Update: This sweepstakes is now over, but stay tuned for more great giveaways on our Facebook page!

Editor’s Note: We have so many excellent questions about Banff and Lake Louise, we enlisted help from our friends at Ski Banff-Lake Louise-Sunshine. They fielded some of the great questions that didn’t quite make the Legends’ list but are still very important when planning a Banff and Lake Louise ski vacation! If you haven’t entered to win, visit our Facebook and ask your question!  

Banff Lake Louise Local Legends

Which is your favorite mountain in Canada? Have you skied out west in the United States? (asked by Janet Leverock Horn)

This is a nice, easy one to warm up with – Banff National Park (a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site) is home to three of the world’s finest ski resorts: Mt. Norquay, The Lake Louise Ski Resort and Sunshine Village.  The three resorts offer almost 8,000 acres of skiable terrain on one convenient, tri-area lift ticket. There’s terrain to suit every level and desire, from gentle groomed runs to some of the world’s most extreme in-bounds challenges.  Our unique inland location guarantees the dry, light snow that we’re famous for – and plenty of it.  The western US states offer some great skiing. However, once you are in the remoteness and beauty of Banff National Park surrounded by majestic peaks, abundant wildlife and our famous dry and light powder, this will become clear – nothing compares! Come join us and you will see.

Is it OK to  get into the hot tub naked after skiing? (asked by Matt Landry)

We’re pretty friendly here in Alberta and strong believers that nature rules. So nothing says nature like nakedness! We’d like to think you’d do so in your own privacy though, and, as Banff and Lake Louise has more than 50 accommodation options including rooms with hot tubs, you can rock out, Matt. Rock. Out.

What would be you’re best advice for staying safe on the runs? (asked by Dee Schwark) 
Good question – and one that should be asked by more people!  Obviously obeying the simple rules of skiing is a start.

  1. Always stay in control, and be able to stop or avoid other people or objects.
  2. People ahead of you have the right of way. It is your responsibility to avoid them.
  3. You must not stop where you obstruct a trail or are not visible from above.
  4. Whenever starting downhill or merging into a trail, look uphill and yield to others.
  5. Always use devices to help prevent runaway equipment.
  6. Observe all posted signs and warnings. Keep off closed trails and out of closed areas.
  7. Prior to using any lift, you must have the knowledge and ability to load, ride and unload safely.

In addition – each of the three resorts of Banff-Lake Louise (Mt Norquay, Lake Louise Ski Resort & Sunshine Village) offer free guided tours of the resorts so you can get out and see all the hidden secrets locals try and keep to themselves – with a friendly local.

What’s are the normal temperatures in Banff and Lake Louise during this opportunity to win this? (asked by Marcia Houtz)

The Canadian Rockies are warmer than you might think: temperatures have an average range of -7 C to +5 C (21 to 41 Fahrenheit) from November to May.  And our mountain weather can be quite variable. Warm Chinook winds may bring Spring-like temperatures in January, and there may be fresh snow in the high alpine in July.

What is the closest airport for Banff? (Asked by Beth Callahan Thurnau)

Banff is a 90-minute drive west of Calgary, along the all-weather, four lane Trans Canada Highway (Hwy #1). Lake Louise is just a 45-minute scenic drive west of Banff.  Frequent airport transfer services are available between Calgary International Airport (YYC) and Banff-Lake Louise hotels.

What is the strangest sight you have ever seen on the slopes? (asked by Penny Lindballe Vincett)

Being based in a National Park we share our home with an abundance of wildlife.  One of the best reasons for any run to close has to be due to the presence of a bear. That is a great sight – from a distance!!!  Lake Louise Ski Resort is also home to the Ski Louise Stampede (think: Cowboys on skis) and the NFL Mascot Day (think: Toro from the Texas Bulls shredding). Slush cup is always a great day at Sunshine Village with some wild and wacky costumes. For the romantics in us, you can’t go past seeing cupid himself at Mt Norquay for the one and only “chairlift speed dating.”

What enticements do you have to attract our American neighbors to choose Banff/Lake Louise over Other Ski locations? (asked by Norbert Kealey)

Apart from being located in a unique area that could only be compared to say the Grand Tetons, the Banff National Park is truly a grand destination.  Being tucked away in the Canadian Rockies you are surrounded by nothing but mountains, wildlife and fresh light and dry powder. The added advantage is that winter in Banff-Lake Louise is actually LOW season.  During this time crowds are non-existent, and you are able to get 5-star properties for 2- to 3-star prices. Add this to a favorable exchange rate, and you are in for one amazing ski trip.  The towns of Banff-Lake Louise come alive in the winter with like-minded people who are here for one thing – the mountains…

If you’d like to ask your own question and enter to win, visit Ski.com’s Facebook page.