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Banff Ski Holidays

At a glance

  • 3 ski resorts
  • Cosy mountain town
  • Stunning sights of the Rockies

Great for

  • Long ski holidays
  • Non-skiers
  • Varied terrain
  • Expert skiers
  • Off-piste

Ski Holidays in Banff

With a slightly different ski holiday on the cards, spend your days out and about exploring the sights and ski areas of the magnificent national park (featuring some of the best scenery and slopes on the planet) – before heading downtown for hearty Canadian grub, friendly nightlife and world-renowned accommodation in one of North America’s legendary mountain towns.

  • Flight Time
  • 9 hours
  • From London
  • Nearest Airports
  • Calgary, Montreal
  • Vancouver
  • Time zone
  • GMT - 3.5 to -8 hours
  • Language
  • English, French
  • Currency
  • Canadian Dollar
  • Ski Season
  • Dec - April

Banff Stats

Top Altitude
Bottom Altitude
Resort Altitude
1,630 – 2,730m
Total Piste
7748 acres / 357 runs
Longest Run
8 km
Slope Orientation
N S E W
Vertical Drop
1070m (Sunshine Village)
Skiable Vertical
Night Skiing
Yes (Mt Norquay)
Glacier Skiing
Yes (Lake Louise)

Downtown Banff is made up of traditional timber and stone buildings and arranged in a simple grid pattern, centred around the main road – Banff Avenue - that’s been purposely positioned to open up a fabulous view of Cascade Mountain.

Unlike your average ski resort, winter is low season here (good news if you’re staying in town, which usually means better deals). Accommodation is mostly classic lodges and hotels, the cream of the crop being the Fairmont Springs Hotel. This ‘castle in the Rockies’ has had the likes of Marilyn Monroe and the Queen amongst its guests and was built by some of the area’s first tourists - flush Victorians who spotted the potential of the local hot springs. Over time, the whole town has been carefully crafted as somewhere that visitors can have an authentically Canadian experience in some of North America’s most spectacular surroundings.

…and they jolly well are spectacular: Banff National Park is the oldest National Park in Canada and a UNESCO World Heritage site – where strict building restrictions have kept the town itself small and intimate.

Over the park’s 6641 square km, you’re not only treated to some awesome views of the Rockies but also three excellent ski resorts: Nicknamed ‘The Big 3’, all have their fair share of accommodation and are easy to reach by public transport, though lots of visitors choose to rent their own wheels.

Five minutes from the town is the local hill, Mt Norquay: small and family-friendly with some lovely, sheltered skiing. About 15 minutes away is Sunshine Village, with famously good snow. Last but quite the opposite of least is: Lake Louise, 40 minutes away and famed for its whopping ski area (the 2nd biggest single ski area in Canada) and drop-dead-gorgeous scenery.

Winter Sports Ratings

Beginners

Intermediate

Advanced

Snowboarding

Banff Transfer Times

Calgary144 km, 1hr 30

The nearest airport to Banff is Calgary at 128 km or about ? by car

What's the ski area like in Banff?

Mt Norquay’s runs are sheltered by trees - head up on the Cascade chair for wide and easy-going greens like Temptation and Speculation. Intermediates can take the Mystic Express to several blues like Bruno’s gully, where you have the opportunity to dabble in a bit of powder. The North American Chair serves some exhilarating black diamonds (don’t miss the bumps on the Memorial Bowl) and a double diamond - Lone Pine. If you’ve been skiing elsewhere in the day, return to Norquay in time for the night skiing, which takes place most evenings – if only to experience the views over a lit-up Banff.

Sunshine Village is the people pleaser of ski areas. Beginners will love the twisty greens from the Angel Express, while intermediates and above can ski two provinces (Alberta and British Columbia) in one trail on Lookout Mountain. The Goats Eye Express leads to some super double diamonds and gladed trails, while ungroomed legends like Delirium Dive and Wild West require you to have avalanche safety equipment. If you’re crossing the pond for some park time, the Rogers Terrain Park (accessible via the Continental Divide Chairlift) has some of the best features around.

Lake Louise’s real credit for beginners is that there’s a green from every lift, so you can get a taste for the whole mountain (favourites include Wiwaxy from the Glacier Express chair and Eagle Meadows from the Grizzly Express). Intermediates who like wide-open cruisers should head to the top station for the Skyline trail or, for something a little more challenging, the Boomerang on the back bowl. Experts can test their mettle on the black diamond trails of Mount Whitethorn’s Diamond Mine. For powder, head to the Top of the World Chairlift and ski between the pistes or check out the area around the ladies’ downhill. If you’re skiing the Paradise Bowl, watch your step! It’s locally known as ‘Comedy Bowl’, and the natives are always on the lookout for entertaining tumbles from the chairlift above…

As for cross country skiing, Rockies + XC = the most incredible experience, there’s no better way to get up close and personal with the Banff National Park - the trails are positioned to have the best views of the UNESCO-listed landscape, and the span of difficulties leaves nobody out of the loop.

Which other ski resorts are near to Banff?

The nearest ski resorts to Banff include Lake Louise.

Ski Area Facts

LocationAlberta, Canada
Established1948
Downhill7748 acres / 357 runs
Lift Pass$626 (Adult 6 day)

Beginner Slopes

20%

Intermediate Skiing

36%

Advance & Expert Terrain

44%

Snowboarding Trails

7748 acres / 357 runs100%

Banff Restaurants

Where to eat in Banff and on the mountain

The Bison The Bison is a high end restaurant which oozes quality. Treat yourself to an evening at the Bison and expect fantastic service and food that will knock your socks off. Try the Alberta beef to taste what the locals favour or try Salmon like you’ve never had before. The real credit of The Bison is the variety in the menu, order a few different deserts and try them all, you won’t regret it.

St James Gate Irish Pub Fancy something that reminds you of home? For some good pub grub, St James Gate Irish Pub will give you good food and drink with a fun atmosphere. The traditional pub interior with a lively crowd serves traditional burgers, fries and classic pub foods (and a speciality gluten free menu) and won’t disappoint in quality or size. There is also a live band in the evenings so stick around after your meal to kick back with a Guinness.

Bruno’s Cafe For a menu that will have your mouth watering head to Bruno’s Cafe. Here you'll find plates that you couldn’t even dream up (but you'll certainly daydream about after), such as ‘mac and cheese’ burgers and mini pork stuffed yorkshire puddings. Consider skipping your ham and cheese sandwich and heading to Bruno’s for breakfast too. There’s nothing like their "Pulled Port Benny" - a toasted English muffin topped with pulled pork or their fabulous "Mountain Breakfast" to start your ski day. Come back in the evening for great value drinks, a laid back vibe and more until 2am! Open 9am - 2am Mon-Fri, 8am - 2am Sat & Sun, Menu served until 9pm.

Banff Après Ski

Bars Late Night Clubs and Cafes in Banff

Dancing Sasquatch If you’re looking for cheap drinks deals and a pumping beat then Dancing Sasquatch is the first and last stop on your big night out in Banff. Take your comfortable shoes and get up on those tables because in this nightclub you’re encouraged to make everything your personal dance floor, or relax in the ‘Sauna’ or ‘Campfire’ lounge for a more chilled out approach. Enter through a mineshaft to a cabin style interior and get your requests in to the DJ, just make sure you make that early morning lift!

Bruno's Bar & Grill Hang out with fun Banff locals & travellers alike at "Bruno's Bar & Grill". Open until 2am every night with weekly events such as trivia, karaoke & live local musicians. Great value drink prices (try a pitcher of Bruno's Brew) seven days a week. Enjoy a chilled out evening or party the night away, you can always recover with an awesome breakfast the next day!

Banff Activites for Non-skiers

Mt Norquay Snow Tubing If you haven’t had enough of the snow yet head to Mt Norquay to try your hand at snow tubing, which proves that there isn’t just one way to get down the mountain. Fantastic for both skiers and non skiers, this adrenaline fuelled activity will have you, if you’re anything like us, squeezing your eyes shut for the duration and then begging your friends to do it again. Even your little ones can have a go in the specialised play area.

Banff Adventures Unlimited A brilliant way to see the mountain is snow shoeing. Popular with non skiers, but also great for skiers who want to take a moment to enjoy the surroundings, snow shoeing is a great opportunity to share the alpine views with your family and friends. Strap on your new shoes and take in the stunning views of the Canadian Rockies by renting equipment from Banff Adventures Unlimited and take to the snow by foot, don’t forget your camera.

Kingmik Dogsled Tours Dog sledding in Banff is an experience you’ll never forget. Accompany the staff at Kingmik Dogsled Tours and a pack of alaskan huskies on a journey through alpine woodland and snowy tree lined passageways. If you’re feeling brave, the dog ‘musher’ will even let you guide the dogs yourself. Take your warm clothing and hold on tight!

Red Earth Spa If the burning legs are getting you down, head to the Red Earth Spa. Part of the Banff Caribou Lodge and Spa Hotel, this little spa is the only full service spa in Banff. Cut off from the bustle of a ski holiday and treat yourself to a massage, the massages here are second to none and it’s real shining quality is it’s friendly and accommodating staff. After your massage, relax in the heated indoor pool and recuperate from the day’s activities.

Whyte Museum Whether you are in to art, culture or history you’ll find it at The Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies. It may be small but this museum packs a punch, expect a variety of collections, exhibitions that will get you thinking and staff that are passionate about sharing the history of their home town. Dive in and discover what Banff was like before the likes of tourists and après ski. Admission is by donation so go and sample a bit of culture.

Banff Adventures During the summer season Banff Adventures offers white water rafting on the kicking horse river. The rolling rapids make for a thrilling experience and your ticket to ride usually includes lunch and access to the river base for those holiday snaps. You can choose between three levels of intensity so if you’re feeling a bit nervous you can choose the ‘Mid White Water Adventure’ or be brave and go for the ‘Ultimate’ option.

Clothing Food & Souvenir Shops

In common with other ski towns, Banff has great shopping, with more than 200 speciality stoes to choose from. For local artwork and crafts Canada House retails Inuit, Native, wildlife, landscape art and jewellery. Additionally The Gallery at the Springs sells mountain art by Canadian artists, with an emphasis on works by artists living and working in the Bow Valley. The Quest is another place to purchase Canadian crafts and art in a variety of media whilst The Banff Indian Trading Post provides an outlet for the Stoney Indians of Morley to sell their handicrafts as it has for over a century. Today, the selection has been expanded to include true native artworks from tribes across Canada. The Sedna Art Gallery features Inuit sculptures and Native paintings.

Abonimable Ski Abonimable Ski is a ski and snowboard hire company run by Kevin and Bob Hann that has been serving the Banff area since 1960. They’ve grown from a tiny basement store supplying the first ever snowboards in Banff to a thriving business with a huge 5000 square feet of floor space to house their collection of differently priced rental equipment for all ages and abilities. Situated on the main Banff Avenue it is convenient and you can expect a high level of personal service from this family run business.

Banff Ski Hub The official shop of all the three ski areas is the Banff Ski Hub on Banff Avenue and you can head here if you want to sort out all your holiday needs in one place. Book your ski lessons, buy a new, rent your equipment, get advice on or buy your ski pass and while your there take a look at their great collection of jackets, fleeces and other skiwear you just won’t be able to resist!

AVIS If you’re looking to rent yourself some wheels so you can zip between the three resorts, trust AVIS with affordable car rental in the Banff Area. Situated in a central location on the corner of Banff Avenue and Wolf Street, it’s easy, cheap and a great way to get around the area.

Banff Package Skiing Holidays

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Best Time to Visit Banff

Banff is set on the continental divide, which means you can usually expect soft powder until the last days of the season (often towards the end of April). Sunshine Village’s name could fool you into thinking that conditions are mild, but they’re actually anything but slushy- it’s said to have the longest ski season in North America. While this is fantastic, it also means that conditions are a lot colder than in Europe, sometimes reaching -30 degrees, so good quality layers and gloves are necessary. If you’re looking for something a little special, plan to be in Banff in January – if past years are anything to go by, you’ll catch the fortnight-long SnowDays Festival, which usually includes an ice playground, the incredible International Ice Carving Competition in Lake Louise, and skate parties on the Banff Ave. rink.

What's Banff like at Christmas?

Christmas in Banff is alight with decorations and Canadian cheer - take a peek at the interior of Fairmount Springs Hotel for the ultimate festive atmosphere. It’s a local tradition to ski on Christmas Day, so look out for Santa on the slopes!
Christmas Ski Holidays

What's Banff like in the New Year?

New Year in Banff traditionally features an awesome fireworks display. Rumour has it the best place to gather is on the corner of Banff Avenue and Caribou Street… mix with the locals and then head to some of the livelier bars in town.
New Year Ski Holidays

What's Banff like in Half-Term?

Let the masses head to France, get the homework done on the plane and spend Half term in Banff. The area is perfect for kids who can try their hand at dog sledding, tobogganing, ice skating, and ski some lovely confidence-boosting groomers.
Half Term Ski Holidays

What's Banff like at Easter?

Easter in Banff is known to be celebrated in style. Some eateries will put on a special Sunday brunch before you join one of the traditional Easter Egg Hunts.
Easter Ski Holidays

Banff Snow Conditions

Snow Report, History & Forecast

View our detailed Banff snow report to see skiing confitions now. Our Banff snow history shows you what snow depths have been in recent years month-by-month. If you're visiting soon, use the Banff snow forecast to see predicted snowfall over the coming days.

  • Sunny skies Today
  • Sunny skies Saturday
  • Moderate snow Sunday
  • Moderate snow Monday
  • Sunny skies Tuesday
  • Sunny skies Wednesday
  • Current snow depth at top
    51 cm
  • Alternate Text
  • Current snow depth at base
    45 cm

Ski Accommodation in Banff

We have 8583 ski holidays in Banff. Search all Banff ski deals or pick your preferred accommodation type below:

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Banff’s small town and world-away-from-home feel make it great for families… and with 3 ski areas, whether you’re skiing for the first time or have been hitting the slopes for years, there’ll be slopes to suit here.

Families with younger or less experienced skiers can start off on the closest slopes in Mt Norquay, which is great for easy-going, tree-lined skiing. Sunshine Village’s snow park should do the trick when it comes to keeping teens happy, and the slopes here are varied enough for all kinds of skiers to have a whale of a time. While it requires the longest commute, we love that Lake Louise has a run of each level from every lift – so you get to spend quality time together and keep track of the brood rather than splitting up all over the place. SNO man’s top tip for families is to remember that it gets pretty nippy in this neck of the woods (more so than the Alps) so pack lots of layers and schedule in hot chocolate stops to keep everybody warm.

If you’re with children who aren’t old enough to ski yet, there are specialist daycare centres at each ski area that can cater to children aged 18 days to 6 years and offer programs that include indoor and outdoor play. They can also introduce the slopes for slightly older children to ease them into their skiing journey.

There are oodles of activities for young children, teens and parents - snow tubing, ice skating, and dog sledding, to name a few. If you’re not planning to ski or just fancy some time out, head to the hot springs for a relaxing break or tread the walking paths in Bow Valley. Don’t miss out on all the shops, restaurants, and attractions in the town itself – a promised trip to The Fudgery could see everyone on their best behaviour for the week. There are some lovely family restaurants like Athena Pizza and Old Spaghetti Factory on Banff Ave.

You’re unlikely to find any member of the party at a loose end during a holiday in Banff.

The main town has three ski different ski areas to explore together or in smaller groups – all are definitely worth a ski at least once. The closest to the town is Mt Norquay, the ‘local’ hill, which has some fantastic, sheltered skiing if you want to gently introduce any newbies to the slopes. Sunshine Village has a good mix of runs and a great snow park, as does Lake Louise. Lake Louise’s real credit for a mixed ability group is that it has a slope of each difficulty from every lift - so everyone can stay in their comfort zone without having to disperse all over the area. If you do split up around the three resorts, meet for some night skiing at Mt Norquay to catch up on the day’s thrills and spills and enjoy the view over Banff Town at night.

What we love about holidays here is that they’re not exclusively for mad-keen skiers; non-skiers will have a cracking time here too. You’ll find some great opportunities for a laugh at the Mt Norquay Tube Park or for something a little more relaxed, have a soak in the hot springs. There are more than enough shops, galleries and cafes to enjoy a whole day in town, from The North Face to The Fudgery (which we challenge you not to return to at least once).

Canada doesn’t have the same après ski we’re used to in the Alps, but there are some terrific restaurants, bars and nightclubs here. The crowd at St James’ Gate Irish Pub is always up for a good time, and we love a beer on the rooftop patio at The Rose and Crown, Banff’s oldest pub.

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Banff
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5
out of 5
Our holiday was absolutely brilliant; myself and my sons thoroughly enjoyed it and there’s not one negative point I can think of! It’s the best place I’ve skied in the world and I wouldn’t hesitate to go back - we had one of those holidays you fondly remember. The access to the ski areas and the actual skii... + more
Adam Souness, Midlothian
5 out of 5
Really beautiful, you wake up on Banff Avenue in the morning and from your window or veranda, you look out and there are snow-capped mountains as far as you can see. The town centre probably has enough if you’re there to hike or ski for a couple of weeks, but you wouldn’t go there just for designer shopping…... + more
Sharon Hammond,
5 out of 5
Our holiday went fantastically well. We went in March – it wasn’t overly sunny this time, they had had some really, really cold snaps a few weeks before we arrived. We had beautiful weather though and perfect conditions. We’ve been before in March and it’s been very sunny. The town of Banff is beautiful. Th... + more
Vicky Lacey-Freeman, Essex
5 out of 5
Banff is amazing – I’ve stayed here as a group twice and with my wife loads. It’s as equally good for couples as for groups, not so great for families as you have quite a lot of shuffling back and forth but on the slopes themselves there’s lots on for children. Personally I’d take teenagers here but not li... + more
Gary Davis, Kendle
5 out of 5
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Ski Extras

How much is a ski pass in Banff

Maximum and minimum adult Banff lift pass prices ranged from C$557 to C$714 for 6 days access to the Banff ski lift system at the start of the 2025 winter season. Our lift passes are part of a packaged Banff holiday with accommodation, so prices vary depending on chalet or hotel suppliers. Confirm price for the lift ticket before booking your holiday.

Lift Tickets Child Adult Senior
1 Day Price C$17 - C$29 C$29 - C$74 C$24 - C$56
6 Day Price C$187 - C$215 C$557 - C$714 C$559 - C$643
Age Range 6 - 12 18 - 64 65+
Banff Packages + Extras

Getting to Banff

Most of our ski holidays to Banff packaged with flights include airport transfers. We can also arrange private transfers to Banff from nearby airports

How long does it take to fly to Banff from the UK?

Flights from London take about 9 hours to Calgary, Montreal, Vancouver. This table shows approximate transfer times to Banff from the nearest airports, smaller airports can be more prone to delays.

Airport Distance to Banff Transfer Time
Calgary 128 km ?
Packages with Plane Train or Car

How long is the transfer from nearest Canada train station to Banff?

The transfer time from alpine train stations are generally shorter than from airports, Call us for details of Banff transfers.

Station Distance to Banff Transfer Time
Banff 5 km 5 minutes
Ski Train Holidays

Banff Maps

Banff piste map
Click to Enlarge

More Banff Information

Banff Visitor Information Centre Whilst in Banff head to the Banff Visitor Information Centre if you have questions about restaurants, activities or any skiing you want to do. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable about the area and can help you plan your week to fit in all the amazing things that are on offer.

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Banff Ski Holiday Resources

Need help choose your Banff ski holiday? Call us on 020 7770 6888 or click Enquire - we love to help!

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Similar Ski Resorts to Banff in Canada


Every Sno holiday packaged with flights is ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. All our suppliers are ATOL bonded, so your money is safe. In addition to this, payments for your holiday are held in trust, by NatWest bank and the Travel Trust, who insure every booking against supplier failure.

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