Skiing In Banff: The Ultimate Guide To The SkiBig3
Skiing in Banff is an unforgettable experience that makes for a tremendous holiday. The Canadian Rockies have deep ties to North American ski and mountaineering culture. Ski lodges have been operating in the area for nearly a century, and it’s a pastime loved by almost every local. For years, the Ski World Cup began its season at Lake Louise, and the 1988 Olympics took place in Canmore and at the Nakiska Ski Resort.
At 7748 acres, Banff has the most skiable acres out of any Canadian National Park. It is home to some excellent skiing and definitely has some epic days in store for those who ski or ride regularly. Skiers are in for a good holiday with three ski resorts, many accommodation options, wildlife, consistent temperatures, charming towns, plenty of off-mountain activities, backcountry options, and many restaurants. It’s a full package!
Skiing in Banff and Canada provides visitors with access to some of the best ski resorts in the world and a lot of value. Lift tickets are more affordable than comparable ski resorts in the United States, and the exchange rate only tips the scales in visitors’ favor.
A Guide to Skiing in Banff
How To Get To Banff
What’s great about a ski holiday in Banff is its accessibility. Compared to the ski resorts of interior British Columbia, Banff is pretty easy to reach. Calgary International Airport (YYC) is the hub for visitors outside the region. It has several direct flights to all major Canadian airports and direct flights to the U.S. and Europe.
The drive to Banff takes around one and a half hours from Calgary and is easy to complete in a rental car via TransCanada. That being said, winter driving conditions on the TransCanada as one reaches the mountains can be treacherous, with high winds and snowbanks on the days a big storm rolls into the region.
That said, those storms only come in a couple of times a month. However, if you don’t want to drive, there are several options for private transport to the town of Banff. The Banff Airporter runs a regular shuttle between the airport and Banff/Canmore, and booking online is easy. Once you’re based in Banff, the ski resorts operate free shuttles to the base, and the town of Banff is very walkable. There are also a bunch of ski and rental shops in town if you need gear.
Ski Accommodation Options
Since the ski resorts are in a national park, they do not have large villages or accommodation options at the base. Instead, most should choose to base themselves in Banff or Lake Louise.
There is one on-mountain accommodation option at Banff Sunshine Village, but it is expensive and limited. Once the lifts shut down, you’re also “stuck” on the mountain—it could be good or bad. Additionally, one could consider booking a cozy cabin in the park, such as Baker Creek Resort or Storm Mountain Lodge.
For most visitors, we’d recommend staying in Banff as it is incredible at providing skiers a good time. There are many restaurants, tour operators, bars, sights, breweries, and shops, so you’ll have plenty of things to do when you’re not skiing. We have a post that shares all of our favorite hotels in Banff.
However, the short version of our favorite hotels would include the Mount Royal Hotel, Peaks Hotel & Suites, Fairmont Banff Springs, and the Moose Hotel and Suites as excellent options. You can also consider basing yourself in Canmore, a bit further from the ski resorts! Canmore will also require a car rental as no resort shuttle services exist.
Ski Big 3
You can’t think about Banff skiing without mentioning SkiBig3. The three local ski resorts are combined, and visitors can buy a lift ticket that works at all three mountains. This means one can ski at one in the morning and another in the afternoon. However, the distance between the resorts and their size make it better to stick to one resort for the day.
The pass is great for visitors as it offers a discount when multiple days are purchased and provides flexibility. The most common package is the three-day lift ticket pass which can be used over five days for around $475 (USD $350). The best part about Ski Big 3 is all of the resorts are located in Banff National Park, one of the most beautiful places on earth.
Ikon Pass holders can also take advantage of seven days at Ski Big 3 Resorts. This means they get a combined seven days between the resorts, not seven at each. So, if you hold an Ikon Pass, it is well worth making a trip to Banff and adding a trip to Revelstoke to ski at Revelstoke Ski Resort, which is also on the Ikon Pass. RED Mountain Ski Resort in Rossland, is an excellent resort if you want to continue even further.
Lake Louise Ski Resort
Resort Overview
- Season: November — May
- Avg Ticket: $119 – $154 CAD
- Average Annual Snowfall: 179″
- Vertical: 3251′
- Total Lifts: 12
- Ski Area: 4,200 ac.
Highlights
Lake Louise, Breathtaking Scenery, Long Runs, Variety of Terrain, Chutes, Bowls, Wildlife, Ski Touring, Long Runs, Reliable Snow, Lack of Crowds (Weekdays), Ikon Pass (7 days to SkiBig3), Beginner Terrain, Groomed Runs, Good Lifts, Decent Park
Negatives
Lacks On Mountain Accommodation, Expensive, Crowded Weekends, Cold Weather, Less Snowfall Than Nearby Mountains.
Lake Louise is one of Canada’s most well-known ski resorts. It’s a gorgeous ski resort where the quality of the ski is only surpassed by its stunning natural location. It also happens to be one of North America’s largest ski resorts, with 4,200 acres covering four mountain faces. Skiers are really spoilt for choice when it comes to what they want to ski.
The terrain varies between beautiful groomers, challenging steeps, and expert-level chutes. Every skill level will find something enjoyable at Lake Louise, and it’s a manageable mountain to navigate after a bit of orientation.
Experts love the extreme terrain, while intermediates and beginners love the long-groomed scenic runs. The mountain views, particularly of Mount Temple, Hector, Lake Louise, and Mt Victoria, are eye-watering, along with a seemingly endless forest stretching across the valley.
Highlights include the Back and West bowls, which offer impressive steep chutes and alpine terrain. On a powder day this is where advanced level riders and skiers will want to head. Due to the resort’s location and winds, the bowls are often wind-loaded with powder even days after a snowfall.
The cold climate ensures Lake Louise has one of the longest seasons in Canada, from November to May! While it is no powder mecca, the average snowfall is around 500 centimeters. The snow that does manage to fall on the mountain is of the best quality, as the dry air and cold climates make for great snow. Runs generally stay in good condition as it’s rare to see warm temperatures mid winter.
Lake Louise has one significant downside, which comes with the lack of accommodation. Since it’s in a national park, there are no hotels on the mountain and only a handful in Lake Louise village. Most visitors will plan a trip to Lake Louise with a stay in Banff, a 40-minute drive away. The mountain is also the coldest of the mountain in Banff, but Sunshine isn’t much warmer. It’s pretty typical to see -20C on the summit, so bundle up!
Learn More About Lake Louise
Banff Sunshine Village
- Season: November — Late May
- Avg Ticket: $119 – $154 CAD
- Average Annual Snowfall: 360″
- Vertical: 3510′
- Total Lifts: 11
- Ski Area: 3358 ac
Highlights
Variety of Terrain, Chutes, Bowls, Ski Touring, Long Runs, Reliable Snow, Lack of Crowds (on Weekdays), Ikon Pass (7 days to SkiBig3), Beginner Terrain, Groomed Runs, Good Lifts, Great Park, Good Snow, Long Season
Negatives
Short Runs, Flat Light, One Isolated On Mountain Lodge, Flat Spots, Cold Weather, Not great tree skiing
Banff Sunshine is a mountain that offers something to everyone, from professionals to beginners. You can easily find yourself smack dab in freeride terrain that would be considered out-of-bounds in other resorts or cruising down a mellow green to the Trappers Pub. Jagged peaks loom high above alpine trees, and the views of untouched alpine are unparalleled.
When you first arrive in the parking lot, the mountain does not look like much, as the base is a gondola station and one restaurant. To reach the actual resort base, guests must take a 15-minute gondola that delivers them into a sprawling resort that looks like it belongs in the Alps, not North America.
At the central resort center there are several restaurants, shops, and a hotel. It serves as an excellent meeting point for groups of varying riding abilities. From the center, several lifts go out to the area’s mountains and ridges. Since the resort base is high in elevation, most runs are relatively short and there are several flat spots around the resort.
Don’t let the expert terrain deter you from visiting the resort, which also has a plethora of groomed beginner and intermediate runs. The terrain is varied and has something for every level of skier. The resort has something for everyone, and the base area makes for a perfect central point to meet after skiing the surrounding peaks.
The downside to Banff Sunshine Village is the shorter runs, various flat sections connecting the mountain, and the weather. As the resort sits in the alpine, there are many days with very flat light and cloud coverage. On a frigid day when the wind blows, it can be bone-chillingly cold.
Similar to Lake Louise, Sunshine Village lacks much on-mountain accommodation. However, it is 20 minutes closer to the town of Banff and has one mountain lodge that offers a unique experience. The resort’s marketing team claims they have the “best snow in Canada ” almost daily, which is a bit of a stretch. That said, the cold temperatures in Banff National Park can indeed preserve the snow well, but it can also get icy and windswept very easily at the resort.
Learn more About Sunshine Village
Mt. Norquay
- Season: Early November — Late April
- Avg Ticket: $88 – $129
- Average Annual Snowfall: 119″
- Vertical: 1650′
- Total Lifts: 6
- Ski Area: 190 ac
Highlights
Beginner Friendly, Proximity To Banff, Rail Park, Night Skiing, Tube Park, Cheap Lift Tickets, Uncrowded
Negatives
Usually Crappy Conditions, Most Steep Runs Are Just Firm Moguls and ice, Small Terrain
Mt Norquay is the most digestible of resorts here and the least imposing for beginners/intermediates. It’s only a 10-minute drive from the town of Banff, making it a great option to get some quick runs. However, it’s not much of a competition to Lake Louise or Sunshine. While it’s a “SkiBig3” member, it’s not so big, and the ski is small for Western Canada.
The resort has been operating since 1926 and offers several activities, including snowboarding, tubing, and skiing. It’s also the only mountain in the area that offers night skiing.
Mt. Norquay’s shortcomings lie in the lack of snowfall and the resort’s orientation, which leads to poor snow conditions. If you plan to ski at Mt. Norquay, come expecting ice and hard-packed snow. The steepest runs also develop huge moguls that can get pretty firm—no fun on a snowboard.
Of course, if you’re used to skiing on the East Coast, Mt. Norquay can seem pretty impressive. There are some steep black runs and excellent groomers. They also have a pretty sweet little rail park, suitable for a nighttime park sesh. Norquay also has fantastic views over Banff, the Bow Valley, and Mt. Rundle.
On a powder day, the resort is super close to town, and you won’t compete against powder-hungry locals who head to Lake Louise and Sunshine Village—of course, you’ll miss out on the vastly superior resorts.
Lake Louise Vs. Sunshine Village
This is the classic debate amongst locals who hold a season pass at either ski resort or both. Lake Louise and Sunshine are both great ski resorts, but Lake Louise is better for those who ski or ride regularly. This is primarily due to the superior terrain and layout of the resort.
Banff Sunshine Village has more lifts, a better resort center, and receives a little more snow on average. The resort center and lifts make the resort pleasant for a group with varying abilities, as they can meet at the center easily after a run. This makes it a bit more beginner-friendly, with more green runs that are short and sweet. It is why it’s very popular with families from Calgary.
The on-mountain lodge makes for a memorable overnight experience. The negatives of Sunshine Village are the shorter runs, poor visibility, wind-affected terrain, and flat sections at Sunshine that require navigation to avoid, especially on a snowboard.
Lake Louise has far longer runs, better pistes, superior terrain, sustained pitch, better visibility, ease of navigation, tree skiing, better early season, and it sees fewer crowds. In short, it comes down to the mountain’s layout and the general flow conducive to a great day on the hill.
The downside to Lake Louise is that it receives slightly less snowfall, and the front runs can get a bit firm if it’s been a while since the last snowfall. We tend to hang out on the backside of the resort most of the time. It’s also farther down the TransCanada Highway from Banff, which can be treacherous after a big storm. However, there are hotels in Lake Louise village that are very close to the resort, and Lake Louise Ski Resort is just a 10 minute drive to Lake Louise Lakeshore.
Both resorts are comparable in snow quality, grooming, on-mountain dining, and terrain parks. Although, we find the park layout at Lake Louise much better. Both resorts can also be bitterly cold, but it is a little easier to escape the wind/cold at Lake Louise.
When the conditions are good, you’ll likely have a fantastic day at either mountain. On a mixed-weather day, we’d probably opt for Lake Louise due to Sunshine Village’s flat, light, and wind-swept conditions. Either way, you won’t be disappointed, and we recommend you ski on both mountains at least once if you’re coming to Banff for a ski vacation, and then decide which you like better after those days. Personally, we have been Lake Louise Season Pass holders every year we’ve lived in the Canadian Rockies and it is where we choose to spend our ski season.
Tips For Skiing in Banff
- Make sure to dress warm! Banff’s temperatures are some of the coldest in North America, and a windchill of -20C is common. Layers are key here, and you can drop a layer if you get too hot.
- We like Banff as a base because it has a lot more for a group, but if you’re a diehard, Lake Louise is super nice as it’s close to the best resort.
- Pick up a SkiBig3 pass or Ikon Pass and wait to plan your days until the forecast is a few days out. That way, you can follow the snow forecast or avoid weekend crowds. We like to check snowforecast.com.
- Don’t miss out on all the other great winter activities in Banff. Even if you love to ski or snowboard, there is much to enjoy if it’s your first visit.
- You may see tracks outside of resort boundaries, but DO NOT cross the boundary line without avalanche equipment and knowledge of the specific terrain.
- If you plan far enough in advance, consider getting a super card/plus card from Lake Louise or Sunshine, which costs $119 CAD. The card provides a discount on all tickets and on-mountain food, and you get a free lift ticket on your first, fourth, and seventh day.
- If you plan to visit over the holidays, plan to avoid skiing on a busy weekend and save that time to enjoy other awesome activities around town and the park.
- Shop for rentals around town if you need them! There are many options between Banff, Canmore, and ski resorts.
- If you’re uncomfortable with winter driving, consider using private transport and the free shuttle buses to the ski resorts. You do not have to drive, but it gives you great flexibility to visit the sites outside the ski resorts.
- Lake Louise and Banff Sunshine Village have some of North America’s longest seasons and consistent skiing. You don’t have to visit in the “peak” ski season in February to have a fantastic time. Some of our best Banff skiing conditions have been in April!
Things To Do In Banff in the Winter
I love Banff all year round, but I particularly love Banff in winter. While most people think of the Canadian Rockies as a summer destination, I believe that winter in Banff is what it’s all about. There are so many amazing things to do in Banff during the winter. I actually got sad this past year when spring rolled around. It’s not all about skiing, either!
One could consider a nice winter hike along the frozen Johnston Canyon to try out ice climbing a frozen waterfall for the first time. Then there are the animal experiences like a horse-drawn sleigh around Lake Louise or a dog sled tour in Canmore.
Or lace up a pair of skates as it is Canada, and there are many natural lakes and maintained rinks for ice skating in Banff. If that’s still not enough, try snowshoeing or hit up the tube park at Mt. Norquay. And that’s only the beginning!
Other Regional Ski Resorts
There is some tremendous skiing, a half-day drive from Banff to the Powder Highway. All of the resorts are a bit too far for a day trip, but there are a dedicated few who take a day trip to Kicking Horse in Golden or Panorama in Invermere in the Columbia Valley.
If you’re a passionate skier or snowboarder, these resorts are well worth visiting; however, they are not quite as suited to catering to the resort crowd. Personally, we love these ski resorts and visit almost all of them every season. It would be tough to pick a favorite resort in the world, but Fernie and Revelstoke would be at the top!
Cross Country Skiing in Banff
Banff is not all about downhill skiing. Cross-country skiers will be hard-pressed to find a more beautiful place to enjoy the sport in North America than Banff and Canmore. Parks Canada manages several trails around Lake Louise Village, and Canmore Nordic Center has 60km of trails and hosted the 1988 Winter Olympics.
While the ski resorts do not manage cross-country ski trails, there are many lodges, such as Skoki Lodge, Lake O’Hara Lodge, Assiniboine Lodge, and Shadow Lake Lodge, where you can ski into the backcountry and stay in comfort. The lodges are catered, super cozy, and nestled far away from the crowds of the ski resorts and town.
Backcountry Skiing in Banff
A big community of backcountry skiers ski regularly in the Canadian Rockies. We took our first tours here and our AST 1 training in Canmore with Yamnuska Adventures. Backcountry skiing here can be tremendous, with fantastic powder, pristine wilderness, and many areas to explore.
The snowpack is notorious; tragically, a community member is lost to an incident almost every season. The terrain and consequences here are profound. We chose not to comment on where or how to go backcountry skiing as it requires solid education and experience.
If you’re visiting, you won’t have the insight into daily weather updates and terrain, so seek a guide; Yamnuska Mountain Adventures has guided us several times. If you want to head to the legendary Rogers Pass check out CAPOW based out of Revelstoke for some rad guiding.
Best Places to Stay for Skiing in Banff
Plan Your Trip to the Canadian Rockies
- Recommended Experiences: There are many things to do in the Rockies, but our top recommendation is the Banff Gondola – a must do experience! If you want to get active, consider snowshoeing on top of the world. Lastly, enjoy nighttime in Banff on this Sunset and Stars Tour!
- Want an all in one tour? Pursuit is running this special Winter Wonder tour on weekends!
- Transport in the winter: If you don’t want to drive to Banff in the winter, we totally get it. To avoid this book with the Banff Airporter.
- Hotels in the Rockies: There are many places to stay, from luxury hotels to wilderness cabins. See all our favorites here.
- Get Around: We suggest renting a car to get around. You can search for rental cars on Rentalcars.com. For a campervan trip, you can check prices and compare on Outdoorsy.
- We can help you plan your 2025 trip to Western Canada! If you’re feeling overwhelmed by planning we can assist! We’ll personally go over your itinerary, hop on a 1 on 1 phone call, or create a bespoke itinerary just for you! See our services here.
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