Mon, 11 Aug 2025
Where to Stay: Banff, Lake Louise, or Canmore?
Banff, Lake Louise, or Canmore? Compare top Canadian ski towns for SkiBig3. Find the best value, lodging, and access to Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise Ski Resort & Mt. Norquay.
Fri, 08 Aug 2025
Travel like an Influencer: Ian Dean’s Terrain-Focused Trip with a Family Twist
When photographer, skier, and dad Ian Deans plans a winter trip, he’s looking for deep snow, big views, and space for his family to enjoy it all together. His February ski vacation with SkiBig3 checked every box. With consistent snowfall, great conditions, and terrain for every level, Banff National Park delivered. With three ski resorts, three mountain towns, and one easy lift ticket, Ian’s ski vacation was packed with powder laps, cozy family moments, and unforgettable views.
Here’s how to follow in his tracks and make the most of your own ski trip to Banff.
The Setup
The SkiBig3 Lift Ticket includes access to Banff Sunshine Village, Lake Louise Ski Resort, and Mt. Norquay. That’s nearly 8,000 acres of terrain across three unique resorts, all within Banff National Park. You can base yourself in the Town of Banff, Canmore, or the Village of Lake Louise. Each town has its own pace, and each one connects you to the mountains in a different way.
Ian chose to stay in Banff but made time for all three resorts. His trip was a mix of solo laps, family-friendly experiences, and moments to just take it all in. By skiing all three, he also completed the SkiBig3 Trifecta Challenge. He earned a commemorative badge and enjoyed a well-earned après reward.
The Trifecta Challenge Plaque | Ian Dean
Day 1: Arrive in Banff
Where They Stayed
Ian and his family checked in at Fairmont Banff Springs, known for its castle-like charm and postcard mountain views. The location is just minutes from downtown, perfect for exploring shops, restaurants, and après spots.
Afternoon Arrival
After settling in, the family headed outside for a Private Fire Pit and S’mores Experience on the hotel grounds. With mountain views, hot drinks, and roasted marshmallows, it was the perfect way to begin a family ski trip.
For the Kids
The Fairmont offers Kids at the Castle, a supervised evening program with crafts, games, and scavenger hunts. It gave Ian and his partner a few hours to themselves while the kids had fun in a safe, playful space.
Dinner
That evening, the family dined at The Vermillion Room, where French-inspired dishes were served in a warm and welcoming setting.
Day 2: Skiing at Banff Sunshine Village
Banff Sunshine is known for its deep snow, long season, and high alpine feel. With over 3,300 acres of terrain and a summit elevation of 8,954 feet, this is the place to chase soft turns and big views.
What Ian Skied
He lapped the upper mountain and found soft snow, playful lines, and untouched powder stashes all over the map. He linked up with some locals who showed him their favourite spots, proving that a friendly chat on the lift can lead to the best turns of the day.
Watch his Banff Sunshine Village Reel
Lunch
Chimney Corner inside Sunshine Mountain Lodge offered a warm, casual break with family-friendly options.
Après Idea
Back at the Fairmont, the family joined a private history tour of the hotel. It was a relaxed way to wind down and learn something new together.
For You
If you’re chasing powder, Banff Sunshine’s freeride terrain delivers. For families, the gondola-accessed base area keeps everyone moving at their own pace.
Day 3: Ski Day at Lake Louise Ski Resort
Lake Louise Ski Resort serves up big-mountain terrain with family-friendly access. Each chairlift drops you into green, blue, and black runs, so you can ride together and choose your own line down.
What Ian Skied
A fresh storm had just rolled through, and Ian made a beeline for West Bowl. The new snow refreshed the powder stashes, and he found silky lines with plenty of room to roam. Meanwhile, his family enjoyed groomers off Glacier Express and laps near Sunny Side.
Watch his Lake Louise Ski Resort Reel
Lunch
Kuma Yama, located inside Ten Peaks Lodge, served up ramen, sushi, and stunning views.
Post-Ski Activity
A twilight walk to Bow Falls added a quiet moment away from the lifts. Easy to access from the Fairmont Springs and downtown Banff, it’s a beautiful detour that the whole family enjoyed.
For You
If you’re an advanced skier, hit the Summit Chair for steep lines and alpine views. If you’re travelling with beginners, Lake Louise’s layout makes it easy to stick together while skiing at your own level.
Day 4: Local Vibes at Mt. Norquay
Mt. Norquay is Banff’s closest hill and one of its best-kept secrets. Just a 15-minute drive from the Fairmont Banff Springs, is perfect for a low-key powder day with easy logistics.
What Ian Skied
It was a deep day, and Ian rode the North American chair, which offers some of the steepest terrain in Banff. He skied from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and never once waited in a lift line. He called it the perfect mix of storm-day turns, steep fall lines, and untracked powder that stayed fresh all day long.
Lunch
Lone Pine served up comfort food and Mt.Norquay’s own house beer from Banff Ave. Brewing Co.
Afternoon Fun
The family went ice skating on the Vermillion Lawn, followed by treats at the Sugar Shack. Maple taffy and apple hand pies wrapped up the afternoon perfectly.
Evening
A ride up the Banff Gondola for Nightrise capped off the day. The summit was glowing with lights, soundscapes, and panoramic night views of the Bow Valley.
For You
If you’re into steep, technical terrain, Mt. Norquay’s North American Chair is a must. And if you’re chasing fresh snow, this is one of the best places to score it on a storm day. Families will love the tubing lanes and uncrowded beginner runs, while advanced skiers can rack up vertical in record time.
Plan Your SkiBig3 Family Holiday
From steep chutes to first turns and cozy fire pits to ice skating, this trip showed how easy it is to blend skiing with quality family time. With lift tickets, rentals, lodging, and lessons all bookable in one place, SkiBig3 makes it simple to plan the perfect ski getaway. Whether you’re chasing powder, skiing with kids, or doing a bit of both, your winter escape starts here.
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