Ptarmigan Inn shuttle service will be unavailable Jan 16–19. Please use the Kenrick stop instead.

S B3 2025 Mar31 Llsr Royce Sihlis 26 2
Fri, 19 Sep 2025

Looking for the Best Family Ski Holiday in Canada? Try Banff National Park & SkiBig3

Looking for the best family ski vacation in Canada? Banff National Park and SkiBig3 is the answer. With three world-class resorts, family-friendly lodging in Banff, Canmore, and Lake Louise, plus endless winter activities on and off the slopes, SkiBig3 is the ultimate destination for Family Day Weekend, Spring Break, and Easter skiing. 


Right now families can save big: Kids ski and rent free with SkiBig3 packages, and you can still grab up to +35% off Ski & Stay deals. It’s one of the best-value family ski trips in Canada. 

Why Banff National Park is Perfect for a Family Ski Holiday 

A family ski trip to Banff checks all the boxes. With three unique resorts to choose from, there’s terrain for every age and ability, plus a huge variety of activities that go beyond skiing. 

The SkiBig3 Resorts & Terrain 

Mt. Norquay 

Banff’s backyard hill and best-kept secret on a powder day. This season, Norquay is celebrating its 100th anniversary with a new magic carpet that provides better access to the tubing park while also doubling its learning area. Families also love that Norquay is the only resort in Banff National Park to offer night skiing, perfect for extending the fun under the lights. 

Family skiing at Mt. Norquay in Banff National Park with snowy Rocky Mountain peaks and pine forest in the background.
Mount Norquay | Royce Sihlis 

Banff Sunshine Village 

Your ski day begins with a gondola ride from the base of the mountain to the village. From there, families can explore wide-open beginner zones or, for the advanced skiers in the group, check out the playful chutes  all accessed from the same lift system. On colder days, stay cozy with two heated bubble chairs. 

Smiling woman and child in colorful snowboard gear sitting on the snow with snowboards at Banff Sunshine Village ski resort.

Banff Sunshine Village | Allie Green 

Lake Louise Ski Resort 

A mountain made for families to ski together, with green runs off nearly every chairlift. The new Richardson’s Ridge Express opens this spring, adding five more beginner and intermediate trails for families to explore. On colder days, warm up between laps on the heated, bubble Pipestone Express.  

Smiling children and adult wearing ski helmets and goggles riding the Pipestone chairlift at Lake Louise Ski Resort.

Lake Louise Ski Resort | Royce Sihlis 

Lessons & Guides 

SkiBig3 offers private lessons at Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise, and Mt. Norquay. Learn from certified instructors, skip the lift lines, and get insider tips on the best terrain and views. 


Kids Programs

Fun, skill-building lessons that keep kids confident and excited on the snow while developing a lifelong love of skiing and riding. They are also a great option for parents who want to sneak away for a few hours to enjoy the slopes on their own. 

Child with a SkiBig3 Guide enjoying a sunny run at Banff Sunshine Village, with snowy Rocky Mountains in the background.

Banff Sunshine Village | Reuben Krabbe 

Family fun off the slopes 

A family ski holiday in Banff National Park is about more than just skiing. Banff, Lake Louise, and Canmore offer endless off-slope adventures that keep kids entertained and parents relaxed: 

Two people in red snow tubes sliding down the tubing lanes at Mt. Norquay, with snowy forest and Mount Rundle in the background. In Banff National Park

Tubing at Mt. Norquay | Reuben Krabbe 

Three unique towns with plenty of family-friendly accommodations 

Town of Banff 

The heart of the park has accommodation that suits every style and budget. Families love the easy access to restaurants, shops, skating rinks, and hot springs. New this year, check out the Fairmont Banff Springs family rooms equipped with bunk beds!  

Family plays hockey on the outdoor skating rink at the Fairmont Banff Springs, with snow-covered mountains in the background.

Fairmont Banff Springs | Chris Amat 

Village of Lake Louise

A quiet, slopeside base with lodges and hotels close to the lifts. Families can skate on the frozen lake or take a horse-drawn sleigh ride. 

Person holding a hockey stick skates on the frozen Lake Louise at night, with the illuminated Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise in the background.

Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise | Paul Zizka 

Town of Canmore

Just outside the park gates, Canmore offers spacious condos and townhomes with a laid-back mountain-town vibe. Families can enjoy Elevation Place, playgrounds, casual dining, and family-friendly winter trails.

Basecamp Resorts Canmore (condo-style accommodation) | Noelle Rogers / Basecamp Resorts

Basecamp Resorts Canmore (condo-style) / Basecamp Resorts

Family Day vs. Spring Break: Which Ski Holiday Suits You? 

Both Family Day Weekend in February and Spring Break in March and April are incredible times for a family ski holiday. Here’s how to choose: 

Choose Family Day Weekend if you want...

  • A quick winter getaway without much time off school or work
  • Peak snow conditions and mid-season powder
  • Three action-packed days of skiing, tubing, and family fun 

Choose Spring Break if you want... 

  • A longer holiday with rest days between ski days
  • Milder temperatures for younger kids
  • More daylight for exploring towns and après adventures 

Smiling family in winter gear roasting marshmallows over a fire pit during a snowy outdoor event in Banff National Park.

Bear Street Banff | Shannon M / Banff Lake Louise Tourism 

Plan your family ski vacation

Whether you choose Family Day Weekend in February or Spring Break in March and April, SkiBig3 delivers a family ski trip you’ll never forget. With three world-class resorts, three unique towns, and countless ways to play both on and off the slopes, Banff National Park is Canada’s top choice for a family ski holiday. 


Start Planning. 

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