Skiing in Banff & Lake Louise

Here's our guide to Banff & Lake Louise

Skiing and Mountains

• There are 3 ski areas accessible from Banff; Sunshine Village, Mount Norquay - ask a local and they will tell you that this is where they learned to ski and Lake Louise, another world class destination in its own right. Purchase a Tri Area lift ticket and you’ll have access to over 7500 skiable acres in the scenic Rocky Mountains
• Mount Norquay is widely considered to be Banff's best family ski resort and has been a family tradition since 1926. Skiers and snowboarders will find terrain for all levels, including groomed runs, bumps and a terrain park. Not only does Norquay have the only night skiing in the Bow Valley but you can also ride the only lit terrain park in the region
• Sunshine Village is probably where you will spend most time and is only 15 minutes from Banff . A new high-speed gondola spirits you up to the ski area - exit at the mid-station for Goat's Eye Mountain. There are some superb gladed runs off this high-speed quad, and it is likely to be the least crowded spot on which to enjoy this mountain
• Expert skiers will find many black runs in Sunshine Village. The truly insane can take their chances on Delirium Dive, which is at the peak of Lookout Mountain and should not be attempted by the faint hearted
• The final area on the Tri Area pass is Lake Louise. It offers the greatest number of skiable acres, has a world-class reputation and views that will render you speechless
• Discover for yourself the elegance, excitement and adventure of Heli Skiing and Heli Boarding. From single day trips to multi-day packages, Heli Skiing is an experience that you will never forget. The Purcell Mountain Range provides pristine powder snow and breathtaking scenery, which takes place on alpine glaciers and open slopes, as well as in the trees and gladed areas of the subalpine forest. A must do for all true skiing fanatics
• Mount Norquay has a superb grooming record and even offers a “one hour money back grooming guarantee”. With new state of the art grooming equipment they will groom all beginner and intermediate terrain nightly and are so confident you will be satisfied that they will give you one hour from the time you purchase your ticket to see for yourself. If you are not happy with the groomed conditions, they will either give you a snow check for another day or your money back!

Après-ski

• A must do in Banff is a full day sightseeing tour that travels through landscapes carved by glaciers and opened by pioneers. The Icefields Parkway is rated as one of the most scenic highways in the world. See glaciers remaining from the last ice age, hear stories of early explorers who opened these valleys and enjoy an alpine picnic. This really is an incredible day out for everyone
• Dogsledding is a must do in Banff .   Puppy power is the oldest form of transportation (4000 years) and friendly Alaskan Huskies are eager to pull you through the mountains on a half-day adventure. You can join the excitement, drive the dogs, or just ride along. Great family fun
• For the ultimate snowmobile experience ride your way through the forest and up Paradise Valley to 8000ft and visit the remnants of an early 1900's Silver Mining Town.  The open powder bowl above the tree line offers a fantastic chance to play in the deep snow.  Your hearty lunch inside a cosy log cabin will give you the energy for more sledding action and the return to the mountain base!
• If being pampered is your idea of a perfect holiday then you must visit the Banff Springs Hotel for a visit to one of the world's top spas, 'Solace', open to non-residents, this is the very last word in luxury. The spa offers elegance seldom found on this side of the big pond and not much can top the hot tub overlooking the Bow Valley. You will also be fascinated to discover while floating on your back in the pool that music is played through underwater speakers so that it can only be heard while your ears are submerged
• Le Beaujolais is Banff’s most awarded restaurant. Classical yet innovative French cuisine is complimented by the elegant decor and a beautiful view enjoyed from the many window-side tables
• "If you haven’t been to Bumpers, you haven’t been to Banff" is the motto of this popular family restaurant - a Banff tradition since 1975. Fun, efficient service and good value complement the Alberta beef specialties and all-you-can-eat salad bar. Prime rib, steaks and baby back ribs are house favourites.

Resort Facts