Family Guide to Mt. Norquay: Insider Local Tips

By Kandace McCorrister

A family ski trip to Banff National Park is one of the best choices for a winter vacation. Mt. Norquay is a great family mountain, offering a mix of very easy beginner terrain for those learning to ski/snowboard, and some amazing, steep runs for those who want to push themselves. It's also the closest mountain to the town of Banff, being just a 10-minute drive or shuttle from downtown. This hometown resort is a favourite with locals, and for good reason! It's perfect for progression, so no matter whether you're a family with beginner and intermediate riders, or you have kids with advanced skills, Mt. Norquay is a great go-to.

Photo by Kandace McCorrister.

And, Mt. Norquay is the only mountain that offers night skiing (and night tubing!) on Fridays and Saturdays. This is a great experience to mix in to your family winter vacation. Mt. Norquay is a great introductory mountain to start out your trip and get comfortable on the slopes, but you won't get bored either! This resort is also a favourite training spot for many of the ski racing clubs in the area and has produced some of the best Canadian ski racers.

Photo by Kandace McCorrister.

Favourite Family Features

• Offers a variety of terrain
• Great beginner chair available
• Minimal crowds
• Night skiing
• Ski lessons for kids and adults
• Week long programs available
• Daycare
• Breathtaking views of Banff
• Tubing
• Sightseeing & snowshoeing

Favourite Places to Ride

Photo by Kandace McCorrister.

Cascade

The main chair you see from the lodge is the perfect first chair for those learning to ski/snowboard. This green run is almost like an extra large bunny hill and a great place to get confident making turns and having a ton of fun. Riding the Cascade chair you’ll be able to watch riders put down amazing tricks in the park, which always makes the chair ride exciting. Cascade also accesses the terrain park where you’ll find a mix of features (including some great beginner boxes).

Spirit

Once you’ve conquered Cascade head over to the spirit chair to get in some longer green runs and maybe even a blue like Ray’s Run.

Mystic

If you’re having fun on Spirit and your kids are comfortable on blue runs, Mystic is a favourite place for most locals to ride at Norquay. You’ll find lots of amazing terrain to ride and usually the conditions are great because it's not as busy. Note: there are mainly blue and black runs on Mystic.

Favourite Places to Refuel

Photo by Kandace McCorrister.

Lunch

The cafeteria in the Cascade Lodge serves up some delicious homemade sandwiches, plus all the other regular things your kids will love (burgers, chicken fingers, poutine, slushies and more). It’s a great stop for lunch!

Night Bites

Night skiing is so much fun for the kids! They're bound to burn off some energy, and at the end of the evening you can conveniently head upstairs to the Lone Pine Pub. Parents can indulge in a pint while kids can go for some of the best nachos. It makes for a fabulous family evening!

Photo by Kandace McCorrister.

Photo by Kandace McCorrister.

If you're interested in booking your next family ski vacation with SkiBig3, talk to their in-destination Vacation Specialists. They're experts on the SkiBig3 resorts, safety tips and know all the recommendations to get you and your kids to the slopes seamlessly.  Reach them at  1-844-754-2443  or plan your Canadian Rockies ski vacation online. Great Ski & Stay Packages available now.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]