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. As the opener for SnowDays festival, Skijoring in Banff combines trick riding with freestyle skiing and snowboarding, featuring teams of cowboys and cowgirls (riders) towing skiers and snowboarders (sliders) through a high-energy course of jumps and ramps, all right down Banff Avenue. And then there’s the western glamour of Skijor Style; equal parts mountain sport and mountain spectacle. Think oversized vintage furs, rustic trapper hats, retro ski suits, fringed chaps, and of course, cowboy boots.
With the action happening on Saturday and Sunday afternoons from 2-3:30pm, there’s plenty of time to explore everything else Banff National Park has to offer, including skiing in Banff at its three world-class ski resorts – Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise Ski Resort and Mt. Norquay. This guide brings together all the best viewpoints, restaurants, bars and festivities to make the most of this Skijoring weekend.
After arriving and settling into town, grab your ski gear and hop on the free shuttle for a short 10-minute drive up to Mt. Norquay for some night skiing. Opening for the 25/26 on Boxing Day, night skiing season is just kicking off and runs from 5-9pm every Friday and Saturday night. Enjoy relaxed laps under the lights or hit the terrain park to channel your freestyle skills, just like the skijoring sliders you’ll see on Banff Avenue. Finish the night off with a well-earned drink and a hearty meal at Lone Pine Restaurant, Norquay’s cozy on-mountain hotspot, serving local brews and pub-style favourites.
Night skiing at Mt. Norquay | Photo Credit: Nick Hase
Get started with some morning runs at Banff Sunshine and show off your Skijor vintage ski suit early. After a 15-minute ride on the free shuttle, take the gondola all the way up to the Village, where you’ll have access to 3,300 acres of skiable terrain, from mellow groomers to extreme big-mountain lines. Wrap up your morning with lunch at Mad Trappers Saloon before heading back to town to gear up for the main event.
Suit up in your best fringe, furs, boots and retro gear, then head to the Banff High School Field to grab a seat and watch the Skijoring live. While the action officially starts at 2pm, arriving early helps secure front-row views of the jumps, tricks, and high-speed thrills.
Skijoring on Banff Avenue | Photo 1 & 2 credit: Nick Hase. Photo 3 credit: Shannon Martin
Prefer to watch indoors? Catch the live stream, interviews, and replays at participating venues throughout Banff, including: Melissa’s Restaurant & Bar, The Moxy, Rose & Crown, Elk & Oarsman Restaurant & Sports Bar, The Canadian Brewhouse, PARK Distillery Restaurant + Bar, Bear Street Tavern, Three Bears Brewery & Restaurant, The Eddie Burger + Bar, High Rollers Bowling & Pizza, or The Dusty Boot.
To fully embrace skijoring après style, head to the Rose & Crown for their Skijor Rooftop Patio Party from 2–5pm, or stop by The Fat Ox from 12–4pm for front-row patio views and DJ Tenax spinning from noon.
After the horses are unsaddled and ski boots are swapped for cowboy boots, keep the western theme going with dinner at one of Banff’s top steakhouses. Bluebird, a wood-fired steakhouse with fire-lit charm, offers reimagined classics and vibrant cocktails, while Chuck’s Steakhouse delivers old-school Alberta flavour with ranch-style dinners and world-class locally raised beef. Finish the night at The Dusty Boot, Banff’s newest western bar and dance hall. Expect cold beers, craft cocktails, and plenty of country tunes to keep you two-stepping late into the night. Booking ahead is recommended.
Bluebird interior and mains | Photo credit: Mirae Cambell
Recover from Saturday’s skijoring chaos with a scenic day at Lake Louise Ski Resort, one of North America’s largest and most breathtaking ski areas. Known for its panoramic views and diverse terrain, it’s a chance to escape the action in favour of a relaxing morning skiing. Start with gentle groomers before progressing to steeper terrain, or explore the resort’s newest lift, Richardson’s Ridge Express, for playful tree glades and fresh lines.
If you’re craving more action, head back into Banff for another afternoon of Skijoring. If one day is enough, stay put and continue exploring everything Lake Louise has to offer, there’s no shortage of terrain.
Skiing with panoramic views at Lake Louise Ski Resort | Photo credit: Jill Scarpato
Heading to Banff for skijoring weekend? Make it a full alpine getaway and experience the best of Banff National Park, from record-breaking snow to unforgettable western charm. SkiBig3 lift tickets provide access to Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise Ski Resort, and Mt. Norquay, all easily reached via the free shuttle service available to SkiBig3 ticket holders. Whether you’re here for the horses, the skiing, or the après, Banff skijoring weekend promises to be a big one.
