Take it from the locals, when powder days happen in Banff National Park, there are some runs that absolutely can not be missed. And with 343 runs combined between Banff Sunshine Village, Lake Louise Ski Resort, and Mt. Norquay, you may be overwhelmed with choice on those crazy deep pow days.
Our SkiBig3 Ambassador Team know the ins and outs of the SkiBig3 resorts like their second home. We've taken the guesswork out of where to find the most epic snow, and asked them their favourite runs to ride when the pow piles up!
1. Whitehorn 1 - Lake Louise Ski Resort
Skier Eli Panning-Osendarp on Whitehorn 1 at Lake Louise Ski Resort. Photo by Travis Rousseau.
Terrain: Expert
If the breeze hits just right, Lake Louise Ski Resort's back bowls are prime on a pow day! Whitehorn 1 is accessed via the front side Summit Platter. Hang a right at the top and head straight to the gate, and continue the steep ride down through Rodney's Ridge.
2. South Side Chutes Glades - Banff Sunshine Village
South Side Chutes glades at Banff Sunshine Village. Photo by Will Lambert.
Terrain: Expert
Hike uphill, or traverse south after exiting the Goat's Eye Express Quad. After a bit of a wild ride through your choice of the South Side Chutes on Goat's Eye Mountain, the terrain mellows out into glorious tree glades with powder in abundance. Make sure your ski and snowboard skills are up to snuff before heading into this expert terrain.
3. Gun Run - Mt. Norquay
Matt Monod skies through the trees on Gun Run at Mt. Norquay ski resort. Photo by Dan Evans.
Terrain: Expert
These sneaky glades off the North American Chair are hidden gems when the snow falls. While most skiers follow the central fall-line off the chair, instead hook skiers left and discover these protected pockets of powdery sweetness.
4. Vertical Cornice - Lake Louise Ski Resort
Skier Eli Panning-Osendarp in ER7 at Lake Louise Ski Resort. Photo by Travis Rousseau.
Terrain: Expert
Accessed on the backside via Paradise Chair is one of the entrances to Vertical Cornice, it's a run found in the area known as ER 7. Wind brings lots of snow into Vertical Cornice (even when snow didn't fall the night before!) It tends to form a very daunting cornice at the top (hence the name), if you come to the edge you'll see a traverse track that makes it much easier to get into. Once in, enjoy the snow! Lots of cliffs, jumps and other features to have fun with if you want to get more extreme!
5. TeePee Town Shoulder - Banff Sunshine Village
Photo by Will Lambert
Terrain: Advanced
With Banff Sunshine Village's TeePee Town chairlift, you can have your pow and eat it too! You can literally warm up your ski legs on their heated chair lift before a beautiful ride down. From the top of the chair, follow Ecstasy Run down until it joins with The Shoulder run. This area sports a zone of burn-out trees providing powder protection with lots of room to move.
6. Sunset Terrace - Lake Louise Ski Resort
Photo by Sarah Magyar.
Terrain: Intermediate
For a cruisey run where you don't have to think about anything but the views and the pow, opt for Sunset Terrace on the front side of Lake Louise Ski Resort. Head up Top of the World Glacier Chair for those beautiful run.
7. Paris Basin - Banff Sunshine Village
Paris Basin at Banff Sunshine Village. Photo by Will Lambert.
Terrain: Advanced
Paris Bowl rides like a dream on a powder day! It's a great area for the dark blue skier or snowboarder to test their skills on advanced terrain. Hang a left through the opening in the trees to make your way back to intermediate terrain in Wawa Bowl. Or, continue on through The Waterfall - an advanced run that is super fun with extra fluffy snow.
8. North American - Mt. Norquay
Kate Targett skiing Lone Pine Run at Mt. Norquay. Photo by Daniel Thomson.
Terrain: Advanced
Hit this run when it's freshly opened on a powder day! While it's usually a mogul run due to its popularity with skiers, a healthy dose of fresh snow makes it a thigh-burning smooth ride with the perfect fall-line. Keep your eyes peeled for grazing goats, they love the view too.
9. Laryx - Banff Sunshine Village
Photo by Travis Rousseau.
Terrain: Advanced
From the top of Standish Express Quad, stay high and hang looker's left to reach Laryx Run, right along the ski area boundary. As your ride down, enjoy stunning views of the snow-covered Sunshine Meadows on skier's right, before reaching the top of Strawberry Express.
10. Tower 12 - Lake Louise Ski Resort
Photo by Josh Segeleski.
Terrain: Expert
Right under the Larch Express chair, you will find Tower 12. A double black diamond tree glades run with lots of untouched pow. This lesser known run is a bit shorter but always worth it! To access it, head towards Lookout Run and hang a right to ski directly under Larch Chair. Once you've reached the #12 chairlift tower, drop in to the left.
