Visit These 10 Ski Destinations Outside the Canadian Rockies National Parks

Alberta is spoiled with an extraordinarily long ski season. It begins in early November and can last until late May, depending on the snowfall each year. That's nearly seven months to ski and snowboard to your heart's content. Banff, Jasper and Lake Louise are the best-known ski spots in Alberta, but there are plenty of quality resorts around the province. These resorts are often less crowded and offer terrain for all levels.

All of the ski parks listed below offer rentals and lessons for all ability levels.

Northern Alberta

Nitehawk Adventure Park (Grande Prairie)

Welcome to northern Alberta's largest ski area outside the mountains. Nitehawk Adventure Park is a haven for ski and snowboard enthusiasts. Nine runs of varying difficulty wind throughout the park. More adventurous skiers and riders can test their mettle in the mogul patch, two terrain parks and half pipe. The fun doesn't stop when the sun goes down, either. All the runs are lit up for night skiing, and there's even a snow tubing area for a different kind of winter fun. Bonus.

Rabbit Hill Snow Resort (Edmonton)

Up for a quick road trip? Rabbit Hill Snow Resort is in the southwest corner of Edmonton's city limits, making it an easy jaunt for a ski or snowboard fix. The resort is great for all ages and levels. It's even home to one of the largest terrain parks in northern Alberta, catering to thrill-seekers of all abilities. Hours vary throughout the season, so be sure to check before heading out.

Snow Valley Ski Club (Edmonton)

Alberta's capital city has a second ski area to enjoy. The Snow Valley Ski Club is nestled into the Whitemud Creek Ravine and creates an easy-to-access haven for locals and visitors alike. The Snow Valley Ski Club is especially helpful for beginner skiers and snowboarders to get the hang of the sports.

Kinosoo Ridge Snow Resort (Cold Lake)

This resort is situated near the shore of Cold Lake and offers a family-friendly day of adventure. There are five lifts and 12 runs to explore over 60 acres, which also lights up for night skiing. Don't miss a chance to take a ride through the tube park, either.

Central Alberta

Canyon Ski Resort (Red Deer)

There are more than 80 skiable acres to explore at Canyon Ski Resort, with 23 groomed runs, six ski lifts and a terrain park. The resort is about 12.8 km (7.9 mi) northeast of Red Deer, so it's a quick road trip if you're looking to make the city your home base for a winter weekend. There's even night skiing if you want to experience the resort after dark. Finally, the snow tube park offers a fun experience if you want to skip the skis and boards.

Southern Alberta

WinSport Canada Olympic Park (Calgary)

Located on the west edge of Calgary, WinSport Canada Olympic Park has been a destination for winter sports since it hosted elite athletes for the 1988 Winter Olympic Games. You can hit the slopes at WinSport Canada Olympic Park even if you're a beginner – and take in some of the best views around while you’re at it. You'll see the Calgary skyline to the east and the Canadian Rockies to the west. Don't miss the Servus Tube Park, too.

Nakiska Ski Resort (Kananaskis Country)

Kananaskis Country is a beautiful gem in the valley of the Canadian Rockies, and it's often less crowded than its famous neighbours. Nakiska Ski Resort – Nakiska is a Cree word for "meeting place" – offers a picturesque setting and fantastic skiing and snowboarding conditions, with 71 runs of varying difficulty. The resort also offers a rail park, tube park and even snowshoeing if you're in the mood for a different winter activity.

Pass Powderkeg Ski Area (Crowsnest Pass)

Take a road trip to southwest Alberta, and you'll find Pass Powderkeg Ski Area nestled into the natural beauty of the Crowsnest Pass. The ski area, which opened in the late 1930s, maintains a nostalgic charm and has created a family-friendly atmosphere that caters to all abilities. Children and newbies to the sport can get free access to the bunny hill. Pass Powderkeg features 27 runs, which are lit up at night for some of the longest night-skiing runs in Canada. More adventurous skiers and boarders can try the terrain park or some of the advanced runs near the top of the mountain.

Castle Mountain Resort (Pincher Creek)

Have you ever heard of cat skiing? Castle Mountain Resort is the place in Alberta to give it a try. The Powder Stagecoach will take you to 900 acres of the best backcountry terrain around. This is a full-day experience and must be booked in advance.

If you're not up for backcountry skiing, carve your way through 78 runs back at the main ski area. Or, for even more snowy fun, rent some snowshoes or indulge in the evening snowshoe and fine dining experience.

Hidden Valley Ski Resort (Elkwater)

On the east side of southern Alberta is Hidden Valley Ski Resort in Elkwater, approximately 66.4 km (41.3 mi) from Medicine Hat. You'll enjoy prairie vistas of Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park. But don't mistake the prairie landscape for flat terrain. There's plenty of downhill action to be had at Elkwater.