Beginner to Expert runs to hit on a Powder Day at SkiBig3

March Madness is back at SkiBig3 with back to back powders at all 3 resorts this past week! Typically, March and April have Banff’s best ski conditions, and we are excited to share some of the best runs to hit on a powder day at each of the SkiBig3 resorts.  

Banff Sunshine  

Beginner (Green) The Dell Valley #44

Photo credit: Jill Tester

If you’re new to shredding/skiing but want to make the most of a power day, we’ve got you covered. Head up Strawberry Express and turn right off the chair. Follow The Dell Valley run all the wat back to the village. This run offers a protected rolling green, with wide open spaces, ideal for beginners working on perfecting their powder turns.  

Intermediate (Blue) Tin Can Alley #6

Tin Can Alley on a powder day | Photo Credit: Banff Sunshine

As you come off the Gondola, make a sharp right turn and head down to the Wawa Chair, this will take you straight up to Tin Can Alley. This run if perfect for intermediates, offering a long trail and a gradual pitch to provide momentum through the powder. As a nice surprise, you’ll find that the run is lined with gladed trees so you can dip in and out of the forest to advance your skills. 

Expert (Black – Double Black Diamond) The Shoulder #16

Shredding through the trees on The Shoulder | Photo Credit: Dan Evans

Head up the New Six-Seater Heated Bubble Chair – Super Angel LX. Take a left down Ecstasy #24 and join onto The Shoulder #16. Starting off, you’ll find steep, wide runs with room to carve fresh lines and then finish off with some of the best tree glades on a powder day.  

Down from the village to the Goats Eye Express Chair. Head right off the chair and follow the path around (note: you may have to walk and then traverse). When approaching from the top, you will be met with wide open chutes and knee-deep powder. This is some of the best powder day skiing on the mountains.  

Mt. Norquay

Beginner (Green) Constellation #23

Powder runs on Constellation | Photo Credit: Dan Evans

Head over to Spirit Chair to access 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. 

Intermediate (Blue) Norquay 90 Glades #51

Carving fresh lines | Photo Credit: Dan Evans

The Norquay 90 Glades (#51), off the Mystic Chair, offer perfectly spaced trees mixed in with a 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. 

Expert (Black Diamond) Lone Pine #3

Laps on Lone Pine | Photo Credit: Jill tester

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. Lone Pine (#3) is the run for riders and skiers hoping to challenge their skills and become powder experts. 

Lake Louise Ski Resort

Beginner (Green) Saddleback #109

Powder runs on Saddleback | Photo credit: LLSR and Phil Forsey

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. 

Intermediate (Blue) Sunset Terrace #23

Carving fresh lines on Sunset Terrace | Photo Credit: Travis Rousseau

Head up the new six-seater heated bubble chair – Pipestone 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 your 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. 

Expert (Black Diamond) West Bowl #157

Bluebird and powder out at West Bowl | Photo Credit: Nick Hase

Almost every expert skier/boarder is heading to West Bowl on a powder day. After taking Top of the World Express or Pipestone Express and then Summit Chair, head left around the corner to dip into West Bowl #157. On this run you will be met with a wide-open bowl, giving you the freedom for steep powder turns, and then a mix of tree runs to the bottom.  

Where are you heading on your next powder day?

There is truly no wrong choice when it comes to choosing your tracks on a powder day. Head to any of the SkiBig3 resort (Banff Sunshine, lake Louise Ski resort or mt. Norquay) and enjoy lap after lap of powder shots and fresh lines.