Banff New Year holidays
When you’re starting the New Year in one of the most spectacular national parks on the planet, next year will have a lot to live up to...
In terms of the big night, how you spend it is up to you. If you’ve been skiing in Lake Louise during the day, stick around for the live music and après at the Whitehorn Lodge. In recent years, New Year’s Eve has included a rare opportunity to ski Lake Louise by torchlight; finish off the night at Sitzmark Lounge, which usually has live entertainment into the early hours.
There’s no need to rush back from Sunshine Village either. Torchbearers usually parade down from the Strawberry chairlift, the Sunshine Mountain Lodge is known to do a brilliant 4 course supper and Chimney Corner Lounge is a top spot for some chilled out reggae and blues.
Of course there’s always a lot going on in town too. If you’re out and about, keep your eyes peeled for the torch-lit descent at Mt Norquay, as the lights can be seen from town. As midnight approaches, gather on the corner of Caribou Street and Banff Ave for the traditional firework display or head to Dancing Sasquatch or Aurora for a night of extreme partying.
It’s not all about the 31st though – spend the rest of the week skiing between the trees at Norquay, fulfilling any freestyle or freeride resolutions in Sunshine Village or soaking up those glorious views at Lake Louise. The ‘Big 3’ resorts usually open at the beginning of November, which gives you an idea of how good the snow cover should be by this time of year.
New Year snow and skiing conditions in Banff
Near Year Snow History
Top alt:2,637m
Average snow depth
Near Year81cm
Bottom alt:1,630m
Average snow depth
Near Year64cm
Resort alt:1,630m
Near Year ski rating
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