In Partnership with Banff & Lake Louise Tourism
Some ski destinations 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 neighboring destinations have earned a spot in our regular rotation. Banff and Lake Louise deliver a magical ski vacation without trying too hard.
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 a trip to Banff and Lake Louise during any winter month is worthwhile, local skiers 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.Visiting Banff is awe-inspiring to say the least. You’re skiing immersed in a UNESCO World Heritage Site and wrapped in untouched wilderness that feels bigger and more peaceful 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. Bighorn sheep strike poses on cliff edges. 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.
January hits that perfect sweet spot right after the holiday rush. While everyone else heads back to school or work, you’ll be cruising uninterrupted laps without long lift lines. And thanks to consistently cold temps, the snow is exactly what you expect from the Canadian Rockies: dry, light and effortless to ski.
January is also when SnowDays Festival transforms downtown Banff into a winter wonderland. There are glowing ice sculptures lining the streets, families playing outdoor games, live music filling the air, and circus performers spinning fire. This year, SnowDays includes two special events: an Art of Ice Carving Competition and Tribute, a two-day tasting event where local distilleries and restaurants showcase sips and bites. The three-week SnowDays Festival is packed with family-friendly activities, live entertainment, interactive installations and an energy that makes January feel like a celebration of winter.
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. 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.
April 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 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. 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.
While February and March can attract more skiers and snowboarders, it’s for a good reason. The atmosphere in Banff and Lake Louise is lively, the snow is prime and local events are often worth planning an entire ski vacation around.
For those who put dancing and après at the epicenter of their ski itinerary, Banff has an entire weekend dedicated to you. This year, the mountain is hosting Aroabora, a two-night electronic music festival in March. The national park becomes a playground where skiers, boarders and travelers can immerse themselves in music and art.
Dance the night away at Arobora. Image: Robert MasseyIf you’re seeking a more cultural event to pair with your ski vacation, head to Banff during its first-ever Flying Canoë Volant at the end of February. This free, four-day event is inspired by legends, history and traditions. Banff’s Central Park is transformed through light and art, and visitors can engage in Indigenous and Francophone-Métis cultural programming, which includes everything from storytelling to singing.
After a day of floating through powder, your legs are happily spent. Wander to Banff Upper Hot Springs and sink into the naturally heated mineral pools with striking views of Banff National Park. Or head to Basin Glacial Waters, the new spa at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, with the luxury indoor-outdoor wellness facility for overnight guests. It’s the ideal atmosphere for rest and relaxation. 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.
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 walk on the lake and see the phenomenon up close. It’s a special and unique experience.
Winter brings beauty beyond the slopes in Banff.Banff National Park is home to three epic ski resorts, known as SkiBig3. They include Mt. Norquay, Lake Louise Ski Resort and Banff Sunshine Village. The beauty is you can access all of them with a single SkiBig3 lift ticket or your Ikon Pass.
Banff Sunshine is famous for Canada's best snow. With almost 3,300 acres of diverse terrain, it spans from approachable greens to challenging double blacks. Magical ski runs wind through forests, tree glades open into wide-open tracks, and there are 12 lifts (including the local favorite, a heated bubble quad chair). If you're feeling brave, Delirium Dive should be on your bucket list. It’s an extreme, hike-to freeride zone for expert skiers. Regardless of your skiing ability, après ski at the on-mountain Mad Trapper's bar is a non-negotiable.
Lake Louise Ski Resort might just claim the most breathtaking resort views in North America. 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. Stepping off the gondola onto the broad ridge of Whitehorn Mountain, you’re met with a sweeping cinematic panorama. 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. 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. It’s home to 77 runs spread over 190 acres and draws 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 anyone warming up their legs on arrival day.
At Ski.com, we’ve been helping travelers experience Banff for decades. Our Mountain Travel Experts know these mountains intimately: where to stay, where to ski 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.
Knowledge of SnowDays, Skijoring and spring event calendars: Your Expert will help you time your trip around the festivals and events that make Banff special.
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.
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