Spring skiing with SkiBig3 in Banff National Park brings together everything skiers love about the mountains; softer snow, longer days and plenty of room to explore. Planning a spring ski trip doesn’t have to be complicated. With SkiBig3’s customizable ski packages, you can bundle lodging, lift tickets, rentals, snow school and airport transfers into one seamless booking.
Here’s everything you need to know to plan the perfect spring ski trip to Banff and Lake Louise.
While many ski resorts begin winding down in April, spring in Banff is just getting started. With some of SkiBig3’s resorts operating into May, spring skiing in March, April and May offers some of the best skiing of the season.
March marks the beginning of spring in Banff National Park. Historically one of the snowiest months, March brings frequent storms and the chance to experience deep, soft powder alongside sunny spring days. It’s also Spring Break season, making it a wonderful time for a family ski getaway. The snowpack is at its peak, conditions are reliable, and there’s a lively atmosphere both on and off the slopes. Lean into springtime après season with sunny patios and live DJs.
Skiing at Mt. Norquay on March 10, 2025 | Photo credit: Jill Scarpato
April and May are when spring skiing truly shines. Expect warmer temperatures, extended daylight, sunny patios and fewer crowds. The snow softens beautifully throughout the day, creating ideal carving conditions in the afternoon after crisp morning runs. Planning around Easter makes for an easy family getaway, while late April and May bring iconic end-of-season celebrations, including Banff Sunshine and Lake Louise Ski Resort’s closing day pond skims.
Mt. Slushmore pond skim at Lake Louise Ski Resort on April 26, 2025 | Photo credit: Jill Scarpato
The SkiBig3 ski shuttle at Lake Louise Ski Resort | Photo credit: Jill Scarpato
Getting to Banff is easy and straightforward. The closest airport is Calgary International Airport (YYC). From there, the town of Banff is an easy 90 minute drive, and Lake Louise is a scenic 45 minutes further west.
From Calgary to the mountains, there are two options.
Once you’ve arrived, getting around is simple. Banff and Lake Louise are compact and easy to explore on foot, while Canmore offers convenient Roam Transit connections that link the town with Banff. From Banff, SkiBig3’s complimentary ski shuttle provides direct access to Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise Ski Resort and Mt. Norquay.
The Kenrick on Banff Ave | Photo credit: Jill Scarpato
When skiing with SkiBig3, you can choose between three mountain towns, each offering a unique experience.
When it comes to your lodgings, choose from luxury hotels, self-catered condos, economy options, boutique hotels or off-the-grid lodgings. For ski-in, ski-out access within Banff National Park, Sunshine Mountain Lodge offers the only on-mountain lodging experience. Those seeking iconic Canadian luxury may consider staying at the Fairmont Banff Springs or the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Explore SkiBig3’s accommodation options here.
The Super Angel heated bubble chair at Banff Sunshine | Photo credit: Mirae Campbell
A SkiBig3 lift ticket provides access to Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise Ski Resort and Mt. Norquay, offering diverse terrain across three world-class resorts. Your ticket also includes tubing and night skiing at Mt. Norquay, adding even more value to your stay.
Spring is an ideal time to explore all three mountains at a relaxed pace, especially with built-in grace days that allow you to take a rest day without losing value on your ticket. On a grace day, you might explore Banff’s winter activities, enjoy wild ice skating on frozen lakes, unwind at Everwild Nordic Spa in Canmore, or spend time strolling Banff Avenue’s shops and cafés. Spring skiing is about balance; big mountain adventure paired with time to soak in the scenery.
SkiBig3 rentals and instructors | Photo 1 credit: Jill Scarpato. Photo 2 credit: Nick Hase
Travelling with ski equipment, particularly internationally, can be costly and inconvenient. SkiBig3 offers mid-performance to high-performance ski and snowboard rental packages, and booking online in advance ensures both availability and savings.
Guests staying in Canmore can take advantage of the in-room rental fitting service, where professional technicians bring equipment directly to your accommodation and ensure the perfect fit before you even step onto the slopes.
SkiBig3’s Snow School offers private lessons, beginner programs, kids’ camps and private guided adventures. Whether you are new to skiing or refining advanced skills, lessons build confidence and help you make the most of your time on the mountain. Private guided experiences are especially valuable in spring, as local instructors can lead you to the best snow, hidden powder stashes and optimal terrain throughout the day.
Tubing at Mt. Norquay | Photo credit: Rueben Krabbe
When the lifts stop spinning, Banff National Park continues to offer unforgettable experiences. With grace days built into your SkiBig3 lift tickets, enjoy a day exploring to give your weary ski legs some much needed rest.
Thrill-seekers can explore options such as heli-skiing, snowmobiling, ice climbing, ice canyoning, backcountry touring and tubing. For those seeking a slower pace, a day at Everwild Nordic Spa in Canmore or a wellness experience at BASIN in the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise provides the perfect reset. You can also embrace a classic Canadian tradition by skating on one of the region’s frozen lakes or enjoying a casual game of shinny surrounded by mountain views. Spring’s longer daylight hours mean more time to enjoy both the slopes and everything beyond them.
Dinner at Hello Sunshine in Banff | Photo credit: Mirae Campbell
Banff, Lake Louise and Canmore offer a wide range of exceptional dining experiences, and booking ahead is recommended, particularly during Spring Break periods. In Banff, you can enjoy Italian favourites at Lupo and Pizzeria Sophia, sample Japanese-inspired cuisine at Hello Sunshine and Shoku Izakaya, or savour classic Alberta steakhouse fare at Bluebird and Chuck’s. Spring evenings are perfect for lingering over dinner after a sun-filled day on the slopes or celebrating a day on the slopes with patios après.
Spring is one of the most rewarding times to ski in Banff National Park. With a deep seasonal snowpack, warmer temperatures, longer days and festive mountain energy, it’s a season that delivers both adventure and atmosphere. Booking a SkiBig3 package makes planning simple by bundling accommodation, lift tickets, rentals, lessons and transfers into one streamlined reservation.
Book online or speak with a SkiBig3 reservations specialist on 1-844-752-2443 to begin planning your spring ski getaway.
