Dreaming of Winter? 7 Reasons to Start Your Season with a Canadian Ski Trip

It’s never too early to start planning your dream ski vacation to the Canadian Rockies. In fact, summer is a great time to get the mental wheels turning and get ahead of the game to prep for your perfect winter getaway.

With great savings on ski and stay packages, an early start to the ski season, and a festive mountain vibe that starts well before Christmas, there are ample reasons to start your season with a Canadian ski trip to Banff and Lake Louise.

Here are just a few reasons to get in your first turns of the winter on the SkiBig3 slopes!

1. Start Your Ski Season Extra Early

Our opening dates are often some of the first in Canada, sometimes as soon as early November. Stoke for snow is often at its highest early in the winter, and this amped up atmosphere is sure to rub off on you.

Skier lays in a field of early season snow at Sunshine Village, Banff National Park. Photo taken November 12th at Banff Sunshine Village by Travis Rousseau.

2. Ski with the World Cup Pros

Lake Louise Ski Resort kicks off their season with the Lake Louise Audi FIS Ski World Cup, featuring speed events on the World Cup circuit as well as the first downhill and super-G races. Cheer on the athletes and immerse in the mini-festival vibe at the Lodge of Ten Peaks base.

Ski racer athlete at Lake Louise World Cup Women's Downhill. Photo courtesy of Banff & Lake Louise Tourism.

3. Fill Up on Mountain Adventure Inspo

From the SkiBig3 slopes to the streets of Banff, the first week of November is full of excitement - you can feel the seasons change around you. Check out the Banff Mountain Film and Book Festival to fuel up on mountain inspiration, and put it into action with the season openers following soon after.

Banff Mountain Film + Book Festival's 2019 Signature Image by Ben Tibbett.

4. Cross Off Your Christmas Wish Lists

November is chockfull of mountain festivities, and by this time the town of Banff is already decked out their Christmas best. The annual Banff Christmas Market brings together artisans, food vendors, and a cheery holiday atmosphere over TWO weekends this year.

Photo by @lifeofthespirited1 (IG)

5. Save Big on Ski and Stay Packages

It pays to book early! Some of the biggest savings can be taken advantage of early in the season. This ensures you get the best accommodation for your travel style and budget. Save up to 40% on ski and stay packages this summer by talking to our in-destination Reservations Team. And Ikon Pass and Mountain Collective pass holders can also get in on the deal, saving up to 40 per cent on select lodging.

Adult and child skiers take in view of Mt. Temple at Lake Louise Ski Resort, Banff National Park. Photo by Reuben Krabbe.

6. Make the Most of Your Destination Pass

Speaking of Ikon Pass and Mountain Collective pass holders, early season is a great time to tick a few of those many SkiBig3 days off your pass. With so many ski days available, you can easily spread them out over two trips. So why not start with one to kick off the season?

Skier on an overcast day at Lake Louise Ski Resort, Banff National Park. Photo by Reuben Krabbe.

7. Start a New Thanksgiving Tradition

Mix up the usual turkey dinner family routine this American Thanksgiving by immersing yourself amongst the beauty of the Rockies. With stunning mountain vistas, wide open ski runs, and a chance to truly connect with nature, it will be a recharge button to remind you of all of life’s gifts to be grateful for.

Group of skiers and snowboarders enjoy nachos on a patio with firepit at Mt. Norquay, Banff National Park.

Photo by Reuben Krabbe.

Thinking of booking your Canadian Rockies ski vacation? There's no time like the present! Talk to our SkiBig3 Reservations Team to take advantage of huge savings on ski and stay vacation packages this winter by calling 1-844-754-2443.