BANFF & LAKE LOUISE

The three ski areas of Banff and Lake Louise all have long ski seasons stretching to late April or well into May, making the famous ski region one of the best in the world for spring skiing.

The world-famous ski town is just a 90-minute drive from Calgary International Airport to Banff on the smooth, safe Trans-Canada Highway with no traffic and the spectacular Canadian Rockies towering up ahead of you. If you wish, you can explore the region car-free, thanks to a network of airport shuttles, ski shuttles and public transit, helping save the planet while giving you more time to take in the jawdropping views.

The SkiBig3 Lift Ticket gives you access to 8,000 acres of skiable terrain, 29 lifts and 362 runs across Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise Ski Resort and Mt Norquay ski areas.

Banff Sunshine has the longest non-glacial ski season of any resort in North America, with 201 opening days planned this season, culminating in the famous 95(ish) annual Slush Cup pond-skimming contest on 22 May!

Delirium Dive is Banff Sunshine’s famous double black area, a cool “intermediate” between groomed runs and backcountry for those wanting to get into more free ride skiing while still in a patrolled area. Lake Louise Ski Resort is also open into May and is currently showing off its ever-improving facilities following the approval of its Long Range Plan by Parks Canada. Several new quad chairlifts have been unveiled in the past few years as well as another 480 acres of freeride terrain in West Bowl, and there’s much more planned. West Bowl remains largely unexplored by UK visitors. Known for its unlimited glades, gullies, powder pockets and fun chutes, there is lots of new terrain (and fresh lines) to explore! The third area, Mt Norquay, is only 10 minutes from the world-famous ski town of Banff, and is also known as “Banff’s backyard”. Being so close to Banff, it’s ideal for families with kids and teens (who love the night skiing available here), plus it has the longest tubing lanes in Alberta! Afterwards, head to their Lone Pine Pub and celebrate with this season’s new Norquay 97 Rusty Edges Amber Ale, brewed by Banff Ave. Brewing Co.

Whichever you pick (and you can pick all three during your visit!), you’re skiing in Canada’s oldest National Park and it’s a unique experience. There are no condos or endless development up the sides of resorts – just fantastic skiing with unobstructed views. No forestry cutting, no mining, no development – just endless mountain vistas. Banff and Lake Louise are authentic mountain towns with local culture and cuisine (not purpose-built villages). This destination boasts over 150 dining options and is building a reputation as a foodie destination, with eight great new dining options opened in the last two years alone. Choose to stay in any one of more than 40 accommodation options from hostels to condos to premium suites to cabins and everything in between. Springtime is a great time to visit as this is still Banff’s low season (most visitors come in summer), but temperatures are warming and the days are getting longer, plus the skiing is great. No lift lines, no traffic, just skiing!

SIZE IN ACRES 7748

NO. OF LIFTS 29

RESORT ALTITUDE 1631m

TOP LIFT HEIGHT 2729m

SPECTACULAR SCENERY AND SPRING SKIING INTO MAY

RESORT ALTITUDE 3286m

TOP LIFT HEIGHT 3790m