Melanie MoralesAs a born-and-raised Edmontonian, I’ve spent my fair share of winters battling blizzards and daydreaming of tropical escapes. But a few years ago, a fellow snow-lover let me in on a little secret – this city has a ski scene that rivals some of the best winter wonderlands out there.
Turns out, tucked away amidst the urban landscape are hidden gems where locals transform into snow-loving daredevils, carving their way down slopes that sparkle under the winter sun.
So, join me as I share the secret spots where Edmontonians trade in their winter woes for epic wipeouts (and the occasional faceplant – hey, we’re all learning!).
Skiing Spots in Edmonton
Rabbit Hill Snow Resort
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Location: 20715 57 Ave SW, Edmonton, AB T6Y 0J5, Canada
Contact: +1 780-955-2440
Operating hours:
- Wednesday to Thursday & Saturday to Sunday – 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM
- Friday – 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM
For over 65 years, Rabbit Hill has been Edmonton’s winter playground. This sprawling wonderland boasts over 40 acres of ski and snowboard trails, claiming the title of the area’s largest local ski resort and flexing one of Western Canada’s best terrain parks.
Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned pro, Rabbit Hill has your back with affordable rentals – you can snag a full set for a cool $35. But hold onto your helmets (literally, they’re a separate $10), because the terrain park is where the real fun begins.
Jumps, rails, and features galore await you if you crave a challenge and a healthy dose of adrenaline. Oh, and did we mention it’s family-friendly? So we recommend grabbing your crew, hitting the slopes, and letting the good times roll (or rather, slide).
Snow Valley Ski Club
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Location: 13204 Rainbow Valley Rd NW, Edmonton, AB T6H 3Y9, Canada
Contact: +1 780-434-3991
Snow Valley Ski Club is 20 acres of pure winter fun that’s meticulously crafted for everyone. Eight runs and two terrain parks ensure a thrill for every skill level. Here, you can spend a full day carving up the snow for $49, or opt for a half-day (4 hours or less) at $39.
And don’t worry about gear – ski rentals are a steal! Grown-ups (13+) can snag a full-day ski or snowboard package for $36, or a half-day for $31. Kids (5 to 12) get their gear fix for $32 a day, or $28 for a shorter session.
But the real showstopper is the terrain park – a freestyle wonderland of perfectly groomed banks, boxes, and rails that’ll have you feeling like a pro.
Sunridge Ski Area
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Location: 10980 17 St NW, Edmonton, AB T6S 1E4, Canada
Contact: +1 780-449-6555
With five lifts, including a shiny new quad chairlift, getting to the top is half the fun at Sunridge Ski Area. Here, you can choose your adventure from two adrenaline-pumping terrain parks and 12 diverse runs – there’s something for everyone, whether you’re a first-timer or not.
And the best part? You won’t break the bank to have a blast. Adult full-day tickets are a cool $45, youth tickets (13 to 17) are just $42, and families of up to four can hit the slopes for a sweet $109.
Need gear? They’ve got you covered with a full rental package (skis, boots, poles, and helmet) for $36, or save a couple of bucks and book online for $34.
Edmonton Ski Club
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Location: 9613 96 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T6C 2B3, Canada
Contact: +1 780-465-0852
With 25 acres of perfectly groomed, machine-made snow, Edmonton Ski Club is a skier’s paradise right in the heart of the city. Newbies can find their footing on beginner-friendly slopes, while seasoned pros can carve up mogul runs or show off their skills in the terrain park.
Don’t worry about breaking the bank too – their lift tickets are quite the steal. Adults ski all day for $45, youth (13 to 17) for $42, and juniors (7 to 12) for $36. Sskis, boots, poles, and helmet come in a package and can be rented for just $30.
This ski club also offers a lot of programs and activities to keep you entertained. From affordable drop-in sessions for kids (including instruction and evening lift tickets for just $19.95) to full-fledged winter camps for all ages, there’s something for everyone.
Skiing Spots near Edmonton
Lake Louise Ski Resort
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Location: 1 Whitehorn Rd, Lake Louise, AB T0L 1E0, Canada
Contact: +1 403-522-3555
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 7:30 AM to 6:30 PM
Lake Louise Ski Resort is where you can carve your own path across 4,200 acres of snowy terrain, with 164 runs catering to all skill levels, from cautious beginners to fearless experts. With 11 lifts, you won’t have to wait in lines for a long time.
But what about the cost? Well, you can rest easy since a full-day lift ticket for adults (18 to 64) is $124, youth (13 to 17) pay $95, and youngsters (6 to 12) ski for a wallet-friendly $37. And if you forgot to bring your ski, they offer rental packages starting at $50 for adults and $35 for juniors.
Not only does Lake Louise deliver on skiing, but the surrounding Banff National Park enhances the experience with its winter wonderland charm. You can enjoy a variety of winter activities like ice skating, sleigh rides, and exploring the magical ice sculptures.
Banff Sunshine Village Ski & Snowboard Resort
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Location: Banff Sunshine Village Ski & Snowboard Resort, Alberta, Canada
Contact: +1 403-705-4000
Banff Sunshine Village spoils skiers with a ridiculous 3,300 acres spread across three mountains. Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned pro, you’ll find the perfect run here.
The snow is legendary, averaging 30 feet a year, and the season stretches from mid-November to late May – the longest non-glacial ski season in Canada.
Just keep in mind that lift tickets aren’t cheap, costing $126 for adults. But if you don’t mind spending and want the ultimate luxury experience, we recommend booking a room at the Sunshine Mountain Lodge, Banff National Park’s only ski-in, ski-out hotel.
Marmot Basin
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Location: 1 Marmot Rd, Jasper, AB T0E 1E0, Canada
Contact: +1 780-852-3816
Marmot Basin boasts the highest base elevation in the Canadian Rockies. It offers a 3,000-foot vertical drop and 1,720 acres of diverse terrain spread across five mountain faces.
With 91 runs for all skill levels, lift tickets will set you back $131.36 for adults. But with uncrowded slopes and breathtaking scenery, you might find it worth the price. Ski rentals are also available, starting at $44.10 for adults.
This place is renowned for its uncrowded slopes, allowing you to spend more time skiing and less time waiting in lines. This, coupled with its scenery and the relaxed and friendly atmosphere of the nearby town of Jasper, makes Marmot Basin a top choice for skiers.
