Top 8 Best Ski Resorts in the Canadian Rockies for a Ski Resort Winter Wedding
The Canadian Rockies in winter offers a completely different, but nonetheless breathtaking, backdrop compared to how things look in the Summer months. There’s something magical about Winter and often, couples start day dreaming of a romantic ceremony, photos with huge snowy mountains backdrops, and cozy fireside spicy hot chocolates! There are many winter wedding venues in Banff, Canmore, Jasper, Yoho National Park and even Waterton National Park. With that said, we wanted to take a look at a slightly different way to celebrate and take advantage of those cold, snowy days. We’re of course talking about ski resort weddings and what we believe are the best options in the Rockies for you to enjoy skiing and snowboarding on your wedding day.
In no particular order, here are our top 8 ski resorts to host your snowboarding and skiing wedding in the Canadian Rockies. (click the subtitles to link to the resort page).
The Lake Louise Ski Resort
With a variety of venues for weddings of all shapes and sizes, they really do have choices for everyone. You could get married on the slopes and take a slide over to Temple Lodge for a champagne toast! Or why not celebrate in one of the largest log buildings in the world - the Ten Peaks lodge, with incredible views and a grand stone fireplace to keep things cozy and warm for you! The skiing and riding terrain is first class with options for all abilities in your guestlist too.
Sunshine Village
Sunshine Village offers wedding parties a multitude of dining options with customized menus which include buffet, wine pairing menus or even casual cocktails. The resort also offers the Eagle’s Nest restaurant featuring upscale, Canadian cuisine and a cozy lodge-inspired space complete with roaring fires and panoramic mountain views at the Lookout Lounge. No doubt you’ve heard of the incredible experience to be had out on the slopes and with on-hill accommodation, you can make a weekend of it and really soak up the whole experience.
Big White Ski Resort
There is no background more perfect for your wedding than the stunning winter wonderland that is Big White Ski Resort. For those used to the “village” feel of European resorts, Big White offers more of an on-mountain experience where you can enjoy apres ski and the after hours activities without feeling like you need to figure out the logistics of transport “back to town”. The resort itself has a great variety of terrain and is certainly somewhere suitable for the whole family to ski and ride at all ability levels.
Kicking Horse Mountain Resort
Located at 7,700 feet on the top of the Purcell Mountains this venue hosts one of the most epic backdrops for outdoor wedding ceremonies! Guests can gather to board the Golden Eagle Express Gondola and enjoy the ride to the top of the world where they will be greeted by stunning views of the Canadian Rockies. You not only get to exchange vows with 360˚ views, the photographic potential is insane! Whilst the resort is suitable for the whole family, you’ll certainly get more from your on-snow time if you are a higher intermediate to advanced skier or rider.
Panorama Mountain Resort
Panorama is tucked away in the towering peaks of the Purcell Mountains. Like Big White, there’s a cozy village to host your family and friends so they can relax and spend time together, while the unique mountain environment and stunning vistas make a breathtaking setting to exchange vows. The skiing and riding is certainly family friendly, with something for everyone to enjoy a few laps together out on snow!
Silverstar Mountain Resort
Whether you are planning an intimate, romantic gathering for your loved ones or a grand party to celebrate your newly tied knot, Silverstar has it all! The Winter Wedding Meadow overlooks the mountain and provides an intimate location for your ceremony. On the day of your wedding, an area will be cordoned off for convenient parking for your guests but note this location is not available during peak times. The resort has terrain for everyone so you won’t have to worry about where the kids will ski and ride!
Fernie Alpine Resort
Fernie is one of those resorts that has lots of options to ensure that you special day is tailored to your vision and simply unforgettable! With a variety of accommodation options for guests, special wedding package rates can be arranged for you, be it a large event or an intimate gathering. Fernie is notorious and well known for great terrain and amazing snow and we can tell you from experience that there’s somewhere for everyone to take a slide!
Mount Norquay
With a cozy atmosphere and vintage feel, Norquay boasts some beautiful options for your special day. Being so close to the town of Banff, you can easily arrange guest accommodation and transport too. Whether your style is large and lavish, or low-key and intimate, Norquay’s stunning location will capture your heart. The resort has a great selection of terrain and can keep even the most seasoned skiers and snowboarders busy!
Whilst you might be wondering how your photographers will manage the cold, we’ll pause you right there and put you at ease. We are winter lovers and able to carry our gear with us around on the slopes with ease and even take shots in action, on the move with you on-snow. Even if you wanted to capture some more adventurous photos in more serious terrain, we can be right there with you and even divide and conquer to capture shots from near and far. We know our way around the mountains better in Winter than in Summer and would be seriously excited to spend some time out on the slopes with you. Of course, skiing and riding might not be your thing but you simply want a winter wonderland wedding and these resorts can provide just that.
As always, let us know if you have any questions we can help!
Kahli & Leo
Wild Alpine Image Co.