Destination information
Come to Banff; ski sublime slopes amidst some of the most glorious scenery in the world. It really is that straightforward. At an altitude of over 4,500 feet, Banff’s snowfall is heavy and reliable, so you can count on amazing skiing in these extraordinary mountains. A protected natural area for over 100 years, it offers some of the best powder skiing in Canada. Banff boasts 3 ski resorts that total over 7,700 acres and 240 trails, offering countless options to skiers and snowboarders of any ability, and in particular lower intermediate skiers. Choose from wide open bowls, tree-lined glades or meticulously groomed slopes with state-of-the-art snowmaking or those up for a challenge can turn their hand to heli-skiing.
In Banff, skiing is just the start of your holiday. Away from the slopes there is no shortage of things to keep you busy and you really won't want to miss a thing. Soothe those aching limbs at the hot springs, try dogsledding for the experience of a lifetime whilst taking in the breathtaking scenery of the Rockies, take an ice canyon walk or go snowshoeing. And don’t forget to head to Banff Avenue for a bit of good old fashioned retail therapy.
Banff offers great all-round value – a Banff ski pass covers all 3 of its resorts: Ski Norquay (4 miles from Banff), the larger ski areas of Sunshine Village (10 miles), Lake Louise Mountain Resort (35 miles). It’s easy to ski all 3 areas during your holiday as they are connected by regular, efficient, free shuttle buses picking up from lodgings in Banff and Lake Louise. Experience each ski area's own unique character. See our reps in resort to receive 10% discount at Ultimate Ski & Sports for retail and boot fitting.
Après-ski
It’s lively! Après-ski starts on the mountain and continues in the spectacularly situated town of Banff, which has well over 100 restaurants, lounges and bars, and nightclubs. From quaint Indian restaurants to fabulous fine dining, it's easy to find the perfect ending to an already stunning day.
Beginners ****
All 3 ski areas have great nursery slopes, while many green runs throughout the area are designated as a ‘slow-zone’, so the less experienced can progress safely.
Intermediates ****
Half the terrain in this area has been given an intermediates classification, so whether you’re looking for wide, open slopes or narrow, winding runs, Ski Banff@Norquay, Lake Louise and Sunshine Village will have just what you’re looking for!
Advanced ****
In Banff, Goat’s Eye Mountain has some serious double-black runs to test your skills and on Mount Standish a run called ‘Waterfall’, where you ski over a snow-covered, frozen waterfall, should be tried out too. Lake Louise is pure pleasure for the expert skier/boarder with an ample amount of steep runs and double black runs.
Snowboarders ****
This area is boarders’ heaven! The 3 ski areas have a multitude of terrain parks, half-pipes and a superpipe to keep you entertained.
Getting around
Good bus service with pick-up points at The Fairmont Banff Springs and Mount Royal Hotel to the 3 mountains. (Free with your interchangeable lift pass.) The public bus service runs into the evening throughout town (extra charge).
Star attractions
- Banff National Park
- Amazing Scenery
- Loads of Terrain
- Plenty of Shops
- Relatively Quiet Slopes
Postcards from... Top ideas from our travel experts
Additional info
Slope Closures info:
Please note the current predictions for slope closures as follows:
Mount Norquay - Approx 10 Apr '12
Sunshine - Approx 22 May '12
Different destinations have different magic touches so make sure to check out the "Rockstar Service" to see what makes your holiday with us so special.
Getting there
Flight details: Heathrow to Calgary with Air Canada
Flight time: 9 hours 10 min.
Drive time: 1 hour 40 min.
Transfers: Return coach transfers £64 per adult/£45 per child.
Entry fee: Banff is a national park and there is a charge to enter of approx $137 per family/small group.
Time difference: GMT -7 hours