Adventure Travel: Ski Whistler/Blackcomb (Paul Morrison)

The abundance of slope-peppered states in the United States—Colorado, California, Vermont, and New Mexico to name but a few—explains the domestic preoccupation of some U.S. skiers. But when aspiring to the absolute best of North American skiing, it's vital to remember that there's more to America than just the States. Whistler/Blackcomb, the most highly ranked resort in the continent, renders any U.S.-centric proclamations of supremacy well and truly moot. Add to that Banff's surrounding resorts, and Canada's demand to be heard becomes downright deafening.

British Columbia's Whistler/Blackcomb is unquestionably the strongest voice in this Canadian chorus. The main village sits at the foot of two massive mountains overlooking more than 7,000 skiable acres, including 12 alpine bowls, over 200 marked runs, the continent's second-longest vertical drop, off-piste options, and heli-ski facilities. This place has some serious international snow-cred from hardcore skiers, 'boarders, and first-timers alike. The facilities and amenities, such as its high-speed gondola service and ski-school instruction, are top notch, the terrain is gloriously varied, and the après-ski scene pulls a global clientele. Weather conditions are variable, however. But, while it's not uncommon to find clouds and rain at the base, the higher altitudes will often gift you completely different weather patterns and pristine conditions for skiing.

Three other ski areas—Lake Louise, Sunshine Village, and Banff's Mount Norquay—lie to the east of Whistler/Blackcomb within the protected confines of Banff National Park, stretching between British Columbia and Alberta. These resorts don't compete with Whistler/Blackcomb's world-renowned size. Instead, they zone in on the essence of skiing: no frills, no glitz, just man versus mountain—or make that mountains….One lift ticket provides access to all three resorts.

Mount Assinaboine, an imposing 12,000-foot giant, presides over Sunshine Village and its 4,000 skiable acres. Sunshine is truly a test of the fittest, or at least the most dedicated; with icy, arctic winds that whip over the 3,100-feet of vertical terrain, those not warmed by the prospect of wind-buffeted bowls will probably head back to the confines of their lodges fairly early. Mount Norquay, four miles from Banff, receives 120 inches of snow annually and has recently improved many of its runs to the benefit of families as well as extreme skiers. Big Chair, Norquay's flagship run, features one of the steepest and most consistent fall lines on the continent; the vertical drop reaches a staggering 1,300 feet. Lake Louise, the second largest ski area in Canada, lies 35 miles from the town of Banff down the TransCanada Highway. If the gorgeous scenery along the drive isn't worth it, the 4,200 acres of premier skiing conditions undoubtedly are. Beyond downhill skiing, Lake Louise provides a network of cross-country ski trails, ice-skating, sleigh rides, and heli-skiing.

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