The good thing about heading to Banff and Lake Louise? You have three awesome ski resorts to choose from!
With so many winter adventures to choose from, we’ve put together a guide to help you decide where to ski, what to eat and what adventures you can have on and off the slopes.
Tick these off your bucket list when skiing the Big 3.
Lake Louise Ski Resort
The must-do run: Lake Louise Ski Resort is a great choice for the beginner skier – they have a green run from the top of each chairlift, making it easy to explore the entire mountain. If you’re looking for more challenging terrain, head to the backside alpine bowls for steep lines, chutes and some of the best snow you’ll find.
The must-do breakfast: The locals eat at the Slopeside Coffee Bar for a quick, freshly-baked treat and a coffee. They open at 7:30am to get you out on the slopes as soon as the lift opens.
The must-do lunch: The brand new Kuma Yama Sushi serves up fresh sashimi alongside steaming-hot bowls of ramen – the perfect option to warm you up on a wintery day.
The must-do adventure: Head up to the top of the Lake Louise gondola for a snowshoe tour like no other, accessing the same terrain as skiers and snowboarders while taking in the most incredible views of the Rockies.
The must-do après: Hello Powder Keg lounge! Sit back on the couches and enjoy a warm – or cold – drink while sampling their bison chili. When in Canada, eh?
Banff Sunshine
The must-do run: Banff Sunshine offers 3 mountains and over 3,500 acres for skiers and boarders. Goat’s Eye Mountain is the first stop on the gondola. Take the Goat’s Eye Express in the morning and enjoy the steep, deep, and long runs before the crowds.
The must-do breakfast: Crepes, anyone? First Tracks Café is perfectly positioned at the base of the gondola, where you can quickly grab a to-go pastry or, yes, a crepe.
The must-do lunch: Head to The Look-Out Kitchen and Bar for your classic comfort Canadian food. We suggest the poutine or an elk burger.
The must-do adventure: Banff Sunshine is home to a run that’s famous amongst hardcore skiers and snowboarders – Delirium Dive. If you’re feeling brave, and you have an avalanche pack with you, you can tackle this seriously challenging – but incredible – area of chutes, cliffs, frozen waterfalls, pillows and powder snow.
The must-do après: For a low-key but relaxing evening, head to The Chimney Corner and order their Lodge Platter along with a bottle of wine – then sit back and enjoy the fireplaces and the mountain views.
Mt. Norquay
The must-do run: Night skiing. Mt. Norquay is the only resort in the Canadian Rockies with night skiing. If you’ve never skied under the stars before, it’s the best way to spend a Friday or Saturday night.
The must-do lunch: Don’t go past the Cliffhouse Bistro. Norquay describes it as a 1950s tearoom that’s turned into a modern bistro, and with the incredible views and epic menu, lunch in Banff just doesn’t get better.
The must-do adventure: Tubing at Mt. Norquay’s park is the ultimate activity for the little ones – and the little ones at heart. With eight lines, it’s Alberta’s best tube park and only a ten minute drive from Banff.
The must-do après: Whether you’re looking for a shot ski or a craft beer, Lone Pine is the local’s favourite for a relaxed, on-mountain après experience.
