2025 SnowDays – Banff’s Winter Festival

Banff is one of those special places where you can experience just about anything including. One of Banff’s most prized traditions, the SnowDays festival. The year, between January 17th and February 2nd, 2025, the streets of Banff will transform into a winter wonderland; showcasing snow and ice sculptures, a kids Playzone, Skijoring and so much more.  

Come to Banff and experience it for yourself! 

Follow a Trail of Snow Sculptures

Photo Credit: Nick Hase

One of SnowDays most memorable spectacles is the snow sculptures that are scattered throughout downtown Banff. Local and global carvers endure the process of skillfully chiseling massive blocks of ice and transforming them into unique sculptures that each tell a captivating story. After 3-5 days of carving, the sculptures are illuminated with lights – giving visitors the opportunity to enjoy these creations day and night.  

Local Tip: Bundle up and take a walk down to Wildlife Bakery (on Bear Street) to grab a hot chocolate. Sip on a warm drink as you walk through the town admiring the sculptures.  

Date: January 17th - February 2nd, 2025

Where: Multiple Locations  

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Enter a New World at the SnowDays Playzone

Photo Credit: Shannon Martin

Bring the family or channel your inner child and enjoy the ultimate winter playground. The Playzone encompasses all the winter fun you can imagine. Over select days from January 17th to February 2nd, 2025, enjoy fat biking, ice slides, hockey shot, curling, and a cross-country ski track.

Date: Select days from January 17th - February 2nd, 2025

Time: Thurs. 4:00 pm-7:30 pm, Fri. & Sat. 12:00 pm-7:30 pm, Sun. 10:00 am-3:30 pm

Where: Banff Central Park - NEW!

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Bask in the thrill of Skijoring

Photo Credit: Shannon Martin

This is easily one of the most fascinating and exhilarating Canadian experiences – right here in Banff. Skijoring is a winter sport in which a person on skis is pulled by a horse down a course of snowy jumps. Over 2 days (January 18th and 19th) Banff Ave will be transformed into a breathtaking exhibit of horse-riding and heart racing stunts.  

Local Tip: For the best view, we recommend arriving early and securing your spot on the sideline. The best part? It’s free to attend and no tickets required!  

Date: January 18 & 19, 2025

Time: 2:00 pm  

Where: Banff Avenue - 100 Block  

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Experience the Art of Ice Magic

Photo Credit: Shannon Martin

Take a trip out to Lake Louise and enter an enchanting winter wonderland. Just outside the iconic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, you can witness the work of incredible world class sculptors and watch magical ice sculptures transform into an incredible light display.  

Access to the event requires tickets. Don't miss the opportunity to witness the beauty of this enchanting winter wonderland at Lake Louise. This year, Ice Magic is only available to participating hotel guests. Stay at a participating hotel.

Date: January 29th - February 2nd, 2025

Time: 10:00 am – 9:00 pm 

Book your Stay for SnowDays

Experience Banff during SnowDays, for a once in a lifetime immersive experience. Book your ski trip and experience our 3 spectacular resorts – Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise Ski Resort and Mt. Norquay. When you're ready, our friendly reservations team will be happy to help you book anytime. Give them a call at 1-844-754-2443 or go online to access some exceptional Ski & Stay Package deals. Plus, check out more unique winter activities and experiences you can expect to find in Banff and Lake Louise!