The SkiBig3 resorts in Banff National Park are overflowing with ways to put a mountain spin on your Christmas. From family photos with Santa atop a snow mountain, to a Christmas feast in a classic ski lodge setting. Here's our round up of holiday events at the SkiBig3 resorts that you won't want to miss on your Christmas ski vacation this year.
Photo courtesy of Banff Sunshine Village.
Join Mr. and Mrs. Claus for a few laps before their busy night on Christmas Eve. On the weekends of December 14th- 15th and December 21st – 22nd, they’ll be giving away candy canes near the daycare and Strawberry Chair area. Be sure to snap a snowy photo with them to take home and display above your Christmas stocking!
If you can't get enough of Santa on these two weekends, dress up as him for yourself and join a whole crew of skiing and snowboarding Santas! On Christmas Day, Banff Sunshine Village is gifting FREE skiing and snowboarding to all guests who dress up (in a full costume) as Santa Clause, Mrs. Clause, or Rudolph.
Torchlight Parade at Banff Sunshine Village. Photo courtesy of Banff Sunshine Village.
On December 24th, guests staying at Sunshine Mountain Lodge will be delighted with a nighttime Torchlight Parade show from the Sunshine Village slopes. Watch as specially trained torch bearers glide their way down the slopes and illuminate the night.
Santa at Lake Louise Ski Resort. Photo by Travis Rousseau.
Santa and his elves along with Griff the Grizzly will be making the holiday rounds at Lake Louise ski resort on December 21st and 22nd. From the Lodge of Ten Peaks to the ski resort slopes, these Christmas characters will be handing out candy and snowy photo ops with guests. Follow the jingle of reindeer bells to find them on the resort.
Photo by Rob McCloskey / @robpmccloski (IG)
After a day of skiing or riding on December 24th, come over to the warmth of the fire in the Lodge of Ten Peaks, adorned with trees, lights & wreaths to indulge in a yummy turkey feast! Afterward, get bundled up to enjoy night time snow tubing, fire pits & snacks (plus many more Christmas surprises!)
And on December 25th, you can snowshoe with Santa himself! Join Lake Louise Ski Resort for a special Guided Snowshoe Tour on Christmas Day. Santa Claus is all done handing out gifts and is ready for some fresh mountain air. He will take you and your family on a magical guided snowshoe tour, atop the Grizzly Gondola!
Santa shredding at Mt. Norquay. Photo by Luke Sudermann.
Let the Norquay elves do your gift wrapping for free while you enjoy some well-deserved turns. Between December 20th and 22nd, just leave your gifts at Cascade Lodge before noon, and then head out to get in some pre-Christmas laps.
Need some time to unwind after a day on the mountain with the kiddos? Mt. Norquay has gotten pretty crafty and devised the perfect way for you to enjoy an uninterrupted hour of après ski. All you have to do is drop the little ones off at the Cascade Lodge. The kids will create a fun craft project while you enjoy a tasty craft brew – it’s a win-win all around! Limited spots available, please be sure to register.
If all you want for Christmas is to ski or snowboard for free, then you’re in luck! Join Mt. Norquay on Christmas Day for their annual Santa Shredz for Free. Show off your festive spirit by dressing up in full Christmas attire (just a Santa hat doesn't qualify) and receive a free full day pass!
Want to add a little light show magic to your New Year’s traditions? You can watch Norquay’s Torchlight Parade right from downtown Banff. A select number of brave Norquay instructors + staff will take on the North American run from the Big Chair with torches in hand for a light spectacle you don’t want to miss!
Mt Norquay Kids Program
Here for an extended stay over the holidays? Consider signing up your kids for a Christmas Camp at Mt. Norquay. Perfect for ages three and up, these three-day camps run between December 26th to 31st. Programs are developed around safety, fun, and exploring!
Let us help you create your magical Christmas vacation in Banff National Park in the Canadian Rockies. To book your next holiday ski vacation with SkiBig3, check out our featured ski and stay vacation packages or call us at 1-844-754-2443.
