It may still only just be half way through Autumn but the 2016-17 season has got off to an exciting – and early – start in Banff and Lake Louise with the area’s Sunshine Village Ski Resort making its earliest opening in 30 years, a week ahead of schedule, thanks to great autumn snowfall that left more than two feet of natural snowfall blanketing the slopes.
With Sunshine Village the first ski resort in Canada to open by some distance it’s looking like it is going to be a great winter in Banff and Lake Louise, with the world’s top ski racers shortly due to compete on the slopes of the Lake Louise Ski Resort in their annual late autumn fixture and the region’s third ski destination, historic Mount Norquay, the closest of the three to downhill Banff, opening shortly too.
Banff and Lake Louise is a paradise for skiers and snowboarders. Three world class resorts, the rugged terrain of the Rocky Mountains, light and fluffy snow, and the most stunningly scenic backdrop you’ll ever experience all add up to a must-visit location for snow lovers.
The area is famous for its reliable deep snow conditions and even without its early opening Sunshine Village would have clocked up a six month season, one of the world’s longest, staying open right through to late-May 2017. Lake Louise Ski Resort has almost as long a season and is the only resort in North America trusted to stage World Cup races as early as late November.
For recreational skiers and boarders that means reliable snow conditions but also convenience – all three areas participate in the Ski Big3 Tri Area lift ticket, which also covers the ski resort shuttle bus service that links them. All the resorts are short, easy drives from the town of Banff and hamlet of Lake Louise and offer huge variety for skiers and riders of all ages and abilities.
The Big 3
Stacked with world famous Rocky Mountain powder and awe-inspiring scenery, the ski resorts of Banff and Lake Louise are something special.
Mount Norquay is located only 10 minutes from the ski town of Banff, and is a great ski hill for families, with diverse terrain for beginner, intermediate and advanced skiers and riders, and the very popular Tube Town tubing park. You can also ski when the stars are out, with night skiing and snowboarding on Fridays and Saturdays.
The Lake Louise Ski Resort is one of the largest ski areas in North America, offering spectacular views, long runs and lots of terrain for all ability levels. With 139 runs, there is a huge variety for beginner, intermediate and expert skiers and riders, making the Lake Louise Ski Resort a great choice for families and groups. Big open bowls and gnarly chutes and gullies offer a lot of fun for intermediate and expert skiers as well. It is located 5 minutes drive from the hamlet of Lake Louise.
Sunshine Village is one of Canada’ highest, located 15 minutes from the town of Banff. It has more than 3,300 acres of ski and snowboarding terrain, including the massive 12 acre Rogers Terrain Park. For advanced skiers, Delirium Dive and Goat’s Eye have some of the most extreme in-bounds terrain in the country.
Not Just Skiing And Boarding
It’s not just about the downhill either, this vast winter wonderland, home to some of the world’s most exceptional mountain scenery, has lots of alternative winter activities to enjoy too
Cross country skiers are spoilt for choice with a huge choice of routes in the Banff National Park. You can hire instructors or guides, rent gear – everything you need, whatever your ability. Snowshoeing and winter hiking are also widely available options.
If you’re feeling brave you might also tackle the Johnston Canyon Icewalk which traverses a series of steel catwalks that give spectacular views of the Johnston Canyon below. This popular ice walk leads you past the lower falls and to the breath-taking upper icefalls. Travel through prime wildlife habitat and learn the clues to how Johnston Canyon was formed.
Ice skating is also very popular here, as is ice hockey of course, and there are several indoor and outdoor ice skating rinks open during the winter in Banff and Lake Louise. Most skating rinks are free to use and skate rentals are available in both Banff and Lake Louise.
Or if you prefer to be powered along rather than pushing yourself, dog sledding is another great choice. This unique experience can be tranquil at some times, and exhilarating and delightfully chaotic at others. Dogsledding is a must-do activity for any traveler, but especially so for dog-lovers or those wanting to experience a classically Canadian activity.
If you prefer animal power at a less frenetic pace then sleigh rides are a classically romantic way to enjoy the winter wonderland of Banff and Lake Louise. Join a public tour or indulge in a private ride – it’s sure to be a memorable experience. Sleigh rides are available both in the town of Banff and in Lake Louise.
For life at a slower pace still, ice fishing in the winter months between December and April is a unique way to spend a day quite literally chilling out with friends and family. Don’t be discouraged by the cold – booking with a guided outfitter will ensure you’re set up with all the fishing gear and warm clothing you might need as well as a heated hut on the ice to relax in. Spray Lake is a popular ice fishing location.
And how bout caving? No matter what time of year, caving with Canmore Cave Tours will take you deep into Rats Nest Cave, exploring the vast and intricate system that lies below Grotto Mountain. The temperature in the cave remains much warmer then the air above and while down there, it’s easy to forget the winter wonderland that awaits above.
Apres
After your day on the ski slopes or your hike in the hills, it’s time for big decisions in Banff and Lake Louise: where will you après? Spend a leisurely, late afternoon by the fire trading stories of your day and refuelling with drinks and nachos. Take the family for hot chocolates all around at a mountain lodge. Enjoy the evening sunshine and a beer at a terrace table. Listen to upbeat tunes while kicking back at the base of the ski hill. Sip cocktails and meet new people at a plush hotel lounge. Après is a way of life in Banff and Lake Louise.
It’s never been easier to reach Banff and Lake Louise with direct flights to Calgary then the easy but spectacular drive west in to the Canadian Rockies on the modern four lane highway.
