Wondering where to ski in Banff and Lake Louise? With just under a whopping 8,000 acres of terrain to explore across the three SkiBig3 resorts (Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise Ski Resort, and Mt. Norquay), it can be hard to choose which resort to start at and what runs to try out first. But don't stress! There is plenty of time to explore the three resorts, and you can visit them all with just one SkiBig3 Lift Ticket. To help you plan your trip, here is the ultimate resort guide to give you a quick overview of the three resorts and where to ski in Banff and Lake Louise.
First up, Banff Sunshine. Hop on board the multi-colour gondola and enjoy the ride all the way to the top of the village. From there, warm up your legs with a few laps on Strawberry or Standish Express Quad. Once your legs are warm, ski down from the top of Strawberry Express Quad to the Great Divide Express Quad chairlift. Keep an eye out as you cross the continental divide on the way up and take in the incredible views from the top of Lookout Mountain. After a morning full of riding, it's time for lunch. Head down to the iconic Mad Trappers in the village for a delicious refuel.
The fun doesn't stop there! In the afternoon, make your way over to Wawa Quad and be sure to snap a picture at the top with the selfie cam. Then, ski down to the lower mountain and head over to Goat's Eye Express Quad chair. Take in the jaw-dropping views as you adventure back down. When you're ready to finish the day, head down Banff Avenue and enjoy the ski out to the bottom of the mountain. Relive all the memories with a well-deserved apres at the Creekside Bar & Grill.
Taking in the views at the top of the Great Divide Express Quad chairlift ready to ride South Divide run down. | Photo by Dan Evans
If you're looking for the perfect circle around Lake Louise Ski Resort, look no further. Once you are geared up and ready to go, start your day at the Juniper Express. It's the perfect place to make the first runs of the day. Once you're ready for more, hop onto the Glacier Express to the Top of the World Express and stand on the viewing platform to see sweeping views of Lake Louise. Then, jump on the Summit Chair to experience unlimited lines in the Back Bowls. Cruise over to the Larch Express for some groomers and glades before lunch.
Once you've worked up an appetite, there are so many delicious places to choose from for lunch at Lake Louise, but you won't want to miss Kuma Yama back in Temple Lodge!
After lunch, jump back on the Grizzly Express Gondola and make your way over to the Back Bowls to enjoy a few more laps. To end the day on a high, take Paradise Chair for one last exhilarating run from top to bottom and glide into Banded Peak Base Camp for some apres to finish off the day.
Lapping the Back Bowls at Lake Louise for fresh lines and fun turns. | Photo by Reuben Krabbe
Also known as Banff's backyard, Mt. Norquay is a true hidden gem waiting to be explored. For the first laps of the day, ride the Cascade Chair to warm up the legs. After a few turns, make your way over to Mystic Express to enjoy some corduroy carpet groomers. After you've had your groomer fix, ski across the mountain to the famous North American Chair. At the top, make sure to take in the breathtaking views of the town of Banff from the lookout. Adventure your way down Lone Pine or explore the Memorial Bowl to hunt down some of those powder pockets.
Trade in your skis and boards for some tubes a the tubing lanes. Slip, slide, and whizz down the longest tube lanes in Alberta. To wrap up your day on the mountain, head over to Lone Pine Lodge for some mouth-watering nachos and a drink to celebrate the day.
Warming up the legs on a bluebird day at Mt. Norquay | Photo by Reuben Krabbe
With three mountains to explore all a hop, skip, and jump away, and with just one SkiBig3 Lift Ticket there is so much skiing and snowboarding to experience in Banff and Lake Louise. Check out the SkiBig3 trail maps so you can plan your route and favourite lines. If you still need help navigating the resorts, be sure to book SkiBig3 Guided Adventure. Our guides will help you to experience the best of the three resorts and hit terrain you may not have found without a guide. So, what are you waiting for? Get in touch with our friendly reservations team to help you find the perfect vacation package for you. You can call them at 1-844-754-2443 or drop them a message at packages@skibig3.com.
