# 11: Japser

Back to Canada, and even Alberta. Banff is a lot of fun, but if you're up for a slower pace, or you just really want to focus on the skiing and enjoy nature without the hordes of tourists, Jasper might be for you! Geographically, it's not that far removed from Banff – both are nestled in the Rocky Mountains in western Canada – but there the similarities end. While Banff is a madhouse of activity, Jasper is one of North America's least crowded ski resorts

That doesn't mean it's unpopular – everyone north of the 49th parallel knows the name Jasper when they hear it! With spas, massage parlors, luxury hotels, conference areas, spectacular restaurants, and, of course, great skiing, Jasper is a retreat that can't be beat! Runs are split pretty evenly between advanced, intermediate, and beginner, so it's fun for all levels. What's more, you'll get to enjoy the crisp, pristine Canadian wilderness only a few miles from the Jasper town site!

Located in Marmot Basin, Jasper is accessible from Calgary, Alberta (you remember Calgary – home of the eighty-something Olympics?). It's widely acknowledged as one of the best ski resorts in Canada. If you're looking for an authentic outdoors experience with luxury just minutes away, check out Jasper and Marmot Basin!

#15: Whistler

If you want to experience the Canadian Rockies without the commercialism of Banff thrown into the mix, try jumping the Alberta border in favor of B.C. Whistler includes over 8,000 feet of skiing and drops of nearly 5,000 feet! There are also miles of cross-country trails winding through the mountain terrain.

British Columbia is one of Canada's warmer locations. At ground level, its inhabitants rarely see snow. That means that you can travel down-mountain for non-winter fun, and then drive back up for an afternoon of skiing. Whistler also features a world-famous golf course and a quaint village with a European feel. It's the perfect place for a holiday!

Whistler is a great place for any ski levels. The vast majority of its trails are intermediate, but there are a good chunk of beginner and advanced paths for you to follow. Whistler is a great place to bask in the combined charm of the best Canada and Europe have to offer.

If you go, you'll likely fly through Vancouver, which is worth a few nights' detour on its own. Vancouver is Canada's answer to Hollywood – many television shows and movies are filmed in the diverse terrain surrounding B.C.'s largest city. Vancouver has a unique feel unlike any city in the world, and is widely lauded as the best place to live in Canada.

#16: Banff

You can't talk about skiing without mentioning certain places—the Alps, the Himalayas, and, of course, Canada. And the most famous Canadian ski location is undoubtedly Banff.

Canada's certainly not hurting for snow, but Banff maintains immaculately groomed slopes that are rare, even for the frozen north. Most of Banff's ski trails are aimed at intermediate and advanced skiers, but they do offer skiing lessons and a decent number of beginner trails. Don't look for cross-country skiing here, though: Banff is all about the mountains!

The Banff town site is another thing altogether. Tucked in the Canadian Rockies, it offers all the picturesque charm you can desire. Flower gardens, hot springs, and waterfalls are just some of nature's joys you can experience without skis.

Of course, the site is far from unspoiled: Banff is definitely one of the more commercialized places in Canada. It's a hotspot for Asian tourists, so you'll find a lot of signs in Asian and even a few non-English speakers. Banff is a great spot for nightlife, and you're sure to find a party somewhere, no matter what your taste.

Banff is surrounded by gorgeous mountains. It's a great place to hang out, party, and ski – just as long as you're not searching for that authentic outback experience!