SkiBig3
Tips
Thu, 30 Sep 2021

Five Ways to Tell Ski Season is Just Around the Corner

The first day of ski season might not be for a couple weeks, but there comes a time when Banff & Lake Louise locals wake up and feel the arrival of Jack Frost. If you aren't able to experience the eventual change from autumn to winter with us, here are our top five ways to tell ski season is just around the corner.

1. Larch Season Ends

While Banff National Park might not experience the vast mix of autumnal colours Eastern Canada is known for during the fall season, larch season acts as our version of it. Larch season stretches throughout September, and once the larches shed their beautiful, bright yellow needles, locals know winter is creeping just around the corner.

2. Trading in Iced Drinks for Hot Ones

In the summer months, we love nothing more than an iced coffee to keep us cool while getting a caffeine boost, but once the seasons change, we use fall as an excuse to drink as many pumpkin spice lattes as we can. Whether it's a hot chocolate during a lodge warm-up session or a hot toddy while you apres, there is something comforting about enjoying a hot drink on a cold day.

3. Dusting of Snow on the Mountain Peaks

September Snow in Banff National Park September Snow in Banff National Park

Some of our mountains never lose their frosted tips, even in the warm heat of summer, but a large number of our iconic peaks go without. Once September hits, many of those bald peaks slowly start to go white as more snow piles up. Once the mountains go white, Banff returns to that iconic state of the "great white north."

4. Buyer's Guides Come Out

We might never see a model on skis at Paris Fashion Week, but historically, autumn is the most important season for a fashion and gear update. Summer is a season of vacations, late nights, and laid-back memories, and autumn acts as a reset into new routines.

Buyer's guides come out just before the start of winter to usher in a return of the ski and snowboard season. Not only do they show us some of the best gear we can grab to make the most of our time on the hills, but they offer a forecast of what we can expect from our favourite gear and clothing companies.  It's a bonus pre-season day is when your season pass arrives in your mailbox at the same time as your favourite ski mag!

5. Boots and Sandals at Your Front Door

Canadians have a reputation for handling the cold, and some of us insist that sandals are winter footwear. However, for most of us, once we start to battle with whether to go closed or open-toed with our footwear, ski season is probably just around the corner.

Top tip: if you've put on your winter tires, you should probably put your sandals away until next summer.

Ready to hit the slopes in Banff National Park?

While still subject to change, opening dates for SkiBig3 resorts are ready to be penciled onto the calendar. Opening dates are tentatively posted as October 30th for Mt Norquay, November 5th at Lake Louise, and November 11th at Banff Sunshine Village.

Let us help you create your perfect Ski & Stay Package. To book your next ski vacation with SkiBig3, check out our Ski & Stay Packages or call us at 1-844-754-2443.

Other blog posts

Blog
Tips
Wed, 28 May 2025

When is the best time to visit Banff

Banff is one of those rare places where every season has its own magic. Whether you’re chasing perfect powder turns, vibrant wildflowers, golden larches, or bluebird patio days, there’s never a bad time to visit. The only question is: what kind of adventure are you looking for?
Activities & Exp...
SkiBig3
Mon, 05 May 2025

Stand-Up Paddleboard in Banff on these 7 Scenic Lakes

Stand-up paddleboard in Banff National Park this summer. Take a look at these 7 must-paddle scenic lakes and make unforgettable memories.
Wed, 30 Apr 2025

Renting a Kayak? 5 Scenic Lakes You Have to Explore

Here in Banff, there are so many ways to experience these iconic jaw-dropping mountains in the summer. If you’re looking for an alternative to an on-foot adventure, renting an inflatable, two person kayak from SkiBig3, is the perfect way to sit back, relax and enjoy the water with a breathtaking view.
Wed, 30 Apr 2025

A Guide to Banff’s Best Coffee Spots

What better way to start your morning, than enjoying a coffee and a baked good, whilst enjoying a stunning view of Cascade, Tunnel or Rundle Mountain.
Wed, 30 Apr 2025

Banff for the Non Hiker: Relaxed Ways to Experience the Rockies

Love the mountains but not into steep trails or full day hikes? You’re not alone, and you’re definitely not missing out. Banff and Lake Louise offer plenty of ways to take in the beauty of the Canadian Rockies without ever lacing up a pair of hiking boots.