Here’s everything you need to know to plan a Banff ski trip! Located in Alberta, Canada, Banff is a magical winter wonderland. Visiting in December – March lets you see the beauty of the area without the summer crowds.
We spent a long weekend in the Banff area in late February for a ski trip with our friends and got hit with the most amazing snow, or as they call it, prosecco powder.
Here’s all the details about our trip to Banff, including how to plan, our favorite spots to ski, and restaurants to try!
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See our Amazon Banff packing list here!
Skimming this article or want some quick answers? Here’s a quick reference guide:
- Best time: December to March
- Fly into: Calgary (about 1.5 hours away)
- Where to stay: Banff for nightlife, Canmore for value
- How many days: 3 to 4 to ski two resorts
- Lift pass: Ski Big 3 covers all three resorts, and it’s included with Ikon and Mountain Collective
How do you get to Banff for a ski trip?
Fly to Calgary
A few of our friends live in northern Montana, so they drove to Banff. We are further away in Minnesota`, so chose to fly into Calgary. Calgary is the largest Alberta city, so has a major airport which made finding flights easy.
Rent a car
Calgary is about 1 hour and 30 minutes from Banff, so we rented a car and would highly recommend this option as it’s the easiest way to get around while in Banff itself. The car rental center is connected to the airport too, so no need to shuttle to a different location once you’re there. Huge win, as we try to avoid lugging our skis around more than we have to!
We chose to rent a car in order to get around easier. We used Discover Cars to book our rental in advance. It’s basically a service that gets you the best deal from all rental companies.
Side note on Discover Cars! The booking process is great because I like seeing all options from different companies side-by-side. Their pricing is transparent with no hidden fees, which made budgeting for the trip easier. I also appreciate the flexibility of free cancellation up to 48 hours before pickup. If you want an easy way to compare rental options, check them out here!
Take shuttles
If you don’t want to rent a car, there are shuttles from the airport for a cost and then free buses (included in your lift ticket) that shuttle you to the ski resorts once in Banff area. Here’s a good shared shuttle option.
Important reminder: If you are flying form the US, make sure to have your passport and fill out the ArriveCAN app before you go! Makes customs much easier.
Should I stay in Banff or Canmore for skiing?
Banff itself is a great home base in the area but it’s not the only option. Here’s 2 recommendations that all make great home bases for your Banff ski trip.
Stay in Canmore
Canmore is about 1 hour and 15 minutes from the Calgary Airport and is a fun little town. However, that means it’s a bit further to the ski resorts. We chose to stay here because it’s a very adventurous spot and has a great shopping, food, and drink scene.
You’ll find the best deal on lodging options here, too. We visited with a group of 7, so needed a larger place to stay. We absolutely LOVED our Airbnb which had rooms for everyone (some were couples), 4 bathrooms, and a private rooftop hot tub. This spot would easily be double the cost if it was in Banff.
Stay in Banff
If you want to stay in Banff, I highly recommend that too! While lodging is more expensive, you do get what you pay for. The town itself is more lively and has more shopping and restaurants. You’ll also be 20 minutes closer to the slopes, but keep in mind the town is definitely busier.
We stayed in Banff while we visited in the summer and stayed at Moose Hotel & Suites, which I also recommend! It’s located right downtown Banff which makes it easy to walk around and has a huge rooftop hot tub, swimming pool, and sauna.
Related post: A first timer’s guide to SkiBig3
How to rent gear for a Banff ski trip
We brought our own gear, but some of our friends rented. The three ski resorts in the area are owned by the same company, Ski Big 3, so rentals and tickets for each of those resorts can be done through the SkiBig3 website in advance.
You can then pick up your rentals at a Ski Big 3 Hub in Canmore or Banff, or directly at the resort. You can get your tickets here too! It was incredibly convenient. We even picked up in one location and dropped off in another.
What to pack for Banff Ski Trip
Obviously, you will need your ski gear (which you can bring your own or rent like I referenced above), but you will also need a few other things.
For on-the-mountain gear, I highly recommend wool base layers (think socks, leggings, tops) a mid layer (something a bit warmer) and then your jacket or shell. Wool is naturally moisture-wicking so is a much better base option than materials like cotton. You’ll also need a hydration pack with a spot to hold a hat for when you take your helmet off after skiing and want to avoid that helmet-hair look. It also holds things like a charging bank, hand and toe warmers, and snacks.
Here is a link to all my favorite ski gear for my husband and I. It includes things that are ideal for traveling with your gear as well, like boot bags, portable boot dyers, and more.
Which Banff ski resort is best? Lake Louise vs. Sunshine vs. Norquay
We visited Banff specifically to ski, so got a Ski Big 3 pass which covers Lake Louise, Banff Sunshine, and Mt. Norquay. We skied Lake Louise for a day and Banff Sunshine for another day, so got a 2 day ticket.
Bonus tip: SkiBig3 is also included in the Mountain Collective and Ikon passes!
Ski Lake Louise
We skied Lake Louise on a power day, so while visibility wasn’t clear, the snow was great! Lake Louise is one of the largest ski resorts in North America with over 4,400 acres. The runs are long and the layout is great especially if you’re with a group with varying abilities. There’s beginner, intermediate, and expert runs down from every chair. If you love to ski trees, this is the best resort for it! We loved the huge bowls and the backside of the mountain, too. Bonus – lines were always short, even on a powder day.
Ski Banff Sunshine
Banff Sunshine requires you to take a gondola to the base, and there’s technically 3 mountains here to ski. The views are incredibly expansive being the Village’s altitude is already at 7,200 feet. PS – the village is adorable with many lodges and restaurants to choose from. You feel on top of the world here and there’s lots of varied terrain, plus it has the longest non-glacial ski season in Canada – open late November to late May!
Ski Mt. Norquay
Mt. Norquay is the only resort we didn’t ski, but the locals love it here! We heard that it’s the steepest of the mountains, and some said it was the most technical. It’s smaller, which also brings less people. Included in your ticket at Mt. Norquay is snow tubing, which is fun for all ages, but especially kids!
Related post: A first timer’s guide to SkiBig3
Best restaurants in Canmore
In Canmore, the staff at the Ski Big 3 hub recommended to eat at Where the Buffalo Roam. It’s a small restaurant right downtown that also has amazing cocktails. We LOVED it! So cozy and definitely recommend the dragon bowl. We also loved Canmore Brewing for beer, snacks, and darts!
Best restaurants in Banff
In Banff, Hello Sunshine is a trendy spot for Japanese food. The vibes and the food here are next level and I had the smoothest espresso martini of my life. We were craving Italian the next night, so we tried the Fat Ox. The spaghetti and elk meatballs were delicious and we had the best service! Another Italian spot that we heard amazing things about is LUPO Italian Ristorante, but they unfortunately didn’t have a reservation open. Highly recommend making a reservation at all of these spots in advance.
See all my ski must-haves on Amazon
Bonus activity: Ice skate on Lake Louise
Unlike the summer months, you are able to drive right to Lake Louise and park in the parking lot. So, definitely take advantage of visiting! After a short walk, you can see the incredible views of Lake Louise and the surrounding national park. The Fairmont Hotel at Lake Louise keeps up a skating rink on the lake and even builds an ice castle! It’s free to skate, and you can bring your own skates or rent some in the hotel.
If you want an extra dreamy experience, book a table at one of the restaurants at the Fairmont Hotel. It’s so cozy and views are incredible!
Sample 4-Day Banff Ski Trip Itinerary
Want to see how it all comes together? Here’s how I’d plan a long weekend Banff ski trip, based on what we did (and what I’d add next time!).
Day 1: Fly into Calgary and settle in
Land in Calgary, grab your rental car right at the airport, and make the drive into the mountains. Stop for groceries on the way so you’re stocked up for breakfasts and après snacks. If you have time, pick up any pre-booked ski rentals at the hub in Canmore or Banff so you’re ready to hit the slopes first thing.
Settle into your stay, then head out for a cozy dinner. In Canmore, head to Where the Buffalo Roam. In Banff, head to Hello Sunshine.
Day 2: Ski Lake Louise + skate on the lake
Spend the day exploring Lake Louise Ski Resort. After the lifts close, drive over to the Lake Louise parking lot and lace up for a skate on the frozen lake by the Fairmont. Book a table at one of the hotel restaurants to warm up after.
Day 3: Ski Banff Sunshine
Ride the gondola up to Banff Sunshine Village and spend the day skiing your heart out. Then head to Fat Ox before heading back to your stay for a soak in the hot tub.
Day 4: Ski Mt. Norquay or explore Banff, then fly home
If your flight’s later in the day, squeeze in a few runs at Mt. Norquay. It’s the closest resort to town. Or take a slow morning to shop along Banff Avenue and grab a coffee before the drive back to Calgary.
Tip: Book your dinner reservations before you go. Banff restaurants fill up fast in ski season.
Banff Ski Trip FAQs
When is the best time for a Banff ski trip?
December through March is prime time for a Banff ski trip. If you want a longer season, Banff Sunshine runs from late November to late May.
How many days do you need for a Banff ski trip?
Plan for at least 3 to 4 days. That gives you a travel day plus time to ski two of the three Ski Big 3 resorts. Add a day if you want to ski all three or explore the town.
Is Banff good for beginner skiers?
Yes! Lake Louise has beginner terrain off every chair, so beginners and experts can ski the same mountain. Banff Sunshine also has plenty of mellow runs.
Which Banff ski resort is best?
It depends on your group. Lake Louise is the biggest, with something for everyone and great tree skiing. Banff Sunshine has the best views and the longest season. Mt. Norquay is closest to town, with steep terrain and smaller crowds.
Is the Ski Big 3 pass worth it?
If you’re skiing more than one resort, yes. One pass covers Lake Louise, Banff Sunshine and Mt. Norquay. If you have an Ikon or Mountain Collective pass, Ski Big 3 is already included.
Should you stay in Banff or Canmore for a ski trip?
Stay in Banff if you want restaurants, shopping, and a lively town, all about 20 minutes closer to the slopes. Stay in Canmore for better lodging deals and bigger rentals, which is great for groups.
Do you need a car in Banff?
A car is the easiest way to get around, and you can rent one right at the Calgary airport. If you’d rather not drive, airport shuttles run to Banff, and free resort buses are included with your lift tickets.
How far is Banff from the Calgary airport?
Banff is about an hour and a half from the Calgary airport. Canmore is about 15 minutes closer.
What do you need to travel to Banff from the US?
Bring your passport. The ArriveCAN app is optional, but you can use it to fill out your customs declaration ahead of time and speed things up at the airport.
What should I pack for a Banff ski trip?
Pack wool base layers, goggles, mittens and hand warmers. Banff can get very cold in midwinter. Don’t forget a swimsuit for the hot tub! See my full ski trip packing list or shop my ski must-haves on Amazon.
You did it! You got through everything you need to know to plan a Banff ski trip. For more details on our ski days at Lake Louise and Banff Sunshine, including our favorite runs and restaurants, see A first timer’s guide to SkiBig3! Happy Skiing!
Related post: A first timer’s guide to SkiBig3
