Visit Canada's SkiBig3 Resorts
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.
Tip: Book early for the best pricing and talk to a Mountain Travel Expert to discover what pass is right for you.
With 50+ years of ski travel experience, we know how to plan a memorable mountain getaway. Take planning off your plate and let our Experts handle the details.
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.
With three mountains, there’s an experience for every skier and snowboarder. Here are the basics:
When booking a trip to the SkiBig3, travelers often choose between staying in Lake Louise, Banff or Canmore.
Banff is a lively mountain town where most visitors stay if they want alpine energy, dining options, easy transportation and nightlife after skiing.
Lake Louise is both a lake and a small mountain village with the Lake Louise Ski Resort right outside the town.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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 40 minutes). 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 focusing on serene nature.
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. A group pass costs about $18 a day or $9 for an individual. Often, Parks Canada offers free national park access during the holiday season, so consider booking your trip around those dates.
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 taking the 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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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.
