See more of Canada on your ski holiday

Canada's west has long been established as the primary ski region in North America. As ski enthusiasts and adrenaline junkies make their way to Canada's resorts, we take a look at what's available in the region when a day away from the slope beckons.

The Canadian regions of British Columbia and Alberta have long been synonymous with skiing in North America and the annual influx of ski enthusiasts to the areas is beginning as we move from Autumn to Winter. The regions are dotted with top class ski resorts and skiers and snowboarders alike can find an abundance of challenges in Western Canada to suit everyone from beginners to advanced skiers. Skiing is a major tourism draw for Western Canada and purpose built resorts across the area are gearing themselves up for record numbers this winter.

In British Columbia the recognised ski resorts stretch from Vancouver on the Pacific coast to the Alberta border. Famous resorts such as Whistler and Grouse Mountain are easily accessible from Vancouver itself making a ski holiday combined with a city break in Canada's third city a distinct possibility. Further a field lie Crystal Mountains and Big White each of which offer Alpine skiing and Snowboarding along with the traditional North American pastime of Apres ski. As well as the obvious attractions of the resorts themselves, BC has a well established tourism network and offers a wide range of attractions that are worth exploring, as well as the city of Vancouver itself.

Over the Alberta border and the options remain. Banff, often referred to as the most picturesque town in North America is a must on the regular Canadian tourist route but in winter acts as a great base for exploring the slopes of Banff, Sunshine Village and Lake Louise. Further north lies Jasper National Park, home of the Ski Marmot Basin. Jasper is another favourite tourist hotspot offering picturesque terrain and an abundance of outdoor activities and pursuits. Calgary is only a short distance from Alberta's prime ski resorts and offers the visitor another chance to experience a large Canadian city.

The slopes of BC and Alberta are generally accessed via the cities of Vancouver and Calgary respectively. Although the reports are well serviced by public transport and chartered options, with s much to explore in these regions of Western Canada, the best option might be to explore western Canada by hire car. Vancouver and Calgary both have an abundance of car hire options, most notably at their respective airports and driving through the mountainous regions of BC and Alberta can help to add more to the experience of Western Canada beyond the ski resorts. Most of the major car hire firms offer car hire in Canada and the driving experience in these regions can certainly add to the experience.

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