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. Whether you're planning a romantic couples Valentine’s Day getaway, or a laid-back friends or family ski trip with shorter lift lines and wide-open runs, February at SkiBig3 offers something for every kind of skier and rider.
Skiing at Lake Louise on Feb 9, 2025 | Photo credit: Jill Tester
If you’re chasing crispy groomers or deep powder bowls, February delivers. By this point in the season, SkiBig3’s resorts benefit from a deep, well established snow base. This is especially true of the 25/26 season with record-breaking snowfall. That means excellent coverage and consistently skiable conditions across the mountains. Cold Rocky Mountain temperatures typical of February keep the snow light, dry and powdery. With fewer melt-freeze cycles than resorts further south, groomers stay firm and fast, and post-storm snow tends to stick around longer.
Banff Sunshine on Feb 5, 2025 | Photo credit: Jill Tester
Thanks to February’s reliable snow conditions, you can expect all lifts and most, if not all, terrain to be open. As of January 13 2026, over 95% of terrain is currently open across all three resorts! This includes the legendary bowls, chutes, and advanced zones that require a solid snowpack to open. Explore big mountain terrain at Lake Louise Ski Resort's West Bowl and Whitehorn gullies, chase fresh lines through Banff Sunshine’s freeride favourites, Delirium Dive and Wild West; or experience Mt. Norquay’s newest run – Norquay 100 Glades; all currently open and firing after December’s record-breaking snowfall. From beginners to experts, February offers a wide range of terrain choices and the freedom to explore the mountains at their best.
Chairlift at Mt. Norquay on Feb 25, 2025 | Photo credit: Mirae Campbell
February is perfectly sandwiched between the Christmas/New Years rush and the Spring Break/Easter holidays in March, creating a month-long sweet spot for visitors. Lift lines are generally shorter, slopes feel more spacious, and there’s better availability for lessons, rentals, accommodations, and dining. While mid-February does see a brief increase in visitors around the Family Day/President’s Day long weekend, the latter half of the month delivers the same great snow as January and March with noticeably fewer people.
Wild ice skating at Lake Louise | Photo credit: Max Stussi
With Valentine’s Day falling on the Saturday of the Family Day/President’s Day long weekend, February is an ideal time for a romantic mountain escape. Picture cozy cabins, iconic luxury hotels, fire-lit dining and snow-covered peaks. After a day on the slopes, unwind in one of Banff’s hot pools, go wild ice skating on a frozen glacial lake, enjoy a private sleigh ride, or take a scenic winter walk. For an extra special evening, experience Norquay’s Starlight Dinner at the Cliffhouse Bistro – perched 7,000 feet above the valley. A Valentine’s getaway to Banff offers the perfect balance of ski-hill adventure, romantic meals, and cozy evenings in town.
Snow Sculptures | Photo credit: Robert Massey
Dates: Jan 18 – Feb 8
Explore a trail of expertly carved snow sculptures throughout Banff from Bear Street to Central Park celebrating the theme ‘Natural Athletes – Wild Games’.
Art of Ice Carving Competition
Dates: Feb 6-8
Bear Street in downtown Banff will transform into an outdoor gallery, showcasing the talent of 12 world-class ice carvers as they compete in teams, head-to-head and timed ice carving challenges.
Dates: Feb 26-March 1. Thurs-Sun 6-9pm and Fri-sat 6-10pm.
Explore the French Canadian, First Nations and Metis traditions and legend of the Flying Canoe through light and sound installations at Banff’s Central Park.
Dates: Nov 22 – March 29
Head up Sulphur Mountain on the Banff Gondola to experience interactive light and sound displays that celebrate the lunar cycle.
Snowshoeing | Photo credit: Sam Burrows
February’s reliable snow also creates perfect conditions for a wide range of winter adventures once you’ve finished your last lap.
Winter Hikes: Explore popular trails like Tunnel Mountain, Johnson Lake, and Johnston Canyon for a fresh perspective and spectacular mountain views.
Spa and Recovery: Recover at new wellness spots like BAISIN Glacial Waters at Fairmont Lake Louise or Everwild at MTN House in Canmore.
Wild Ice Skating: Grab a pair of skates and head out to Lake Louise, Lake Minnewanka or the Vermilion lakes and soak in the breathtaking mountain scenery on the ice.
Tubing: Head up to Mt Norquay and race down one of North America’s steepest tube parks.
With ideal snow conditions, smaller crowds and plenty of off-hill entertainment, February is the perfect time for your next ski trip. Grab a SkiBig3 lift ticket and get access to all three of Banff’s ski resorts, Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise Ski Resort and Mt. Norquay, in one unforgettable trip.
