The Best Ski Resorts for Off-Piste in Canada
Canada's off-piste terrain offers some of the world's most thrilling backcountry experiences. Our rankings showcase the Canadian resorts where powder hounds find their paradise, based entirely on feedback from the Snomad community. Every rating comes from genuine skiers and snowboarders who've tackled these slopes firsthand. We only include resorts with sufficient reviews to ensure you get reliable insights before venturing beyond the boundaries. Have you conquered Canada's backcountry? Share your off-piste adventures and help fellow powder seekers.
Looking for different terrain? Check out our other Canadian resort rankings for Tree Skiing, Powder Zones, or see how these mountains rate for Expert Skiers.
Best Ski Resort for Off-Piste in Canada: Kicking Horse - Off-Piste Rating
Kicking Horse delivers phenomenal off-piste terrain that has our users absolutely raving. A Snomad community member describes it as "absolute gem hidden just inside of the BC and AB border" with "gnarly terrain" that advanced riders will love. The mountain offers countless couloirs opening into expansive bowls, with champagne powder when conditions are right. Several expert skiers highlight that short hikes (5-20 minutes) along the ridges reward you with untouched powder stashes. One advanced snowboarder mentioned you can "almost always find powder if you don't mind hiking". The terrain is frequently compared to backcountry riding, just with the safety of avalanche control.
#2 Revelstoke - Off-Piste Rating
Revelstoke's off-piste terrain is legendary among our users. The mountain offers world-class backcountry access with deep powder runs and technical freeriding opportunities that keep advanced riders coming back. One Snomad community member liked that "you can escape into either the North Bowl or Greely and ski in fresh powder all day." The tree skiing gets particularly high praise, with Julie, an advanced snowboarder, noting that "powder is always lurking in the trees." For those willing to put in a bit of effort, you can find untouched snow pockets even a week after the last snowfall – a true powder seeker's paradise.
#3 Whitewater Ski Resort - Off-Piste Rating
Whitewater Ski Resort is an off-piste paradise that has our users absolutely buzzing. The terrain offers endless powder stashes with perfectly spaced trees, chutes, glades and bowls. One Snomad community member liked that "the trees were incredible! And endless." For advanced riders, there's access to massive backcountry terrain beyond the boundary, though our reviewers mention that you should only venture there if properly equipped. An expert snowboarder said it's "pure simple and REAL DEEP!" with consistent snow throughout the season. The cold, light, fluffy powder means fresh lines can be found even weeks after a dump.
