Snow lovers rejoice at Canadian ski resorts, where perfect powder conditions, mind-blowing scenery, and heartfelt welcomes give you the warm and fuzzies. If you have a love for après ski too, then Canada is your go-to pow-pow destination.
Contrary to popular belief, après ski is not only about skulling Schnapps after a hard day on the slopes. Après is the French word for after and that can mean anything from a hot chocolate around an open fire, soaking in a spa pool or… getting sloshed on Shotskis at sunrise. In Canada, the choice is yours!
We’ve matched our favourite Canadian pistes with their top après ski spots.
WHISTLER, BRITISH COLUMBIA
With 12 metres of snow a year, Whistler is considered the best ski resort in North America so it’s no surprise it also reigns as the après ski king. Watch a live band, neck beers in the hot tub, or enjoy the ambience of jovial eateries. While there are 100 restaurants and bars to choose from, the Longhorn Saloon is the most famous. For the dedicated partygoer, consider the Whistler Club Crawl on Thursdays and Saturdays.
The ultimate après ski drinking challenge is rumoured to have originated in BC. To imbibe a Shotski, multiple shots are placed on a ski and are downed simultaneously. It can get messy but that’s most of the fun.
BANFF & LAKE LOUISE, ALBERTA
It’s a bucket list moment when you get to ski the perfectly picturesque Canadian Rockies. UNESCO World Heritage Site Banff and Lake Louise draw crowds with their fabulous scenery, three ski resorts, and a more relaxed après ski vibe, including the thermal-rich waters of the Upper Hot Springs.
The über-Instagrammable Lake Louise captivates with glacier views and the ski resort’s deep, steep terrain. While the crowd is mellower here, that doesn’t mean you can’t get wild! For an authentic Canadian après ski experience, head to Wild Bill’s Legendary Saloon.
TREMBLANT & QUÉBEC CITY, QUÉBEC
The fairytale property of Hôtel de Glace, Canada’s only ice-carved hotel
With its proximity to Québec City and Montréal, Mont Tremblant has a party-town reputation. As East Canada’s best-known ski resort, the 38 bars and restaurants know how to kick it. Café d’Epoque is synonymous with wild partying but as the 4th best bar in the world (Forbes-rated), it would be rude to skip Le P’tit Caribou, right?
Away from the piste, February’s Québec Winter Carnival affords 17-days of non-stop winter action. This includes dogsled racing, ice-carving competitions, and partaking in the local hot alcoholic drink, caribou.
BLUE MOUNTAIN, ONTARIO
Blue Mountain is Canada’s third most popular ski resort, with 36 runs and three wickedly wild freestyle terrains. While the views are not as spectacular as some ski fields, the village at Blue Mountain pulls locals and visitors alike.
Grab some cheap jugs at Jozo’s Original Après, BBQ at Rusty’s or sample Canada’s famous fries, gravy, and curd snack at MileHigh Poutine.