Can’t wait for ski season? Check out Canada’s earliest-opening resorts, from the Rockies to Quebec, where you can go to start carving fresh tracks before the peak winter rush begins.

Why wait until winter when you can hit the slopes before the crowds arrive? Across Canada, certain ski resorts are known for opening earlier than most, thanks to their high elevations, reliable snowmaking, and sometimes even record-breaking October launches. Here are some of the top resorts where the lifts start going early.

Mt. Norquay, Alberta

Mt. Norquay often earns bragging rights as the first resort in the Canadian Rockies to open. With its efficient snowmaking system, this resort has even been known to welcome skiers as early as late October, although early November is a more typical start. While it’s smaller than other Banff-area neighbours, Norquay is a favourite among locals eager to get their ski legs back.

Lake Louise Ski Resort, Alberta

Lake Louise usually opens in the first week of November thanks to its mix of natural early snowfall and robust snowmaking. In standout years, the resort has even managed to open in late October, giving skiers a head start on winter. From wide groomers to early-season terrain park features, Lake Louise offers variety right from the beginning. Add the postcard-worthy views, and it’s no wonder this resort is a perennial early-season favourite.

Sunshine Village, Alberta

Sunshine Village typically opens in mid-November and stays open all the way until late May, offering one of the longest ski seasons in Canada. Its high base elevation and snow-rich microclimate help it build coverage quickly, often providing strong conditions right out of the gate. For skiers chasing powder early, Sunshine’s alpine terrain is one of the most reliable bets in the country.

Marmot Basin, Alberta

Nestled in Jasper National Park, Marmot Basin usually kicks off its season in mid-November. With a base elevation of nearly 1,700 metres, the resort often delivers dependable early conditions. While it doesn’t always match the October surprises of Norquay or Lake Louise, Marmot has occasionally opened earlier than planned during snowy autumns.

Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia

Whistler Blackcomb, North America’s largest ski resort, usually begins spinning lifts in mid-to-late November. In snowy years, the opening has been bumped up by a week or two, so skiers never know when they might get lucky! In its early weeks, Whistler delivers both variety and energy. Even with partial terrain open, the resort’s massive size ensures plenty of choice.

Sun Peaks, British Columbia

Sun Peaks, the country’s second-largest ski resort, generally opens in late November. While earlier starts are rare, a combination of snowfall and reliable snowmaking has had this interior British Columbia resort opening on the sooner side of its typical range in recent years. From day one, Sun Peaks stands out with terrain spread across three mountains, helping visitors avoid bottlenecks on the first runs of the season.

Mont Tremblant, Quebec

Over in Eastern Canada, Mont Tremblant is the best bet for the season’s earliest start. The resort typically opens in late November, but sometimes as early as the 21st or 22nd of the month. For skiers in Ontario, Quebec, and even the northeastern U.S., it’s the premier spot to catch early turns without heading west. As soon as the lifts start spinning, the resort’s European-style pedestrian village comes alive.