Top Questions About Skiing Banff and Lake Louise, Answered

 

Planning a ski trip to Banff National Park? Whether it's your first visit or you're returning for another season in the Canadian Rockies, these are some of the most common questions we receive at SkiBig3. 

 

Skiers enjoying some fresh powder at Banff Sunshine Village | Photo Credit: Jill Scarpato 

 

What resorts are included with a SkiBig3 Lift Ticket? 

 

A SkiBig3 Lift Ticket gives you access to all three of Banff National Park's world-class ski resorts: 

• Banff Sunshine  
• Lake Louise Ski Resort  
• Mt. Norquay  

You can ski or ride any combination of the three resorts during the validity of your lift ticket.  

 

How do I get my lift tickets? 

 

If you purchase your SkiBig3 Lift Ticket at least 72 hours before your arrival, you can have your tickets delivered directly to your hotel. 

During checkout, simply select your hotel from the dropdown menu. If your accommodation isn't listed, you can pick up your tickets at the SkiBig3 Adventure Hubs located in Banff or Canmore or at Guest Services at each resort. 

Please note that the name on your lift ticket order must match the name on your hotel reservation for hotel delivery. Click here for more information.

 

How do grace days work with a multi-day SkiBig3 Lift Ticket? 

 

Grace days give you extra flexibility during your ski vacation. 

For example, if you purchase a 3-day lift ticket, you'll have 5 calendar days from your selected start date to use those three ski days. This allows you to take a day off for sightseeing, relaxing, or enjoying other activities around Banff without losing a ski day. Click here for more information. 

 

In-room rental fittings are avaliable for SkiBig3 customers staying in Canmore | Photo credit: Jill Scarpato

 

Does rental gear include grace days? 

 

No. Rental equipment does not include grace days. 

Equipment must be rented for every day it is out of the shop, regardless of whether you are skiing that day. 

 

How do I get my rental equipment? 

 

Rental equipment is fitted at one of the SkiBig3 Adventure Hubs: 

• Banff: 114 Banff Avenue  
• Canmore: 1350 Railway Avenue, Unit 104  

If you're fitted at least one hour before closing on the day before your rental begins, your equipment can be delivered to your hotel. 

Hotel delivery is available throughout Banff and Canmore. 

Please note that delivery to Airbnb and short-term rental properties is only available in Canmore. Click here for more information. 

 

What's the difference between a Private Guide  and a Private Lesson? 

 

While both experiences are led by SkiBig3's certified instructors, they offer different experiences. 

A Private Lesson focuses on improving your skiing or snowboarding technique through personalized coaching. 

• Private groups can be up to 5 people at no extra cost
• Private groups must be of similar ability 
• Prices subject to 5% GST 
• SkiBig3 Lift Ticket not included in private price, and must be purchased seperately 

A Private Guide is designed for guests who want the ultimate VIP mountain experience. Your guide will show your private group the best terrain for your ability, help you find hidden powder stashes, share local knowledge, and provide lift-line priority. Private Guided Adventures are available as half-day, full-day, or multi-day experiences for groups of up to eight people. 

• Private guided groups can be of varying ability levels 
• Private guided groups are great for both skiers and snowboarders 
• Base prices includes a private guide for a group up to 5 

 

The SkiBig3 Trifecta Challenge | Photo credit: Mirae Campbell

 

What is the SkiBig3 Trifecta Challenge? 

 

The SkiBig3 Trifecta Challenge rewards guests who ski all three SkiBig3 resorts during their trip. 

Here's how it works: 

• Ski or ride at Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise Ski Resort, and Mt. Norquay
• Bring your SkiBig3 Lift Ticket, Ikon Pass, or  to a SkiBig3 Adventure Hub in Banff or Canmore.  
  Receive your exclusive Trifecta Award and a coupon for a complimentary drink (with the purchase of food) at one of our participating partners, including Elk & Oarsman
• It's a fun way to celebrate experiencing all three unique mountains. 
   

How Does Tubing and night skiing Work at Mt. Norquay? 

 

Tubing at Mt. Norquay is a fun way to experience the slopes, whether you're taking a break from skiing or travelling with friends and family. If you're skiing at Mt. Norquay that day on a SkiBig3 Day Lift Ticket, your tubing session is included, making it easy to add another mountain activity to your day.  
 
If you're planning a rest day from skiing but still want to enjoy the mountain, purchasing a standalone tubing ticket is often the best value, allowing you to save your SkiBig3 lift ticket for another full day of skiing at one of the three resorts. 

Mt. Norquay is the only ski resort in the national park to offer night skiing! From mid-December to early Spring (this will vary from season to season), skiers and riders can take to the slopes on Friday and Saturday nights to enjoy fresh cord on the Casacade Chair. Come check it out between 5-9 pm, valid with a SkiBig3 Lift Ticket if you have already used your scan at Mt. Norquay or one of our other resorts previously within the same day.