The ski & winter sports guide
Epic ski runs, après intel, and recs beyond the slopes.
Dust off your skis and dig out your snowsuit because ski season is officially open. That means getting back out on the slopes, of course—but it also means cozy lodges, charming mountain towns, and other snowy adventures (think: tubing, snowshoeing, ice-cave exploring). Whether you’re a first-time skier or a seasoned pro, we’ve got tips and stories on how to make the most of the season.
Stories from the slopes
Family-friendly ski resorts for all levels
The best runs from bunny slopes to black diamonds.
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Stories from ski trailblazers and legends
A mommy-and-me ski trip to Mammoth Mountain
The mommy-and-me ski trips I’ve taken with my pre-teen have sealed our bond. I’ve passed on essential skills—like how to attach snow chains—in preparation for our snowy treks to Mammoth Mountain. Even during the warmer months, you can ski Mammoth Mountain thanks to record snowfall. Here are a few tips on how to take a ski trip as a solo female parent.
HelenIHwang, San Diego, CA
- Woolly's Tube Park19When we want a break from skiing, Woolly’s Tube Park and Snow Play is a place for children to frolic in the snow without gearing up. The Magic Carpet takes riders to the top of the snow tube runs for thrilling rides. For wee ones, there’s a snow play area where children can ride merry-go-round tubes, ride a surf sled, and make a snowman.
- Manzanar National Historic Site522We like to stop at Manzanar in Independence—a former concentration camp that imprisoned Japanese-American women, men, and children during World War II. Today, Manzanar is a world-class museum that gave my daughter a hands-on history lesson, allowing her to walk through bare bunkers when children her age were forced to live like prisoners. It’s a stark reminder to be grateful for our lives.
- Burgers Restaurant596After a day on the slope, nothing beats a big, juicy burger. At the bottom of the mountain, across the street from the Village, we like to stop in this low-key, friendly eatery for a delicious burger with a whopping portion of crispy fries. Children can’t pass up the legendary milkshakes while parents can chill with a glass of wine.
- Mill Cafe29After several runs on the slopes, we’re famished. We like to zigzag our way to the base of Chair 2 to find quick and convenient food. There’s an outdoor counter where we can easily walk up and order. We can look up at the majestic mountain while chowing down on favourites, like smoked tri-tip and steaming bowls of chili on a spacious sundeck.
- Mammoth Mountain Inn2,192With a kid in tow, staying somewhere close to the chairlifts becomes imperative for a smooth start on the slopes. Located almost at the top of the mountain, Mammoth Mountain Inn has chairlifts and the ski school right outside the lodge. Other options in Mammoth Village, like the Village Lodge, allow you to easily hop onto the free Village Gondola for a quick ride to the chairlifts.
- The Westin Monache Resort, Mammoth1,791With a kid in tow, staying somewhere close to the chairlifts becomes imperative for a smooth start on the slopes. Located almost at the top of the mountain, Mammoth Mountain Inn has chairlifts and the ski school right outside the lodge. Other options in Mammoth Village, like the Village Lodge, allow you to easily hop onto the free Village Gondola for a quick ride to the chairlifts.
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An introvert’s guide to Whistler
Visitors flock to Whistler, British Columbia in the winter, packing its slopes with skiers, snowboarders, and sightseers ready for gondola rides. Constant music and conversation spill out of shops and restaurants. It’s an extrovert’s wonderland, for sure. But on a recent trip, this introvert actually managed to find a few quiet places to avoid the crowds and recharge.
Aja H, Severn, MD
- KA-ZE Sushi and Beyond148Enjoy eating in peace? Make a res at KA-ZE Sushi and Beyond, which offers Japanese Hori-Gotatsu–style dining, complete with low tables and walls that can be closed off. I appreciated not having the people at the next table look on as I dug into tuna sashimi and pork gyoza.
- Whistler Museum137Though it’s barely bigger than a tennis court, the Whistler Museum is packed with artifacts that tell the history of the mountain and the town. A personal favourite was a cluster of items—a teapot, kerosene lamp, tattered wooden chairs—from Rainbow Lodge, a log cabin along the railway line that has been converted into a resort on Alta Lake.
- Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre1,069The Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre celebrates the culture of the Indigenous people who live on the land where Whistler was built. Rather than visiting on the hour when group tours begin, visit on the half hour and take a self-guided tour. Skip the crowded gift shop, and instead browse the centre’s online store, where I snagged blue fingerless gloves by the artist Allan Weir.
- Scandinave Spa1,485I’ve never had a better massage than the one I enjoyed at Scandinave Spa. But the whole experience went far beyond that: The spa cultivates a truly peaceful atmosphere where silence is mandatory and phones aren’t allowed. Immerse yourself in the hot and cold open-air baths, steam rooms, and sauna—it’s the ultimate in luxurious quietude.
- Whistler Blackcomb4,360There’s no way to get away from the crowds altogether on the slopes, but your best bet can be found midweek in the middle of the day on Blackcomb Mountain, when you’ll have a minimal waiting time for the lifts. Whistler Mountain, though better for less experienced skiers, is far more crowded.
- The Whistler Train Wreck Trail386Not one for skiing? There are plenty of trails where you can enjoy the great Whistler outdoors. While you will pass fellow hikers on the Train Wreck trail, the crunch of snow under your boots will be your main companion—that is, aside from the stunning landscape and abandoned graffitied railway carriages that make for great photo ops.
- Brandywine Falls Provincial Park751The half-mile Brandywine Falls trail, south of Whistler just off the Sea to Sky Highway, is an easy hike that leads to a 230-foot waterfall. The flow partially freezes, creating dramatic icicles. The car park is closed during the winter, but the trail can still be accessed (usually without snowshoes) if you park along the road.
Tips for your next trip
For skiers of all ages—and budgets
Guides for saving money and saving the trip
Adventures off the slopes
When skiing’s not your thing
Sleigh rides, ice caves, and more
Where to find winter fun
Destinations with once-in-a-lifetime experiences