Wed, 14 Jan 2026
6 Reasons February is the Best Time to Ski in Banff and Lake Louise
February combines bumper snow conditions with ski town charm and smaller crowds, making it one of the best times to ski in Banff and Lake Louise.
Wed, 18 Dec 2024
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
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!
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
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!
Other blog posts
Tue, 13 Jan 2026
What to Pack for a Ski Trip to Banff and Lake Louise
Preparing for a ski trip to Banff and Lake Louise and not sure what to pack? This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of everything you’ll need to après in style, keep warm on the slopes and unwind after a big day up the mountain.
Mon, 12 Jan 2026
Professional Skier and Indigenous Ski Activist, Connor Ryan, on Finding Belonging in the Mountains
This past December, SkiBig3 hosted Connor Ryan, also known as @sacredstoke, for a few days of early-season powder in Banff National Park. A proud Hunkpapa Lakota skier raised at the foot of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, Connor brings intention, and respect for the land into every turn he makes as he explores the mountains.
Fri, 09 Jan 2026
2026 Banff Skijoring Weekend Guide: Events, Après & Skiing
Banff’s Skijor weekend is fast upon us. This January 17-18, Banff Avenue will transform into an action packed western après festival filled with fur, fringe, flips and plenty of horse-powered tricks and stunts. This guide brings together all the best viewpoints, restaurants, bars and festivities to make the most of this Skijoring weekend.
Fri, 09 Jan 2026
Snow Alert! Record-breaking Snowfall in Banff and Lake Louise
The 2025 and 2026 ski and snowboard season has kicked off with an absolute bang at SkiBig3. As of December 31, SkiBig3s three ski resorts, Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise Ski Resort and Mt. Norquay, have already shattered historic snowfall records, setting the stage for a truly unforgettable winter season.
