In partnership with Banff and Lake Louise
Some destinations just leave a lasting impression and Banff and Lake Louise fall perfectly into that category. Our Mountain Travel Experts have traveled all over the world chasing snow and exploring new resorts, yet these two destinations have earned a spot in our regular rotation. Banff and Lake Louise just deliver a great ski vacation without trying too hard.
Yes, the region is world-famous for its glacier-fed blue water lakes and beautiful mountains, but what most skiers don’t realize is that the best of Banff hides in plain sight. While crowds descend in February and March, local skiers know better. They treat January and April like a secret password—two months when the snow is deeper, the lines are shorter, and the mountains feel like yours alone.
Big horn sheep at Mt. Norquay Lookout. Image: Robert Massey/Banff & Lake Louise Tourism.Driving into Banff is awe-inspiring to say the least. You’re skiing immersed inside a UNESCO World Heritage Site, wrapped in untouched wilderness that feels bigger, more peaceful and more dramatic than anywhere else in North America. Glaciers carve through valleys, alpenglow paints the peaks at sunset, and elk wander through town like they own the place (because, honestly, they do).
As Canada's first national park, Banff's protected status means wildlife isn't just common, it's part of the daily rhythm. Caribou stroll through the streets. Bighorn sheep strike poses on cliff edges like they're waiting for Instagram. Moose, mountain goats, pine martens, lynx, and countless bird species round out the cast. You might even spot a grizzly, though winter sightings are rare since they're usually hibernating. On my last visit, I saw moose in the Spray Valley, fox tracks along the Bow River, and a pair of bald eagles circling above Lake Minnewanka.
January hits that perfect sweet spot right after the holiday rush. While everyone else heads back to school or work, you’ll be cruising with minimal lift lines to slow you down. Think private stashes and uninterrupted laps. And thanks to consistently cold temps, the snow is exactly what you dream Canadian Rockies powder will be: dry, light and effortless to ski.
January is also when SnowDays Festival transforms downtown Banff into a winter wonderland. Think glowing ice sculptures lining the streets, families playing outdoor games, live music echoing off snow-coated rooftops, circus performers spinning fire next to ice carving demonstrations, and this year, a brand-new Art of Ice carving competition right in the heart of town. The festival is packed with family-friendly activities, live entertainment, interactive installations and an energy that makes January feel like a celebration of winter and the joy it brings.
And then… there’s Skijoring. If you’ve never seen a skier or snowboarder being pulled by a galloping horse – and then throwing a backflip – you’re in for a treat. It’s the show-stopping highlight of SnowDays. On January 17-18, 2026, Alberta cowgirls, cowboys and their horses team up with freestyle skiers for a high-octane showcase of riding, racing and airborne stunts. Trust us: you do not want to miss it.
Cheers to spring skiing in Banff. Image: Reuben Krabbe / SkiBig3April is the gateway for Spring skiing in Banff and Lake Louise, which means it’s not only one of the most affordable times to visit, but also super rewarding. Imagine a bluebird spring day and soaking in a hot spring by sunset after the fun. With the spring break crowds gone by the end of March, April becomes a quiet, underrated window ideal for families, couples and solo skiers who want uncrowded slopes without sacrificing conditions.
April après brings a whole different energy to Banff. The sun is shining and slopeside patios are in full swing. The vibes are high. Warmer days spark a contagious buzz across the spring skiing events, too. Food lovers will want to time their trip with the Made with Love Banff Food and Cocktail Festival, a two-week outdoor celebration launching in April with incredible food and cocktail/mocktail pairings. Then there’s Mount Slushmore Pond Skim, where skiers and riders attempt to skim across a slushy pond in full costume – pure, entertaining chaos in the best way.
As the snow melts at lower elevations, you get milder temperatures that are ideal for outdoor activities beyond skiing. This opens the doors to more Banff experiences, like early-season hiking. April is an excellent time to explore Johnston Canyon, a trail that's often packed in peak months but gets some reprieve this time of year. Over in Lake Louise, you can walk to the far end of the lake, cross the boardwalk and follow the creek to a set of small rapids, still wrapped in that lingering “winter wonderland” feel thanks to the area’s higher elevation.
After a day of floating through powder, your legs are happily spent. You wander over to Banff Upper Hot Springs and sink into the naturally heated mineral pools as steam curls into the cold air. The peaks glow pink as the sun sets, snow-dusted evergreens frame the view, and for a moment, everything feels perfectly still. It’s hard to imagine a better ending to a ski day.
If you’re taking a rest day (or if someone in your group doesn’t ski), you’ll still have more than enough to fill your itinerary. Explore peaceful cross-country trails, join a guided snowshoe tour, wander through frozen canyons on an ice walk, try ice skating, snow tubing, sleigh rides, dogsledding, fat biking, or even snowmobiling.
And if you really want to level up your adventure, book a helicopter tour over the Canadian Rockies. Fly over Abraham Lake, and you might catch sight of one of the Rockies’ most surreal winter wonders: perfectly preserved methane bubbles suspended in crystal-clear ice. After landing, you can join a guided tour to walk out onto the lake and see the phenomenon up close. Its a surreal and special experience!
It's time to explore the epic SkiBig3. Image: Reuben Krabbe / SkiBig3Banff National Park is home to three epic ski resorts (colloquially known as “SkiBig3) – Mt. Norquay, Lake Louise Ski Resort and Banff Sunshine Village – and the beauty is, you can access all of them with a single SkiBig3 lift ticket (which is also covered on your Ikon Pass!)
Banff Sunshine is famous for Canada's best snow. Almost 3,300 acres of diverse terrain, spanning from approachable greens to the hardest double blacks you'll find anywhere. Magical ski runs wind through the forest, tree glades open into wide-open tracks and there are 12 different lifts (including the heated bubble quad chair that's a local favorite) spread across three mountains. Après ski at the legendary on-mountain Mad Trapper's bar is a non-negotiable. And if you're feeling brave, Delirium Dive should be on your bucket list.
Lake Louise Ski Resort might just claim the most breathtaking resort views in North America, and honestly, once you see it for yourself, there’s no debate. Skiers and riders from around the world rank it among their must-visit destinations, and with 4,200 acres of terrain, it delivers for everyone. But it’s the scenery that stops you mid-run to admire.
Stepping off the gondola onto the broad ridge of Whitehorn Mountain, you’re met with a sweeping panorama that feels almost too cinematic. Look across the valley and you’ll spot the frozen brilliant blue of Lake Louise framed by soaring peaks. Drop into the front side and you’ll ski beneath the towering mountain face of Mount Temple. Head to the backside and you’re rewarded with legendary powder bowls that define the Canadian Rockies. And with the longest ski season in Canada, you get even more time to savor every moment of it.
This is the small but mighty locals' mountain. Seventy-seven named runs spread over 190 acres, drawing in skiers and snowboarders looking for well-groomed racing runs and secret powder-filled ravines just minutes outside of town. It's known for its family-friendliness and shorter lift lines, with a variety of trails. Night skiing and snow tubing add to the allure. It's perfect for families (or anyone) warming up their legs on arrival day.
Cozy vibes and good times. Image: Silver Fern Productions/Banff & Lake Louise Tourism
At Ski.com, we’ve been helping travelers experience Banff for decades. Our Mountain Travel Experts know these mountains intimately: where to stay, where the powder stashes are and which weeks deliver that perfect blend of empty slopes and unforgettable après. We've partnered with Banff and Lake Louise because we believe this place deserves more than a quick Instagram stop. It deserves your full attention and the right timing to see it at its absolute best.
Ready to experience Banff and Lake Louise the way the insiders do? Let Ski.com's Mountain Travel Experts build your perfect ski getaway. Talk to a Mountain Travel Expert today and start planning your Banff adventure.
Cover Image: Reuben KrabbeTAGGED: Banff + Lake Louise
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