Friday, December 6, 2024
As the ski season kicks off, fresh research has unveiled some of Canada’s best-kept secrets for skiing, where both locals and tourists can enjoy the slopes away from the crowds.
The study, conducted by Jackpot City, examined 173 ski resorts across Canada, comparing visitor ratings and the number of reviews to uncover the country’s hidden gem resorts.
Topping the list for 2024 is Mount Maichen, located in Watson Lake, Yukon. This resort earned an impressive 4.9-star rating out of 5, although it had fewer reviews than other resorts analyzed. Known for its diverse range of ski runs suitable for all skill levels, breathtaking views, and powdery snow that remains dry throughout the season, Mount Maichen offers a peaceful, crowd-free skiing experience that remains relatively unknown to many.
In second place is the Menihek Nordic Ski Club in Labrador City, also boasting a 4.9-star rating. Nestled in a serene forest setting of birch and spruce trees, this resort is a haven for cross-country skiers and snowshoers, with the added bonus of evening skiing sessions.
The Thunderhill Ski Area in Swan River Valley, Manitoba, takes third place with 29 reviews and another perfect 4.9-star rating. Set between the Duck Mountains and Porcupine Provincial Forest, Thunderhill offers 24 well-maintained ski runs, 2.2 kilometers of cross-country trails, and cozy chalets, making it an ideal spot to unwind after an exhilarating day on the slopes.
Ontario and British Columbia, two of the most prominent ski regions in Canada, are each home to two resorts in the top 10 hidden gems. Each of these resorts has received 4.8 stars out of 5, offering an extensive array of alpine skiing, cross-country trails, and snowboarding options.
The top 20 hidden gem ski resorts in Canada, based on the research:
| Rank | Ski Resort | Location | Rating (Out of 5) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mount Maichen | Watson Lake, Yukon | 4.9 | Range of ski runs, picturesque views, dry powdery snow |
| 2 | Menihek Nordic Ski Club | Labrador City, Newfoundland | 4.9 | Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, evening skiing, forested location |
| 3 | Thunderhill Ski Area | Swan River Valley, Manitoba | 4.9 | 24 groomed ski runs, 2.2 km of cross-country trails, cozy chalets |
| 4 | Secret Mountain | Invermere, British Columbia | 4.9 | Quiet slopes, panoramic mountain views |
| 5 | Mount Renshaw | McBride, British Columbia | 4.8 | Backcountry skiing, snowboarding, quiet terrain |
| 6 | Ymir Ski Hill | Ymir, British Columbia | 4.8 | Alpine skiing, snowboarding, small crowds |
| 7 | Tumbler Ridge Ski Resort | Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia | 4.8 | Family-friendly, powder snow, excellent for beginners |
| 8 | Powder King Mountain Resort | Mackenzie, British Columbia | 4.8 | Largest snow accumulation, fantastic powder skiing |
| 9 | Shames Mountain | Terrace, British Columbia | 4.8 | 30+ runs, affordable, local mountain charm |
| 10 | Mount Baldy Ski Area | Oliver, British Columbia | 4.8 | Affordable, scenic, less crowded |
| 11 | Hudson Bay Mountain Resort | Smithers, British Columbia | 4.8 | Remote, breathtaking views, challenging runs |
| 12 | Mont Sainte-Anne | Beaupré, Quebec | 4.8 | Diverse trails, cross-country and alpine options |
| 13 | Hinton Nordic Centre | Hinton, Alberta | 4.8 | Cross-country skiing, wide range of winter activities |
| 14 | Kananaskis Village Ski Resort | Kananaskis, Alberta | 4.7 | Remote, great for families, snowshoeing and skiing |
| 15 | Marmot Basin | Jasper, Alberta | 4.7 | Stunning mountain vistas, less crowded |
| 16 | Blue Mountain | Collingwood, Ontario | 4.4 | 40 ski runs, snow school, ski jumps, 364 acres of terrain |
| 17 | Mont Tremblant | Tremblant, Quebec | 4.7 | A mix of snowboarding, cross-country skiing, and alpine trails |
| 18 | Echo Valley Ski Resort | Kamsack, Saskatchewan | 4.7 | Peaceful, great for beginners and families |
| 19 | Big White Ski Resort | Kelowna, British Columbia | 4.7 | Large snow-covered area, great for families |
| 20 | Grouse Mountain | Vancouver, British Columbia | 4.7 | Convenient location, great for short trips, variety of slopes |
Despite the success of these hidden gems, Blue Mountain in Collingwood, Ontario, ranks lowest on the list, though it’s hardly a hidden secret. With a massive 19,002 reviews and a solid 4.4-star rating, Blue Mountain is one of Canada’s most popular resorts. Featuring over 40 runs, a snow school, ski jumps, and 364 acres of skiable terrain, it’s no wonder that winter sports enthusiasts flock here year after year.
Commenting on the research, a spokesperson at Jackpot City, said:
“With millions of skiers and snowboarders eagerly waiting for the 2024/25 season to begin, what better way to fuel the excitement than to plan a trip to one of the resorts that could be almost completely untouched and without the queues for the lifts?
“From seasoned pros to avid snowshoers, there’s often nothing better than stumbling across a hidden route that you can enjoy almost completely to yourself and take in the peaceful surroundings of nature, something you’ll certainly find if you head to the likes of Watson Lake and Labrador City.”
