Alberta Snow Conditions

Alberta is well located for good snow conditions with the majority of its ski resorts located on the vast slopes of the Rocky Mountains. Alberta has a number of high altitude ski resorts including Sunshine Village, where the majority of the terrain is over 7000 feet and Marmot Basin in Jasper with the highest base elevation in Canada (5534 feet). Other snow highlights of the province include Whispering Pines with consistent, all natural snow, Silver Summit with an average of over 10 feet of annual snowfall and Castle Mountain, great for intermediate skiers with reliable dry powder snow and superb gentle cruising terrain.

 

Banff National Park reliably sees some of the best snow conditions in Alberta and the Canadian Rockies. With three of the major ski resorts in Alberta located in the park it can lay claim to one of the longest ski seasons in the world lasting from early November to the end of April in both Lake Louise and Sunshine Village. Snow conditions in these resorts are best from February to April reaching highs of 170cm on the upper slopes. Other ski resorts in Alberta, such as Silver Summit, also stay open until late April and are known for their superb snow conditions throughout the spring.

 

Snowmaking facilities in Alberta are excellent and constant investment ensures that snow conditions in Alberta are very reliable. Lake Louise, as well as being the largest ski resort in Alberta with 4200 acres of terrain, also boasts Canada’s largest snowmaking system covering 85% of the area. This means that the long ski season in Banff comes with a snow sure guarantee right the way through. High-tech snowmaking in Nakiska Hill, Kinosoo and Valley ski club, among others, also ensure great snow conditions in Alberta.