Banff, Canada

Overview of Banff

One of the most beautiful spots on earth, Banff and Lake Louise are a magnificent blend of glaciers, jagged peaks, forests and lakes combined with wide open slopes, expansive snow-laden bowls, unsurpassed dry (Rocky Mountain) powder and thrilling drop-offs. Banff is an iconic frontier town famous for its railway history and wildlife. It is a genuinely unspoilt resort in the middle of the National Park. Lake Louise (45 mins drive) is a smaller village that also boasts spectacular scenery and it's namesake alpine lake, earning recognition as the ‘Jewel of the Rockies’.

For those staying in Banff, the skiing is at Mount Norquay - a 10-15 minute ride on the regular shuttle bus from downtown Banff, and Sunshine Village (a magnificent 3,168 skiable acres) which is 20-25 minutes away. Lake Louise is approximately 45 minutes away but busses run regularly throughout the day.

3 Things We Love About Banff

1. Multiple Mountains - Banff is the town at the heart of a trinity of ski mountains, each with its own unique charm. Lake Louise, Banff Sunshine and Mt Norquay are all well worth visiting on your trip.
2. Wildlife - It’s not uncommon to see a majestic elk wandering down the snowy main street in Banff. Being within a National Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site means the flora and fauna take precedence… skiers are merely guests in their backyard.
3. The Choice - A brilliant ski town needs a variety of accommodation and Banff has just that; from the uncomplicated home-style simplicity of Brewster’s Lodge to the 5 star luxury of Fairmont Banff Springs.

Skiing and Boarding in Banff

A huge and guaranteed annual snowfall provides this vast variety of terrain with a world-famous reputation of enjoyable skiing for all abilities. From glacier-carved bowls to remote powder chutes and challenging mogul fields, the world-class ski and snowboard schools will help you to conquer it all.

The ski hill closest to Banff is found at Mount Norquay, a 10-15-minute ride on the regular shuttle buses from town and various hotels. Sunshine Village (20 min bus from downtown) can receive up to nine metres (30 feet) of snow in a season. The high altitude and dry climate of the Rockies keeps the snow light, dry and incredibly skiable. With 3,300 acres of skiing on offer, you'll find more than enough in all departments, from gentle beginner runs all the way up to extreme big mountain off-piste.

Lake Louise (45 min bus from Banff) has been called the most scenic ski area in all of North America. The skiing there is on three mountain faces and, for skiers and snowboarders of any ability, the options are limitless. From wide, plunging bowls to great tree-line runs and beautifully groomed slopes, there is so much you will probably not be able to ski all of its stunning 4,200 acres.

The Best Time to Ski in Banff

It does get seriously cold in the depths of Winter in the Canadian Rockies, so the best time to ski is in the spring, from late March. But, there’s so much going on throughout the resort in January and the snow is so so good that its worth wearing 2 pairs of gloves to brave it! 

Lift Passes in Banff

Booking in advance will always get you the best discounts on your lift passes. "Ski Big 3" often operate an early booking and a super-early booking offer in roughly June and September, respectively. In addition, you can make cumulative savings with multi-day tickets, so it becomes better value to go for longer. Lift passes are priced according to different seasons – it’s more expensive during peak than off-peak season for example. Get in touch with our Ski Specialists (0330 102 8004) for an accurate quote.

Top 5 Things to do in Banff

1. Visit the hot springs and soak in the rejuvenating sulphur pools
2. Splash out and go for dinner at The Fairmont with its choice of eleven restaurants
3. Shred the mountain under floodlights with night skiing at Norquay
4. Sample the local micro-brewed beers at Banff Ave. Brewing Co.
5. Hike on top of the spectacular frozen river through Johnston Canyon to the ice falls

Other Activities in Banff

• Ice skating
• Snowshoeing
• Heli-skiing
• Cross-country skiing
• Husky dog sledding

Après Ski in Banff

Take advantage of quintessential Canadian hospitality in the wide range of après venues up and down Banff Avenue, as well as the public bars in many of Banff's hotels.

• Banff Ave. Brew Co. – Award-winning beers made from Alberta wheat and barley. A bar menu is also available. The Banff Ave Brew Co. is a friendly and local craft brewery that has a cool mountain flare and a beer for everyone.
• Rose & Crown Pub – Banff's only pub to have live music every night of the week. You'll find a true pub atmosphere, excellent service, draught and bottled beers plus cocktails, wine, and bar games such as pool and darts to keep you entertained.
• High Rollers – Pins, pints, and pizza! High Rollers has 48 beers on tap and 10-pin bowling for the ultimate après experience. Celebrate a day of adventure with an evening of bowling at Banff's only 10-pin bowling alley beer hall.

Dining in Banff

There are plenty of foody options to keep anyone happy in Banff. The choices are as varied as the skiing with everything from a craft beer and burger deal at Banff Ave. Brewing Co to fine dining in an international style, maybe at Eden. Or for traditional Canadian cuisine including the infamous Poutine, The Bison is a good option. As you may expect, portions are on the large side so you definitely won't be leaving anywhere hungry at the end of the evening!