Checklist: 11 Steps to Plan your Banff and Lake Louise Ski Trip

Travel to Canada - What to Expect

Checklist: 11 Steps to Plan your Banff and Lake Louise Ski Trip

Whether you’re a diehard, intermediate, or beginner skier or rider who’s never seen snow before, the ski vacation of a lifetime awaits in Banff National Park. Planning your Banff Lake Louise ski trip can feel daunting, especially for first-time visitors. With three world-class resorts awaiting your arrival; Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise Ski Resort, and Mt. Norquay here is a checklist of things to remember to ensure you have a seamless and memorable Canadian ski experience.

1. Ensure you have a valid passport

When entering Canada from the US or overseas, you’ll need a passport that’s valid for the duration of your stay. If you haven’t used it in a while, don’t forget to check the expiry date! Be sure to check any entry requirements for Canada from your government’s website too. 

Passsport and Ticket
Make sure your passport is valid to enter Canada for your Banff Lake Louise ski trip.

2. Book your airline ticket to Calgary (Banff’s closest airport)

Getting to Banff & Lake Louise is easy. Calgary (YYC) is the closest airport to access Banff National Park. Frequent direct flights connect the Calgary International Airport (YYC) to many cities across Canada, the US, the UK, and the rest of the world.  Calgary is an easy-to-navigate modern airport, so you’ll clear customs quickly here.

Insider tip

The modern International Terminal makes the arrival experience quick and easy! Need directions? Watch for White Hatters, a group of volunteers who are easily identifiable by their red vests and white cowboy hats. These friendly locals can answer all your questions and point you in the right direction.

Banff Lake Louise Ski Trip - skibig3-blog-flight map north america
Calgary International Airport is only 2-4 hours away from most major U.S. cities.

3. Two towns to pick from in Banff National Park

Banff National Park has two district areas to call home base during your ski trip: the town of Banff and the village of Lake Louise. From Calgary, the town of Banff is an easy 90-minute drive along the all-weather, four-lane Trans-Canada Highway (Hwy #1). Lake Louise is a scenic 45 minutes further west.

  • Banff: The larger of the two is Banff, offering visitors a multitude of services and amenities including shopping, spas, attractions, dining, and nightlife.
  • Lake Louise: The village of Lake Louise is much smaller and is perfect for those looking for a quiet, winter wonderland experience.

 

Both locations offer a variety of accommodation choices, from grand castles to cozy condos, and comfy lodges to budget-friendly hotels.

skibig3-blog-yes-this-is-a-real-place-banf-lake-louise-john-entwistle-origin-01
Walking through the town of Banff on a snowy evening after a fun day on the mountains| Photo by John Entwistle

Insider tip

There is also a third place to stay, the neighboring mountain town of Canmore, located just outside of the park boundary. Take a look here to see which town is best for your stay. Our friendly team of Vacation Specialists are always happy to share their local knowledge and experience, helping you find the best accommodation to suit your style and budget. Call our team at 1-844-754-2443 to speak directly with a local agent. Or, our online booking engine is also easy to navigate, giving you options and accommodation ratings.

4. Choose the transport that suits your needs

Getting around is easy. Frequent airport shuttle service is available between Calgary International Airport and Banff & Lake Louise hotels. You can book this easily with your online package or directly through our reservations team. Once here, ski shuttle transportation is included with your SkiBig3 Lift Ticket.

Want the flexibility of your own vehicle? Rental car agencies are available at the Calgary International Airport and in town so you can explore the area on your own terms. Enjoy free parking throughout Banff & Lake Louise, but remember to purchase your Park Pass.

Banff Airporter
The Banff Airporter is a door-to-door shuttle service, that takes you from the Calgary International Airport straight to your hotel.

5. Purchase your lift ticket in advance

Purchasing a SkiBig3 Lift Ticket is the easiest way to sample all three of Banff’s iconic ski resorts: Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise Ski Resort and Mt Norquay. Your lift ticket includes free ski shuttle service to all three resorts and exclusive local dining specials.

Insider tip

Purchase your SkiBig3 Lift Ticket a minimum of 21 days in advance of arrival and get the best online price. You can also get it delivered directly to your hotel in Banff and it will be ready and waiting for you at check-in.

SkiBig3 Lift Ticket in the SkiBig3 Adventure Hub
Purchase your SkiBig3 Lift Ticket in a minimum of 21 days in advance to get the best price, plus have it delivered directly to your hotel in Banff | Photo by Jillian Tester

6. Rent your ski gear for easy travel

Why pay extra luggage fees? It’s easy to rent your ski or snowboard gear online so it’s ready for your arrival. The SkiBig3 Adventure Hub offers a wide range of quality brands and styles for all ages. Centrally located in downtown Banff, the team at the SkiBig3 Adventure Hub will have your gear waiting for you, and once your sizing is complete, we’ll deliver your gear to your hotel. 

Insider tip

When you’re finished with your rentals, you can drop your gear either back at the SkiBig3 Adventure Hub, at the rental shop of Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise Ski Resort, or Mt Norquay, or you can even leave it at your hotel. Just let us know, and we’ll pick it up for you.

SkiBig3 Adventure Hub, person trying on ski boots.
You can add ski or snowboard rentals to your Ski & Stay Package and pick them up a the SkiBig3 Adventure Hub, located on Banff Ave. | Photo by Jillian Tester

7. Download the SkiBig3 App

If staying in the know is serious business for you, down the SkiBig3 App to stay connected with weather, webcams, conditions, shuttle schedules, pass perks and more. 

Insider tip

Sign up for push notifications and be the first to know about powder alerts or important road alerts which may impact your day.

Banff Lake Louise Ski Trip - skibig3-blog-app
Download the SkiBig3 App to stay up to date with what’s happening plus get access to bus shuttle times and snow reports. Available on Apple or Android.

8. Exchange your currency for Canadian dollars

If you’re visiting from outside Canada, change some money at your nearest currency exchange store or bank in your home city, so you’ll have some cash upon arrival. Once you get here, there are many currency exchange facilities and banks available at Calgary International Airport and throughout the towns of Banff & Lake Louise.

Insider tip

You get the best exchange rates from banks, and bank-owned ATMs, both of which are plentiful throughout Banff & Lake Louise. Major credit cards are welcomed everywhere, but be aware of service fees that may be applied by your local bank back home.

The U.S. dollar is stronger than the Canadian dollar. That means big savings we it comes to booking a ski vacation up North!

9. Know your Canadian tipping customs

In Canada, it’s customary to leave a gratuity in restaurants and with a taxi service. It’s optional for extra services like hairdressers, spa services, and front-line hotel employees. A standard tip in a restaurant is 18 percent of the total bill before tax. It’s all about service, so you have the flexibility to decide what is appropriate in each and every case.

Three people at Hello Sunshine eating Sushi in Banff
Enjoying the aprés in Banff at Hello Sunshine with a few drinks and sushi | Photo by John Entwistle

10. Don’t be afraid to ask for help!

Canadians are renowned for their friendliness – wherever you go, locals will be more than happy to answer any questions you have. All you have to do is ask!

Visitor Centres are located in downtown Banff & Lake Louise and are well-equipped to help you with free maps and advice. Your hotel front desk and concierge teams are also great sources of knowledge.

Banff Lake Louise Ski Trip - skibig3-blog-guided-adventure
Got questions? Why not hire a SkiBig3 Guided Adventure for the day? | Photo by John Price at Lake Louise Ski Resort

11. Have fun and don’t forget to take photos!

Think about how you’ll take photos on your trip. Will you use your camera or cell phone? Don’t forget to pack your chargers and ensure you have enough storage space on your devices – there are plenty of photo opportunities that you won’t want to miss! The electrical supply is 120 Volts and 60 Hertz – so if you’re visiting from the US, your adapters and plugs will look the same.

Don’t forget to share your adventures with us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter by tagging #SkiBig3, #SkiBig3Trifecta and #MyBanff!

 

Take the #SkiBig3Trifecta Challenge - ski all three resorts during your vacation and collect your Trifecta Award.
Take the #SkiBig3Trifecta Challenge – ski all three resorts during your vacation and collect your Trifecta Award.

Still have questions?

We’re here to help. To book your next Banff Lake Louise Ski Trip with SkiBig3, or to just ask your burning questions, call us at 1-844-754-2443 or check out our featured Ski & Stay vacation packages online. 

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