Ikon is the newest multi-destination pass program to join the ski scene for 2018/19, and SkiBig3 is just one of many great destinations you can check off your bucket list as a pass holder. Whether you’ve already got the Ikon Pass ready to go for winter or are still thinking of getting one, we want to make sure it takes you the extra mile on your next visit to Banff National Park. So, we’ve rounded up five ways to maximize your stay (and play) with Ikon at SkiBig3.

1) Enjoy the Best of Both Worlds

At SkiBig3, three ski resorts and two towns await to be explored within this one destination, each with their own unique energy and appeal, all perfectly complementing each other. Banff, the epicentre of the Canadian Rockies, is the home base for Mt. Norquay and Banff Sunshine Village. Itinerary possibilities are endless here with activities abound – from first chair to late night fun, and rest days in between. Take a getaway from the hustle and bustle to Lake Louise, the quaint hamlet on the doorstep of Rockies grandeur. Just minutes away from Lake Louise Ski Resort, this location allows you to disconnect from the day-to-day, and connect with nature as it was meant to be. No matter which home base you select, you can easily access all three ski resorts during the duration of your trip.

Photo by Reuben Krabbe.

2) Get Off the Beaten Path in a Flash

A visit to SkiBig3 will take your skiing repertoire to further corners of the globe, yet it's closer than you think. With flights under 3 hours from many major cities in the United States and minimal traffic on the drive from Calgary to Banff, you can board a plane in the morning and load a chairlift that very afternoon. Shuttles will get you from city to slopes in no time. Mt. Norquay is a great resort to warm up your ski legs on Canadian Rockies terrain, and it's only a 10-minute drive from the town of Banff.

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3) Extend Your Season

With 27 destinations offered worldwide, chances are you’ve got a BIG winter planned with Ikon. You may be wondering how to possibly fit so many skiing and snowboarding adventures into one season. The extended winter months in the Canadian Rockies help make this possible. The snow flies (and accumulates) in early November all the way to the end of May, giving you ample wiggle room to fit in a trip or two, and fuel up the stoke tank all the way into summer.

Photo by Reuben Krabbe.

4) Cash In Your Ski Miles

Depending on the type of pass you purchase, Ikon gives you five or seven days to use across the destination at Banff Sunshine Village, Lake Louise Ski Resort and Mt. Norquay. While these resort days can be easily used in one longer vacation, they can easily be spread out over two trips as well – especially if you factor in a few fun rest days to explore Banff National Park.

With almost 8,000 acres to explore, knowing where to start may feel a bit daunting. Our personalized Guided Adventure programs get you oriented quickly. You'll be accessing those secret stashes and local's favourites in no time. If you're on a tight schedule and can't use up all your days, you might want to consider skiing two resorts in one day or even try all three and claim the SkiBig3 Trifecta Challenge award.

A day at Banff Sunshine Village with the Guided Adventures program. Photo by Jillian Tester

5) Make the Most of Hotel Deals

Ikon pass holders can take advantage of all  ski and stay packages offered through SkiBig3, even though the ‘ski’ factor is already taken care of with your pass. Just book your package online, or let our Reservations Team know that you’re with Ikon, and they’ll find the best possible accommodation deals for your trip to Banff National Park. That means you can get in on deals and savings with ski and stay package sales, too! The best way to stay on top of the latest offers is to sign up for the SkiBig3 newsletter for information on promos, sales, and more.

Photo courtesy of Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.

Keeping You Safe & Planning The Ultimate Vacation

Want to learn more about using your Ikon pass on your next Canadian Rockies ski vacation? Talk to our Reservations Team today, or scroll through the online booking options! You can reach them via Live Chat, by calling 1-844-754-2443.