The Best Ski Resorts for Beginners in Canada

Discovering the ideal slopes for your first time on skis? Our beginner-friendly resort rankings are compiled exclusively from feedback by the Snomad community - actual skiers and snowboarders who've experienced these mountains firsthand. We've filtered out resorts with insufficient ratings to ensure you're getting reliable recommendations from a substantial pool of user experiences. Looking for gentle gradients, quality instruction, and confidence-building terrain? This is your essential guide.

Fancy checking out other aspects of Canadian ski destinations? Browse our rankings for Tree Skiing, Accommodation Options, or Value for Money. Already had your first mountain adventures? Share your experiences and help fellow beginners find their perfect starting point.

Best Ski Resort for Beginners in Canada: Apex Mountain - Beginners Rating 5.00

Apex Mountain is a brilliant spot for beginners to find their ski legs. The mountain's beauty isn't lost on those just starting out, with one Snomad community member noting that even as a beginner, the scenery is stunning. "Get up, fall down, get up again. All day. But it's fun and never gets old," shared River, a beginner snowboarder. The resort gets top marks for its well-groomed runs that are perfect for first-timers. Staff friendliness is frequently highlighted in reviews, with Ademide mentioning "very friendly staff" during her visit with sisters – a rare trip with "no complaints all week" from their group.

#2 Big White - Beginners Rating 4.81

Big White is a dream for beginners. The vast area offers plenty of gentle terrain with green runs accessible from even the highest points. One Snomad community member liked that "it was all very accessible to all skill levels." The ski school gets consistent praise, with Allan mentioning his instructor was "super nice and gave personalised tips and was patient." The Discovery program comes highly recommended for those just starting out. The well-groomed slopes make learning less intimidating, and as beginner snowboarder Cecily put it: "Me and my friends had such a great time even though I'm a beginner."

#3 Revelstoke - Beginners Rating 4.60

Revelstoke presents a mixed bag for beginners. Our reviews from novice snowboarders highlight some challenges - Marina found it "really hard" with "super narrow pathways connecting runs" that aren't ideal for learning. Jordan, despite being a beginner, appreciated the variety including green runs, while Francesca mentioned that although green runs were "kind of tight", they were "groomed very nicely" making them feel "easy". Kyle, another beginner, actually suggests the resort is "not so much advised for beginners". For those starting out, it seems Revelstoke's excellent grooming helps offset the limited beginner-friendly terrain.