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Canada Ski Resorts, Alberta Ski ResortsVisit Canada's SkiBig3 Resorts
Banff and Lake Louise Ski Resorts: Your SkiBig3 Adventure Awaits
Nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Banff National Park is home to three world-class ski resorts. Known as the SkiBig3, Lake Louise Ski Resort, Banff Sunshine Village and Mt. Norquay Ski Resort have more than 8,000 acres of skiable terrain. It’s an ideal destination for families with beginners, experts looking for extreme hike-to terrain and every skier and snowboarder in between. Beyond offering some of the world’s best skiing, the SkiBig3 is also a destination with remarkable views, charming villages, impressive après and wintertime activities that will have you returning again and again.
Falling in love with Banff and Lake Louise is easy, but planning a trip can be overwhelming with three resorts, multiple towns for lodging and an array of activities. That's where Ski.com comes in. With 50+ years of expertise, our team of Mountain Travel Experts is passionate about the mountains and dedicated to crafting seamless, personalized ski travel experiences. Think of us as your knowledgeable friend, ready to share insider tips and handle all the details so you can focus on the fun.
Let our Mountain Travel Experts create a SkiBig3 trip for you, so that you can focus on discovering one of North America’s best ski destinations.
Lift Tickets and Ski Pass Access in SkiBig3
- Ikon Pass: Includes 7 combined days at SkiBig3 — perfect if you’re visiting multiple resorts. Costs around $1,500 depending on purchase date.
- SkiBig3 Season Pass: Best for long stays or repeat visits; roughly $2,250 for the season.
- Rocky Mountain Passport: Best if you’re exploring other Canadian mountains with unlimited access to SkiBig3, Nakiska Ski Resort, Fernie Alpine Resort, Kimberley Alpine Resort and Marmot Basin. About $2,700 for the season.
- Rocky Mountain Collective Pass: 2 days at Banff Sunshine and 2 days at Lake Louise, along with access to 25 other resorts. Early bird adult prices started around $660.
- SkiBig3 daily lift tickets: Grant access to all three mountains and includes night skiing.
Tip: Book early for the best pricing and talk to a Mountain Travel Expert to discover what pass is right for you.
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The Basics of SkiBig3
Although the SkiBig3 is commonly referred to as a single destination, it actually consists of three separate ski resorts located across Banff National Park, with each resort being no more than a 45-minute drive from the others. Banff Sunshine Village and Mt. Norquay are about 13 miles (20 minutes) apart, and Lake Louise Ski Resort is less than 40 miles (about 45 minutes) from the other two.
Depending on your group’s ski level and vacation goals, it might make sense to focus on one or two mountains during your Banff ski vacation. That’s where Ski.com’s 50 years of expertise can come in. Our Mountain Travel Experts can help you plan and book a trip that fits your group travel desires.
Something for Every Traveler in SkiBig3
With three mountains, there’s an experience for every skier and snowboarder. Here are the basics:
- Lake Louise Ski Resort is the largest of the three, with 4,200 acres of skiable terrain suitable for all levels
- Banff Sunshine Village has over 3,300 acres spread across three mountains, ranging from beginner greens to the SkiBig3’s most extreme terrain
- Mt. Norquay, while the smallest with 190 acres, is known for its groomed racing runs, technical steeps, hidden powder-filled ravines and night skiing
5 best things about Banff and Lake Louise according to our Mountain Travel Experts
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Where to Stay in the SkiBig3
When booking a trip to the SkiBig3, travelers often choose between staying in Lake Louise, Banff or Canmore.
Banff
Banff is a lively mountain town where most visitors stay if they want alpine energy, dining options, easy transportation and nightlife after skiing.
- A walkable downtown with shops, restaurants and après-ski bars
- Lodging ranges from luxury hotels to budget-friendly inns
- Easy access to multiple ski resorts, with frequent shuttles connecting Sunshine Village, Lake Louise and Mt. Norquay
Lake Louise
Lake Louise is both a lake and a small mountain village with the Lake Louise Ski Resort right outside the town.
- Iconic alpine scenery with landmarks like the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
- A more laid-back atmosphere with quieter evenings
- Ideal for those chasing first tracks with Lake Louise Ski Resort right next door
Ski-in ski-out in Banff
Sunshine Mountain Lodge is the only true ski-in ski-out hotel in the Banff area, located mid-mountain at Sunshine Village. It’s a bucket-list stay for diehard skiers who want first tracks and last chair access.
Best Time to Visit the SkiBig3
Thanks to its location, the three mountains are known for reliably light, dry snow. The season typically runs from early November through early May, but early January and April have prime conditions with fewer crowds. If you’re planning to arrive during late January or February, pack layers as the region often experiences extreme cold snaps.
GETTING AROUND THE SKIBIG3
Navigating between the SkiBig3’s towns and mountains is simple. With all destinations less than 45 minutes apart, there are free and low-cost shuttle, there are free and low-cost shuttles that can take you between resorts and towns. A car rental with 4WD or AWD might be convenient, especially if your group is staying in Canmore, where shuttles can be more limited.
HOW TO GET TO BANFF
Getting to Banff and Lake Louise is a breeze. Calgary International Airport (YYC): 89 miles from Banff and 125 miles from Lake Louise (1.5 hours from Banff and just over 2 hours from Lake Louise), with nonstop flights from 80+ cities worldwide.
Options for getting to Banff and Lake Louise:
- Rent a car
- Airport shuttle services drop travelers directly at hotels - a great option your Mountain Travel Expert can schedule that will take you right to your hotel doorstep from YYC
Skiing in Banff and Lake Louise
Beginner Skiing + Snowboarding at the SkiBig3
- All three resorts offer skiing and snowboarding lessons for beginners taught by certified instructors
- Every mountain is fit for learning. Mt. Norquay is home to wide green runs. Meanwhile, Banff Sunshine has extensive terrain great for advancing, and Lake Louise has a blue or green run from top to bottom of all 11 lifts
- For progressing skiers, Banff Sunshine is a great choice since every run funnels back to the upper village, making it an easy meeting point
Terrain Overview
Lake Louise Ski Resort
Lake Louise Ski Resort
- More than 4,200 acres spread across four mountains, making it one of the largest ski resorts in North America
- Long cruisers, gentle learning terrain, chutes, massive alpine back bowls and its Larch Area, known for tree skiing
- Great for beginners with a ski school, plenty of green runs and wide, open blue groomers for skiers and snowboarders as they advance
- Also satisfies expert skiers thanks to its backside powder bowls, where wide-open alpine terrain leads to multiple double-black zones
Banff Sunshine Village
Banff Sunshine Village
- Known as the Island in the Sky, Banff Sunshine Village has over 3,300 acres spread across three mountains, ranging from beginner greens to extreme double-black diamond terrain
- Wide-open bowls, long fall-line cruisers, gladed runs and serious hike-to expert terrain
- Known for natural snow, the resort does not rely on artificial snowmaking
- Best for intermediate skiers, thanks to an abundance of blue terrain and mellow high-alpine zones
- Home to heated bubble chairs and Delirium Dive, one of the world’s top off-piste zones
Mt. Norquay
Mt. Norquay
- The smallest of the three resorts, with 190 acres and 36% rated expert terrain
- Its size doesn’t mean it lacks in thrill. The resort is known for its groomed racing runs, technical steeps and hidden powder-filled ravines
- Great for half days and arrival days, since the mountain is just 10 minutes from Banff
- The only resort that offers night skiing across the SkiBig3
Family vacations in SkiBig3
Banff and Lake Louise are brimming with family-friendly adventures that guarantee unforgettable memories in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. Families looking for convenience will want to stay at Sunshine Village’s Sunshine Mountain Lodge. The Sunshine Mountain Lodge is Banff’s only ski-in ski-out hotel which provides a unique experience that is unlike anything else, with West wing rooms featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, cozy fireplaces, private balconies and additional upscale amenities. For kid-friendly off-mountain activities, like pools, families on a Banff family ski vacation will want to stay at the Inns of Banff, Lake Louise Inn or Banff Rocky Mountain Resort.
With three ski resorts to choose from on a Banff family ski vacation, every member of your clan, no matter what age, level or terrain preferences will enjoy themselves. Banff’s proximity to Calgary ensures that it sees a bit of weekend warrior traffic, not to mention a significant jet set crowd and tourists looking to catch a glimpse of the famed wilderness of Banff National Park. The array of clientele, both local and international, ensures there is a range of lodging and dining options to suit every penchant.
Endless Activities Off the Slopes in Banff
Snow tubing
Lake Louise Sunny Tube Park and Norquay Tube Park
Banff Upper Hot Springs
Spend an evening in natural mineral water surrounded by the Rundle and Cascade Mountains
Ice skating
There is a handful of ice skating opportunities around Banff, including Fenlands Arena, Fenlands Meadow, Sundance Park, Rotary Park and Lake Louise
Guided icewalk tours
Marvel at natural caves, cascading blue icicles and frozen waterfalls along the Johnston Canyon Icewalk or embark on the Grotto Canyon Icewalk
Banff Gondola
Take in views of the Canadian Rockies, Bow Valley and Banff townsite; it’s worth a ride regardless of whether you’re skiing down
Banff’s SnowDays Festival
Each January, Banff and Lake Louise transform into winter wonderlands for the three-week SnowDays Festival, featuring ice sculptures, skijoring, carving competitions, live entertainment, and a play zone with fat biking, hockey, and curling.
Hot Chocolate Trail
Throughout the winter, restaurants and cafes in Banff and Lake Louise offer festive takes on hot chocolate. More than 30 eateries participate, so your sweet tooth will always be satisfied.FAQ
No. Banff and Lake Louise are two separate places, both located in Banff National Park. They’re often mentioned together because they’re close to one another (about 30 to 45 minutes apart, or roughly 35 miles). The two towns are frequently visited on the same trip, but they offer different experiences, with Banff being larger and more lively, and Lake Louise being a small hamlet centered around the lake and nearby ski area.
Yes. Regardless of whether you’re skiing or visiting the area, travelers will need to purchase a Parks Canada Pass if they enter the national park. As of recent pricing, a daily pass costs about $9 per adult, while a family or group pass costs about $18 per day. Youth under 17 enter free. Parks Canada occasionally offers free admission days, so, consider booking your trip around those dates, but note that access is not guaranteed.
Luckily, the region is teeming with activity for non-skiers. Since the mountains and views are a highlight of Banff National Park, consider embarking on a nature experience by ice skating on Lake Louise, snowshoeing through a winter wonderland, or riding the Banff Gondola or Lake Louise Sightseeing Gondola for breathtaking views. Then unwind at spas located in both Banff and Lake Louise. Just because you didn’t ski doesn’t mean you can’t partake in Banff’s lively après scene.
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How planning a ski trip with Ski.com works
Ready to experience the magic of Lake Louise for yourself? Planning a ski trip, especially to a major international destination like Lake Louise, can seem like a lot to coordinate. But it doesn't have to be.
Whether you're a traveler seeking a luxurious, all-inclusive-style vacation, an adventure seeker chasing fresh powder and expert terrain, a family looking for kid-friendly slopes and easy coordination, or a busy professional who just wants someone to handle all the details, our Mountain Travel Experts are here to help.
We simplify international ski travel, remove the complexity of planning, and deliver bespoke mountain vacations. We can help you navigate everything from flights and transfers to lift passes, lodging near the resort or in Banff, and even insider tips on the best runs and après-ski spots. You won't have to worry about missing out or overspending; we'll tailor a trip that fits your preferences and budget.