Alberta/BC Ski Resorts Winter Camping Guide

Get out at hit the powder highway, then après in style in your Karma Campervan

Alberta and BC are known for their amazing ski resorts we’ve compiled a list of our faves and whether you can park overnight or need to source out a nearly by campsite. This list will be added to over time.

Whistler Blackcomb, BC

Probably the most popular ski resort in all of Canada, Whistler Blackcomb is where skiing and snowboarding dreams become reality. The mountain boasts TONS of terrain ranging from bunny-hills to bigass bombers, putting your board to the test. There is no overnight parking at the actual resort, however there are a number of campgrounds nearby to set up for the night including Whistler RV Park and Campground and Riverside Resort. A 45 min drive south is Squamish where you’ll find year round camping at MTN Fun Basecamp, Klahaine Campground, and so many more.

Sunshine Village, Banff National Park, Alberta

Sunshine is well known for it’s varied terrain and short lifts. No day is complete without a stop at Mad Trappers either for a noon hour burger and pint or at the end of a great day on the hill with friends. Since Sunshine is in the National Park, there is no overnight parking, so it’s on you if you decide to park overnight or arrive in the wee hours of the morning. Our recommendation is to camp at Tunnel Mountain Village II – the only spot for winter camping in Banff area. Visit https://www.skibanff.com/ for lift ticket and rental info.

Lake Louise, Banff National Park, Alberta

World-famous Lake Louise Ski Resort is not only home to an annual World Cup ski event, it’s one of the most forgiving “big mountain” ski hills in the Rockies, perfect for boarders and skiers of all levels. Go straight to the backside for less crowds and the intimate cozy warming hut to leave your gear. There are many winter camping options at Lake Louise. The ski hill has a huge parking lot, however there is technically no overnight parking allowed. A great option for winter camping in Lake Louise is the Lake Louise Trailer Campground, which is equipped with amazing bathrooms, located minutes from the ski resort, and costs just over $30/night.

Norquay, Banff, Alberta

This little gem located just across highway 1 from Banff is a diamond in the rough. Norquay is great for a few reasons. Hourly lift ticket options, cute on-hill lodge and eateries, bus direct into the town of Banff, short lift lines and quick runs, plus beautiful treed terrain make this a great option for the beginner to novice hill bunny. Technically, no overnight parking is allowed because you’re within Banff National Park, but nearby Tunnel Mountain Village II offers year-round and winter camping. 

Nakiska, Kananaskis, Alberta

A host ski hills of the 1988 Winter Olympics, Nakiska is well known for it’s big mountain feel, but maintains a good set of groomed runs for all types of abilities. No camping onsite but the parking lot is huge and we’re positive no one would notice, plus there are numerous trail head parking options along hwy 40 for a free overnight camping option. Mt Kidd RV Park is within 20 minutes, offering year round campsites starting at $34/night and Stoney Nakoda Resort and Casino (also 20 minutes away) is another alternative, offering free overnight parking to anyone who registers at the front desk.

Panorama Mountain Resort, Invermere, BC

A short three and a half hour drive from Calgary, Panorama has long been a favourite ski hill of areal locals. With hot spring overlooking the ski hill, and plenty of on hill food spots, Panorama is one of the most visitor-friendly. There is no on-mountain overnight RV parking according to the Camping in BC website, however we can spot a few areas around the hill or in the town of Invermere, where one could park a campervan. Alternatively, Fairmont Hot Springs RV Resort is open year round with campsites starting at $51, and they boast a little ski hill of their own!

Castle Mountain, Alberta

Only two and a quarter hours from Calgary, Castle is known for it’s huge snowpack and short (or non-existent) lift lines. Park your Karma Campervan at the base of the best kept secret in Southern Alberta. Electrical hookups are reservable and cost $25. Non-electrical hookups are $15 and don’t require a reservation. Both offer access to the wash house. Oh – and they have cat skiing! Visit the Castle Ski Resort website for more info. Call 403-627-5101 x221 to reserve.

Fernie, BC

With a total vertical of 3550 ft. and an average snowfall of 35 ft, Fernie Alpine Resort in south east BC is known for their legendary snow and great mountain village vibe. You can park your campervan right at Fernie ski hill in their regular parking areas so long as you don’t “set up camp.” Fernie RV Resort right in town features full-service lots, washrooms with showers and free high speed internet. From the RV Resort simply snag a shuttle or drive your campervan to the hill for first tracks. An “Eco Back-In” campsite will cost you about $35/night. A third winter camping option can be found at the unserviced Mount Fernie Provincial Park, which offers camping in the Top Loop area only for no fees.

Kicking Horse, Golden, BC

Kicking Horse Mountain Resort is located in Golden, BC, a short three hour drive from our HQ in Calgary. Winter camping at Kicking Horse is a breeze as they offer free RV parking in the Kicking Horse parking area although there are no services offered here. For other winter camping options in Golden BC, check out the Camping and RVing BC website.

Red Mountain at Rossland, BC

A hidden gem for anyone looking further afield, Red Mountain Resort in Rossland, BC can be a skiing dream when you hit the weather right. Winter camping at Red Mountain is a breeze as you can park your campervan in the ski area parking lot, although there are no services.

Revelstoke, BC

Known as one of the biggest and most epic terrains in all the Rockies – Revelstoke boasts 5,600 feet of vertical accessible terrain at over 515,000 acres and some of the most consistent snow around. There are plenty of year-round camping options in the area including Revelstoke Campground and Boulder Mountain Campground.

There are tons of winter camping options in Alberta and BC, you just have to do a little searching and asking around. A few resources we recommend are:

• Alberta Campground Guide
• Camping in BC Winter Camping website