By the end of March, many ski resorts are wrapping up their ski seasons… but not SkiBig3! With the longest non-glacial ski season in North America, in Banff National Park, savvy snow-seekers know how to take spring skiing to the next level – all the way until late May. Here are eight reasons why you need to experience spring skiing at Banff and Lake Louise.
Did you know SkiBig3 has one of the longest non-glacial ski seasons in North America? This year, Banff Sunshine is open until May 22! If your home mountain is closed, and you're still craving some turns look North. Here in Alberta March and April's storms bring some of the heaviest snowfalls that offer a thick, fluffy snow base until the end of May.
Closing Dates 2023:
March, April, and May are some of the best months to book a ski trip to Banff & Lake Louise. | Photo by Reuben Krabbe at Lake Louise Ski Resort
Springtime kicks off in Banff National Park in mid-March, and it brings some of the mildest and most enjoyable conditions of the ski season. With average daytime temperatures around:
Milder weather has a number of perks in contrast to the chill of mid-winter! Needing fewer layers means you can pack lighter when travelling and hit the slopes sporting your favourite spring ski fashions. Plus, with the coldest days of the season behind you, warmer days mean more time to work on your turns, perfect your goggle tan, and picnic on the patio. Spring is also a great time to travel with kids, as it's more comfortable to stay outside for longer in the mild, spring air.
Spring is a great time to travel with kids. Mild temperatures make the slopes more comfortable. | Photo by Shannon Martin
Travelling with kids? The Easter holiday break is a great time for the whole family to experience Banff National Park. On Easter Sunday both Mt. Norquay and Banff Sunshine are known for hosting on-snow easter egg hunts. They also host delicious Easter brunches with kid-friendly favourites and lots of Easter cheer. You can also find the Easter bunny hopping all over Lake Louise Ski Resort on easter weekend. If you find him, you might just get a chocolate treat!
Find the Easter bunny at Lake Louise Ski Resort and you could get a special treat!
As closing day approaches, spring ski & stay specials can offer substantial savings with last-minute deals, mid-week specials, and short-stay packages. Visiting from the United States? The currently low Canadian dollar also means the exchange rate stacks up the savings even further in your financial favour.
A favourable exchange rate for U.S. guests? Now that's something to celebrate. | Photo by Jill Tester
In April and May, Banff Sunshine Village and Lake Louise Ski Resort each host tons of spring events to keep the après stoke alive. It’s the perfect time to head to the patio, crack a cold one and kick back to the chill sounds of local music while working on your goggle tan.
Here are our top events to watch out for this spring:
Read more: Insider guide to Spring events in Banff and Lake Louise
Coors Light Untracked Concert Series at Mad Trappers. | Banff Sunshine
The onset of spring offers a great opportunity to witness the beauty of Banff and Lake Louise from a whole new perspective. As the snow begins to recede, the wildlife of Banff National Park emerge from their winter hideaways. The Park, home to 53 species of mammals, offers up great opportunities to spot these magnificent creatures in their natural environment.
Note: for your safety and the safety of the wildlife, always keep your distance and never feed any wildlife (or face a hefty fine).
Read more: Six ways to safely watch wildlife in Banff National Park
Banff National Park is home to a variety of protected wildlife. Photo: Luke Sudermann, March 2017.
Thanks to longer daylight hours, a spring visit to Banff National Park means you can spend more time skiing. Extended ski hours mean some chairlifts at SkiBig3 resorts remain open until 4:30pm, giving you more time to enjoy the mountains. During springtime, there’s also no need to head straight indoors once your ski day has ended. If you’re feeling extra energetic after hitting the slopes, keep the adrenaline going into the evening. Take up a summer-focused challenge offered at lower elevations, such as:
Fat biking is a great way to explore Banff National Park during spring. | Photo by Luke Sudermann
Ski season doesn’t end quietly in Banff and Lake Louise – it goes out with a bang! At The Lake Louise Ski Resort, don’t miss Mount Slushmore (April 29) and closing weekend celebrations (May 7, 2023). Hit your favourite runs in amazing spring conditions, then head to Kokanee Kabin for live music, good food and drink, and an atmosphere to remember.
For guaranteed good times, don’t miss the 95th (ish) annual Slush Cup, Banff Sunshine Village’s biggest event of the season, held on closing day (May 22, 2023). This legendary pond skimming contest challenges skiers and snowboarders to skim across a pond of icy water, with a successful few taking home a top prize. Punters and participants are known for cranking up the spring vibe a notch or two, seeing out the season in style.
Slush Cup is the spring party not to be missed!
Our friendly Reservations Team is 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.
