Skiing in Canada: What You Need to Know Before You Go

Imagine gliding down a snowy slope, feeling the fresh air on your face and the adrenaline in your veins. Imagine admiring the stunning scenery of mountains, forests and lakes as you ski. Imagine enjoying a warm drink and a cozy fire after a day of adventure.

If this sounds like your idea of a perfect holiday, then Canada is the place for you. Canada is a skier’s paradise, with countless resorts to choose from across the country. You can experience the culture and cuisine of French Canada in Mont Tremblant, the beauty and wildlife of the Canadian Rockies in Banff, or the urban and natural attractions of Vancouver and Whistler.

Travel Documentation when Skiing in Canada

But before you can make your dream come true, you need to get an eTA. This is an electronic travel authorisation that allows you to enter Canada without a visa. You can apply for it online in a snap and it lasts for five years. That means you can return to Canada as often as you like to discover more ski resorts.

Another thing you need to think about is your ski equipment. Should you bring your own or rent it there? There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. It depends on several factors, such as your skill level, your budget, your travel duration and your future plans.

Ski Equipment – Rent or Buy

When skiing in Canada, renting equipment from a hotel or resort can be convenient, but also pricey. You can expect to pay around 40 per day for just the skis and poles, or around 55 per day for everything including the boots and helmet. And that’s for beginner equipment. If you want expert gear, the prices soar even higher.

Bringing your own equipment can save you money in the long run, but it also comes with some challenges. You have to pay extra fees for your luggage, deal with the weight restrictions and worry about damaging or losing your gear during transit.

A good compromise might be to buy equipment in Canada. You can take advantage of the local shops that offer better deals and more variety than the resorts. You can also benefit from the exchange rate between the pound and the Canadian dollar. And you can keep your equipment for future ski trips, either in Canada or elsewhere.

Of course, this option only makes sense if you are a serious skier who plans to use your equipment regularly. If you are a beginner or an occasional skier, renting might be more practical and economical.

Whatever you decide, make sure you have an eTA before you travel to Canada. It will make your entry smoother and faster, so you can hit the slopes as soon as possible.

InTheSnow Resort Guide – Skiing in Canada 

We have a regular Podcast called The White Out where we review the latest gear, talk about the latest snow forecast and updates on where is best to ski now, as well interviews with absolute ski legends AND we spotlight a resort every week and so much more.  You can check out our regular podcast here Apple | Spotify | Podcasts or search The White Out on your chosen podcast directory.