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.
Here is a great blog to help you better understand your SkiBig3 Lift Ticket grace-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. Your multi-day ticket will start counting down the first-day you visit and scan at a SkiBig3 resort.
Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise Ski Resort and Mt. Norquay.
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 early January through mid-March. 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.
With a SkiBig3 Lift Ticket, you are free to ski at any resort on any day.
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.
SkiBig3 resorts typically open in early November, with conditions continually improving as the snow falls. Generally speaking all resorts will have significant coverage and full lift access open by mid-December.
The SkiBig3 season runs long in the Canadian Rockies – with significant snowfall still occurring in March and April. Mt Norquay will generally close after the Easter weekend, with Lake Louise closing the first-Monday in May. Banff Sunshine remains open until Slush Cup happening on the Monday of the Victoria Day longweek – the third Monday in May!
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 2023 is May 22.
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 14-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 14-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 & 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. Click Here for more information about getting from Calgary to Banff/Lake Louise.
Banff Airporter and Brewster Express are the two companies we work with. Please contact our reservations team for assistance with airport shuttle reservations by calling 1-844-754-2443.
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. Please contact our reservations team for assistance with airport shuttle reservations by calling 1-844-754-2443.
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. Click here for more information about ski shuttle services.
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. Ski Shuttle Information.
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.
Mountain Collective
Each destination resort takes care of their own fulfillment. Details for the 22/23 season are pending.
Please contact the individual resorts below 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
Login to your Mountain Collective Account.
Ensure that you have completed the following steps:
- Sign waiver
- Uploaded passholder photo
- Correct mailing address on file
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. Complete the online billing agreement and then give us a call at 1-844-754-2443 to your credit card information added to your account.
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 SkiBig3 window ticket rate, not the Norquay one-day rate.
Discount tickets at Mt Norquay are available with direct-to-lift access. Please complete this online billing agreement and call 1-844-754-2443 to have your credit card registered to your account.
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. Please complete the online billing agreement and then call 1-844-754-2443 to your credit card details added to your account.
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 SkiBig3 window ticket rate.