[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1552433107500{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]Both sunny days of Spring skiing and the local foodie scene are heating up here in Banff National Park. Back for its second year this April, Cochon555 will bring your taste bud indulgence to a new level with even more mouth-watering events to sink your teeth into. And we’ve got the ultimate way to work up your apres appetite – skiing some of the best terrain in the Canadian Rockies.

And Cochon555 is just one part of a well-rounded local culinary scene. From fine dining with grandiose vista views to hole-in-the-wall local favourites (and everything in between), Cochon555 is only the summit of a mountain of ways to satiate your appetite.

Wondering how to fit so much action and deliciousness into only three days? Here’s how to spend the ultimate ski-foodie weekend with Cochon555 here in Banff, Canada.[/vc_column_text][mk_padding_divider][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1552433144744{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]

Thursday

It’s worth getting to Banff early this weekend! There are several accommodation options suitable for your style and budget, which can be booked with a weekend Cochon555 package. Whether driving in with a rental car or booking an airporter, Banff is an easy commute from the nearest city of Calgary, with many direct flights from locations throughout the States. If you book your ski tickets three days or more in advance, they will be ready for pick up at your hotel’s concierge upon checking in.

After you’re all settled in, it’s the perfect time to discover downtown Banff. Most hotels are within easy walking distance of the action. While you’re there, stop by the SkiBig3 Adventure Hub to get fitted and geared up for your upcoming days on the slopes. [/vc_column_text][mk_padding_divider][vc_single_image image=”98051″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes”][mk_padding_divider][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1552337205351{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]Afterward, there are many trendy locales to discover, serving up everything from delicious brews to craft cocktails. Many are created with spirits made with locally-sourced ingredients, including everything on the cocktail menu at Park Distillery, and the ales at the Banff Ave Brewing Co. are brewed right in-house. Don’t indulge too much, though! There’s a big weekend ahead.[/vc_column_text][mk_padding_divider][vc_single_image image=”82232″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes”][mk_padding_divider][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1552335525570{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]

Friday

The first full day of your ski-foodie weekend begins at Lake Louise Ski Resort. Just a 40-minute shuttle from the steps of your hotel, you’ll be skiing along a mountain ridge and taking in stunning views of Mt. Temple in no time.

Their on-mountain eats are worth the trip in itself! Kuma Yama sushi restaurant in the Lodge of Ten Peaks serves up beautifully crafted sushi bowls and delicious bowls of ramen. Want to fuel up mid-mountain? Whitehorn Bistro has some of the best fondue and charcuterie you’ll find in the Bow Valley. For something with a bit more rustic charm, you can find a similar menu at Sawyer’s Nook on the backside Temple Lodge. Finally, it wouldn’t be a day at Lake Louise Ski Resort without kicking back at Kokanee Kabin at day’s end to soak in the Spring ski vibe.[/vc_column_text][mk_padding_divider][vc_single_image image=”98056″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes”][mk_padding_divider][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1552579687327{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]And there’s more deliciousness awaiting you back in Banff. This year, Cochon555 brings collaborative long-table dinners at local participating restaurants, local and international culinary talent come together to create unique multi-course menus. Beginning after 6 pm, you’ll have ample time to take the shuttle back to your hotel and get dressed in your Friday-night best for this event. 

These dinners will showcase the best savoury servings of these talented chefs. The communal dining format will encourage discussion of the flavour nuances, while the chefs themselves will be on hand to describe each plate and answer any questions – a true food enthusiasts’ dream come true!

From the slopes of Banff Sunshine Village, treat yourself to the Eagle’s Nest’s winemaker dinner, hosted by winemaker Ben Bryant from the central ranges of New South Wales, Australia. Each course will be perfectly complemented by a grape personally selected by Bryant, from Sungold lamb loin to hibiscus infused chocolate mousse. Whether staying at Sunshine Mountain Lodge or in the town of Banff, all guests can attend this dinner as the gondola will operate late that evening.[/vc_column_text][mk_padding_divider][vc_single_image image=”98061″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes”][mk_padding_divider][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1552336196996{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]

Saturday

Your second stop on the spring ski-foodie weekend tour is no other than Banff Sunshine Village. They know how to do the spring ski vibe right. Weekends here thrive and come alive with excitement when the warm weather hits. Skiers and snowboarders can be seen cruising hot laps with nothing more than a t-shirt and a big ‘ole smile. Trapper’s is the congregation point for Caesars in the sun while you kick back and work on that goggle tan.[/vc_column_text][mk_padding_divider][vc_single_image image=”97272″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes”][mk_padding_divider][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1552433300118{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]While the sun starts to dip towards the ridgeline, the action is just getting started back in Banff. Held at the beautiful Fairmont Banff Springs, the main Cochon555 event begins in the early evening. Over 40 pop-up food and beverage stations will be on site to present the best of their best. Here, five competing chefs will work with five heritage-breed pigs in a friendly nose-to-tail competition, to create the best tastings for your assessment. Exclusive VIP and General Admission tickets are available now through SkiBig3 Reservations. [/vc_column_text][mk_padding_divider][vc_single_image image=”96817″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes”][mk_padding_divider][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1552337349546{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]

Sunday

What better way to work off the food coma, than with a cheeky jaunt up to Mt. Norquay? Being the closest of all three ski resorts to the town of Banff, the ease of getting to your first chair of the day will be all-the-more appreciated after a weekend of indulgence. 

But first, you’ll want to fuel up with a brunch or breakfast in town. These local breakfast spots are popular go-to’s here in Banff. The Juniper Bistro has a breakfast menu to die for, and uses fresh local ingredients whenever possible. Coyote’s is a bit closer in town and is famous for their Canadian back bacon-stuffed french toast.[/vc_column_text][mk_padding_divider][vc_single_image image=”98066″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes”][mk_padding_divider][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1552433355666{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]Ready for a ski weekend of ultimate apres indulgence? Talk to our in-destination Reservations Team today about booking your ski + Cochon555 package this April. VIP and General Admission Tickets are selling quickly – get yours today!.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]