Whether you’re a seasoned skier or a snowboarding enthusiast, the world-class, pristine mountain destinations of Banff, Lake Louise, and Mt Norquay in Canada’s Alberta offer the ultimate winter adventure. Let’s explore what makes each of these ski areas unique and why they should be on your travel bucket list.
Banff: The Gateway to Adventure
Nestled within the Banff National Park, the town of Banff is more than just a charming alpine village—it’s the gateway to some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the world. Stunning mountain scenery, a vibrant après-ski scene, and a variety of terrain for all skill levels are just some the reasons to consider Banff as your next ski resort destination.
Banff Highlights:
Sunshine Village: Known as ‘The Island in the Sky’, and just a short drive from Banff, Sunshine Village offers over 3,300 acres of skiable terrain and the longest non-glacial ski season in Canada. From gentle beginner slopes to challenging double blacks, there’s something for everyone.
Banff Gondola: For those looking to take a break from the slopes, the Banff Gondola goes up 2,292 ft of elevation over 8 minutes and provides breathtaking views of the Canadian Rockies. From the top of the gondola you can explore the mountaintop boardwalks leading up to the former cosmic weather station, ending at Sanson’s Peak.
Lake Louise: A Majestic Winter Wonderland
Lake Louise is synonymous with stunning beauty and epic skiing, boasting an impressive array of runs, breathtaking scenery, and a unique combination of gentle slopes and challenging terrain.
Lake Louise Ski Resort Highlights:
Varied Terrain: With over 4,200 acres of skiable terrain, Lake Louise offers something for everyone. Beginners can enjoy the wide, open runs on the front side, while experts can test their skills on the thrilling back bowls. Known as ‘The Gentle Giant’, Lake Louise Ski Resort is just minutes from the village of Lake Louise. The resort offers incredible views of mountains, glaciers, lakes, and forests. Plus, if you’re looking for a bit of fun off the slopes, snow tubing is available.
Lake Louise Ice Magic Festival: Held every January, this ice carving competition transforms the iconic Lake Louise into a winter wonderland, providing a perfect backdrop for your ski holiday.
Mt Norquay: A Local Favourite
Mt Norquay, or ‘Banff’s Backyard’ is a local favourite with big personality. It’s the closest ski area to Banff and is known for its family-friendly atmosphere. It’s the perfect spot for those looking to escape the crowds and enjoy a more laid-back skiing experience.
Mt Norquay Highlights:
Night Skiing: Mt Norquay is famous for its night skiing, offering well-lit runs that provide a unique and exhilarating experience under the stars.
Tubing Park: For a fun alternative to skiing and snowboarding, the Mt Norquay Tubing Park is a hit with visitors of all ages. It’s a great way to add a bit of variety to your ski holiday. Top tip: Don’t forget to take your boots or shoes (you’re not allowed to tube in your ski boots!).
Plan your perfect ski holiday with travel&co.
As the leading ski and snowboard holiday experts in New Zealand, we’re here to help you plan the perfect trip to Banff, Lake Louise, and Mt Norquay for you. From finding the best accommodation to arranging lift tickets, travel insurance and ski gear rentals, we take care of all the details so you can relax and focus on enjoying your time on the slopes. We also offer ski holidays to the USA, Japan and Europe.
Download our Quick Guide to Banff, Lake Louise and Mt Norquay HERE.
Why book with travel&co.?
Expertise: Our team has extensive knowledge of the Banff, Lake Louise, and Mt Norquay ski areas, ensuring you get the best advice and recommendations. We’ve been there and experienced the ski resorts first hand, and we are passionate about ski and snowboard travel in Canada. About us.
Personalised Service: We tailor each trip to meet your specific needs and preferences, creating a bespoke ski holiday experience. It’s your ski or board holiday – your way!
Exclusive deals: Benefit from our partnerships with local resorts and service providers, offering you the best value for your money.
Stress-free travel planning: At travel&co. we listen to what you want and we take care of everything. Deal with one person for every aspect of your ski or board holiday from getting your ski gear sorted to travel insurance that will cover you for the type of skiing you are doing, to recommendations for the best dining options! All you need to focus on is tracking the snow and excited about the awesome skiing, boarding and winter experiences you’ve got coming up!
Top ski travel tips for Banff from our expert team:
To give you a taste of what to expect, here are some tips from our team members who’ve travelled to Banff and Lake Louise:
- Kate’s Tip: “The SkiBig3 lift pass is a game-changer. You can decide on the day which mountain to explore based on the conditions. It’s perfect for those who want flexibility in their ski holiday.”
- Claire’s Tip for rental car users: “Plug your rental car in at night to keep your car warm! These plugs are not for electric cars, but to ensure your car keeps warm enough to start in the morning.”
- Laura’s experience: “Night skiing at Mt. Norquay is a must-do. The thrill of skiing under the stars with Banff town’s lights twinkling below is something you won’t forget.”
Ready to Book?
Contact us today to tailor your ski holiday package or check out our latest offers here. Whether it’s your first time heading overseas on a ski holiday or you’re a seasoned ski traveller, we’ve got you covered.
Call us toll free within New Zealand on 0800 555 035 or enquire below for more information.
Or keep scrolling to enter your details to download our Quick Guide to Banff, Lake Louise and Mt Norquay.
Banner image and Mt Norquay snowboarder: © Dan Evans. Mt Norquay night skiing image credit: © Epic Trails / Eric Hanson.
