Nestled in the stunning Canadian Rocky Mountains, Banff is a winter wonderland that offers an unforgettable skiing and snowboarding experience. The picturesque towns of Banff and Lake Louise serve as gateways to the renowned 'Ski Big 3' area, comprising the ski resorts of Mount Norquay, Lake Louise Ski Resort, and Sunshine Village. As one of the best Canadian ski resorts, Banff combines breathtaking natural beauty with top-tier skiing.
Here's a practical guide we've put together just for you, filled with insider tips and essential info to help you plan the perfect Banff ski holiday. You'll discover everything you need to know, from its location to its ski areas, snow history, and the best places to grab a bite or relax after skiing. At the end, we've also included the resort map, plus some handy contact numbers and links.
Banff is located in the province of Alberta, within Banff's National Park.
Nearest airport
Calgary international airport: 144 km (89.4 mi)
Transfer time
Calgary international airport: 1hr 26 min
Banff the resort
Resort altitude: 1,476 m (4,842 ft)
Resort permanent residents: ~8,305
Banff, established in 1883 around thermal springs discovered by railway workers, beautifully merges natural beauty, historic charm, and vibrant community spirit. Initially a humble railroad service station, Banff has transformed into a globally acclaimed ski destination, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, adventurous spirit, and warm Canadian hospitality. The town's architecture, consisting of rustic stone and timber structures, reflects its rich history and blends seamlessly with the surrounding mountains, enhancing its old-world charm. Banff's lively main street brims with shops, saloon-style bars, and a variety of eateries, capturing the town’s energetic atmosphere. As night falls, the streets buzz with activity as locals and visitors gather to enjoy beers and watch live ice hockey games, making Banff not just a scenic getaway but a bustling hub of cultural interaction.
Pros
Cons
Family friendly
It's expensive
The center is easily reachable on foot
Can get busy during peak times
Overwhelming scenery
It can get very cold
Endless outdoor opportunities
No real ski-in ski-out accommodation
Here is how Banff looks like
This short video provides a glimpse of everything Banff has to offer.
Banff, a crown jewel of the Canadian Rockies, is home to three distinct ski areas: Mount Norquay, Sunshine Village, and Lake Louise. Collectively known as The Big Three, these resorts offer a combined ski terrain of 3,135 ha (7,746 ac), spread across 361 pistes and serviced by a network of 28 ski lifts.
Mount Norquay: Located just 8 km from Banff town, Norquay is the local favorite and the only resort offering night skiing. Known for its tree-lined trails, it serves as an Olympic training ground and offers 76 hectares (187 ac) of terrain, including 74 marked runs. This sector is celebrated for its accessibility and family-friendly atmosphere.
Sunshine Village: Positioned 16 km (9.94 mi) from Banff, Sunshine Village spans three mountains across 1,358 hectares (3,355 ac) and boasts the highest vertical drop of the Big Three, at 1,071 metres (3,514 ft). It features 137 marked runs and is renowned for its exceptional snow conditions, receiving about 9 metres (29.5 ft) of snow annually. Sunshine Village offers everything from exhilarating backcountry lines to serene tree runs.
Lake Louise: The largest of the trio, Lake Louise is situated 65 km (40.3 mi) from Banff town and encompasses 1,699 hectares (4,198 ac) across four mountain faces. With a vertical of 990 metres (3,250 ft) and 145 marked runs, it provides a diverse range of terrain from beginner slopes to challenging backcountry areas. Lake Louise is known for its vast landscapes and breathtaking views, making it a must-visit for skiers and snowboarders seeking both adventure and scenery
Skiing at Banff
Beginners
For those new to skiing, all three areas in Banff provide beginner-friendly slopes and top-notch ski schools. After mastering the basics, beginners can head to the Juniper chair in Lake Louise for a gentle and scenic run, or explore Banff Avenue at Sunshine Village, a picturesque tree-lined green run perfect for honing skills.
Intermediates
Intermediate skiers will find Banff to be a dream destination. Wide, well-groomed corduroy runs are plentiful, offering the chance to ski against the backdrop of the dramatic Rocky Mountains. Lake Louise, part of the World Cup circuit, offers a chance to test skills on renowned downhill courses, and the Trifecta Challenge across all three areas adds an adventurous goal to the holiday.
Advanced
Advanced skiers have a wealth of options. Lake Louise’s back bowls offer fresh tracks and breathtaking mountain views, Goats Eye Mountain in Sunshine Village provides steep and challenging terrain, and Mount Norquay, often quieter, allows for shorter lift queues and pristine powder.
Off-piste
Banff excels in off-piste opportunities. Mont Norquay is ideal for deep snow days, especially the Long Pine run. Lake Louise has easily accessible spots for those wanting to alternate between piste and powder, with West Bowl providing a diverse terrain. Sunshine Village’s Delirium Dive, South Side Chutes, and Wild West backcountry areas are must-skis for off-piste enthusiasts.
Snowboarding
Banff is a haven for snowboarders of all levels, with a landscape free of draglifts. Beginners can practice on the easy-going runs at the base of Sunshine and Lake Louise, while Mystic Ridge on Mount Norquay offers excellent carving opportunities. For those interested in freestyle, Sunshine Mountain hosts one of the best snow parks in the Rockies.
Banff ski season dates
The ski season in Banff typically runs from early November to mid May. While the official 2025/26 opening and closing dates have not yet been confirmed, we’ll update this page as soon as they are announced. Please note that these dates can vary depending on snow conditions and other operational factors. Planning ahead? Don’t forget to check out our Banff deals for the best ski offers available.
Banff Mt Norquay snow history
Banff offers optimal snow conditions from December through April. December and January consistently bring about 10 cm (3.93 in) and 6 cm (2.36 in) of snow respectively, dispersed across roughly 3.3 days each week, ensuring regular fresh snow. February's snowfall slightly increases to 10 cm (3.93 in) and occurs more frequently, averaging 4.0 days per week. The pinnacle of snowfall arrives in the first week of March, traditionally the snowiest week in Banff, with an impressive 15 cm (5.90 in) of snow over 4.6 days, making it a paradise for those who cherish Bluebird Powder Days, when sunshine and light winds follow fresh snowfall. The season stretches into April with enjoyable conditions, accumulating 13 cm (5.11 in) of snow over 4.0 days, perfect for softer snow under brighter skies.
Ski Bistro: this is a popular spot with its menu including a range of comforting and easy-to-eat options.
Juniper Bistro: located at The Juniper Hotel, it serves locally sourced, Canadian-inspired cuisine.
La Terrazza: situated in the Banff Park Lodge, this restaurant features a menu of classic Italian dishes, complemented by a selection of fine wines.
Whitehorn Bistro: located on the slopes of Lake Louise, this restaurant offers a menu featuring a variety of gourmet dishes, including local specialties.
The Prow: located at the top of Sunshine Village, this restaurant serves a variety of hearty dishes.
Things to do in Banff
Dogsled tours
Sleight rides
Snowmobiling
Ice walking
Winter sightseeing tours
Snow tubing
Snowshoe tours
Helicopter flights
Ice fishing
Cave tours
Ice climbing
Fat biking
Tubing
Hot springs
Museum
Curling
Banff après-ski and nightlife
Waldhaus Pub: set in a Bavarian-style cottage, the pub is known for its selection of beers and hearty pub fare.
Banff Ave Brew Co: a favourite local brewery and pub, it offers a range of craft beers brewed on-site, along with a menu of classic pub dishes.
Juniper Bistro: here you can enjoy the bistro’s creative cocktails and exquisite small plates while taking in the stunning sunset views over the mountains.
Park Distillery: known for its unique distillery-inspired ambiance and fantastic cocktails made with spirits distilled on-site.
