As the days start to grow longer and the winter begins to turn to spring, it can mean only one thing. Spring skiing is on the way! You may be thinking that the ski season is coming to an end. Well, think again! In Banff and Lake Louise, spring skiing officially starts in March and can run all the way until late April/May, depending on the weather. If you're curious about the benefits of spring skiing in Banff and Lake Louise, we've got you covered. With fewer crowds, longer days, warmer temperatures and plenty of snowfall, you won't want to miss out. Check out these six reasons why you should consider spring skiing in Banff and Lake Louise.
Enjoying some sunny spring skiing laps at Banff Sunshine | Photo by Josh Segeleski
Get those goggle tans at the ready! As the temperatures begin to rise, the ski resorts experience longer daylight hours and more frequent sunny days. This means the lifts are spinning for longer, giving you some extra time for a few more laps. Plus, with the sun shining and the weather warming up you can say goodbye to those bulky layers. Average temperatures in April are around 4 degrees Celsius. With highs of 11 degrees Celsius and lows of minus 2, you can enjoy uninterrupted skiing without the need for as many warm-up breaks.
Making some soft, smooth and buttery turns at Lake Louise Ski Resort | Photo by Josh Segeleski
One of the great benefits of spring skiing is the transformation of the snow. Thanks to the milder temperatures and continued snowfall, the snow maintains a softness and is often "forgiving". As you ride down, you can enjoy some soft, smooth, and buttery turns and easy carvable bumps.
Powder day turns at Banff Sunshine in April | Photo by Jill Tester
You may think that the most snowfall happens in the winter months. Therefore, you may be surprised to find out that some of the snowiest weeks can actually happen in April. On average in April, the resorts receive around two days of snowfall per week. The historical average snowfall across each of the resorts per week in April is around 18cm (7") for Banff Sunshine, 18cm (7") for Lake Louise Ski Resort, and 13cm (5") for Mt. Norquay. Get ready for some powder turns, face shots and a whole lot of fun!
Celebrating a great day on the mountain at Banded Peak Basecamp at Lake Louise Ski Resort | Photo by Jill Tester
Do you know the best part about spring skiing? Après. After a full day shredding on the slopes, there's nothing quite like relaxing on a sun-drenched patio with a cold drink in hand, reliving the day's adventures. Whether you're looking for a post-ski beverage up at the resorts or back in town, there are plenty of après spots to enjoy. Here are some spring après ski patios in Banff and Lake Louise where you can indulge in some hearty comfort food, taste locally brewed beers, and soak up the lively atmosphere. Plus, there is always something happening at the resorts too, like Banff Sunshine's Slush Cup or Lake Louise's Mt. Slushmore. So, be sure to check out the event schedule!
Taking in the views at Lake Louise Ski Resort an enjoying solo laps | Photo by Jill Tester
As the ski season starts coming to an end, you might start to think about hanging up your skis and snowboards for the year. But wait! You'll want to keep them out for a little while longer. Not only will you get to enjoy the fresh mountain air and sunshine, but spring skiing also means shorter lift lines and quieter trails, as other people start thinking about alternative activities. Plus, you can cash in on some extra days with your Ikon Pass or Mountain Collective Pass and enjoy some great April Ski & Stay deals.
Taking a stroll down Banff Avenue after a day of spring skiing and snowboarding | Photo by Dan Evans
If you're not ready for your day of adventures to end after skiing and snowboarding up on the mountains, the longer daylight hours allow you to make even more memories. During the spring months, if you have some energy left you can enjoy some more summer-related activities like fat-biking, hiking, or even golf after your day up at the mountains.
Ready to book your spring skiing vacation to Banff National Park? Our friendly Reservations Team are always happy to share their local knowledge and experience to help you find the best vacation package for your style and budget. You can reach them via Live Chat (scroll up for the Live Chat link at the top of our website), or by calling 1-844-754-2443.
