9 best runs to hit on a powder day in Banff & Lake Louise

Boasting a staggering 8,000 acres of accessible terrain blanketed annually with an average of 30 feet of feather-light, dry Canadian Rockies powder, Mt Norquay, The Lake Louise Ski Resort and Sunshine Village offer skiers and riders virtually unlimited variety.

With everything from super-wide groomers and rolling cruisers, to steep and deep chutes and black diamond tree glades, there’s a run for everyone. But with 334 runs to choose from, you might be feeling spoiled for choice – so we’ve done some powder research for you!

From powder newbies to seasoned experts, here are 9 of our favourite runs to hit on those spectacular powder days.

Sunshine Village powder day, November 14, 2016.

Sunshine Village

Beginner (green): Dell Valley (#44)

If your new to shredding powder, head up Strawberry Express Quad and follow Dell Valley (#44) back towards the village. This offers a protected rolling green run back into the village, an ideal spot for beginners to perfect their powder turns.

Dell Valley run on a powder day, November 14, 2016.

Intermediate: Tin Can Alley (#60)

Exit the Gondola to your right and head up Wawa Chair taking you to the top of Tin Can Alley (#60). This run is great for intermediates, offering a long trail with lower ski traffic, a gradual pitch to provide momentum through the powder, and best of all, no flat spots. You’ll also find the run is lined with gladed trees so you can dip in and out of the forest for some variety.

Tin Can Alley run on a powder day, November 14, 2016.

Expert (Black Diamond): Teepee Town Chutes on Teepee Town (#22)

Head up the new Teepee Town LX Quad, the first and only heated chairlift in Canada, to access the Teepee Town Chutes (#22) . When approaching from the top, you can start with some tree skiing to warm up your legs before heading into the main chute. When filled with a fresh dump of snow, this is a tight chute with an awesome fall line will put a smile on any pow-chaser's face.

Teepee Town Chutes run on a powder day, November 14, 2016.

Mt. Norquay

Beginner: Constellation (#23)

Head over to Spirit Chair via Constellation (#23). This beginner run has plenty of space for you to spread out and perfect your powder turns. Spend the rest of your day taking your pick of the multiple green runs available in this beginner pow-friendly zone.

Mt Norquay Constellation run

Intermediate: Norquay 90 Glades (#51)

New this year are the Norquay 90 Glades (#51), off the Mystic Chair. Perfectly spaced trees socked in with fresh dump of snow is a recipe for a memorable powder-day. Here you’re sure to find a plethora of untouched, hidden powder stashes that not even the locals have yet discovered.

Norquay 90 Glades run

Expert: Lone Pine (#3)

There’s nothing better than a full-on powder day lapping the North American Chair. Renowned for its steep slope, this chairlift offers unlimited line choices and unmatched face-shot potential. On a powder day when the snow fills up this mogul face, Lone Pine (#3) is the stuff of legends.

Lone Pine is a popular run at Mt Norquay. Photo: Dan Evans

Lake Louise Ski Resort

Beginner: Saddleback (#109)

If you’re a beginner on a powder day and all your friends are heading to the back bowls, fear not!  You can join them by heading up the Top of the World Express and skiing down Saddleback (#109) into the renowned backside bowls of Lake Louise. This long, cruisy run gives you all the pleasure of a back-side experience with the safety of a green trail down.

Saddleback at Lake Louise Ski Resort

Intermediate: Sunset Terrace (#23)

Head up the six-seater Top of the World Express and choose Sunset  Terrace (#23) on the front side of the resort. Here you’ll find spectacular views across the valley towards Lake Louise.  Pick you line down this intermediate run - you can choose the main track, or venture into one of the wide-open bowls. On a powder day, look back up and admire your perfect figure 8 tracks down this open slope.

Lake Louise Ski Resort Sunset run

Expert: 'E' Gully (#128)

Head to the top of the Summit Platter and dip over into the Back Side. Here you can access some of the most exhilarating powder chutes and epic terrain available across all of Lake Louise’s 4,200 acres. Head into ‘E’ Gully (#128) and you’ll reap some serious kudos at après.

Lake Louise Backside Bowls, photo by Dan Evans

Ready for your next adventure? Which runs will you choose?

To book your next ski vacation at Ski Banff-Lake Louise-Sunshine, check out our featured ski and stay vacation packages or call us at 1-844-754-2443.