Banff Ski Resort

Spectacularly set in Canada’s original national park, Banff and its associated ski resorts have some excellent skiing on their doorsteps. Known as ‘The Big 3’, there’s three ski resorts to choose from; Sunshine Village, Mt. Norquay and Lake Louise.

The town of Banff in Alberta is mostly spread along the central thoroughfare of Banff Avenue; with the majority of hotels, apartments, shops, bars and restaurants being on or just off the central stretch. Lake Louise Village – about a 45-minute drive away – offers a selection of accommodation with some shops. Lake Louise itself, with the imposing Victoria Glacier looming over the lake and famous Château Lake Louise, is stunning and just a couple of miles further up the road.

Lodging in Banff has something for every budget. From the iconic Fairmont Banff Springs to some great three and four-star hotels. Though Lake Louise and Banff Sunshine, the neighbouring ski resorts, have slightly more skiable terrain, the town of Banff is more of an all-rounded place to stay with access to good quality restaurants, lively bars and varied accommodation.

Call our ski experts today to find out more about Banff and its neighbouring ski resorts.

Banff Transfer Time
Calgary
Map Marker 2h 0m

Best For...

  • All abilities
  • Powder heaven
  • Stunning scenery

Resort Statistics

  • Resort Altitude 1,383m
  • Skiing Altitude 2,730m
  • Total Ski Area 264km
  • Lifts 21
  • Blue Runs 65km
  • Red Runs 116.1km
  • Black Runs 83.2km
  • Cross Country 80km

Ski Accommodation in Banff, Canada

Our collection of Banff ski accommodation has been hand-picked by our ski experts. Whether you’re looking for a luxury escape, a boutique hotel or something suitable for the whole family, our experts would be delighted to help you find the perfect accommodation for your ski holiday.

Ski accommodation
Ski Areas in Banff

Ski Areas in Banff

One of the greatest benefits of a ski holiday in Banff is that you can stay in one place but have access to three large ski resorts and miles and miles of well-groomed pistes and powdery off-piste to explore. Not to mention the amazing natural beauty of this area; in fact, the National Geographic Traveller magazine added Banff to its must-see places to visit and without question it has some of the finest mountain scenery you will ever see.

Skiing in Banff

Skiing in Banff

The skiing is spread over three separate areas: Lake Louise, Banff Sunshine and Mt. Norquay, all covered by the Tri-Area lift pass. Lake Louise, the largest of the three ski areas, offers a good selection of gladed tree runs as well as a wide selection of graded runs. Banff Sunshine is the main ski area for Banff-based visitors, boasting an average of around 360-400 inches of snow a year. Mt. Norquay is a quaint tree-lined area, ideal in bad weather or for a first day warm up.

Snowboarding in Banff

Snowboarding in Banff

Snowboarders are well catered for, with excellent freeriding terrain at Banff Sunshine ski resort and the Powder Bowls at Lake Louise. Each ski resort has its own board park, mostly with reduced access passes available for avid freestylers.

Best Places to Snowboard in Banff
Ski Schools in Banff

Ski Schools in Banff

With each ski resort having a different, yet almost identical, school, the best option for beginners looking for a week of lessons is the Club Ski package, available through Ski Big 3, offering a day on each mountain, twice a week (Sundays and Thursdays). For single days and private lessons, individual schools are the best option.

Crèches in Banff

Crèches in Banff

Each Banff ski resort has a kindergarten available for the younger children and the ski schools offer all-day lessons for children from the age of six.

Restaurants in Banff

Restaurants in Banff

Banff has a wide range of restaurants for all tastes and budgets, from fine dining at the Banff Springs, to brilliant steaks at The Keg and the excellent value Old Spaghetti Factory. Another good option is The Bison for Canadian with a twist.

Best Restaurants in Banff
Après Ski in Banff

Après Ski in Banff

Nightlife in Banff is lively with a good selection of bars, almost all serving food. The Rose & Crown regularly has live music, the St. James’ Gate offers the best pint of Guinness west of Ireland. Other good options include Melissa’s and The Elk and Oarsman.

Best Après Ski in Banff
Non-Skiers

Non-Skiers

There is plenty to occupy the non-skier in both Banff and Lake Louise ski resort, including ice skating, ice canyon and nature walks, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, dog sledding and the world-famous hot springs. Several of the big hotels have spa facilities, all of which are available for non-residents at a fee. Other activities include city trips and ice hockey evenings. For those with a car, the spectacular Columbia Icefield is an hour away from Lake Louise.

Map of Banff

We Can Tailor-Make a Holiday to Suit You...

We have a team of experts on hand to help you choose the perfect holiday. From a luxury ski weekend in Val d’Isère to a big adventure in the Rockies, we’re whatever you want your holiday to be.