Most resorts offer terrain for every level, but here we’re talking about the kind of runs that make your heart race before your skis even touch the snow. If you’re an advanced skier or rider looking for a serious challenge, here’s a list of the steepest ski runs in Canada worth chasing this season.
Source: Mattias Fredriksson
Sun Peaks Resort – "Sacred Line"
Sacred Line is one of the steepest pitches at Sun Peaks, dropping 155 vertical metres (508 feet) in just 302 metres (990 feet) of length. Tucked into the Headwalls zone near the top of the resort at 2,027 metres, this off-piste run delivers short, fast, technical skiing that demands total control.
While Sun Peaks is known for its sunny skies, cruisy groomers, and family-friendly vibe, Sacred Line shows the resort’s sharper edge. It’s a high-consequence descent that rewards expert skiers with a direct fall line, firm snow, and minimal traffic.
This is the kind of run that forces you to stay sharp from top to bottom, and gives you bragging rights when you reach the base at 1,873 metres.
Source: Reuben Krabbe
Kicking Horse Mountain Resort – "Truth, Dare & Consequence"
You can’t talk about steep skiing in Canada without mentioning Kicking Horse. This mountain is steep skiing royalty. In fact, it’s so steep that it hosts the Freeride World Tour.
Truth, Dare & Consequence is the legendary trio of double-black chutes off Kicking Horse’s Terminator 1 (T1) North peak, which you can access by hiking from the top of the gondola. These lines feature 40–45° pitches, tight trees, rock drops, and narrow chokes that demand serious skill. The hike to the peak alone will leave your legs burning, but once you drop in, it’s just over 300 vertical metres (1,000 vertical feet) of pure, technical bliss.
Fly into Calgary and take the scenic three-hour drive to Golden, BC. Kicking Horse is home to expert terrain that ranks among the steepest and most challenging in the world.
Source: Reuben Krabbe
Revelstoke Mountain Resort – "Kill the Banker"
Steep. Long. Wild. Kill the Banker is one of the scariest ski runs in North America, and that’s no exaggeration.
Located under the second gondola in Revelstoke Ski Resort’s North Bowl zone, this 2 km (1.25 mile) descent is filled with steep trees, pillow drops, and changing snow. It’s a full-body workout from top to bottom, and a local favourite on powder days.
As pro skier Sean Cochrane puts it, “Kill the Banker at Revelstoke has to be one of the most fun runs in the world... steepest cliffs known to man while technically being out of bounds, but it’s located directly beneath the gondola, so you’re never too far from hearing the cheers from your peers.”
Revelstoke holds the record for the most vertical in North America, with 1.6 km (5,620 feet) of lift-served leg burn. If you’re looking for a ski escape that will equally humble and thrill you, this is it.
RED Mountain Resort – "The Chute Show"
With 360-degree descents, steep trees, and cliff bands galore, RED Mountain in Rossland, B.C. is a powder hound’s paradise.
The Chute Show is one of its gnarliest zones, located on the back of Grey Mountain. It’s so wild it doesn’t even get proper trail markings — just a scribble of ominous black lines on the map. Expect tight chutes, short cliff bands, steep fall-line skiing, and deep snow that builds fast on storm days. This zone isn’t patrolled like a traditional run — it’s more like in-bounds backcountry, and it will test your route-finding and reflexes.
RED Mountain Ski Resort is 51% advanced and expert terrain, boasting the most acres per skier in North America. That means you’ll find all the challenge with none of the crowds, which is exactly how steep-skiing should be.
Sunshine, Banff SkiBig3 Resort – "Goat’s Eye Mountain"
For steep thrills in Banff National Park, head straight for Goat’s Eye at Sunshine Village. The Fall Line run is the resort’s steepest groomer, but the true gems lie in the Southside Chutes.
Here, the drop-in starts at around 50°, mellowing out to 30–40° as you descend. Add in some glades and rock features, and you’ve got a playground for advanced skiers. For those willing to hike, Goat’s Eye also offers hidden chutes and cliff bands that rival true backcountry terrain.
This mountain lives up to its name. The steep, exposed terrain is the natural habitat of wild mountain goats, whose powerful muscles and specialized hooves let them scale slopes over 60°. It’s a fitting namesake for a zone that demands balance, strength, and confidence. Bonus: You’ll get postcard views of the Rockies with every run.
Whistler Blackcomb – "West Cirque"
One of the steepest sustained pitches on Whistler, West Cirque is not for the faint of heart. With an average slope of 44° and a max grade of 142%, this run is among the most exposed and challenging on the mountain.
Accessed from the Peak Express, the main entrance involves a steep drop-in with rock dodging and variable snow. For those craving more adrenaline, the high entrance includes a cornice drop that demands both precision and confidence. The upper section can feel nearly vertical, especially when snow coverage is thin, and the run quickly funnels into technical terrain that keeps you on your toes.
Dropping from an elevation of over 2,180 metres (7,150 feet), West Cirque delivers sustained fall-line skiing with no easy exits. It’s raw, rugged, and should only be tackled by those ready for full commitment.
A Note on Safety
Steep terrain is serious business. These runs are for advanced or expert skiers and riders only. Conditions can change fast, with ice, rocks, and visibility all playing a role. Make sure your gear is dialled, you know the line, and you’re riding with a buddy. Some areas require hiking or backcountry-style awareness, so check trail signage and ski patrol guidance before heading out.
When in doubt, chat with a Skican expert, ask a local or hire a guide.
Why Canada Is the Place to Ski This Season
Canada is the ultimate destination for skiers and boarders chasing vertical and value. From big city access in Vancouver (hello, Whistler) to cozy mountain towns like Rossland, and Golden, every resort has its own flavour.
Our dollar goes further for international travellers. Our people are polite, our snow is dry and deep, and our terrain is next-level — from mellow groomers to no-fall zones. Whether you’re here for powder, hot tubs, or both, there’s no better time to book a ski vacation in Canada .
Book Early and Beat the Rush
If you’re planning to ski these legendary lines, don’t wait. Booking early gives you better access to slope-side lodging, lower prices, and more choice in flights and packages.
Skican makes it easy, with customized ski vacation packages across Canada and beyond. Whether you need lift tickets, rental gear, lessons, or just the best line on the mountain, we’ve got you covered.
Let us help you plan your ultimate ski trip to Canada’s steepest terrain.
