spectacular scenery and full-service spas, a luxury ski holiday is a honeymoon option for active couples. The castle-like Fairmont Banff Springs in Alberta has world-class dining, soothing mineral pools and 45-minute sleigh rides, while the plush private cabins at Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge have been enjoyed by celebrities and royalty.

Honeymooners that stay at ski-in/ski-out Lizard Creek Lodge in BC can finish the day in style with a couples massage and belowfreezing vodka at the ice bar.

Luxury isn’t just reserved for adults: familyfriendly Sun Peaks Resort in BC has a skithrough village with gentle learning trails and family activities at the Sundance Kids Centre, including ice skating and sleigh rides.

The new Club Med Québec Charlevoix is Canada’s first Club Med and offers childcare services as well as family activities from pancake parties to baking workshops.

powDer Snow in Bella Coola, BritiSh ColumBia

What’s new to sell

Adventure Ski specialist Maybe Ski has launched a Catamaran-based heli-skiing in Bella Coola, BC, for March 2023. Docked at a different private anchorage each day, guests are transported by helicopter to enjoy untouched powder snow. Daily massages, a private chef and a hot tub await tired skiers.

Also in BC Revelstoke, which is known for its heli-skiing in the Selkirk and Monashee Mountains, is the home of ultra-luxury ski lodges. Chalet Bighorn has a private helipad, cat skiing a spa, sauna, outdoor hot tub, movie theatre and cocktail bar.

At the same resort, the Flying Moose Chalet is a fully serviced luxury mountain retreat with eight suites that has added a heli-lounge to bespoke services and amenities that include a team of on-call private butlers, drivers, servers and an executive chef.

How to sell it

A ‘ski safari’ can help winter enthusiasts tick off multiple mountain resorts in one trip.

Canadian Affair offers ski safaris in both BC, stopping at Whistler and Sun Peaks, and Alberta, with skiing in Banff National Park, Jasper and Marmot Basin.

Book it with...Ski Independence

A 12-night Discover Canada’s Alberta includes seven nights at the Fairmont Banff Springs, a five-night Jasper Adventure Package with a full day of cat skiing. Price starts from £3,350pp and includes flights and transfers. ski-i.com