Winter can be a dreary time for those living the city life. Freshly fallen snow turns into grey slush almost overnight — a sight that keeps many from leaving the comforts of their home.

Luckily for those outdoor adventure seekers, there are countless ski resorts peppered across the country, many of which are a relatively short drive away from a major city. They’re perfect for the daytrippers and weekend warriors who want to squeeze in a few runs before their next Monday morning meeting.

Already dreaming of your next mini-vacation? Check out our favourite ski resorts below and turn those fantasies into realities:

Mont Tremblant

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Tremblant (@monttremblant) on Dec 24, 2019 at 4:36am PST

Closest major cities: two hours by car from Montréal and Ottawa

Best runs: Nansen, Le versant Edge, Erik Guay

Mont Tremblant offers the best downhill skiing in the Laurentian Mountains. With 305 skiable hectares, 102 trails, four slopes and three snow parks, there really is a place for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. The resort also has over 1,000 snowguns which means perfect conditions almost every time.

Once you’re done with the hills, head down to the village at the foot of the mountain for some of the best après-ski bars and lounges in the world. A visit to Le p’tit Caribou (which was named “the best après-ski bar in Eastern North America” by Ski Canada Magazine) will always get the party started.

See more: tremblant.ca

Blue Mountain

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Blue Mountain Resort (@bluemtnresort) on Jan 8, 2020 at 7:03am PST

Closest major city: Ninety minutes by car from Toronto. A daily shuttle service between the resort and the city runs during the winter season.

Best runs: Elevator Shaft, Memory Lane, and Willy’s

This Ontario ski resort is a favourite among skiers in Southern Ontario. Blue Mountain has the biggest public ski area in the province, a 720-foot vertical, and seven lifts that can access every kind of trail. In addition, the resort lights up 30 of its 42 runs during the evenings.

For those looking to do more than just skiing, Blue Mountain also offers snow tubing, axe throwing, snowshoeing, and more during the winter season.

See more: bluemountain.ca

What to pack for Mont Tremblant and Blue Mountain

Sunshine Village

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Banff Sunshine Village (@sunshinevillage) on Jan 19, 2020 at 8:10am PST

Closest major cities: ninety minutes by car from Calgary

Best runs: North Divide, Delirium Dive, Tee Pee Town

Located in the heart of Banff National Park, Sunshine Village has the longest non-glacial season in Canada. From early November to late May, skiers and snowboarders can take their pick of the 137 runs spread out between Goat’s Eye Mountain, Lookout Mountain, and Mount Standish.

Those looking for a challenge should head to Lookout Mountain’s Delirium Dive—one of the most challenging runs and a top 10 off-piste destination in the world. Meanwhile, skiers and snowboarders of all levels can take a spin on the Teepee Town LX, Canada’s only heated lift, while they make their way to their favourite routes.

See more: skibanff.com

Whistler Blackcomb

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Whistler Blackcomb (@whistlerblackcomb) on Jan 18, 2020 at 6:04am PST

Closest major cities: under two hours from Vancouver through the sea-to-sky highway

Best runs: Burnt Stew, Peak to Creek, Hugh’s Heaven, Saudan Couloir

Skiers and snowboarders are truly spoiled for choice in this winter wonderland. Whistler Blackcomb ski resort offers over 8,171 acres of skiable terrain, 200 marked runs, 16 alpine bowl, and three glaciers between Whistler Mountain and Blackcomb Mountain. Racers of all levels can finesse their skills on the GMC Race Centre (located on Blackcomb’s Cougar Milk Run). Meanwhile, adventure seekers can safely ease themselves into backcountry skiing and riding with one of the resort’s guided programs.

Between views of the Rocky Mountains, freshly groomed runs and the best après-ski scene in the world, Whistler Blackcomb feels like heaven on earth.

See more: whistlerblackcomb.com

What to Pack for Sunshine Valley and Whistler Blackcomb