Travelers seeking a quick winter escape from Los Angeles can now experience the thrill of skiing in Canada with minimal planning. With direct flights available, enthusiasts can hit the slopes of Banff or Big White just hours after leaving LAX.
The Canadian Rockies are a prime destination for skiers during this peak season. The journey is remarkably streamlined, allowing individuals to depart LAX after breakfast and find themselves enjoying a slope-side après-ski by mid-afternoon. Here’s how to make the most of a long weekend on the slopes.
Banff: A Quick Escape to the Mountains
Calgary serves as a convenient gateway to the Canadian Rockies, with efficient airport operations and a straightforward drive directly to the mountains. Both WestJet and Air Canada provide daily nonstop flights from LAX, with a flight duration of approximately 3 hours and 10 minutes.
Travelers can take off from LAX at 09:00 on a Friday, arriving in Calgary by 14:00. After picking up a rental car, they can check into accommodations in Banff or nearby Canmore by 16:30.
Saturday can be spent enjoying a full day at Banff Sunshine. Known for its higher elevation, this resort offers light, dry snow, making it a favorite for skiers seeking optimal conditions. On Sunday, a morning session at Mt. Norquay is recommended, followed by some relaxation at the Upper Hot Springs, perfect for soothing sore muscles.
As the trip winds down, a leisurely stroll through the shops on Banff Avenue can round out the experience before heading back for a late afternoon flight home on Monday.
For those considering where to stay, the Sunshine Mountain Lodge is a top choice. This unique mountaintop hotel allows guests to be the first on the lift each morning, maximizing their time on the slopes.
Big White: A Unique Pedestrian Village Experience
Alternatively, those looking for a different skiing experience can fly to Kelowna, British Columbia. Alaska Airlines offers direct flights, taking about 3 hours and 25 minutes.
Upon landing in Kelowna, a shuttle will transport visitors directly to Big White Ski Resort, where the entire village is pedestrian-friendly and ski-in/ski-out. This means once guests arrive, they can park their cars and enjoy the slopes without any further hassle.
Skiers have access to an impressive 119 runs across the resort. A highlight of the experience is the sight of the ‘Snow Ghosts,’ trees that become encased in ice, creating an enchanting landscape that resembles a scene from another world.
Monday morning can be spent enjoying breakfast in the village before taking the shuttle back down the valley to catch the return flight.
For accommodation, the Stonegate Resort offers luxurious condo-style living, complete with private hot tubs on balconies, perfect for unwinding while overlooking the stunning Monashee Mountains with a glass of local Okanagan wine.
These quick ski getaways from LAX to Canada provide a fantastic opportunity for winter sports enthusiasts to enjoy world-class skiing without extensive travel logistics. Whether choosing Banff or Big White, visitors can look forward to an invigorating long weekend filled with snow and stunning mountain scenery.
