While all eyes are on Whistler for the 2010 Olympics, the neighboring Rockies of Alberta and inner B.C. offer winning scenery and wonderful snow on wide open slopes. Calgary was the 1988 Winter Olympic host, so no big deal, eh? Our editors ventured to the great white North of Canada last month to ski gorgeous mountains and stay in grand lodges.

Staying slopeside at the eco-luxurious Sunshine Mountain Lodge (at 7,000 ft accessible only by gondola) gets you first tracks and phenomenal views of Goat’s Eye steeps. This on mountain hotel is the only ski in ski out lodging in Banff National Park. Ask for a loft in the new west wing, the floor to ceiling slope view windows are worth it.

At Sunshine, you can ski across the Continental Divide from Alberta to B.C., then go to the extreme in Delirium Dive – one of the steepest, craziest runs in Canada (peeps, shovels and courage required).

Lake Louise Ski Resort offers 4,000 acres of varied and always very scenic terrain, hundreds of acres of vast bowls on the backside and corduroy cruisers on the front with 3,200 ft vertical and views of the Chateau Lake Louise in the distance.

You must stay at the Chateau Lake Louise in this lifetime, where opulence meets the great outdoors in stunning cohesion. The grand castle overlooks a gorgeous frozen lake (skating anyone?) and Victoria Glacier – named for the Queen who stayed here. Enjoy après ski and spectacular views from the Lakeview Lounge.

Banff Springs Hotel is another premier landmark built by Canadian railroad entrepreneur Cornelius van Horne. This 1888 hotel models a Baronial Castle. Harry Potter and Hermione could honeymoon amid the stone arched lounges and richly decorated rooms. You can walk to the lively town of Banff, but with the Hotel’s eleven restaurants, chic shops and a posh Willow Stream Spa with cascading waterfalls and minerals baths, you may not even want to leave to ski Banff’s three resorts: Sunshine, Lake Louise, and Norquay.

Marmot Basin is home to dry snow, a few marmots and pine martins, and happy skiers given its locale in remote Jasper National Park. Marmot’s new speedy 2,000 ft vertical quad accesses plenty of acreage and elbow room in the upper mountain bowls. Stay at the Jasper Park Lodge, another fine Fairmont resort. The Grand Rocky Mountain Lodge is historic and happening, while the rest of the 700 acre resort offers cozy out cabins. Marmot Basin skiing is 20 minutes away, but many families stay and play on the resort’s Lake ice skating, enjoying sleigh rides, the heated outdoor pool, and relaxing by the huge fireplace in the luxurious Lobby.

Panorama is its namesake (in neighboring British Columbia) with incredible views of 1,000 Peaks plus 4,000 ft vertical of skiing on everything from buffed beginner slopes at the base, to long groomed World Cup steeps, and more rugged outback Taynton Bowl and Founders Ridge. Young families will love the slopeside convenience and the kids programs that cater to them day and night. Teens love the outdoor hot tub and the lit terrain park. This looks and feels like sister Intrawest resorts, only more manageable than Whistler or Tremblant.

The Canadians, Albertans in particular, are fer sure friendly eh! A bit more challenging to get to than Utah or Colorado, but once you ski the Canadian Rockies snow and see their magnificent mountains you will be glad you made the trip.

Ski Sunshine Photos l Lake Louise Photos l Marmot Ski Area l Alberta All Images