10 Tips to Escape the Crowds at Ski Resorts this Winter

My family has been perfecting our skills in "how to survive at a ski hill as introverts" for years now. Enter a brand new ski season where we're all encouraged to physical distance and to find the "quiet spaces," and I don't expect much will change for my family. We'll still continue to avoid crowds, we'll still say heck no to a Saturday powder day, and we'll avoid busy day lodges - as we always do.

Escape the Crowds at Ski Resorts this Winter 

Below are my best tips and suggestions that we've mastered over the years. 

10 Tips to Escape the Crowds at Ski Resorts this Winter

1. Ski Mid-week 

I pulled my son out of school a couple of years ago on a Thursday for a true mid-week ski day at Nakiska. It wasn't a PD day, it wasn't a holiday, and everybody else was still in school. - and it was glorious!! 

The day lodge was deserted and we had our choice of hundreds of tables to sit at. The runs were wide open and empty, and we were still skiing fresh corduroy at noon! (Can you imagine??) We finally went in for a late lunch at 1:00 and we'd already skied more runs than the average person skis in a full day on a weekend. 

It was my favourite ski day we've ever had, and I'd encourage every family to try this at least once this winter. (School is important, but so is mental health.)

Read: Yes, Take the Kids out of School for the Day - and Go Skiing!

Take the kids out of school for the day and enjoy your own private ski hill

Tips to becoming a mid-week ski family

• Ski local. Nakiska is our closest hill and so that's where we always buy seasons passes. I love some of the bigger hills but realistically, it's hard to get out mid-week when there's a 3+ hour drive involved just to reach the resort.
  
  
  
• Go out Fridays when the kids get off school at noon. Pull them out an hour early if you have to, or skip the morning. Eat lunch on the drive out and then ski for the afternoon without having to use the day lodge.
  
  
  
• Take advantage of school PD days. It will be busier at your local hill than a regular mid-week day, but still much quieter than a weekend day.
  
  
  
• Powder days call for mental health breaks. If you have the flexibility to catch up on work from home in the afternoon/evening, pull the kids from school on powder days once a month. Chances are you'll be done skiing by 1:00 if you arrive early and ski hard (easier if you have seasons passes) and so you'll still have plenty of time to log some work hours when you get home.
  
  
  
• Discuss work flexibility with your boss. Many of us are working from home these days so ask if you can take your kids skiing once or twice a month mid-week and arrange a system where you catch up on the missed work outside regular office hours. Now is the perfect time to discuss the idea of a compressed work week as well where you'd work more hours/day but then get every second or third Friday off. (Perfect for those half days at school)
  
  
  
• Take a day off work and create a long weekend for ski getaways. Sundays and Mondays are your friends. Avoid Saturdays. You'll have a lot more fun creating your own long weekend rather than skiing on an official long weekend with everybody else. Alternately, leave a day early so you get one quiet day of skiing on Friday before the crowds arrive for the weekend.
  
  
  
• Book a condo on a ski hill with WiFi and plan a working holiday mid-week. For those of you working from home, consider relocating your office for a few days. Create a blended schedule of working and skiing. This works well for kids doing online learning or homeschooling as well.
  
  

Powder days call for a mid-week trip to the mountains

2. Ski Sundays 

I'll never forget the first time I skied at Kimberley Alpine Resort on a Sunday before driving home from our weekend ski getaway. It was like a ghost town! And while maybe that wasn't normal, I've definitely noticed that ski resorts are more quiet on Sundays. 

Most families like to get out of the city on Saturday to play in the mountains, preferring to stay home Sundays in preparation for another week at work (groceries, laundry, cleaning, etc.)

You'll notice less crowds at destination hills because many families have to drive home for school and work the next day, choosing either to ski for just the morning, or to not ski at all.

Big Tip: Try to add a vacation day to your weekend so that you can ski Sunday/Monday when you go away for the weekend. Drive home late afternoon Monday and grab dinner on the way home. Either drive to the hill Saturday morning, or spend Saturday pursuing a different winter activity (XC skiing for example.)

Sunday skiing at Kimberley Alpine Resort

3. Get First Runs

My son and I love skiing on PD days when hills are generally quieter.We head out to Nakiska aiming to arrive between 8:00 - 8:30am. This allows us to get rockstar parking, to enjoy a deserted day lodge for suiting up and preparing for our ski day, and then to be first in line for lifts. 

The first 5 runs of the day will always be your best runs if you're at the hill for opening. You'll get the best corduroy, the best powder, and the best snow before it starts to get icy in the afternoon. 

My son and I ski hard, take short breaks, and then by 1:00pm we're ready to go. We've already had a full day of skiing by this point and we take advantage of seasons passes to leave early without guilt. We eat in the car on the drive home or stop at the Tim Hortons at the junction of Highway 40 and the TransCanada Hwy and run through the drive through.

Not a morning person? Me neither. Fortunately there are ways to make early morning starts for the resort "easier."

Read: Tips and Tricks for Downhill Skiing with Kids

You'll always get the best snow if you arrive at the ski hill for first lifts

4. Avoid Crowded Day Lodges 

Nobody likes a crowded day lodge. Learn to work around the crowds with these tips below:

• Stay slopeside. Return to your own condo for lunch and fill your pockets with snacks for the ski hill 
  
  
  
• Ski local and go home for lunch. Arrive at Nakiska for first runs, ski hard, and then leave early afternoon (eating lunch on the drive home in the vehicle.) Again, make sure your pockets are filled with snacks so you can have a late lunch or bring a backpack with you.
  
  
  
• Ski local and arrive in the afternoon after lunch. Eat on the drive out and ski for the afternoon. Pack snacks and you shouldn't have to go near the day lodge other than for bathroom breaks. (And, it's usually warmer in the afternoon.)
  
  
  
• Return to your vehicle for lunch. This is especially fun on warm spring days. Bring lawn chairs and a portable stove to grill hot dogs or hamburgers. And note it helps if you arrive early to get a good parking spot for this one. (note, please follow all resort protocol around this one regarding mask use, avoiding large groups with friends, and spacing of vehicles.)
  
  
  
• Use warming huts and mid-mountain lodges. Carry a backpack with you and use warming huts or mid-mountain lodges for snacks and quick lunch breaks. 
  
  Each of the options below allows for skiers bringing their own lunch. 
  
  At Nakiska, you have the mid mountain lodge which has bathrooms, a cafeteria, and plenty of seating. Stagger your visit before or after lunch.
  
  Fernie Alpine Resort has the "Bear's Den" (a heated tent) at the top of the Elk Chair. You'll find bathrooms here and a selection of BBQ items to eat.
  
  Kimberley Alpine Resort has a mid mountain lodge at the top of the North Star Quad that most people don't even know about (and hence it's very quiet.) To reach the lodge you have to climb a short distance up to the left from the top of the North Star. The lodge doesn't have a cafeteria so bring your own food. You will find bathrooms though and a warm place to eat inside.
  
  Kicking Horse Alpine Resort has the "Heaven's Door" Yurt cafe at the bottom of the Stairway to Heaven Chair. Here you'll find food, a small amount of indoor seating, and bathrooms.
  
  
  
• Choose a sit down restaurant on the hill. Restaurants with table service always feel less crowded and many take reservations as well so you'll be guaranteed to get a table. 
  
  At Kicking Horse, make a reservation for the Eagle's Eye Restaurant located at the top of the gondola. The food is amazing and the views are unparalleled for a ski resort restaurant. 
  
  At Fernie, we love the Cirque Restaurant located in the Lizard Creek Lodge near the bottom of the Elk Chair. Alternately, Legends Restaurant is located in the base area plaza and is another good option for lunch. And if you want a snack on the hill, the Lost Boys Cafe is perched at the top of the Timber Chair (Which I highly recommend!)
  
  At Kimberley, I'm a big fan of the Stemwinder Bar and Grill at the base of the resort. You can also grab lunch at the Buckhorn & Main Mountain Eaterie in the Trickle Creek Lodge.
  
  

The Eagle's Eye Restaurant sits perched at the top of the gondola at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort

• Stagger your lunch and eat early or late. Ski hard with few breaks and then grab an early lunch at 10:30 or 11:00am. Alternately, load your pockets with snacks and have a late lunch at 1:00 or 1:30pm. This will not only get you a table in the day lodge, but it also means you get to ski when everybody else is eating. (For shorter lift lines.)
  
  
  
• Choose warm sunny days for skiing. Warmer days allow for patio eating or parking lot lunches at the vehicle. Spring is ideal for this!
  
  
  
• Pack lunches that don't require a microwave or hot water. I always bring instant soup bowls that require hot water for lunch and my son likes microwave lunches. This year we'll each be bringing soup or pasta in a thermos so that we can bring a backpack and use a warming hut or mid mountain lodge for lunch, or return to our vehicle. My son will even be able to eat his thermos lunch while driving to/from the hill.
  
  Alternately, bring a thermos of hot water and store it in your car for lunch. The same goes for coffee if you need a cup for the drive home.

The Lost Boys Cafe is a great place to warm up at Fernie on a cold day

5. Dress for Cold Days

Have you ever noticed how deserted the ski hill is when it's -30C? I have, and it's beautiful (as long as you can dress for the temperature.)

Learn to dress for cold weather and you'll enjoy quiet peaceful ski days while everybody else is huddled up in their houses back in the city.

And while I'm far from an expert here, it comes down to having really good ski boots with hot pockets inside, quality ski pants and jackets, warm gloves or mittens with hot pockets inside, and layer upon layer of clothing! 

Sometimes on cold days I wear two buffs over my face just to ensure I have no skin showing. I wear a second jacket under my regular ski jacket, and I add a pair of fleece leggings under my already lined ski pants. (It helps to have a pair of very baggy "cold weather" ski pants for layering.)

Plan for breaks inside between every run or two (possible because the day lodge will be empty) and consider "not" being first for the morning lifts. Wait until it warms up by an hour or two.

Below are a couple of reviews I've written for TOBE winter wear which keeps my child warm.

Read: TOBE Outerwear Review: Youth Novus Jackets and Bib Snow Pants

Read: Guaranteed Warmth with TOBE Youth Mono Suits

Layers upon layers of clothes will keep you warm on cold days

6. Show up Ready to Ski!

Avoid the rental shop when you arrive by renting in the city ahead of time, get dressed in your car, and buy your day passes online if you don't have a seasons pass. 

Need to get the kids set up with rentals for the ski year? Check out the RCR Wings Program where you can rent a ski or snowboard package for the season and upgrade as necessary if the kids grow. 

Note, 2020-21 information has not been released yet so please contact RCR directly if interested in this program.

Need practical tips to help get you out the door and on the lifts? Check out the story below: 

Read: Tips and Tricks for Downhill Skiing with Kids

First in line for the lifts and ready to go!

7. Sometimes it Pays to "not" be First 

I love being first in line for the chairlift but sometimes you have to change your strategy, especially when skiing at resorts that only have one main chair or gondola to get you up the mountain before you can spread out.

A couple of friends have told me that they like to wait till the keeners have already loaded the gondola or the main village chairlift, and then they wait another half hour until the lift line has died down. I've seen this in action at Nakiska when the ski clubs are all lined up for the 9:00 chair. Let them go because most of them aren't trying to steal the best powder. They have places to get to so they can begin preparing for their races and training runs that day.

Unless your kids are going to be upset if they miss out on first tracks, wait until everybody is spread out around the hill and not all crowded at the base area. You can still arrive early if you're concerned about parking, but take some time to enjoy finishing your morning coffee before rushing out the door to the lifts.

Hold off until everybody is spread around the hill before fighting to get on the gondola or chairlift

I've had several people tell me that they thoroughly enjoy the last couple hours of the ski day as well after the bulk of skiers have started packing up or heading in for their après-ski drinks. (And Sunday afternoons are extremely quiet!)

Special note for powder days: Everybody loves their fresh powder dumps and it's not uncommon for skiers to start showing up at 7:30am to line up for first tracks if there's been 30-50 cm of snow overnight! (Especially in mountain towns like Fernie.)

Unless you absolutely need to be first in line, you're almost better to show up at 10 or 11:00am. Locals will start to leave at noon as the hill gets "skied out."

Show up at 10 or 11 on powder days to avoid crowded lift lines at the base

8. The more Advanced the Run, the Fewer the Crowds

Ever notice how busy the green beginner runs are at a ski hill, but go off onto a double black mogul run and the crowds disappear. 

Learn to ski moguls, glades, and other advanced terrain and you'll see far fewer people on the ski hill. Even learning to ski intermediate runs helps immensely with avoiding crowds on a ski hill. 

You'll never be fighting crowds on a double black run with moguls!

Myself, I'm not an advanced skier, but I do like groomed black runs. And while they are busier than the ungroomed terrain, they're still far more peaceful than a groomed green or blue run.

Need some help getting off the bunny hill or graduating to the next level?

Read: Take your skiing to the next level in 5 simple steps 

Move up to groomed black runs to escape the crowds

9. Ski the Outside Runs at your Resort

Every hill has its "perimeter runs" that see less traffic. Maybe they're a little bit further to reach, they might require a long traverse to exit out of, and snowboarders may occasionally encounter flat sections that require a bit of speed to get through, but they are often very peaceful (and usually my favourite runs at any ski hill.)

Some of my favourite perimeter runs at our local RCR resorts are below:

Nakiska: Unfortunately most of the perimeter runs here are either used heavily for racing/training or else they're extremely busy (being easy blue cruisers.) 

I have found Lower Mapmaker to be quite peaceful if you're trying to get to the bottom of the gold chair, but other than that, Nakiska is where you'll need to up your game to get off the cruisers if you want to avoid crowds. 

If you can see some easy gladed runs, head for the trees off the top of the gold chair and you'll find plenty of space to spread out from beginners hanging out on the lower mountain.

It's easy to spread out in the Nakiska glades

Kimberley: Peace and solitude is easy to find at Kimberly as soon as you head to your left off the top of the North Star Quad and climb up towards the mid mountain lodge. Everybody else heads right towards the other chairlifts and the upper mountain. 

My favourite runs in this area are Moe's and Boundary. They're fun blue cruisers and beautifully groomed for intermediate skiing.

On the upper mountain, look for Notre Dame (off the Ridgeway Traverse.) There are several flat sections that snowboarders won't love, but you're guaranteed solitude if you make it all the way over.

The perimeter runs at Kimberley Alpine Resort are glorious!

Fernie: I could ski Falling Star all day! This run starts from either the top of the White Pass Chair or lower down from the top of the Timber chair. It's a fun blue cruiser and is the longest run on the ski hill at 5 km in length!

Off the Elk Chair look for Holo Hike, an easy intermediate run that passes through two tunnels at the bottom. 

Holo Hike is a fun intermediate run at Fernie Alpine Resort

Kicking Horse: I don't have any personal favourites to recommend here because I went with the crowd on my last visit seeking out easier terrain, but a good rule of thumb would be "the longer the hike, the fewer the crowds." With 5 bowls, 85+ inbound chutes (many requiring a hike,) and 120+ trails you're guaranteed to find a space to call your own here. 

You won't be fighting crowds when you have to climb a staircase to reach double black pitches

10. Get up and Away from the Base as Fast as you Can

Unless you're skiing with young children and need to stick close to the beginner area at the bottom, you'll want to stay clear of the closest chairlifts to the day lodge.

At Nakiska, head for the Olympic Chair and then load the Gold Chair where glades, moguls, and even some steep groomed terrain awaits you.

At bigger resorts, ski the backside, ski off the lifts that are the furthest away from the day lodge, and look for hikeable terrain where you'll leave 90% of the crowds behind. (Kicking Horse is amazing for this.)

Escape to the backside or remote bowls at ski resorts

A good long traverse works wonders for escaping crowds (and Kimberley Alpine Resort has two of these off the Easter Chair.)

At Fernie Alpine Resort, head to the Cedar Bowl where your only escape comes from a ride on the Haul Back T-bar. (guaranteed to thin out the crowds.) I also love heading to the North Ridge, a glorious steep black run (often groomed,) off the Boomerang Chair.

These kids love skiing the South Ridge at Nakiska, accessed via a long remote traverse

Recommended Reading 

The Key to Successful Family Ski Weekends at Fernie Alpine Resort

The Ultimate Family Ski Weekend at Kimberley Alpine Resort 

5 Reasons to Visit Golden, BC this Winter (Kicking Horse Resort) 

5 Reasons to Make Nakiska your Local Ski Hill this Winter 

How to Make Learning to Ski Fun (downhill skiing with kids) 

Take your Skiing to the next Level in 5 Simple Steps 

Tips and Tricks for Downhill Skiing with Kids 

Disclaimer: This story was written in partnership with RCR Resorts.

Winter Guide to the Columbia Valley (Golden, Radium Hot Springs, Invermere - and beyond!)

For those of us living in Calgary, it is a 3 hour drive to reach either the Village of Radium Hot Springs or the Town of Golden (both, fabulous destinations for a winter getaway and fairly easy to access Friday after work.)

Skating on the world's longest ice skating path, Invermere

Without much extra distance you can also reach the Community of Invermere, Panorama Mountain Resort, or the resort community of Fairmont Hot Springs.

Drive an hour further south and you'll be in the small Bavarian themed City of Kimberley, an ideal destination for a long weekend or school holiday.

I've organized this guide by town, community, or resort area starting in the north and working my way south through the Columbia Valley.

Note this guide gets updated annually.

Fat biking at Nipika Mountain Resort

The Town of Golden 

Below are some of the key winter adventures you can find for your family in the Town of Golden:

• Spend the day downhill skiing or boarding at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort (and if you time your visit right, you can watch some of the World Free Ride events in February.)

Skiing at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort

• Enjoy cross-country skiing at Dawn Mountain Nordic Centre (with 35 km groomed for classic and skate skiing) - and the centre is located less than a kilometre from the base of Kicking Horse.

• Go for a winter hike or snowshoe around the Cedar Lake area. There are four different lakes to explore here.
  

Cross country skiing at Dawn Mountain Nordic Centre

• Go dog sledding with Golden Dog Sled Adventures (and if you want to enjoy some off-grid winter camping, you'll find four cabins here accessible via a 5-minute walk on snowshoes
  
  
• Take a day trip to Wapta Falls in nearby Yoho National Park (best reached on snowshoes)

Dog sledding in Golden (photo: Julie Brown and Golden Dog Sled Adventures)

For more information read my newest story on Golden:

 Read: 5 Reasons to Visit Golden, BC this Winter

Wapta Falls outside Golden 

The Village of Radium Hot Springs 

We spend a few nights here every year for New Years and frequently come out for the Family Day long weekend in February as well.

Winter activities I recommend are below:

• Visit the Radium Hot Springs Pool (of course!) There's also a heated swimming pool for the kids.
  
  
• Take a walk down Sinclair Creek (a beautiful little trail with bridges.)
  
  
• Hike the Juniper Trail if it's not too icy (or if you have ice cleats/spikes.) We also like checking out the frozen waterfall down in Sinclair Canyon off this trail.

Radius Retreat Winter Yurt Camping 

• Try winter yurt camping at Radius Retreat. They have six yurts (the closest one is a 300 metre walk from the parking lot and the most remote one is a 2.5 km hike.)
  
  
• Take a day trip to Nipika Mountain Resort, Invermere, Panorama Mountain Resort, or Fairmont Hot Springs.
  
  The beauty of staying in Radium Hot Springs is that you're at the centre of everything. You could even go skiing in Kimberley or Golden for the day.
  
  Use Radium as your base camp for adventure across the entire Columbia Valley.

For more information, visit the Tourism Radium Hot Springs website.

And check out my guide: Active Family Guide to Winter in Radium Hot Springs

Also read: Spring Adventure Guide to Radium Hot Springs and the Columbia Valley 

And for a cross-country ski getaway to Radium, read: Plan a Cross-Country Ski Getaway to Radium Hot Springs

Winter at Radium Hot Springs (photo: Tourism Radium Hot Springs)

Nipika Mountain Resort 

Nipika Mountain Resort is an eco-resort is located approximately 45 minutes outside Radium Hot Springs. Here you'll find over 50 km of groomed ski trails and 25 km of dedicated fat bike trails (groomed to perfection) along with snowshoe trails as well.

Fat biking at Nipika Mountain Resort

Stay overnight and you can ski, snowshoe, or bike out the front door of your own cozy cabin. There's even a small pond on site for ice skating.

You can also visit Nipika as a short excursion from Radium Hot Springs, using all their trails for a small day use fee. There is a great rental shop on site as well and they have two youth fat bikes (a 20" bike and a 24" bike.)

Ski in/out cabins at Nipika Mountain Resort

Visiting Nipika is always one of our winter highlights, and there's no other place I like fat biking more.

Read more: Family Fat Biking at Nipika Mountain Resort

Read more: Everything for a Family to Love at Nipika Mountain Resort 

Read more: The Ultimate Girls' Ski Getaway at Nipika Mountain Resort 

Skiing over the natural bridge at Nipika Mountain Resort 

The Community of Invermere

Winter Adventure on the Lake Windermere Whiteway

The biggest highlight here is skating on the Lake Windermere Whiteway between the towns of Invermere and Windermere on the world’s longest ice-skating path. The full track is 34 km long when the lake is fully frozen, and the Whiteway promotes community spirit as the entire valley gathers in the same location to skate or ski around the lake, with dedicated paths for both cross-country skiing and ice skating.

Skating on the Lake Windermere Whiteway

Local cyclists also like riding around the lake on fat bikes with studded tires, and the snowmobile community is out in force as well, using the middle of the lake as their recreational ground.

A $5 donation fee is requested from all Whiteway users (or a seasons pass can be purchased for locals) to support the efforts of the Toby Creek Nordic Ski Club who maintains the Whiteway.

This is a major highlight for us on every visit to the valley in winter and I have dreams of skating the entire path in a day. (some year...)

And you can watch a fabulous video of the experience here on the Columbia Valley website.

For up to date conditions on the Whiteway, visit the Toby Creek Nordic Ski Club website or check out their Facebook page.

Sunset on the Lake Windermere Whiteway

Skating and Skiing on the Lake Lillian Whiteway

Most people will be completely satisfied with the Lake Windermere Whiteway, but if you want a smaller lake to skate or ski on, Lake Lillian also gets groomed and tracked for skiing (and sometimes for ice-skating) by the Toby Creek Nordic Ski Club. It's located on the road up to Panorama and is only 10 minutes outside town.

More information on Lake Lillian can be found on the Toby Creek Nordic Ski Club site.

There are also groomed trails for cross-country skiing, fat biking, or winter hiking (separate trails for skiing Vs. multi use enjoyment) across the road from Lake Lillian on the Junior Johnson Trail. If you were to ski every groomed trail in the Junior Johnson network, it would be about 5 km of beginner/intermediate skiing.

Note that as with the Lake Windermere Whiteway, a $5 donation is requested per user for use of the Lake Lillian Whiteway.

And while we always stay in Radium Hot Springs, you'll find plenty of condos to rent in Invermere as well if you'd prefer to be closer to the Whiteways or to Panorama Mountain Resort (below)

Skiing on the Lake Lillian Whiteway 

Panorama Mountain Resort

I love ski or hike in/out locations, and this is a prime contender for one of the best spots to enjoy a variety of winter sports without ever having to drive anywhere. Walk out the door of your cozy condo in the Panorama Village and enjoy downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, or fat biking – with rentals for all sports on site. With the amount of options here, you might just have to stay for a week!

First tracks at Panorama Mountain Resort

Panorama Mountain Resort is a short 20 minute drive if you are staying in Invermere as well and we usually visit this resort as a day trip from Radium to go cross country skiing over New Years.

Rent a condo in the village and you'll enjoy relaxing at the end of each day in the Panorama Springs Hot Pools, included with all stays in the Panorama Village.

Panorama Springs Hot Pools 

Read more: Plan a Ski Getaway to Panorama Mountain Resort (with affordable slopeside lodging at the Approach Hotel)

Read more: Family Guide to Panorama Mountain Resort 

Read more: Find it ALL at Panorama Mountain Resort

Read more: Panorama Mountain Resort (much more than downhill skiing) - Cross-country skiing and fat biking guide

Read more: Magic Carpet to Monster at Panorama Mountain Resort 

Cross-country skiing to the Hale Hut, Panorama Mountain Resort

Fairmont Hot Springs

We love the pools at the Fairmont Hot Springs Resort. I like to soak in the hot pool while my boys swim and play around in the warm pool (situated side by side so I can keep an eye on them while I’m relaxing.) 

Fairmont Hot Springs in winter (photo: Fairmont Hot Springs Resort)

Spend the day skiing at the Fairmont Hot Springs Ski Hill and you'll receive day passes to visit the hot springs after as well. (Inquire directly with the resort to check on current availability of ski/soak passes.) 

Finally, Fairmont Hot Springs is a lovely family-friendly resort and I highly recommend spending a weekend here at the lodge.

Read more:  Five Reasons you need to Visit Fairmont Hot Springs Resort with your Family

Read more: Book a Family Ski and Stay Getaway at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort this Winter 

Read more: Hot Springs and Cross-country Skiing! The Ultimate Winter Getaway 

Fairmont Hot Springs Ski Hill (photo: Fairmont Hot Springs Resort)

Looking for other activities to do in the area:

• Hike to Findlay Falls near the Village of Canal Flats - A high clearance AWD or 4WD vehicle may be needed if it's recently snowed. You'll also want snowshoes if the trail hasn't been packed down.
  
  
• Visit Lussier Hot Springs, natural hot spring pools located near Canal Flats. They are accessed via a rough logging road followed by a short hike. - You may want an AWD or 4WD vehicle in the winter and snow tires would be very helpful.
  
  
• Explore the Spirit Trail, an old historic road that connects Fairmont with Canal Flats. Hike as far as you want and return the same way. Snowshoes may be necessary but chances are you should be fine in winter boots for this trail.
  
  
• Take a walk on the new Markin MacPhail Westside Legacy Trail which will connect Invermere and Fairmont when completed. The first 5 segments have been completed from the Invermere side and you'll find the trail off Westside Road. 

Findlay Falls Hike 

Kimberley

Kimberley is one of my favourite mountain towns with a quaint Bavarian themed plaza located downtown.

Below are a few highlights from a winter trip to Kimberley:

• Go cross-country skiing or snowshoeing in the Kimberley Nature Park, a large natural area located completely inside city limits and containing more than 30 miles of trails for skiing, hiking, or snowshoeing.
  
  It's also the largest municipal park in all of BC.
  
  
• Spend the day downhill skiing at the Kimberley Alpine Resort. And I highly recommend staying at one of the ski in/ski out condos on the property where you'll be close to both the alpine resort and the Nordic centre up above.

Kimberley Alpine Resort

• Go cross-country skiing at the Kimberley Nordic Centre, just up the road from the Alpine Resort. The Nordic Centre has 30 km of groomed trails and the Kimberley Nature Park is also accessible from this centre for backcountry touring or snowshoeing.
  
  You'll also find night skiing on a 3 km loop (which I found to be awesome while I was staying at the Alpine Resort down the road.)
  
  Note that there are trail fees to ski at the Nordic Centre.
  
  

• Join a fat bike or snowshoe tour at the Kimberley Alpine Resort. The Trickle Creek Snowshoe Tour is family-friendly and you'll enjoy a hot drink and s'mores on your outing. There's also a Kootenay Haus Chocolate Fondue and Snowshoe Tour where you'll ride up the chairlift for a gentle snowshoe tour up top followed by chocolate fondue.
  
  Adults can join a fat bike tour across the snowy Trickle Creek Golf Course with a hot drink and s'mores. (The resort has fat bikes to rent, but unfortunately only for adults.)
  
  
• Plan at least one dinner in the downtown Platzl. My personal favourite restaurant is the Pedal and Tap where I’m obsessed with their Vietnamese pulled pork subs with mucked-up fries. My son is a huge fan of their spaghetti balls and I have been known to plan ski trips to Kimberley around our family’s love of this restaurant.
  
  Tip: Dine early because I’m not the only one who loves this restaurant, and the dining room is small.

Snowshoeing through the Kimberley Nature Park (photo: Kimberley Tourism)

Read: Family Guide to Kimberley Alpine Resort

Read: The Ultimate Family Ski Weekend at Kimberley Alpine Resort 

Winter in the Platzl downtown Kimberley 

Planning to return in Summer? Check out the summer edition of this story:

Read: The Best of the Columbia Valley (Radium Hot Springs to Invermere - and beyond) 

How to Become a Ski Family (without breaking the bank!) - updated 2025

I think we can all agree that downhill skiing is one of the most expensive sports a family can choose as a winter activity. By the time you've purchased gear for another season and perhaps invested in seasons passes for a local hill, you're easily spending upwards of $2000.00 (and that's if you were on the ball and bought passes at early season rates!)

Chasing kids down the ski slopes is a great winter activity (if you can afford it)

While I probably won't share any earth shattering secrets in this story, I would at least like to attempt to get you started in the right direction with the following topics:

• Gearing up and getting started
  
  
• Choosing a local resort and getting seasons passes
  
  
• Discount passes, ski cards, and lift pass savings
  
  
• Day trip cost busters
  
  
• Tips for planning an affordable ski weekend
  
  
• Tips for stress free ski days

This story has been updated for the 2024-25 Ski season 

Gearing Up and Getting Started

This is the topic that's on everybody's mind right now:

"Where can I get skis and boots for my growing children (without buying brand new equipment every year - because who can afford to do that for recreational skiing?)"

Visit Ski Swaps early Season for skis, boards, and boots

Visit Second Hand Stores for ski gear and outerwear 

• Trail Blazers in Cochrane (they sell second hand consignment gear for every sport and have a gigantic basement full of used clothing and shoes.)
  
  
• Switching Gear in Canmore (we like to stop in when driving through Canmore because you never know what you'll find here!)
  
  
• Play it Again Sports, Calgary (we always buy our ice skates here. They have lots of skis too.)

Save money on ski gear by swapping with other families

Learn how to use Kijiji or Facebook Marketplace effectively 

Set up alerts with Kijiji 

When you search for something (youth downhill skis for example) you can set up an alert so that you receive emails with all new items posted. You have to be signed in to your Kijiji Account, but then, after you've searched for something, you will see "notify me when new ads are posted" on the left side of the page. This is your key to daily emails for all new items posted.

I receive emails each day, one per alert I've set up. 

Note, you may have to use a desktop computer to set up alerts if it doesn't work from your phone.

Why do they keep growing?

Follow search items with Facebook Marketplace 

When you search for something in the Facebook Marketplace, you can choose to receive notifications when new items are posted. You'll see the "notify me" icon at the top of the page. Click that. 

And speaking of Facebook, there are a TON of buy/sell groups that you can join if you're looking for second hand outdoor gear. 

In the Calgary area, check out the following groups:

• Buy/Sell/Trade - Calgary Outdoor Playgroup Community 
  
  
• Nordic Buy, Sell, Trade YYC 

Other Ways to Save Money on Ski Gear 

• Buy Roces adjustable ski boots (they'll last your children multiple seasons!)
  
  
• Buy adjustable ski poles and never have to worry about the kids growing!
  
  
• Buy gear from stores that let you trade up each season (The Ski Cellar in Calgary has a great Junior Trade in Program)
  
  
• Rent skis for the season from Nakiska with their Wings Program. (and if the kids grow during the season, just move up to the next size)

Becoming a ski family starts with good (but affordable) gear

Choosing a Local Resort and Getting Seasons Passes

So now you've got the gear, the next step is to get lift passes for your hill of choice. 

Below are a couple of stories I've already written on the subject: 

How to Choose A Family Season Ski Pass for Next Winter 

5 Reasons to Make Nakiska your Local Ski Hill this Winter 

Midweek skiing at Nakiska Ski Area

For my family, we always choose to get seasons passes for Nakiska Ski Area, our closest mountain hill. This allows me to get out with my son on PD days, over school holidays, and maybe even on a half day of school some Friday. 

A few considerations to look at when buying a seasons pass:

• Is the resort close enough to visit on PD days or school holidays?
  
  
• What's the parking situation like? (Would you have to show up at 8am on a weekend just to find a parking spot?)
  
  
• How busy is the resort on weekends? (unfortunately Nakiska does not have this one in their favour, but we ski a lot mid-week and on days off school.)
  
  
• What will the drive be like for a weekend trip? (Can you visit as a day trip or do you need to add accommodations on?)

Beyond Nakiska we generally visit other hills as special weekend getaways or when there are promotions offered for them.

Mid-week ski dates with friends are super fun when you ski local!

Discount Passes, Value Passes, and Lift Pass Savings 

I don't know about you, but I almost need to create a spreadsheet just to keep track of everything happening at our local ski hills, special discount days, promotions, where to buy the cheapest lift tickets, and when I can ski for the best price. 

Below is my best attempt to sum it all up for you:

DISCLAIMER: I have tried to verify everything below but you should visit an individual resort's website for the most up to date information along with current pricing for the upcoming ski season.

Look for discounted lift tickets

The cheapest option is to buy a seasons pass (when they go on sale in the fall.) If you didn't buy any passes though, you'll want to find discounted lift tickets for the few times you head out to a ski hill. 

• Costco sells lift ticket bundles for most of the major resorts in the Canadian Rockies.
  
  
• The ADmazing Savings Coupon book has coupons for 2 for 1 lift tickets for some resorts along with 50% off savings at other resorts. - Some school groups sell these books as fundraisers.
  
  
• AMA members save up to $20 off direct-to-lift tickets, ski rentals, and lessons, when purchased in advance at an AMA centre.

Savings and discounts make this mom happy! 

Purchase lift tickets in advance

You will save at least 20% by buying lift tickets online for mot ski resorts.

Bundle lift tickets with vacation rentals or hotel rooms

Many vacation rentals include lift tickets. You can purchase discounted lift tickets when you book a vacation package through Resorts of the Canadian Rockies or at at Panorama Mountain Resort.

Several hotels in Banff also offer lift tickets included with your hotel room.

Save money on half day lift tickets 

Half day tickets are available at many ski resorts if you want to ski for an afternoon. Half day skiing usually starts at 12:30pm.

School in the morning, skiing in the afternoon 

Save money when you ski with your toddlers and preschoolers

• Kids 5 and under ski for free at most hills if accompanied by a paying adult on the hill. At several hills, you can get a Preschool Pass for $20 to $25 which allows for quick direct-to-lift access for your little ones. Otherwise you'll have to go to customer service each time you visit to pick up your free pass. - note that the Tiny Tiger pass is $50 at Sunshine.
  
  
• Some mountain resorts offer free foot passes for parents just helping kids in the beginner areas serviced by magic carpets. Note that WinSport is not allowing parents on foot to help children learn to ski anymore.
  
  At Nakiska, adults can ski with their children for free in the beginner area as long as you get a special pass from the ticket office.
  
  
• At Fernie Alpine Resort, adults can ski on the beginner platter lift, the Mighty Moose, for $33.95. Kids 17 and under are free. This lift is an excellent progression from the magic carpet and most beginners would do well spending their day learning to ski here before heading up the chair lift.
  

Start them young and save big on Tiger Passes 

Score big with a Grade 2 Ski Pass 

Grade 2 students get special discounted seasons passes at many ski hills.

• RCR Grade 2 Pass (Nakiska, Fernie, Kimberley, and Kicking Horse) - $29 for unlimited
  skiing all season long
  
  

• Lake Louise Grade 2 Pass - $40 for unlimited skiing all season long 

We skied a lot when my son was in grade 2!

Score even bigger with a Grade 4/5 Snow Pass 

- now upgraded to the THE ALL NEW SNOWSTART KIDZ PASS (ages 6-12)

Children between the ages of 6-12 can ski or snowboard at each participating area 3 times for only $39.99.

Some of the major participating resorts near Calgary include Lake Louise, Mount Norquay, WinSport's Canada Olympic Park, Marmot Basin in Jasper, and Castle Mountain Resort in Southern Alberta. Visit the website to see all participating resorts.

This is a one-time, once in a lifetime opportunity, you only get the Kidz Pass for 1 season between ages 6 – 12. 

There are also blackout dates over holidays at some resorts so read the fine print carefully at the website below.

Read more about the SnowStart Kidz Pass here (where you can purchase them as well.)

We had a Snow Pass and enjoyed several free ski days with it

Buy a special discount ski card or value pass

Below are some of the options here:

• Mountain Collective Pass - Pay $649 USD (kids 12 and under are only $259.00 USD) and receive two days skiing at each of the resorts across Western Canada (Lake Louise, Sunshine Village, Marmot Basin in Jasper, Panorama Mountain Resort, Sun Peaks Resort, and Revelstoke Mountain Resort.) That's 12 days total + receive two ski days at each of the other resorts in the United States if you want to do some traveling.
  
  You'll also receive 50% off all additional days at Collective Resorts. (So you can choose to spend more days at Louise and Sunshine.)
  
  
• RCR Rockies Card - Pay ~ $130 + GST and receive three free ski days at any RCR Resort (Nakiska, Fernie, Kimberley, or Kicking Horse.) - cards will be out in November with this year's pricing.
  
  Your first, fourth, and seventh day are free and then you get discounts every other day. We often ask for these discount cards as Christmas presents and then it pretty much guarantees us at least one free day of skiing. And you'll save even more during spring skiing season (until the resorts close) with a $40 discount per day.
  
  
• Sunshine Super Card - Pay $129 and receive three free ski days at either Sunshine Village Resort, Marmot Basin Resort in Jasper or Revelstoke Mountain Resort. -  cards will be out in November with this year's pricing.
  
  Your first, fourth, and seventh day are free at any of the big resorts above with discounts on your other ski days. You also get a bonus day at either WinSport in Calgary, or at Rabbit Hill or Snow Valley in Edmonton.
  
  
• Louise Plus Card - Pay ~ $149.00 + GST and receive three free ski days at either the Lake Louise Resort or at one of the following resorts: Castle Mountain Resort, Panorama Mountain Resort, or RED Mountain Resort. -  cards will be out in November with this year's pricing.
  
  Your first, fourth, and seventh day are free at any of the resorts above with discounts on your other ski days.
  
  
• Mount Norquay 99 Family Pass - For $1289.00 the whole family can ski at Mount Norquay all winter long. All mid-week skiing/boarding is covered (Monday to Friday), and many select weekend days.
  
  
  
• Panorama Snow + Card - The Panorama SNOW+ CARD includes 3 or 5 days of skiing or riding at Panorama Mountain Resort for one low price! Plus, receive 15% off additional weekend tickets all season long (30% off mid week tickets.) 
  
  There are a variety of different options for these discount cards so visit the Panorama website to choose the card that would work best for you. Cards range from ~ $300.00 (3 days of skiing with no blackout days) to ~ $500.00 (5 days of skiing with no blackout days.) Youth and children's cards are also cheaper.
  
  And note that unlike the RCR or the Sunshine cards, you don't have to pay between your free ski days. This is a total of 3 or 5 ski days (which you can use all together over one long weekend or ski vacation, or split up over the winter.)
  
  For best pricing make sure you purchase your Snow + Card during the resort's flash sale in October when you'll also see this year's current pricing.
  
  

• Marmot Escape Card - For those who live in Edmonton (or who just really like skiing in Jasper) this is a great pass! Pay $99 and get lift tickets for 50% off all season long at Jasper's Marmot Basin Ski Resort. No blackout dates.
  
  Note that unlike the other cards above, there are no free days. Also, save up to 50% off lift tickets at partner ski areas around the Edmonton area and up to 30% off on accommodation in Jasper.
  
  
  
• Castle Mountain Wonders of Winter (WOW) Card for Southern Alberta - Pay $109.95 and receive 50% off all lift tickets for Castle Mountain Resort outside Pincher Creek.
  
  There are no "free" days but you get discounted skiing every single day and there are no blackout dates.
  
  You'll also get tons of other benefits including 10% off cat skiing, 15% off lessons, and 20% off mid week stays at the Castle Ski Lodge.
  
  On sale while supplies last or December 24 (whichever comes first). 
  
  Kids 6+ can also purchase WOW cards and receive half price skiing all winter.
  
  This card can be upgraded for free to direct to lift, guarantees you access to the hill (even on busy days) without pre-purchasing lift tickets, and is a no brainer if you plan to ski Castle for 2 or more days this winter.
  
  -  Check the resort website in October to view current pricing.
  

Oh the places you'll go when you purchase ski discount cards! 

Look for special offers, events, and free skiing days

Here are just a handful of events I'd watch out for:

• Subscribe to the Sunshine Village newsletter and you'll never miss any of their special offers. They have been known to hold a one-day Halloween special on Sunshine Super cards, and in previous years, Sunshine Village gave an extra 20% off their Sunshine Super Card and on lift passes on Cyber Monday.
  
  
• Also for Sunshine Village, They've had a "Fat Tuesday" sale in February where you could get 30% off a spring ski pass. Watch carefully starting in February.
  
  
• WinSport's Canada Olympic Park in Calgary has had a special incentive called Servus Ski Wednesdays, sponsored by Servus Credit Union. Skiers and snowboarders can purchase a lift ticket between 3 pm and 9 pm for just $12. Visit the WinSport website for dates and more information for the upcoming season.
  
  

• Watch for other special dates and mark them on your calendar! (Example, moms ski for free on Mother's Day at Sunshine Village with purchase of a child lift ticket or dress like Santa to ski for free on Christmas at many hills)
  
  
• Ski for FREE on your birthday at Marmot Basin Ski Resort in Jasper. You'll also receive 15% off for family and friends joining you. 

Spring skiing at Mount Norquay

Take up spring skiing as a family and save BIG!

Buy a spring ski pass for either Sunshine Village or Lake Louise.

The spring pass at Sunshine Village starts around $800.00 for a family pass valid from mid March through mid May.

The spring pass at Lake Louise starts around $1000.00 for a family pass valid from early March through early May.

Spring skiing at Lake Louise

How to Make Day Trips More Affordable (cost busters)

Tip One: Bring your own lunch, snacks, and drinks

Most day lodges have microwaves and hot water taps for instant noodles. You can also bring your own cups and hot chocolate, apple cider or coffee mix to save money on buying drinks at the hill. Many families pack a thermos with their favourite hot beverage to the hill as well and I recommend bringing your own water bottles rather than paying for water at the resort.  

Alternately, in spring when it's warm enough to eat outside, bring a jet boil stove and some ramen soup packages. Have lunch at your vehicle and escape the madness of the day lodge. Bring some lawn chairs as well and try to park beside friends. (This works great at Marmot Basin in Jasper where there are multiple ski in/ski out parking lots along the side of the hill.) 

And my final suggestion here is to pack a hot lunch for the kids in a thermos (like you would for school.) My son loves a thermos filled with Kraft Dinner at the ski hill. 

Tip Two: Stash snacks in everybody's pockets 

Pack granola bars in your coat pockets so you don't have to buy expensive snacks at the day lodge between runs. Save your money for those "emergency" times when one of your children is having a bad day and you might need to buy a hot chocolate or some other special treat.

I also like to save my money for a special treat at the end of a ski day (though I've started buying those at the grocery store in advance as well because I was getting tired of spending $4 for one cupcake at our local hill when I can buy an entire tray of mini cupcakes for the same price at the grocery store.)

Tip Three: Rent skis off the ski hill 

You'll save up to $15 per person if you rent a ski package in Calgary before hitting the slopes. You'll also save time when you reach the hill because you won't have to wait in the long rental line. Most rental companies in Calgary also offer discounts for multi-day rentals and many places will allow you to pick up your skis the night before at no extra cost (Sports Rent for example does this and is located on 16th Ave for easy drop off on your way home from the mountains.)

Coffee is the one thing I do believe in splurging on at the ski hill 

Planning an Affordable Ski Weekend 

I love going away for a weekend and staying right on the hill in a ski in/ski out condo.  I find it to be much more relaxing when I can pretty much ski out the door of my condo in the morning and I enjoy having a place to retreat to mid-day to avoid the crowded day lodges.

While a ski vacation is never "cheap," you can make it more affordable with these following tips:

• For a close-to-Calgary ski getaway consider staying a the HI Kananaskis Hostel,  located just a few minutes away from the Nakiska Ski Area. It has separate dorm rooms for women and men and also has a few private rooms for families.
  
  Read more here at Affordable Family Ski Weekends in the Canadian Rockies.
  
  
• Plan a ski weekend to Lake Louise and stay at the Lake Louise Alpine Centre, a very comfortable hostel with many private rooms for families or small groups.
  
  Read more here at Affordable Ski Weekends at the Lake Louise Alpine Centre 
  
  
• Rent a two or three bedroom condo or house on a ski hill and share with friends. The Fernie Lodging Company  or the Kimberley Lodging Company websites are good guides if searching for a larger property to share.
  
  You'll also find a wide variety of options at Panorama Mountain Resort - and all bookings at Panorama Mountain Village include access to the Springs Hot Pools.
  
  
• Book a trip to Castle Mountain Resort where lift tickets are cheaper and you can stay in their hotel on site with affordable private rooms.
  
  
• Look for vacation packages and specials which usually include lift tickets along with your condo or hotel room.
  
  
• Book hotel rooms with Air Miles, look for Groupon deals (or similar deals from other websites,) or find discounted lodging from the school coupon book you probably have at least one of.

Panorama Springs Hot Pools at Panorama Mountain Resort

You can read about some of our recent ski vacations below: 

The Key to Successful Family Ski Weekends at Fernie Alpine Resort

The Ultimate Family Ski Weekend at Kimberley Alpine Resort 

Treat your  Family to a Ski Getaway at Panorama Mountain Resort

Sunshine Village Ski Resort and Mountain Lodge Experience 

Marmot Basin - A Ski Resort the Whole Family will Love in Jasper National Park 

Family Guide to the Lake Louise Ski Resort 

Plan a Ski Getaway to Alberta's Castle Mountain Resort (with slopeside accommodations)

Book a Family Stay and Ski Getaway at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort this winter

Family Ski Guide to Revelstoke Mountain Resort, BC 

5 Reasons to Visit Golden, BC this Winter (Kicking Horse Resort) 

Magical Kimberley Alpine Resort and their ski in/ski out condo village

Stress Free Ski Days 

A fellow mom had the following words to say about downhill skiing as a family:

"You spend Monday-Friday waking up early, prepping lunches and meal planning so that by the weekend...there is zero motivation to prep another lunch-to-go and pack up kids early in the frigid morning." 

Sound familiar?

I encourage you to check out this previous guide I wrote: Tips and Tricks for Downhill Skiing with Kids 

Topics covered in the story include:

• Tips for a stress  free morning
  
  
• Organization tips
  
  
• Tips for skiing with kids of different ages
  
  
• Handling the crowded day lodge
  
  
• Tips for keeping track of everybody on the hill
  
  
• Special tips for keeping the kids happy 

First in line for the lifts! It IS possible!

Inspiration from Local Families (just like you!)

I wanted to share the following quotes from a couple of ski moms because I think they are encouraging.

"We are a family of 4 living on one single income. Both my husband and myself grew up skiing and we met on a chairlift so skiing is part of us. When the kids were little we always bought used equipment. We found we could outfit a kid with all the gear for as little as $100. We save up every month during the year to afford a family pass at Nakiska. We pack our own food and snacks because really $8 for a hotdog is just crazy. For us it's about having a passion and passing that down to our boys. Yes skiing is definitely an investment in both time and money but for us it's worth it to spend great times with our kids doing something we all find active and fun." - Kelsie 

"Yes skiing can be expensive for a family of four if you pay the day ticket price. Planning way in advance can cut costs though. Our kids are now 6 & 8 and there is only one salary in our household, so planning is essential. It is also part of a lifestyle decision. Hockey can cost up to $1000/per season per kid so it has to be a family lifestyle decision." - Susan 

Skiing is a great family activity that's worth investing in

The Next Step -  Lessons, Progress, and Learning to actually SKI

I'll add a couple links that I'd recommend reading once you reach the step where you've got the gear, you've got the ski passes, and now you're wondering "how do we teach the kids to actually ski?"

I've definitely seen a lot of progress in my son's ski abilities (as well as in my own) by following the tips I share in the two articles.

How to Make Learning to Ski Fun (downhill skiing with kids) 

Take your Skiing to the next Level in 5 Simple Steps 

Parting shot

Disclaimer: I have tried my best to provide accurate information for each resort but details can always change so please visit the resort websites for the best up to date information on pricing, discounts, and special events. 

Also expect to pay GST on most prices mentioned in this story. 

This story was not sponsored but we have worked with most of the resorts mentioned. We have received free skiing and accommodations at many of the resorts as well in exchange for publicity and writing.