Canada

Famed for 'perfect' snow, big wide pistes, cosmopolitan resorts and reasonable prices, Canada is, for many people, the ultimate winter destination. Such is the reputation of the main resorts here, that casually dropping into conversation that you're "off to Whistler on Saturday" tends to bring out the worst in even your closest friends (unless you're taking them with you of course).

If all the hype has escaped you thus far, it won't for long. Whistler, arguably Canada's most popular resort, is host to the upcoming 2010 winter Olympic games.

So what's all the fuss about skiing or snowboarding in Canada? Well, apart from a bustling après ski scene, the real attraction at Whistler Blackcomb (the resort's actually two mountains) is the long vertical drop. With over 1,600 metres at your disposal and trails as long as 7km, it can feel like you're riding the hill for hours. Not only that, but because the two mountains have different terrain, you get to mix things up a bit.

Of course the pistes are only half the story. Many skiers and riders come to Canada for the off-piste - which has been made more accessible thanks to several heli-ski operations.

Exceptional as Whistler is, you can't overlook other ski resorts in Canada. Similarly testing terrain can be found at Kicking Horse, while Big White has a more leisurely nightlife that makes it popular with families. The action isn't limited to British Columbia either.

If you fancy a week taking things a little easier, Tremblant in Quebec is worth considering. This purpose-built village has good intermediate terrain and is only ten years old - so if you like your standards high-to-immaculate, you're unlikely to be disappointed here.

Alternatively, if you wanted to combine your skiing or snowboarding in Canada with a bit of city culture, you could base yourself in Vancouver and ski or ride at one of the local resorts on the edge of the city. The terrain here isn't as challenging as in the resorts in the Rockies and the runs are a lot shorter, but with Vancouver repeatedly being voted 'most liveable city in the world' (an honour it juggles with Melbourne in Australia), you could frankly do a lot worse.

The ski season runs from the end of November to April.

Cost

Canada is generally a little cheaper than the US. A seven day adult lift pass is likely to set you back in the region of US$300. Accommodation is varied and widely available. Expect to pay upwards of US$110 per night per person, sharing, for a three star hotel in Whistler.

Getting here

There are regular international flights to and from Vancouver and Calgary airports, both of which are good access points for the Rockies. Montreal or Quebec are your main airport options for resorts in Quebec.

The roads in Canada are, by and large, very good and driving to the resorts is easy.

To compare ski resorts in Canada by nearest town, city or airport, see our Resort Comparison pages.