IKON Canada Ski Road Trip: The Ultimate Winter Itinerary
If you’re dreaming of the ultimate ski road trip across Canada, the IKON Pass is your ticket to an unforgettable winter adventure.
This route takes you through British Columbia and Alberta, connecting Cypress, Sun Peaks, Revelstoke, RED, Panorama, and all three SkiBig3 resorts in Banff. Every resort is included on the pass. From mellow groomers to massive powder bowls, you’ll experience every kind of terrain along the way.
Grab a 4WD, pack your gear, and hit the road. This is Canada’s ultimate winter road trip, made possible with one pass and a passion for powder.
Getting There & Back
- Start: Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
- End: Calgary International Airport (YYC)
- One-way rentals are available, or you can loop back to Vancouver with an extra day or two
Stop 1: Cypress Mountain, BC Day: 1-2
Drive Time: 30 minutes from Vancouver
Distance: 30 km
Why Go:
Start your trip with a warm-up just outside Vancouver. Cypress offers ocean views, night skiing, and accessible terrain for all skill levels. It’s the perfect place to stretch your legs and fine-tune your gear before heading inland.
Pro Tip:
Spend the night in Vancouver and ski at Cypress the following day. If the skies are clear, don’t miss the sunset laps as the views are unforgettable. Set off the next morning fresh and ready for the journey ahead.
Stop 2: Sun Peaks Resort, BC Day: 3-5
Drive Time: 4.5 hours
Distance: 360 km from Cypress Mountain
Why Go:
Sun Peaks is Canada’s second-largest ski resort, offering a relaxed alpine village, consistent snow, and wide-open runs perfect for cruising. The ski-through layout makes it incredibly easy to get around, while the variety of terrain suits everyone from beginners to adventurous intermediates.
Pro Tip:
Book a slopeside hotel so you can ski straight to après. Cap off your day with a local craft beer tasting or catch live music in the village before strolling back to your room under the stars.
Stop 3: Revelstoke Mountain Resort, BC Day: 6-8
Drive Time: 3.5 hours
Distance: 280 km from Sun Peaks
Why Go:
Revelstoke is a powder paradise with the biggest vertical drop in North America at 1,713 metres. Its mix of steep lines, glades, and side country terrain makes it a favourite for advanced skiers and riders. Add in legendary snowfall and the option to Heli-ski right from the base, and you’ve got one of Canada’s most exciting resorts.
Pro Tip:
Spend the day exploring Revelstoke’s legendary terrain, then give your legs a break and recover in one of the area’s natural hot springs. It’s the perfect way to unwind after a big mountain day.
Stop 4: RED Mountain Resort, BC Day: 9-11
Drive Time: 4 hours
Distance: 300 km from Revelstoke
Why Go:
RED is a true skier’s mountain, offering 3,850 acres of rugged, uncrowded terrain across multiple peaks. With steep chutes, perfectly spaced glades, and barely a lift line in sight, it’s a paradise for advanced skiers. Off the hill, the nearby town of Rossland delivers charm, character, and a refreshingly down-to-earth après-ski scene.
Pro Tip:
Join a free mountain tour with a local RED ambassador. It’s the best way to uncover hidden stashes and get the lay of the land on your first day.
Stop 5: Panorama Mountain Resort, BC Day: 12-14
Drive Time: 5 hours
Distance: 400 km from RED Mountain
Why Go:
Panorama is a scenic and tranquil resort that offers something for everyone. Cruise down expansive groomers, test your skills in the expert-only Taynton Bowl, or simply unwind in the slope-side hot pools. It’s an excellent stop to recharge during a road trip while still providing serious terrain.
Pro Tip:
Upgrade your mountain experience with a ride on the Monster X Snowcat to access Panorama’s largest lines, then conclude the day with a guided snowmobile tour through the surrounding backcountry.
Final Stop: SkiBig3 – Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise, Mt Norquay, AB Day: 15-20
Drive Time: 2.5 hours
Distance: 170 km from Panorama
Why Go:
Finish your road trip strong in Banff, where three world-class resorts surround one of the most picturesque mountain towns in Canada.
- Lake Louise is known for its vast terrain, long runs, and postcard views. With over 4,200 acres, it’s a skier’s dream for both cruisers and steep-seekers.
- Banff Sunshine offers snow-sure skiing well into May and some of Alberta’s best powder, with wide-open bowls and natural terrain spread across three mountains.
- Mount Norquay is a relaxed, local favourite with night skiing and great views over the town of Banff.
Between ski days, take time to explore the town of Banff. Browse shops and cafés, take a walk along the Bow River, or drive into the surrounding national park for some stunning winter scenery.
Pro Tip:
Stay in Banff and use it as your home base to access all three resorts. Start early at Sunshine to beat the gondola rush, save Lake Louise for a bluebird day, and hit Norquay for night skiing under the stars. Reward yourself with a soak in the Banff Upper Hot Springs and a toast to an unforgettable road trip.
Your Road Trip, Fully Sorted
With your IKON Pass and a rental 4WD, this road trip lets you ski Canada’s best powder, explore charming mountain towns, and wrap up in the Canadian Rockies with Banff’s iconic terrain. Plan it right, take your time, and make every turn unforgettable.
Let AMPED handle the details. From flights and hotels to car hire and lift passes, we’ll take care of everything so you can focus on chasing powder, clocking vertical, and living the ultimate ski road trip. Less stress, more stoke, get AMPED.
