SkiBig3 in Banff and Lake Louise is home to some of the best ski resorts, apres ski restaurants, and overall ski town vibes in North America, according to USA Today readers.
2022 Results: USA Today Readers Choice Awards
Last week, the publication released the results of its annual USA Today Readers Choice Awards. Two SkiBig3 resorts, Banff Sunshine and Lake Louise Ski Resort ranked in the top 5 of the 10 Best Ski Resorts for 2022. A panel of ski industry experts partnered with USA Today editors to choose the nominees and the winners were determined by popular vote. Banff Sunshine was voted the No. 1 best ski resort in North America.
Banff Sunshine was ranked the No. 1 ski resort in North America by USA Today readers. | Photo of Banff Sunshine' TeePee Town LX heated chairlift - the only heated chairlift in Canada!
SkiBig3 resorts rank No. 1 & No. 5
About Banff Sunshine, USA Today wrote: “Skiers and snowboarders at Sunshine Village in Banff are treated to Canada’s only heated chairlift. The resort’s three mountains – Goat’s Eye, Lookout Mountain and Mount Standish – offer more than 3,500 acres of skiable terrain.”
The resort was also ranked No. 4, a few months ago, in SKI Magazine's 2023 Top 30 Resorts of the West for its friendly culture and incredible snow, commenting that “readers love Sunshine for everything it's not: It’s not a mega-resort, it doesn’t feel corporate...just great skiing in good company.”
Meanwhile, USA Today readers ranked Lake Louise Ski Resort No. 5 in USA Today's 10 Best Ski Resorts for 2022, for reasons including its 3,250-foot (990 metre) vertical drop, its vast and varied terrain and runs for all levels from every chair.
Whitehorn Bistro ranked No. 1
In addition, Lake Lousie Ski Resort’s ski-in/ski-out restaurant, Whitehorn Bistro, was voted the No. 1 best ski restaurant for 2022. At 6700 feet (2042 metres) above sea level, the on-mountain restaurant is known for its upscale food, including Swiss-inspired cheese fondue, and breathtaking views of the Canadian Rockies.
Banff voted No. 2 best ski town
Overall, USA Today readers voted Banff, Canada, as the No. 2 best ski town in North America, above worthy contenders such as Park City, Jackson Hole, Telluride and Aspen.
About Banff, USA Today wrote: “Walk 15 minutes in just about any direction from the town of Banff, and you'll find yourself surrounded by the majestic wilderness of Banff National Park. The resort town...boasts a surprising number of shops, art galleries, bars and excellent restaurants for its size.”
In the last year alone, Banff has opened seven new restaurants, the most recent of which being Bluebird Restaurant & Lobby Bar, Brazen, and Anejo, which all opened this fall and are brand new for incoming winter visitors.
Fairmont Banff Springs ranked No.6 best ski hotel
Further emphasizing the world-class ski and stay experience of this top-ranked destination, USA Today Readers Choice Awards voted the Fairmont Banff Springs No. 6 best ski hotel for 2022. This luxury mountain property has been serving guests for over a century and caters to ski guests with its European-style spa to rejuvenate sore muscles and offers complimentary equipment storage.
Currently Banff Sunshine has 9/12 lifts spinning, Lake Louise Ski Resort has 11/11 lifts spinning, and Mt. Norquay has 5/6 lifts spinning, as well. With 191.5” (485cm) of recorded cumulative snowfall, between the three resorts, already - winter is here and Canada’s wild is calling.
Flexible booking all winter
Plan ahead and save big on a Canadian ski vacation. Book a Ski & Stay package and save up to 25% on lodging and lift tickets. Right now, SkiBig3 offers a No Questions Asked cancellation policy allowing for free itinerary changes and full cancellation refund on ski & stay packages up to 14 days from travel.
