If you’ve ever wanted to ski in a Canadian National Park, skiing in Banff is for you. Located within Banff National Park there are three distinct ski resorts: Mt Norquay, Banff Sunshine Village, and Lake Louise Ski Resort. The area is considered a must visit destination for skiers and snowboarders.
How long does the skiing season last in Banff
The season starts early and ends late. It’s one of the reasons why the area is so renowned. Running from late November to early and sometimes even late May, the snow in Banff is reliable and abundant. Once you add in the amazing scenery, you’ll understand why so many speak breathlessly about Banff.
What are the three ski resorts in Banff National Park?
The three Banff ski resorts are:
Banff Sunshine Village
Skiable acres – 3,358
Vertical – 3,510 ft
Lifts – 12
Runs – 137 marked
Ability breakdown – 20% beginner, 55% intermediate, 25% expert
Lake Louise Ski Resort
Skiable acres – 4,275
Vertical – 3,250 ft
Lifts – 11
Runs – 164 marked
Ability breakdown – 25% beginner, 45% intermediate, 30% expert
Mt. Norquay
Skiable acres – 190
Vertical – 1,650 ft
Lifts – 6
Runs – 60
All three resorts are accessible from the town of Banff, Lake Louise Village, and the nearby town of Canmore. Best of all, Banff and Lake Louise are only a couple hours detour off the Powder Highway.
Beginner, Intermediate, and Expert Skiing in Banff
If you’re skiing or boarding with a group of mixed levels, you’ll be happy to hear that all three resorts have something for everyone, from total beginner to deep and steep avalanche-gear-needed terrain.
How to get to Banff for Skiing
Banff National Park is in Western Canada, boarding two provinces, BC and Alberta. It’s a mere 100 km west of Calgary and if you’re flying internationally, the Calgary airport, YYC, is the airport you’ll want to hit up. From YYC, it will take about 1.5 hours on the Trans Canada Highway (aptly named Highway 1) to reach the town of Banff. We recommend renting a car (with snow tires!), but you can also use a bus service.
Do I need a parks pass for Banff when skiing?
Yes, any vehicle stopping in Banff needs a valid parks pass. You can buy it online ahead of time on the Parks website or right at the gates to the park. You can get either a Day Pass, which is best if you’re not going to be skiing for too long, or you can get a Discovery Pass which lasts for 1 year.
The Day Pass cost $11 per person per day and the Discovery Pass costs $151.25 per year for a couple or family.
Where to stay in Banff for Skiing
There are three main areas people stay when visiting Banff for skiing: Banff Township, Lake Louise Village, or the nearby town of Canmore. Budget-wise, it is going to be most expensive to stay in either the town of Banff or Lake Louise Village. There are a variety of choices from luxury hotels to simple motels. Banff has a lot of dining and après choices while Lake Louise Village is a bit more sleepy.
Personally, we love staying in Canmore. It’s a short drive from Canmore to the park and once you’re in the park, it’s not too far to all three mountains. There are a lot more accommodations in Canmore and if you’re the kind of person who likes to have a kitchen and laundry, then there are ton of vacation rentals. We especially like the Spring Creek area. Canmore is a quaint little mountain town and decidedly less busy and touristy compared to Banff.
How do you get to the Banff ski areas?
If you’re staying in Banff and you don’t have a car rental, you can take public transport or resort complimentary shuttles.
How to get to Banff Sunshine Village
Banff Sunshine Village has a free daily bus from the town of Banff to the base of the resort. If you’re driving, it’s an easy drive to the base and there’s plenty of free parking. Look here for more info on how to get to Sunshine Village.
How to get to Lake Louise Ski Resort
Lake Louise also offers a daily free shuttle, both from Lake Louise Village and the town of Banff. Like Sunshine Village, they have plenty of free parking if you’re driving there. For more info on Lake Louise, check here.
How to get to Mt. Norquay
Just like the other two, Norquay also has a free shuttle. You can take it from the town of Banff to the Norquay base. If you have your own vehicle, there’s lots of free parking. For more about Mt. Norquay, check here.
SkiBig3
What is SkiBig3?
SkiBig3 is a skiing challenge put on by Banff Tourism to encourage all ski and board visitors to go to all three mountains. You can ski all three resorts within one day, all on the Big 3 ski pass. They also have multi-day tickets for all three mountains, so you don’t actually have to go to all three mountains in one day.
SkiBig3 Trifecta Callenge
Once you visit all three mountains of Banff, you can visit the Adventure Hub in Banff or Canmore and get a SkiBig3 trifecta trail sign, patch, or sticker. You also get a coupon for a free pint of beer with purchase.
Are the Banff ski resorts on the IKON pass?
Yes. All three resorts are on the IKON pass and the number of days and blackout dates depend on which pass you get.
Which Banff Ski Resort is Best?
Personally, out of the three, we liked Banff Sunshine Village the best. Mt Norquay is a pretty small mountain and the terrain is not really varied. We went to it just so we said we did it. The next best, after Sunshine Village, is Lake Louise. When we visited, they were in a bit of a snow drought, so the snow quality at all three mountains was questionable. That being said, we definitely saw the potential of both Sunshine Village and Lake Louise.
I would say that if you like a variety of terrain, including steep, difficult off piste runs, then Sunshine Village is the place to go. It has trees, bowls, chutes, and extremely wide – literally the whole mountain wide – low to medium pitch runs. Plus, Sunshine Village has a Beaver Tails stand! There’s nothing better than a ski break with hot and fresh deep-fried dough dusted in cinnamon sugar. Oh, and you can ski between provinces on the run called The Great Divide, located on top of the Continental Divide, which boasts amazing views of Banff’s backcountry areas.
Lake Louise is more known for its long, wide open groomers and cruisers. For a wide-open scenic run with views of Mount Temple, Lake Louise, and the Victoria Glacier icefields, try Charlie’s choice. It’s a gentle blue run with to-die-for views.
Things to do in Banff if you don’t ski
If you’re not a skier or snowboarder, don’t worry, there are so many things you can do in Banff.
Banff Village
If you haven’t been to Banff, the village, you’re in for a treat. It literally looks like a Hallmark Christmas movie. The mountains juxtaposed against the town streets is so incredibly picturesque, especially when the mountains are snow-topped. You can wander the streets, just soaking in the vibes, stop in at a cafe or bar for a drink, and just pretend you’re in a winter movie. Make sure you bring your camera because every corner is a potential photo.
Northern Lights
No promises, but sometimes, if you’re very lucky, and there’s a high KP index, you’ll maybe get to peep the Northern Lights. Some popular spots to chase the aurora are: Lake Minnewanka, Vermillion Lakes, and Bow Lake. The show starts late and you never know if you’re going to see it, but when you do, it’s life-changing. Dress warm, pack a snack, be patient, and check the KP forecast before heading out.
Winter Sunrise
Sunrises hit different in Banff and winter is the best time to see them, in my humble opinion. First off, they happen later in the day so you don’t have to wake up as early. Second of all, the mountains make for a gorgeous backdrop. Hopefully, the colors will be amazing: the dusty pink alpenglow against the blue-white of snow is beautiful.
Lake Louise
Lake Louise is one of the main areas in Banff and in winter, it absolutely shines. Winter tends to be not as busy as summer and the winter wonderland vibes are to die for. Walk the Lake Louise shoreline, explore the iconic lakeside Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, or ice skate on the lake!
Ice Skating on Lake Louise
The lakes in Banff are legendary and if you go in the winter, you have the chance to experience the wonder of a frozen Lake Louise. From most affordable to expensive: bring your own skates, rent skates from Wilson Mountain Sports, or rent from the lakeside Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. It’s absolutely free to skate on the lake, but make sure to check the lake conditions. You do need a Parks Canada Pass, as detailed above, and it’s probably a good idea to take the to take public transit (thre’s a small fee) because while there is parking, it’s pretty limited. If you’re staying at a hotel in Banff, your hotel might also have a complimentary shuttle. Pro tip, bring a helmet. Safety is no joke.
Winter Wonderland Lunch
Stop in at the Lakeview Lounge inside the Fairmont and request a spot next to the gorgeous arched windows. If you’re there on a sunny day, the blue of the sky next to the white snow and frozen lake is unbelievable. If you’re not staying at the Fairmont, be sure to make a reservation as walk-ins aren’t available. It’s not cheap, but truly, it’s a once in a life time dining experience. Have a cocktail, admire the view, and just soak in the Canadian vibes.
Sightseeing Gondola
Just because you don’t ski or board doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the views from the top of the mountain. Take Lake Louise Ski Resort’s Winter Sightseeing Gondola and take a breathtaking ride up the mountain to the top. At the top, you’ll get a 360 degree view of the lake and surrounding mountains. This gondola is a purely sightseeing trip, so make sure to dress warm and note that there are no facilities at the top, so packing a lil snack and a hot drink in a thermos is a great idea.
Tubing
If you want to experience a little bit of speed but not ski or snowboard, try tubing! You can tube at either Mt. Norquay or Lake Louise Ski Resort. The resorts provide everything you need, from the tubes to a magic carpet lift that carries you back to the top of the tube runs.
Self-Care
Spas in the mountain and winter go hand-in-hand. A little bit of self care at a spa is a welcome break from the cold. The very newly opened BASIN at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is a quiet, relaxing, luxury thermal bathing experience. We haven’t been but it looks amazing, both in cost and views. If you want to treat yourself, I think you should put it on your bucket list. If you want a more low-key spa experience, The Banff Upper Hot Springs is a naturally fed, mineral rich pool. In the winter, the steam off the pool and the snowy mountains in the background is super dreamy. Note: They’re doing a renovation so it’s currently closed, but scheduled to open in early 2026.
Places to eat in Banff after skiing
These are our favorite restaurants and places to eat in Banff. Mike and I have spent so much time in Banff, from camping to skiing, leaf peeping, and all the things in between. We’ve tried a huge swath of the restaurants, bars, pubs, and cafes. This is our go to list, in no particular order.
Good Folk
Good Folk, Banff’s newest opening, located in the Otter Hotel, is not just a hotel restaurant. The room is intimate and cozy and the menu features delicious classic Canadian flavors, updated with seasonal twists. It’s the perfect place for date night.
Bluebird
For some reason, the mountains always have me thinking about steak. Bluebird is a classic, retro steakhouse set inside a mid-century mountain chalet. A roaring fireplace sets the scene and their all-day slow-roasted prime rib with Yorkshire puddings is not to be missed. Plus, they have a fondue happy hour! I love their branded plates, their gorgeous interior, and most of all their vibes. They do breakfast/brunch, lunch, and dinner. Don’t miss out!
The Fat Ox
If you’re looking for inspired Italian food with a hearty, alpine flair, Fat Ox is where you want to be. It’s one of the newer restaurants in Banff and quickly becoming a local favorite. The space is airy and bright and the food is pure comfort.
Pizzeria Sophia
If you have a pizza craving, wood-fired pizza at Pizzeria Sophia is sure to hit the spot. Rustic and warm with eclectic textures and decor, the rooms makes you want to sit down and chill a while. The menu features modern Italian classics, with a focus on pizza, pasta, and antipasti. Shout out to their 50 layer lasagne bolognese and the crispy calamari. Be sure to check out their pizza happy hour for half priced pizzas!
Lupo
If you love Italian design, walking into Lupo will bring a smile to your face. Black and white tiles, bold Italian typeface signs, and a bar reminiscent of an Italian grocer will make you feel like you’re stepping into an Italian marketplace, right in the middle of the Rockies. Lupo was named one of the top Canadian restaurants by Canada’s 100 Best and I can’t say I disagree. Wood-fired pizzas, fish, and meats, house-made pasta, and a curated cocktail and wine list makes Lupo a must visit when you’re in Banff.
Shoku Izakaya
Sushi? In the mountains? Yes and yes. Don’t think Tokyo-level omakase, think Osaka-style izakaya. An eclectic menu full of innovative rolls, small plates, and cocktails is the perfect way to end your night after a night skiing or exploring. Shoku is a first-come, first-serve place that serves all the classic izakaya dishes like ebi mayo, takoyaki, and chicken karaage.
Banff Poutine
Did you even visit Canada if you didn’t get poutine? Drop by Banff Poutine to experience an exemplary sample: fresh hand-cut fries, squeaky cheese curds straight from Quebec, and savory, hot gravy. Nothing hits like poutine in winter.
Bridgette Bar
This eatery is technically in Canmore, not Banff, but if you have a car, it’s not far at all. The Canmore location is an outpost of a beloved Calgary dinner destination. Bridgette is cute, modern, chef-driven spot that focuses on wood-fired family style dining. The mid-century inspired room is cozy and warm, with lots of dark wood, marble, and plush banquettes. We like the pizzas (especially when they’re half-off during happy hour), the vegetable dishes, and the banana pie.
Alpine Social
This is the restaurant located in the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Essentially, it’s an upscale mountain eatery in a gorgeous room with leather banquettes, custom millwork, gold accents, and lots of cute mountaineering details. The food is comfort focused and the drinks are innovative. To be honest, all of the dining at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is great — typically hotel restaurants aren’t usually on the top of best eats lists, but truly, the Fairmont restaurants shine.
Banff Skiing Insider Tips and Tricks
Make sure you secure your National Park Pass. Anything you do in Banff needs a park pass and you can easily purchase one online in advance.
If you’re driving, make sure your vehicle has snow tires. Not all season tires, not all weather tires, strictly snow tires. It snows in Banff and while they do their best to clear the snow, it exists and driving in snow is going to be inevitable.
That’s it! I hope you visit Banff in the winter season. There’s so much to do and so much to eat. It’s truly magic!
That’s it! I hope you get a chance to ski in Banff. Banff is truly a national treasure. From the turquoise blue lakes to the snow covered peaks and quaint mountain villages, it’s a ski vacation you’ll never forget.
