IN A NUTSHELL

Banff ski resort is arguably the most popular ski destination in North America for British skiers who keep coming back year after year to enjoy great snow, great value lodging, magnificent scenery and the thrill of skiing 3 very individual ski areas

Banff SKI RESORT

The town of Banff is the main base for your ski holiday and enjoys one of the most majestic settings of any ski resort bar none! Set in a stunning valley and flanked by spectacular mountains, the resort boasts a wonderful array of restaurants, bars, cafes and shops as well as offering many activities for those taking time off skiing. Mt. Norquay ski resort is only 15 mins away, the great skiing at Sunshine Village is 20 mins away and Lake Louise is approx. 45 mins by frequent shuttle transportation between the hotels and each ski area.

Banff Ski Resort - known as Banff Sunshine Lake Louise - is arguable the best value premier ski resort in Canada, situated in the heart of Alberta’s Rockies, offering a premier ski and après experience.

Characterized by its authentic mountain charm, Banff town offers a laid-back yet lively atmosphere, set against stunning alpine scenery. Despite its small population, the town buzzes with energy, blending historic buildings, independent shops, and a strong sense of community. Visitors enjoy cultural attractions like museums and art galleries, as well as the relaxing Banff hot springs.

Dining in Banff is diverse and award-winning. On-mountain options include hearty fare at the Alpine Grill, gourmet ramen at Nikko Ramen, lively après-ski at Mad Trappers, and cozy alpine comfort at the Chimney Corner. In town, highlights range from Sky Bistro’s panoramic views atop Sulphur Mountain, Italian delights at Lupo, to landmark venues like 1888 Chop House and casual hotspots such as Block Kitchen and Bar. Sushi, Mexican and top notch prime Rib at the Bluebird Woodfired Steakhouse ensure most tastes are catered for.

THE SKIING IN Banff SKI RESORT

What makes the Banff ski resorts unique among ski resorts in Canada?

The Ski Big 3 area in Canada refers to three iconic ski resorts located within Banff National Park: Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise Ski Resort, and Mt. Norquay. Collectively, they offer around 7,748 to 8,000 acres of skiable terrain with a total of 362 marked runs serviced by 26 chairlifts and 2 gondolas.

Lake Louise is the largest of the three with about 4,200 acres, featuring terrain suitable for all abilities and breathtaking mountain views.

Banff Sunshine has roughly 3,358 acres, known for diverse terrain crossing the Alberta-British Columbia border and exceptional snow quality.

Mt. Norquay, closest to Banff town (about 8 km away), offers 190 acres of ski terrain and is popular with locals, known also for being the only Banff ski area with night skiing.

The Ski Big 3 lifts are accessible via a single "SkiBig3" Tri Area lift ticket, which also covers free shuttle transport connecting the three resorts and nearby towns. World famous dry Canadian Rockies powder is available for one of the longest, most consistent ski/snowboard seasons in the world with Banff skiing opening in early November and operations until late in May each year.

WHAT IS THE SKIING LIKE AT BANFF?

Here’s what to expect for beginners, intermediates, and advanced skiers:

Beginners
Highlights: All three resorts provide extensive beginner-friendly (green) terrain, gentle slopes, and progressive learning zones. There are excellent ski schools, accessible "magic carpet" lifts, and easy runs located close to base lodges.
Best Spots:
Banff Sunshine: The Dell Valley run offers a long, rolling green ideal for building confidence, accessed from Strawberry Express. Nursery areas and easy-access greens set beginners up for success.
Lake Louise: Multiple base-area green runs, and long, scenic beginner trails like Wiwaxy enable progression with beautiful mountain views.
Mt. Norquay: Dedicated learning area plus gentle green runs, with a reputation as especially welcoming for first-timers and families.
Experience: All resorts are highly regarded for their gentle, non-intimidating slopes, top-rated instruction, and range of beginner-friendly rental options.

Intermediates
Highlights: Almost half of SkiBig3’s terrain is blue (intermediate), offering a huge variety of well-groomed cruisers, rolling blues, and open bowls. Intermediates can experience long, scenic runs, gentle glades, and some steeper blues for progression.
Best Runs:
Banff Sunshine: Tin Can Alley off Wawa Chair is a popular, wide intermediate run with gentle tree glades for skill-building.
Lake Louise: A paradise for intermediates with classics like Wolverine and Bobcat, plus mid-mountain and base blues across multiple faces. The West Bowl and Lookout offer longer descents and stunning vistas.
Mt. Norquay: Well-groomed blues and enjoyable terrain under Mystic and Spirit chairs, perfect for laps and progression.
Experience: Intermediates will find outstanding variety, with opportunity to explore all three resorts via shuttle and master different terrain types throughout their stay.

Advanced/Expert
Highlights: About 30% of SkiBig3’s terrain is advanced/expert, with legendary powder bowls, steep chutes, tree lines, moguls, and back bowls. From technical inbounds steeps to world-famous off-piste, the options for accomplished skiers are vast.
Best Areas:
Banff Sunshine: The Shoulder offers steep, wide advanced skiing and some of the best gladed powder lines on a snowy day. Goat’s Eye Mountain is packed with black and double-black runs, including chutes for adrenalin seekers.
Lake Louise: The Top of the World express and Summit Platter open up the iconic Lake Louise back bowls—big powder fields, chutes, and double blacks. The Ptarmigan chair is renowned for steep tree skiing and thrilling descents.
Mt. Norquay: Advanced runs with moguls and challenging terrain, plus a terrain park for freestyle progression.

is banff good for families?

1. Terrific Beginner Areas and Lessons
All three resorts feature great beginner zones with dedicated magic carpets, gentle progression slopes, and top-rated ski schools specifically tailored for children and families.

For instance, Mt. Norquay’s Sundance Area is an enclosed space ideal for first-timers, with its own moving carpet, fun learning features, and nearby tubing park. Sunshine Village offers a range of beginner and intermediate terrain accessible from every chair for easy family meet-ups, plus ski and daycare facilities.

Lake Louise impresses with gentle greens available from most lifts, making it easy for families of mixed abilities to stay together or regroup at the base.

2. Activities Beyond Skiing
Tubing parks (e.g., Norquay Tube Park), snowshoeing, sightseeing gondolas, and family adventure activities are readily available. Lodges and resorts often host daily programs: s’mores, scavenger hunts, hot tub bingo, and après-ski kid zones ensure fun off the slopes.

The entire region is well set up for both winter and summer adventure, with a beautiful mountain town vibe, plenty of dining choices, and family-friendly accommodations and amenities.

3. On-Mountain & Village Amenities
Most Banff lodging is family-oriented, offering larger rooms, kitchenettes, and easy access to resort shuttles. Sunshine Mountain Lodge, for example, is ski-in/ski-out and has family suites, daily resort activities, and Canada’s largest outdoor hot tub, ideal for relaxing after a day on the mountain.

All main ski bases offer playgrounds, kids’ menus, child care (starting as young as 19–18 months), and easy access to rentals/services—all designed to make family holidays smooth.

4. Family Convenience
No matter your ability, you’ll find that the resorts have long, wide, and scenic runs so everyone can ski at their own level but still end up at the same place—a major plus for families with kids at different stages.

Resort shuttles connect Banff town and all three mountains, making navigation easy for families based in town accommodations.

Tips:
Stay at Sunshine Mountain Lodge for true ski-in/ski-out convenience or choose Banff town for access to various restaurants, shops, and après-ski activities.

Book lessons for first-timers—local instructors get great reviews from parents and kids alike.

Banff Property Map