COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT BANFF & LAKE LOUISE
In this section, we try to answer some of the common questions about Banff and Lake Louise. If there’s anything we haven’t covered, please contact us for an answer.
Lift Tickets & Rentals
Grace days allow you to take a rest day or days during your ski trip. For example on a three day lift ticket you have five days from the start date of the ticket to ski your three days.
Yes, lift tickets are date specific so you will need to know what days you plan to ski and select your lift tickets accordingly.
Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise Ski Resort and Mt. Norquay.
Banff Sunshine & Mt. Norquay: No reservation required, however parking access may be limited on weekends and holiday days. Arrive early, or later in day, for access on busy days.
Lake Louise Ski Resort will require reservations as of December 22, 2020. While we don’t expect to reach capacity most days, there are days we will be close. Avoid disappointment by reserving your day(s) on the mountain up to two weeks in advance.
As a SkiBig3 Lift Ticket holder, you have allocated access to daily reservations, however we still need you to let us know which days you plan to visit Lake Louise.
HOW TO MAKE A RESERVATION
1. VISIT www.skilouise.com/reservations
Enter your SkiBig3 Lift Ticket Number, then click the “Reserve a date” button. All dates are available for SkiBig3 lift ticket holders, even if the calendar indicates the day is “filled-up.” Enter your ticket number and the calendar will refresh.
2. SELECT THE DATE
Review the calendar and click on the day you wish to visit.
3. COMPLETE THE RESERVATION
Enter your name and email then click the “Reserve” button to complete your reservation. A confirmation will be sent to your email. If you need to cancel and rebook, ensure you use the cancellation link in your confirmation email.
We thank you for your patience and look forward to welcoming you to Banff & Lake Louise.
Stay up to date with all destination health and safety protocol here: https://www.skibig3.com/health-safety-protocols/
Lake Louise Ski Resort will require reservations as of December 22, 2020. While we don’t expect to reach capacity most days, there are days we will be close. Avoid disappointment by reserving your day(s) on the mountain up to two weeks in advance.
As a SkiBig3 Lift Ticket holder, you have allocated access to daily reservations, however we still need you to let us know which days you plan to visit Lake Louise.
HOW TO MAKE A RESERVATION
1. VISIT www.skilouise.com/reservations
Enter your SkiBig3 Lift Ticket Number, then click the “Reserve a date” button. All dates are available for SkiBig3 lift ticket holders, even if the calendar indicates the day is “filled-up.” Enter your ticket number and the calendar will refresh.
2. SELECT THE DATE
Review the calendar and click on the day you wish to visit.
3. COMPLETE THE RESERVATION
Enter your name and email then click the “Reserve” button to complete your reservation. A confirmation will be sent to your email. If you need to cancel and rebook, ensure you use the cancellation link in your confirmation email.
We thank you for your patience and look forward to welcoming you to Banff & Lake Louise.
Stay up to date with all destination health and safety protocol here: https://www.skibig3.com/health-safety-protocols/
Night skiing is included with your SkiBig3 Lift Ticket. Night skiing is not included on the Mountain Collective or Ikon Pass.
Lessons do not include lift tickets or equipment. Please ensure you have a lift ticket in hand before arriving to your lesson.
Lift tickets cannot be mailed out. You can pick up your pre-purchased SkiBig3 passes in Banff at the SkiBig3 Adventure Hub and in Canmore at Gear Up. You can also choose to have them delivered to your hotel in Banff, Canmore or Lake Louise if you purchase at least 72 hours in advance.
When purchasing your lift ticket at least 72 hours in advance you can select the hotel you are staying at from the drop down menu in the checkout. If your hotel is not listed you can choose to pick up your lift tickets in Banff at the SkiBig3 Adventure Hub or in Canmore at Gear Up.
The name on the lift ticket order must match the name on the hotel reservation or the hotel may not accept it upon delivery.
Rentals do not include grace days and must be rented for each day that they will be out of the shop.
Rental equipment needs be fitted at the SkiBig3 Adventure Hub located at 114 Banff Ave . If you get fitted one hour before regular closing time the day prior to your rental start-date (see SkiBig3 Adventure Hub hours), you can have your rentals delivered to your hotel. Delivery is only available for Banff hotels.
You can get fitted during the SkiBig3 Adventure Hub hours the day before your rental starts. If you are staying in Banff, you can have it delivered to your Banff Hotel.
Yes, you must have the equipment fitted at the SkiBig3 Adventure Hub.
For your safety, the equipment must be fitted at the SkiBig3 Adventure Hub.
The hours may vary, please visit SkiBig3 Adventure Hub hours here for the most up to date information.
The SkiBig3 Adventure Hub is located at 114 Banff Avenue in downtown Banff.
If you have reserved rental equipment through SkiBig3 it must be fitted and picked up at SkiBig3 Adventure Hub in Banff prior to going to the resort. If you are staying in Banff, you can get fitted the day before (SkiBig3 Adventure Hub hours) your first ski day and the equipment would be delivered to you hotel.
Our mid performance level is best suited to beginners and intermediate skiers. High performance is for intermediate and up. The demo gear is going to be the most recent equipment for the current season for guests to try out. Demo gear is suited for intermediate and up.
Skis, boots, poles, helmets, snowboards, snow pants and snowshoes are all available for rent as part of a package or on their own. Items such as gloves, goggles and clothing are available for purchase at the SkiBig3 Adventure Hub.
SkiBig3 & Resorts
The SkiBig3 Adventure Hub is open 7-days a week throughout the winter season. Hours are subject to change with current hours of operation available here.
The Adventure Hub is located at 114 Banff Avenue in downtown Banff.
Yes, night skiing and night tubing is available every Friday & Saturday night at Mt. Norquay from January 8 through March 13th. Dates are subject to change.
Night skiing is included with your SkiBig3 Lift Ticket and can be used as part of the same day-scan when you have skied at any other resort on that day. Should you choose to only go night-skiing, this is considered one-day of skiing.
No, night skiing is not valid with a Mountain Collective or Ikon Pass. A separate night skiing ticket can be purchased at Mt Norquay.
Ski at all three SkiBig3 resorts during your stay, and you have completed the Trifecta Challenge! After you’re done stop in at the SkiBig3 Adventure Hub to claim your prize and free drink voucher – valid only for SkiBig3 Lift Ticket holders, Ikon Pass, and Mountain Collective. Complete Trifecta Challenge details.
Your SkiBig3 Lift Ticket is valid for same-day usage at Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise and Mt Norquay. Please note, shuttles do not run from one resort to another, so a private vehicle would be required.
Banff Sunshine Village offers the only ski-in/ski-out option in Banff National Park. During this unique stay, guests stay at the top of the gondola in the upper village.
Choosing the part of winter is definitely based on personal preferences. Early season is a quieter time to visit until the Christmas season kicks into gear. Early-season conditions are variable season-to-season but traditionally most runs and terrain are fully operational by Christmas break. January and February are typically the coolest months to visit so it is important to come fully prepared with your warmest sweaters and ski clothing. March is known for great snowfall and big storms bringing deep powder snow. During March we start to see warmer temperatures come back which then transitions into April spring conditions for the remainder of the season. The holiday times in December, Alberta’s Family Day week in mid-February and Easter weekend are generally some of the busiest times at our resorts. Month-by-Month Guide to SkiBig3.
Banff Sunshine & Mt. Norquay: No reservation required, however parking access may be limited on weekends and holiday days. Arrive early, or later in day, for access on busy days.
Lake Louise Ski Resort will require reservations as of December 22, 2020. While we don’t expect to reach capacity most days, there are days we will be close. Avoid disappointment by reserving your day(s) on the mountain up to two weeks in advance.
As a SkiBig3 Lift Ticket holder, you have allocated access to daily reservations, however we still need you to let us know which days you plan to visit Lake Louise.
HOW TO MAKE A RESERVATION
1. VISIT www.skilouise.com/reservations
Enter your SkiBig3 Lift Ticket Number, then click the “Reserve a date” button. All dates are available for SkiBig3 lift ticket holders, even if the calendar indicates the day is “filled-up.” Enter your ticket number and the calendar will refresh.
2. SELECT THE DATE
Review the calendar and click on the day you wish to visit.
3. COMPLETE THE RESERVATION
Enter your name and email then click the “Reserve” button to complete your reservation. A confirmation will be sent to your email. If you need to cancel and rebook, ensure you use the cancellation link in your confirmation email.
We thank you for your patience and look forward to welcoming you to Banff & Lake Louise.
Stay up to date with all destination health and safety protocol here: https://www.skibig3.com/health-safety-protocols/
All three resorts have specially designed areas for those learning to ski or snowboard, as well as beginner level runs for continued progression. You can feel comfortable learning at any of the SkiBig3 resorts.
2020/21 Projected Opening Dates
Banff Sunshine: November 6, 2020
Norquay: October 31, 2020
Lake Louise: November 6, 2020
Opening and closing dates are subject to the weather conditions and are subject to change.
The SkiBig3 season typically runs from early November through until Mid May, with Banff Sunshine Village open the longest until the Victoria Day Weekend.
Victoria Day 2021 is May 24.
Chairlifts and runs are opened based on a variety of conditions and are subject to change. Stay up-to-date with the SkiBig3 app for more information and daily snow conditions.
SkiBig3 Lift Tickets are non-refundable as of 3-days prior to arrival. We highly recommend travel insurance for all of our guests incase of last minute changes, injury, illness or changes in travel plans.
The SkiBig3 Lift Ticket gives you easy access to all three of the resorts in Banff National Park on one lift ticket, hotel delivery (no lines), and priority access to all three resorts (no reservations). In addition you also receive exclusive discounts and perks at area restaurants, stores and activities!
We love to welcome pass holders to Banff & Lake Louise! Most Ski & Stay Packages are available to Ikon Pass and Mountain Collective pass holders, without having to bundle with lift tickets. Exclusive deals are also available for both Ikon Pass and Mountain Collective.
SkiBig3 has a very flexible booking and cancellation policy. Changes and cancellations are free until 3-days prior to arrival. Please visit our website www.skibig3.com/cancellation policies for up to date change and cancellation policies. Have questions, call our Reservations Team as they are happy to assist 1-844-754-2443.
14 days prior to arrival your card on file will be charged the remaining balance owing. If you wish to pay before that date or need to change credit card information please contact us.
Banff Sunshine & Mt. Norquay: No reservation required, however parking access may be limited on weekends and holiday days. Arrive early, or later in day, for access on busy days.
Lake Louise Ski Resort will require reservations as of December 22, 2020. While we don’t expect to reach capacity most days, there are days we will be close. Avoid disappointment by reserving your day(s) on the mountain up to two weeks in advance.
As a SkiBig3 Lift Ticket holder, you have allocated access to daily reservations, however we still need you to let us know which days you plan to visit Lake Louise.
HOW TO MAKE A RESERVATION
1. VISIT www.skilouise.com/reservations
Enter your SkiBig3 Lift Ticket Number, then click the
“Reserve a date” button. All dates are available for SkiBig3 lift ticket
holders, even if the calendar indicates the day is “filled-up.” Enter your
ticket number and the calendar will refresh.
2. SELECT THE DATE
Review the calendar and click on the day you wish to visit.
3. COMPLETE THE RESERVATION
Enter your name and email then click the “Reserve” button to complete your reservation. A confirmation will be sent to your email. If you need to cancel and rebook, ensure you use the cancellation link in your confirmation email.
We thank you for your patience and look forward to welcoming you to Banff & Lake Louise.
Stay up to date with all destination health and safety protocol here: https://www.skibig3.com/health-safety-protocols/
Banff & Lake Louise
The national park pass is required if you are stopping within the park (not just driving straight through). Passes can be purchased in advance online, at the gates to the park as you enter Banff or at the visitor center in downtown Banff.
The price of a pass depends on the number of days and number of people. You can purchase your pass in advance by visiting www.banfflakelouise.com/park-pass-purchase, from the gate attendants or visitor center representatives in Banff.
Depending on when travel to Banff the weather can be sunny and blue skies or nearing -30 Celsius (-22F), sometimes even both at the same time!
Bring lots of layers so that you can easily add or take away depending on how the weather is. It is also important to remember the weather in town or at the base of the mountain can be very different to what is happening at the top of the mountain. Remember to bring along layers for your day at the resort.
Banff and Lake Louise are full of activities at any time of the year. In the Winter there is snowshoeing, dog sledding, skating, cross country skiing, snowmobiling, ice walks, and sleigh rides, are just a few of the activities you can add to your itinerary by contacting SkiBig3. There are also many events held throughout the winter season on the resorts and in Banff and Lake Louise.
Transportation
The closest airport to Banff is Calgary International Airport (YYC).
Rentals cars are available from Calgary International Airport or there are shuttles that will drop you off at your hotel.
Banff Airporter and Brewster Express are the companies we work with.
Both shuttle check-in desks are located between exit doors 5 and 6 of the main arrivals domestic terminal at the Calgary International Airport.
Please follow the details on your shuttle confirmation as they are subject to change.
The Brewster Express shuttle has a limited schedule for travelling to Lake Louise from Calgary International Airport.
A car is not necessary when you are staying in Banff as the town is very walkable with access to public transportation, and there are shuttles to all 3 ski resorts.
Yes, you can drive to each of the resorts and there is no charge for parking. Shuttles to each of the resorts are available from the town of Banff and are recommended as parking lots fill quickly.
The resort ski shuttles are complimentary with your lift ticket/pass. Download the SkiBig3 app or check out our website for a schedule when you are here.
Shuttles are free for all guests regardless of the type of lift ticket or pass you have for that resort.
Banff Sunshine & Mt. Norquay: No reservation required, however parking access may be limited on weekends and holiday days. Arrive early, or later in day, for access on busy days.
Lake Louise Ski Resort will require reservations as of December 22, 2020. While we don’t expect to reach capacity most days, there are days we will be close. Avoid disappointment by reserving your day(s) on the mountain up to two weeks in advance.
As a SkiBig3 Lift Ticket holder, you have allocated access to daily reservations, however we still need you to let us know which days you plan to visit Lake Louise.
HOW TO MAKE A RESERVATION
1. VISIT www.skilouise.com/reservations
Enter your SkiBig3 Lift Ticket Number, then click the “Reserve a date” button. All dates are available for SkiBig3 lift ticket holders, even if the calendar indicates the day is “filled-up.” Enter your ticket number and the calendar will refresh.
2. SELECT THE DATE
Review the calendar and click on the day you wish to visit.
3. COMPLETE THE RESERVATION
Enter your name and email then click the “Reserve” button to complete your reservation. A confirmation will be sent to your email. If you need to cancel and rebook, ensure you use the cancellation link in your confirmation email.
We thank you for your patience and look forward to welcoming you to Banff & Lake Louise.
Stay up to date with all destination health and safety protocol here: https://www.skibig3.com/health-safety-protocols/
Mountain Collective
SkiBig3 will mail your SkiBig3 Mountain Collective pass (valid at both Banff Sunshine & Lake Louise) as soon as possible so all you have to do is show up with your pass and get on the lift.
To ensure that your pass can be mailed to you, login into your account and confirm each pass holder has the following:
- A signed waiver
- An uploaded passholder photo
- Correct mailing address on file
Important Note: Depending on how you signed up for your Mountain Collective pass, will depend which portal you have access to. If one does not work, try the other.
- CAD login: https://www.inntopia.travel/ecomm/MyAccount/Login/12583999/
- US Login: https://www.inntopia.travel/ecomm/MyAccount/Login/12583794
Please allow ~3 weeks to receive your passes. If you have not received your SkiBig3 Mountain Collective Pass for Banff Sunshine & Lake Louise in advance of your visit, particularly if you are visiting over the holidays, arrange for pick-up the SkiBig3 Adventure Hub at 114 Banff Ave. Banff, Alberta.
You should receive your pass in the mail within the week. If you plan on visiting before you receive your pass, please visit the SkiBig3 Adventure Hub (114 Banff Ave) during our regular business hours which are currently 8am-7pm. Please bring your photo Identification. We will be happy to print them there.
We can reprint your SkiBig3 portion of your Mountain Collective Pass (Banff Sunshine and Lake Louise Ski Resort) at the SkiBig3 Adventure Hub (114 Banff Ave) during our regular business hours which are currently 8am-7pm. Please bring your photo Identification.
Each resort fulfillment is done differently. Please contact the resort for more details:
Panorama – Visit Guest Services Desk ([email protected] & 1-250-342-6941)
Revelstoke – Visit Guest Services on Mountain ([email protected] & 1-250-814-0087)
Sun Peaks – Visit Guest Services Desk ([email protected] & 1-250-578-5474)
If you requested the SkiBig3 portion of your Mountain Collective pass to be in the mail, it should arrive shortly.
If you want to ski prior to receiving your pass in the mail, you can pick up the SkiBig3 portion of your Mountain Collective Pass (Banff Sunshine and Lake Louise Ski Resort) at the SkiBig3 Adventure Hub (114 Banff Ave) during our regular business hours which are currently 8am-7pm. Please bring your photo identification.
Each resort fulfillment is done differently. Please contact the individual resort for more details:
- Panorama – Visit Guest Services Desk ([email protected] & 1-250-342-6941)
- Revelstoke – Visit Guest Services on Mountain ([email protected] & 1-250-814-0087)
- Sun Peaks – Visit Guest Services Desk ([email protected] & 1-250-578-5474)
For the SkiBig3 Pass (Banff Sunshine and Lake Louise Ski Resort) fulfillment, first you will need to use the link below to complete the billing agreement and then you should be able to add in your credit card when you stop in to the SkiBig3 Adventure Hub (114 Banff Ave) to get your pass printed. https://waivers.edgeauditor.com/auto-setup/sb3/308xns
Each resort fulfillment is done differently. Please contact the resort for more details:
Panorama – Visit Guest Services Desk ([email protected] & 1-250-342-6941)
Revelstoke – Visit Guest Services on Mountain ([email protected] & 1-250-814-0087)
Sun Peaks – Visit Guest Services Desk ([email protected] & 1-250-578-5474)
Each resort takes care of their own fulfillment. For the SkiBig3 Pass (Banff Sunshine and Lake Louise Ski Resort) fulfillment, first you will need to use the link below to complete the billing agreement and then you should be able to add in your credit card when you stop in to the SkiBig3 Adventure Hub (114 Banff Ave) to get your pass printed. https://waivers.edgeauditor.com/auto-setup/sb3/308xns
Please contact the individual resort for more details:
Panorama – Visit Guest Services Desk ([email protected] & 1-250-342-6941)
Revelstoke – Visit Guest Services on Mountain ([email protected] & 1-250-814-0087)
Sun Peaks – Visit Guest Services Desk ([email protected] & 1-250-578-5474)
Yes, a family member or friend can pick up your Mountain Collective pass at the SkiBig3 Adventure Hub for you. You will need to call ahead to arrange with staff prior to the pick up day: 403-762-4754
Login into your account and confirm you have the following completed:
- A signed waiver
- An uploaded passholder photo
- Correct mailing address on file
Important Note: Depending on how you signed up for your Mountain Collective pass, will depend which portal you have access to. If one does not work, try the other.
Depending on how you signed up for your Mountain Collective pass, will depend which portal you have access to. If one does not work, try the other.
- CAD login: https://www.inntopia.travel/ecomm/MyAccount/Login/12583999/
- US Login: https://www.inntopia.travel/ecomm/MyAccount/Login/12583794
Ensure that you have completed the following steps:
- Sign waiver
- Uploaded passholder photo
- Correct mailing address on file
Protocols can change throughout the season, review the SkiBig3 destination and resorts health and safety protocols before your visit.
Please check the website of each individual resort for current information regarding Covid-19 protocols.
Most Canadian Mountain Collective destination resorts currently do not require reservations for use of Mountain Collective passes. However, this situation may change at any time so please check with the individual resorts for current policies and procedures regarding Mountain Collective passes.
Banff Sunshine: No reservation required, however parking access may be limited on weekends and holiday days. Arrive early, or later in day, for access on busy days.
Lake Louise Ski Resort will require reservations as of December 22, 2020. While we don’t expect to reach capacity most days, there are days we will be close. Avoid disappointment by reserving your day(s) on the mountain up to two weeks in advance. RESERVE HERE
Your Lake Louise reservation can be made using your SkiBig3 pass number, your Mountain Collective pass number or your Mountain Collective confirmation number.
Please contact the other Canadian resorts for more details:
Panorama – Visit Guest Services Desk ([email protected] & 1-250-342-6941)
Revelstoke – Visit Guest Services on Mountain ([email protected] & 1-250-814-0087)
Sun Peaks – Visit Guest Services Desk ([email protected] & 1-250-578-5474)
Banff Sunshine: No reservation required, however parking access may be limited on weekends and holiday days. Arrive early, or later in day, for access on busy days.
Lake Louise Ski Resort will require reservations as of December 22, 2020. While we don’t expect to reach capacity most days, there are days we will be close. Avoid disappointment by reserving your day(s) on the mountain up to two weeks in advance. RESERVE HERE
Your Lake Louise reservation can be made using your SkiBig3 pass number, your Mountain Collective pass number or your Mountain Collective confirmation number.
Stay up to date with all destination health and safety protocol here: https://www.skibig3.com/health-safety-protocols/
Your SkiBig3 Mountain Collective pass provides you with a 50% discount off additional days after your “free days” are used up. To access this discount, visit the customer service desk at Banff Sunshine or Lake Louise to purchase additional tickets. Please note, additional days are based on the one-day SkiBig3 Lift Ticket rate (not a resort one-day rate).
You can also have your credit card attached to your pass for direct-to-lift access. This can be done through the SkiBig3 Adventure Hub or Guest Services at Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise. You can also call 1-844-754-2443 to have this set up.
Additional discounted days at 50% off are available for use at Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise, and Mt Norquay.
Mt Norquay is not available as one of your “free days,” however you can access Norquay with the 50% discount for additional days. Please note, this will be charged at 50% off the one-day SkiBig3 Lift Ticket rate, not the Norquay one-day rate.
Discount tickets at Mt Norquay are only available with direct-to-lift access. Please call 1-844-754-2443 to have this service set up.
Direct-to-Lift access is available once your credit card is attached to your SkiBIg3 Mountain Collective Pass. This can be done through the SkiBig3 Adventure Hub or Guest Services at Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise. You can also call 1-844-754-2443 to have this set up.
Discounted ski days are available for use at your choice of Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise, and Mt Norquay.
Additional discounted ski days will be charged at 50% off the one-day SkiBig3 rate.