This winter, we’re all about micro-vacations from the comfort of our own backyard. These short-stay getaways to the SkiBig3 resorts can be enjoyed over two or three days. Plus, they pack high value in thrilling and unique winter experiences to share with your cohort.
With stunning Rockies vistas and resort terrain, mouth-watering Canadian cuisine, and authentic off-day adventures, these mini-getaways are packed with unforgettable moments. They’re the perfect escape to reinvigorate the spirit and create new mountain memories.
Photo courtesy of Banff Sunshine Village.
Conveniently located along the four-lane Trans-Canada Highway, the town of Banff can be found only a 90-minute straight line drive from Calgary and 3 hours from Edmonton. Banff Sunshine Village is a 15-minute drive from the town of Banff.
Grab all of your ski and snowboard essentials at our one-stop-shop winter adventure shop - the SkiBig3 Adventure Hub, conveniently located right on Banff Avenue. Pick up gear to suit any style and ability, and grab any extra essentials you may have forgotten.
Purchase your SkiBig3 lift tickets in advance for the best deals. Your tickets can be picked up at the SkiBig3 Adventure Hub and are direct-to-lift, so you don’t need to worry about any lift ticket window waits at the resort.
Consider making a midweek visit to the destination! Visiting between Monday and Thursday ensures wide open spaces and shorter lift waits, often bordering on a private resort experience.
Photo courtesy of Banff Sunshine Village.
With ever-evolving Covid-19 restrictions in place, it’s important to know before you go and stay informed on the current operational protocols at the SkiBig3 resorts. Read up on our Health & Safety Protocols page before arrival, and check out our tips for how to SkiBig3 during Covid-19.
Banff Sunshine Village is a people-pleaser no matter your ability, with soft rolling groomers and advanced technical terrain in their famous freeride zones. And with a seven month season stretching all the way to the end of May, you'll have plenty of time to explore this amazing resort.
Photo courtesy of Banff Sunshine Village.
Banff Sunshine Village can be found high up in the Canadian Rockies at an elevation of 7,200 feet (and that's just the base area!) with their colourful gondolas bringing you high up into the alpine. This prime location ensures playful, soft snow all winter long and makes you feel a million miles away from civilization, with uninterrupted views of stunning mountain vistas.
Banff Sunshine Village has several great dining options - both outdoor and indoor. Step back in time with the historic Mad Trapper's Smokehouse. First established as one of the original structures in 1928, it's history lives on in the memorabilia, artifacts, and photos adorning the cabin walls.
Photo by Mike Seehagel, Banff Sunshine Village.
Come springtime, their patio is the perfect place to kick back on the deck with a pint. They also have several great grab-and-go options to enjoy for a tailgate lunch in the parking lot. Or, bring up your own lunch from any of these take out eateries in Banff and Lake Louise.
Insider Tip: Advanced skiers and snowboarders won’t want to miss Delirium Dive or Wild West! Access to these advanced free ride zones is gated and requires avalanche safety gear, knowledge of how to use it, and a skiing or snowboarding partner. Learn more about what you need to know before riding Banff Sunshine Village's freeride zones.
Photo courtesy of Pursuit Banff Jasper Collection.
Spending the night in Banff is a great way to make the most of this mini-getaway! You'll have walking-distance access to the best restaurants, coffee shops, museums and art galleries. The historic Mount Royal Hotel is conveniently located in the heart of it all, right on Banff Avenue.
Mount Royal Hotel has been in the same prime downtown location for over 100 years. Yet it seamlessly blends its heritage roots with contemporary Canadian style. Enjoy their rooftop hot tub* or take a trip back in time with their lobby museum. You can also book this hotel as part of our SkiBig3 Spring Pack!
*currently closed due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Insider Tip: Looking for something a little more 'off the grid'? Consider spending the night at Sunshine Mountain Lodge at Banff Sunshine Village. Located right on the mountain, it's the only ski-in/ski-out accommodation in Banff National Park and will ensure you get first tracks on the slopes!
The town of Banff hosts a plethora of dining opportunities to enjoy, and several new restaurants have recently joined the culinary scene. The most recent addition is Shoku Izakaya - an exciting new Japanese/Pan Asian influenced restaurant.
Photo by Marie-Eve Bilodeau-Corriveau.
Offering both lunch and dinner menus, you can enjoy favourites like bao buns and a variety of sushi and sashimi selections, as well as more substantial offerings such as Ahi Grilled Tuna and Big Scallops. Each dish looks as beautiful and unique as it tastes.
Day 2 - Cross-Country Ski Trails Near Banff
Photo by Marie-Eve Bilodeau-Corriveau.
For day two, it’s time to shake out those legs with a cruisey cross-country ski! There are several trails near Banff of varying difficulties to suit all abilities. Pick up your rentals from Ultimate Banff or SnowTips Bactrax in Banff. If you're heading to Lake Louise, cross-country ski package rentals are available from Wilson's Mountain Sports.
Looking for other off-day activities to complete your Banff getaway? Any of these adventures will do nicely!
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Stay local and explore your own backyard this winter. During these uncertain times, we’re here to help you book a quick get-away to ski your choice of Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise & Mt Norquay. Or, consider booking a SkiBig3 Spring-Pack, providing the ultimate in Ski & Stay convenience for a local escape at a great price. Skiing in Banff National Park rolls until early May, so there is plenty of season available to plan for a quick road trip within your Albertan backyard.
