[sponsored by Ikon Pass]

Things are a little different in Canada… 

The place is a true wilderness with arguably the best powder skiing on Earth.

Revelstoke claims 400″ of average annual snowfall while Ski Big 3 (Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise, Nakiska) claims 70 average annual Grizzly Bears and 45 Wolves…

IKON PASS CANADA STATS:

• Revelstoke 5,620-Vertical-Feet = Longest Vertical Drop in North America
• 10,779 Skiable Acres = Ski Big 3 + Revelstoke
• 400″ Average Annual Snowfall = Revelstoke
• CMH Heli-Skiing = Largest Heli-Skiing Operation on Earth

Powder hounds across the planet are all clamoring to get to Calgary—the closest airport to the bucket list destinations and leg-burning verticals at Western Canada’s CHM Heli-Skiing & Summer Adventures, SkiBig3, and Revelstoke Mountain Resort, all with Ikon Pass access.

Western Canada’s iconic terrain is just a short road trip or quick direct flight away for most Canadians and Pacific Northwesterners, so book your flight, hop a train, or simply get in your car and go—no matter how you get there, the experience is sure to be nothing short of legendary. 

CMH Heli-Skiing & Summer Adventures

As an Ikon Pass holder, you’re guaranteed early booking privileges with CHM Heli-Skiing & Summer Adventures—unparalleled access you’ll want, as many of the most-sought-after heli-ski trips, such as Banff’s Bugaboos, sell out 18 months in advance.

If you’ve used the Ikon Pass’s early booking benefits to secure your CHM trip, kick off your trip by first flying into Calgary or by driving directly to the Bugaboos Helipad. If you haven’t gotten around to booking, then you can still enjoy Banff while scouting out the helipads and heli-lodges for next time.

As the world’s first and largest heli-skiing operation, CMH’s three million acres of untouched terrain and 12 luxury lodges are perfect for both skiers and riders, with fun that includes both bold backcountry and off-the-grid journeys, as well as opportunities for fat biking, snowshoeing, Nordic skiing, and simply lounging in the hot tub while soaking up Canada’s best mountain views.

Ski Big 3

Already tried some Banff terrain on your heli-ski trip? Then keep the turns going on the powder-dry snow at SkiBig3 within Banff National Park, just an hour and a half from Calgary International Airport. Comprised of three serene mountain resorts—Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise Ski Resort, and Mt. Norquay—SkiBig3 is the perfect blend of raw wilderness and pure luxury.

While there, don’t miss the iconic Saddleback run at Lake Louise Ski Resort, accessed via the “Top of the World.” Experts looking for a challenge should head to Goat’s Eye Mountain at Banff Sunshine to try out the South Side Chutes, which start well above treeline and boast a ridiculously steep line before twisting into the trees. Powder day? The hidden bowl known as Rock Garden at Lake Louise Ski Resort is a must.

After a day on the mountain, grab your ice skates for a romantic spin under the stars on the planet’s most iconic outdoor rink, Lake Louise. If you visit in January, check out the Ice Magic Festival, complete with incredible ice sculptures and frozen castles.

Revelstoke

Make your way three and a half hours east to end up at Revelstoke Mountain Resort, home to some of Canada’s most extreme terrain and North America’s longest vertical drop: a heart-pumping 5,620 feet. Sign up for Revelstoke’s First Tracks program the night prior to skip the morning lift line and get access to perfect powder and untouched corduroy.

Whether it’s clear or dumping, make sure to hit the Stoke Chair for access to both world-renowned powder glades and legendary selfie opportunities—for the best views, hike to the top of Sub Peak. Jump on Revelstoke’s iconic Kill the Banker run for a continuous pillow field of steep fall line skiing, and finish in North Bowl for endless fresh line alpine skiing.

Curious about the next day’s snow report? Be sure to check the Revelstoke webcam to see the freshies that fell on Gnorm the Powder Gnome.

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For more info on Ikon Pass access to these destinations and to explore the complete Ikon Pass destination list, visit ikonpass.com.