Bucket List Idea: 5-Day Fairmont Banff Lake Louise SkiBig3 Itinerary

This winter, experience the ultimate luxury ski escape of a lifetime with SkiBig3 and the two Fairmont Banff Lake Louise properties - the Fairmont Banff Springs and the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. The only logistics you’ll have to handle are deciding which après ski treat you’d like to indulge in! Enjoy two nights at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, two nights at Fairmont Banff Springs, and three unforgettable days on the SkiBig3 slopes with absolute ease. This luxurious, relaxing, car-free itinerary is one for everyone's bucket list.

Did you know you can see the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise from the slopes of Lake Louise Ski Resort? | Photo by Reuben Krabbe

Fairmont Banff Lake Louise Itinerary

At a glance...

• Day 1 – Arrive in Lake Louise, Overnight at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

• Day 2 – Ski at Lake Louise Ski Resort, Overnight at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

• Day 3 – Transfer to Banff, ski at Mt. Norquay, and Overnight at Fairmont Banff Springs

• Day 4 – Ski at Banff Sunshine, Overnight at Fairmont Banff Springs

• Day 5 – Transfer to Calgary International Airport

Day One: Arrive at the Chateau

Arrive in Lake Louise, Overnight at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

Begin your five-day winter adventure with the winter seclusion of Lake Louise. This is a great way to ease into the excitement of your Canada ski vacation. Surrounded by snow-covered mountains, flanked by a vast frozen lake, and just a 10-minute journey to Lake Louise Ski Resort, Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is a true winter oasis. Settle in early and get a good night’s sleep to conquer your first day on the slopes ahead. The next morning, you'll wake feeling rested and energized by one of the best views in the Rockies.

Chateau Lake Louise with the Lake Louise Ski Resort in the background. Photo courtesy of Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

Day Two: Ski Canada's 3rd biggest resort

Ski at Lake Louise Ski Resort, Overnight at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

Your first day of skiing in Banff National park begins by hopping on the door-to-door shuttle to Lake Louise Ski Resort. If you are taking a SkiBig3 Private Lesson or a SkiBig3 Guided Adventure, meet them at the Lodge of Ten Peaks base area. Where you ski is entirely up to you! Your guide will take you to the best-hidden gems on the mountain, suited to your ski style, ability, and energy level that day.

Rest your ski legs with any of the on-mountain dining options – like Banded Peak Base Camp, Powder Keg, Sawyer’s Nook, and Whitehorn Bistro – before heading back out. Once back at the hotel, there are plenty of activities to balance your day of skiing. Ice skate on one of nature's most beautiful rinks, snowshoe around the lakeside trail, or simply enjoy the evening view from the Lakeview Lounge.

You can rent ice skates from the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Just ask the concierge. | Photo courtesy of Banff Lake Louise Tourism

Day Three: Explore Banff

Ski at Mt. Norquay, Overnight at Fairmont Banff Springs

On day three, take the short journey from Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise right to Fairmont Banff Springs, with convenient shuttles or public transportation. Both Pursuit and ROAM Transit offer shuttle service between Banff and Lake Louise (approx. a 40-minute drive).

If you get into the Town of Banff early, you can take the morning to brunch at Bluebird Restaurant & Lobby Bar, explore the historic Cave & Basin National Historic Site, or even take a fat biking tour!

In the afternoon, take the SkiBig3 Ski Shuttle from your hotel for a few laps at Mt. Norquay. This resort is a local favourite, being just a short drive from the town of Banff. After you rip up the slopes with your guide, enjoy a pint of Norquay 97: Rusty Edges Amber Ale (a special brew brewed by Banff Ave. Brewing Co.) on their outdoor deck.

Bluebird Restaurant Lobby & Bar opened in Fall 2022 and serves up one of the best brunches in town. | Photo courtesy of Banff Hospitality Collective

Day Four: Experience "Canada's best snow"

Ski at Banff Sunshine, Overnight at Fairmont Banff Springs

Have your ski legs got any juice left? On your last day, take the SkiBig3 Ski Shuttle from the Fairmont Banff Springs directly to Banff Sunshine, SkiBig3's third and final resort - known for "Canada's best snow".

No matter your ski ability, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy. Carve the cruisey blues of the upper village area, or try your hand at Goat’s Eye mountain at the second focal point below. Once your day has come to a close, shuttle back to the doorstep of Fairmont Banff Springs and settle into one last night of grandeur of this luxury mountain setting. We recommend grabbing a cocktail at Grapes, its intimate wine and charcuterie bar.

Grapes, in the Fairmont Banff Springs, is an exciting & curated selection of the best artisan cheeses and cured meats perfectly paired with wines from around the world. | Photo courtesy of Banff Lake Louise Tourism

BONUS: Claim your Trifecta Challenge Prize

If you have skied all three resorts over the span of your vacation, you have successfully completed the SkiBig3 Trifecta Challenge! Head to the SkiBig3 Adventure Hub on Banff Avenue to collect your commemorative trifecta award and voucher for a free beer at the Elk & Oarsman – just across the street.

Day Five: Transfer to Calgary International Airport

For the final day of your SkiBig3 Canada ski vacation, our in-destination vacation planners can book your airport shuttle directly from Fairmont Banff Springs to Calgary International Airport. Sit back and relax as you reflect on the trip of a lifetime to Banff National Park, and dream up your next return.

Banff Airporter shuttle bus. Photo courtesy of Banff Airporter.

Is a Fairmont Banff Lake Louise trip your style?

Let us help you create your perfect Ski & Stay package with our castles in the Rockies.  To book your next ski vacation with SkiBig3, check out our featured ski and stay vacation packages or call us at 1-844-754-2443.