Accessibility at SkiBig3

Words by Amanda Timm

Have you ever seen a spaceship type contraption rocketing down the ski hill at light speed? I’m Amanda and that’s me. I grew up skiing at SkiBig3 resorts from the young age of two. But in 2011 I had a freak accident that left me paralyzed from the chest down. I then had the special honour of coming back to SkiBig3 resorts just 10 months after suffering my spinal cord injury and relearning to ski, but this time in a sit-ski with the help of Rocky Mountain Adaptive.

While there can be a lot of barriers to accessing winter sports as a sit skier, this guide will help you navigate the SkiBig3 resorts more easily. Plus, for those new to the sport or in need of gear, we've even included tips on how to get started. Here's what you need to know about getting around the SkiBig3 resorts from a sit skier's perspective.

Gear and Lessons

Photo Credit: Jillian Tester

Rocky Mountain Adaptive is based out of Banff Sunshine Village and it will change your life. Whether it’s the first time you’ve ever tried an adaptive sport or you’re a pro ready to take it to the next level, they are there to help. From one-on-one first time lessons to elite race coaching, Rocky Mountain Adaptive has any equipment you need to get outside. This is key - if you’re travelling or don’t own any equipment yourself, that shouldn’t stop you from enjoying all SkiBig3 resorts. They will set you up with equipment suited to your needs and make sure you know how to use it. Before you know it, you'll be enjoying fresh mountain air (and pow shots) on your face!

SkiBig3 Lift Tickets

SkiBig3 lift tickets provide direct-to-lift access to all three ski resorts in Banff National Park - Banff Sunshine Village, Lake Louise Ski Resort, and Mt. Norquay. If you're visiting the destination from out of town, getting your lift tickets is easy. By ordering three or more days in advance, your lift tickets will be ready for pick-up at your hotel's check-in desk or concierge upon arrival and will reduce the need to navigate to on-mountain ticket windows. You can also head to the SkiBig3 Adventure Hub on Banff Avenue to purchase or pick-up tickets in the town.

Sunshine Village

Photo Credit: Banff Sunshine

Sunshine Village is one of the most accessible ski resorts, thoughtfully designed to meet diverse needs. Accessible parking is conveniently located to the right of the lodge at the base of the gondola past the main parking lot. From there, you can access the Creekside Lodge through the front doors near the gondola or the side doors to find locker rooms, ticket counters, accessible washrooms, and food and beverages to keep you fueled for the day. Once you're ready, it’s time for the gondola. The Sunshine Village gondola staff are experienced in accommodating various accessibility requirements. They are happy to assist if you need the gondola stopped, slowed, or operating at full speed. They can also help with loading and unloading your equipment. The same level of assistance is available at the lifts once you’re on the slopes. 

The gondola has a mid-station with a ramp to help you access mid-mountain terrain. Here you will also find the Goat's Eye Lodge which is not accessible. Later in the season, snow often creates a flat entry, but in the early season, you might encounter steps at the entrance and the washrooms are located up exterior stairs.

At the top of the gondola, you will find the village. If you aren’t ready to immediately start your day of shredding or you want to take a break midday you will find the main lodge in the village, the Lookout Lodge. It is fully accessible on the ground floor, featuring accessible washrooms, dining areas, and gift shops. The upper floors however are not accessible. Another option in the village is the Sunshine Mountain Lodge which includes additional dining spaces and accessible washrooms, if you would like to stay for a night or two at the resort this is where you would be staying.

There is one more dining location, the popular Mad Trappers is in the main village and is only accessible via stairs without accessible washrooms. However, during the Spring, there are the Spring Series concerts, a fenced outdoor area that provides accessible seating, music, and sunshine – perfect for enjoying a drink outdoors. Once skiing, there are a variety of different types of chairlifts, the classics, heated bubbles, conveyor belt chairlift loader, don’t be afraid to ask for assistance from staff, slow lifts down, or get them stopped. Your safety is their priority. 

Hot Tips

• Village Navigation. Wheeling through the snow to the Lookout Lodge or the Sunshine Mountain Lodge can be tough. Use the Creekside Lodge facilities before heading up the gondola and ask for help to get your accessible equipment to the lodge while you ski over.
• Mid-station Gondola Tip. The mid-station gondola only has a ramp on the uphill side. If you're heading down, you’ll need to ride the gondola back to the top first if you did not want to continue down the ski-out.
• Accessible Equipment in the Gondola. If you opt for the ski-out or want to ski mid-mountain, the lift attendants can send your wheelchair to the bottom or mid-station, so it’s ready for you. You just need to plan ahead. 

Lake Louise Ski Resort

Photo Credit: Jillian Tester

Accessible parking at Lake Louise is conveniently located past the Lodge of Ten Peaks, near the main access to the slopes. A marked, stair-free route leads to the main floors of both the Whiskey Jack Lodge and the Lodge of the Ten Peaks, where you’ll find lift tickets, accessible washrooms, and dining areas. If needed, tickets and retail shops are also available on the lower level of Whiskey Jack Lodge, but the only accessible route to this level involves navigating around the lodge’s exterior which is challenging. 
Both the Whiskey Jack Lodge and the Lodge of the Ten Peaks at the base of the resort offer dining, accessible washrooms, and retail options. The Kokanee Kabin (Banded Peak Base Camp) has steps to the patio, but in the spring, its outdoor area extends onto the snow, making it easier to enjoy the sunny weather and music. 

There are two more lodges found at the resort the Whitehorn Lodge and Temple Lodge. The Whitehorn Lodge found midway down the front side of Lake Louise features a flat entrance but is a challenge for those requiring a wheelchair, as bringing one involves skiing with it. There are also no accessible facilities but great views and food. The Temple Lodge is located on the backside of Lake Louise but unfortunately, there are stairs at the entrance and no accessible amenities. In the spring they will flatten an area out front for live music and make a must-attend fun time.  

Terrain is accessible via a variety of chairlift types and a gondola. Chairlifts will be much easier to use than a gondola as a sit-ski. Don’t be afraid to ask for assistance from staff, slow lifts down, or get them stopped. Your safety is their priority. 
 

Hot Tips 

• The Base. For wheelchair users, the lodges at the base are the most practical. Staff are accommodating and can bring food to more accessible areas if needed.

Mt. Norquay

Night skiing at Norquay | Amanda Timm

Mt. Norquay offers a quieter skiing experience. Accessible parking is located out front of the Cascade Lodge and ticketing office building. Norquay’s compact layout makes navigating easy, with accessible ramps everywhere you want to go. Plus, the views of Banff from Norquay are unparalleled.

The Cascade Lodge houses accessible washrooms, dining facilities, and ample space for packed lunches. If you forget any winter gear, the lodge’s shop has you covered. While the Lone Pine Pub is upstairs and lacks an elevator, you can order from the menu and have food brought downstairs.

All lifts at Norquay are a bit older which is lovely because this makes loading on a sit ski very easy. Make sure you plan before you go. The lifts are in a horizontal position so to get back to the Cascade Lodge you need to start the trek back so you don’t end up needing to do any pushing. 

 
Hot Tips

• Start your day right. Stop at the Juniper Bistro on the way to Norquay for the best breakfast in the Bow Valley.
• Try Night Skiing. Norquay is the only hill in the area with night skiing, offering a unique and thrilling experience under the lights. 

So there you have it, folks! If you're a sit skier, have a sit skier in your life, or are considering trying it out, SkiBig3 should be on your winter bucket list.  Need assistance sourcing accessible accommodation in Banff and Lake Louise? The vacation specialists at SkiBig3 can help to source and book the perfect lodging and room configuration for your individual needs, give them a call at 1-844-754-2443.