Winter In Banff
Winter is Our Favorite Time Of Year
Banff is magical in the winter with a fresh blanket of snow over the mountain peaks and frosted forests. Craggy peaks feel even grander than in the summer, but perhaps it’s simply the crisp air. With its magnificent hikes and sparkling blue lakes, summer may get all the glory in the Canadian Rockies, but winter is a magical time to visit.
Banff in the winter sees a fraction of the visitors compared to the summer, but it is an amazing time for a trip to Banff. If there is a winter activity you love, the region has it in abundance. You’re spoilt for choice when planning a winter trip to Banff!
What’s the weather like?
It should come as little surprise, but winters are COLD in Banff. Temperatures from December to March rarely reach above freezing in the valley bottoms. It begins to snow in October, and regular periods of snow will be observed until April.
We feel confident that we have six months of winter, especially in comparison to mild climates. Come prepared for cold weather with a good jacket, gloves, hat, and thermals. When an arctic storm hits, temperatures can plummet to -40 C (same in fahrenheit).
The Weather by Month
December
The days are very short, and itit’she coldest month of the year. Snow is almost guaranteed to be on the ground, so that means a “White Christmas.” “It’s a really festive time, and all the winter activities are in full swing. (High -5 C, Low -14 C)
January
January is very similar to December without the holidays. Temperatures are very cold, and winter conditions are at their most reliable. The snowpack continues to increase at the ski resorts, and days are getting longer. (High -4 C, Low -13 C)
February
February is when the cold starts to get a bit milder, but it can still be downright frigid. Days are starting to get a bit longer, too, but we’re still in the midst of winter. (High -2 C, Low -13).
March
It’s sort of spring in the Rockie. A few days of warm, sunny weather may make the towns less snow-covered, but by all accounts, March is winter weather, and the Rockies still receive winter storms. It is safe to say it is still (High 2 C, Low -9)
The Best Things To Do Banff in the Winter
Banff winters favor the active, but it’s tough to resist the charm of a cozy fireplace and some fondue on a snowy winter night. Visitors can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, sleigh riding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, dog sledding, tobogganing, tubing, backcountry skiing, ice climbing, and heli-skiing. Over the years, we’ve been spoiled by the ski in Western Canada and think it’s one of the best places in the world for skiing, especially if you love tree skiing!
Where To Stay In Banff
Banff is an excellent base to explore the Canadian Rockies, including the surrounding national and provincial parks. It is a busy hub that ensures plenty of activities and services. Accommodation options range from camping to budget to luxury. Winter is a great time to have a comfy room with a fireplace and a hot chocolate.
The most notable hotel is the iconic Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. However, room rates are astronomical, so we recommend others, like the Peaks Hotel, Moose Hotel, and The Dorothy Motel. We recommend staying in the center of town for most after a ski trip as free ski buses can save you the hassle of driving in winter conditions.
Skiing In Banff
Visitors are spoilt for choice when it comes to skiing in Banff. The park has three ski resorts and another three that are possible with a day trip (Panorama, Kicking Horse, and Nakiska). The Canadian Rockies enjoy one of the longest ski seasons in North America, and the resorts are typically open for six months of the year. Undoubtedly, Canada enjoys a long winter, which is great for those who love snow.
It may not be in the Canadian Rockies, but Banff is a great starting point for a B.C. ski trip. Some incredible resorts in interior B.C. should be on any avid skiers’ bucket list. A few of our favorite resorts include Revelstoke, Whistler, RED, Fernie, and Kicking Horse.
Lake Louise Ski Resort
Our favorite of all the local resorts is Lake Louise. The views are stunning, the vibes are great, and the terrain is phenomenal. In terms of terrain in Canada, only Whistler can compete with it.
What To Do In Winter?
Not everyone wants to go skiing, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a blast in the winter. The views in the Canadian Rockies never change, and the winter season means you have
Check Out These Tours
Banff Gondola
Head to the top of the Sulphur Mountain on a scenic gondola ride. The views from the top are unreal!
Snowshoe Tour
Hit the trails on a guided snowshoe tour in the alpine from the Banff Sunshine ski resort.
Ice Walk
A guided ice walk through the magical Johnston Canyon.
Wildlife Tour
Head out to see of some of Banff’s most magical spots in search of wildlife.
What To Pack for the winter?
You can come to Banff National Park in whatever you want, but remember this is an outdoor destination, and you need to be prepared for the wilderness. I’m not saying you need to know how to start a fire from scratch, survive in the woods for three days, and spear your own fish, but things like a hat, gloves, and jacket will come in handy.
Yes, it’s Alberta, and yes, it gets freezing here. You can find our full Banff packing list here. Leave the high heels and fancy dresses at home. There is nowhere to wear them unless you’re attending a wedding or event!
In general, some items you need for winter:
Some Helpful Posts:
Need help planning your winter trip to Banff?
Let us craft the perfect trip to the Canadian Rockies. We know all the ins and outs to the Canadian Rockies and can save you a ton of time and money with our insider tips. We’ll customize an itinerary to your liking and help you have an incredible trip.
