Banff National Park & Ski Resorts
Banff was the first national park in Canada, and one of the best places to go to experience the stunning beauty of the Canadian Rockies. In summer, the Rockies tower above glistening lakes and beckon outdoor adventures. In the winter, the Banff area features 3 fantastic ski resorts that offer hundreds of trails for all levels of skiers and snowboarders. December to March is the best time to visit Banff for it’s incredible snow season.
Things To Do In Winter in Banff
When the winter season arrives, Banff’s world-class ski resorts – Lake Louise, Mt. Norquay, and Sunshine Village – become popular places for skiing. The ski resorts at Banff cater to eager explorers who love challenging ski runs, gorgeous views of the Canadian Rockies, and apres-ski experiences involving quality craft beer. Although known as the Olympic athletes’s training ground, Mt. Norquay has fairly distributed trail breakout – 20% beginner, 36% intermediate, 28% advanced, 16% expert runs – that makes it a ski resort for everyone.
Just like Mt. Norquay, award-winning Lake Louise ski resort boasts plenty of beginner-friendly skiable terrain where beginners and kids can enjoy the chutes, gullies, glades, and cruising runs of the area.
For a more exhilarating downhill skiing and snowboarding experience, visit Banff Sunshine Mountain Village to experience 3000-acres of its world-renowned skiable terrain.
LAKE LOUISE SKI RESORT
Lake Louise Ski Resort is the largest resort in the Canadian Rockies, and is located in Banff National Park in Alberta. The resort features over 4200 acres of terrain across four mountains with varied terrain for all ability levels. The resort’s unique layout of their 160 runs allows for beginner, intermediate and expert runs from almost every chairlift. The resort boasts of one of the longest ski seasons in North America, with 6 months of snow starting in November and running through mid-May.
Explore endless chutes, glades and gullies, gentle slopes, cruising runs, remote bowls and some of the most challenging terrain in the Rockies at Lake Louise Ski Resort.
Click here for the interactive Lake Louise Ski Resort trail map.
LAKE LOUISE SKI RESORT STATS
| Base Elevation: | 5,400 ft |
| Summit Elevation: | 8,650 ft |
| Total Acres of Skiable Terrain: | 4,200 acres |
| Vertical Rise: | 3,250 ft |
| Number of Trails: | 160 |
| Annual Snowfall: | 360 inches |
| Longest Run: | 5 miles |
| Lifts: | 10 |
| Easiest: | 25% |
| Intermediate: | 45% |
| Advanced: | 30% |
SUNSHINE VILLAGE RESORT
Banff Sunshine Village’s unique location will make you feel miles away from civilization, even though you’re only a 15 minute drive from the town of Banff. The resort is located 7,200 feet high on the Continental Divide, in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. Three separate mountains offer vast terrain, and will wow you with 360 degrees of uninterrupted mountain views. Banff Sunshine provides terrain suitable for skiers and snowboarders of all ability levels. You can even ski two provinces (Alberta and British Columbia) in one run! Skiers and snowboarders love Sunshine for the snow and our extra long winter. Their seven month ski season stretches from early November until late May, making them the the longest non-glacial ski season in Canada. On an average snow year, Banff Sunshine will receive up to nine metres (30 feet) of snow in a season.
Click here for the interactive Sunshine Village trail map.
SUNSHINE VILLAGE STATS
| Base Elevation: | 5,446 ft |
| Summit Elevation: | 8,957 ft |
| Total Acres of Skiable Terrain: | 3,358 |
| Vertical Rise: | 3,510 ft |
| Number of Trails: | 145 |
| Annual Snowfall: | 360 inches |
| Longest Run: | 5 miles |
| Terrain Parks: | 4 |
| Lifts: | 12 |
| Easiest: | 18% |
| Intermediate: | 26% |
| Advanced: | 48% |
| Expert: | 8% |
MT. NORQUAY SKI RESORT
Mt. Norquay is located 6 kilometres (4 miles) from the town of Banff, Alberta Canada and 120 kilometres (75 miles) along the Trans Canada HWY 1 from Calgary, Alberta and the International Airport. The resort has 60 runs, and 85% of the terrain is covered by snow making. The ski area has 3 quad chairs, 1 double chair and a magic carpet. The double chair, North American, services some of the hardest terrain in North America.
With a vertical drop of 503 m (1,650 ft) and 16.4 km (10.2 mi) of runs, it is considered challenging, with 38% easy, 25% medium, 37% difficult/expert runs.
Click here for the interactive Mt. Norquay trail map.
Mt. Norquay Stats
| Base Elevation: | 5,512 ft |
| Summit Elevation: | 8,038 ft |
| Total Acres of Skiable Terrain: | 190 |
| Vertical Rise: | 1,650 ft |
| Number of Trails: | 60 |
| Annual Snowfall: | 120 inches |
| Longest Run: | 0.7 mile |
| Lifts: | 5 |
| Easiest: | 38% |
| Intermediate: | 25% |
| Advanced: | 37% |
Banff Canada Ski Resorts & FAQs
Where can I rent skis in Banff?
TripOutside features the local Banff ski shops with the highest reviews on Google/Yelp/TripAdvisor (at least 4.0 star weighted average) to make sure you have the best ski rental experience possible. We partner with the top Banff local outfitters with the best gear for your ski or snowboard vacation.
How much does it cost to rent skis in Banff?
On average, the cost for a Performance Ski Package in Banff, CA is $49 per day. Renting only the skis or a snowboard is less, and rates may vary on weekdays/weekends and holidays.
How much snow does Banff get?
Sunshine Village Ski Resort gets the most snow of any resort in Banff at 360 inches annually. Lake Louise Ski Resort averages 179 inches of snow annually, and Mt. Norquay gets about 118 inches of snow per year.
What are the differences between the types of Banff ski rental packages (demo, performance, sport)?
Demo (or premium) packages are for the advanced skier that wants a specific ski or snowboard rental to match their specific riding style or matching the skis to the terrain. These are high-end, high-performance skis and snowboards.
Performance packages are intended for intermediate to beginner levels, typically for groomed terrain and generally have a stiffer, more specialized flex pattern, and may be wider in the waist.
Sport packages are primarily for groomed runs and intended for more beginner level skiers or snowboarders.
**All packages include downhill skis or snowboard, bindings, boots and poles (ski).
What is included in the Banff rental package?
Packages include downhill skis or snowboard, bindings, boots and poles (ski).
How can I save money on Banff ski and snowboard rentals?
Renting online in advance can save you money. Many outfitters offer online reservation rates that are better than walk-in rates. This helps the shops manage their inventory and plan in advance. It also guarantees availability of equipment. TripOutside also has exclusive discounts for customers booking rental gear online from Black Tie Ski Delivery and other ski rental shops.
Can I just rent skis or a snowboard? I don’t need the full package.
Yes, most shops also rent just skis or a snowboard.
How does Banff ski rental delivery work?
Don’t ever wait in line at the ski shop again! Black Tie Ski Delivery’s hassle-free delivery service will save you time, which means you’ll have more time on the slopes to enjoy with family and friends. They open earlier and stay open later to ensure the best delivery time for guests and to provide slope side assistance when needed.
Fittings are generally done the night before your first day of skiing, this way you can wake up stress-free and have everything you need to hit the slopes for first tracks. Certified ski rental technicians will select and deliver your ski or snowboard equipment to your lodging property at your scheduled delivery time. Their ski technicians will custom fit you with the latest ski and board equipment based on your rental package, ability level, and the current snow conditions. Their delivery vans come fully stocked with lots of options and sizes so they can be sure all of your equipment fits properly.
Returns are just as convenient and easy as delivery. When you are finished with your rentals, Black Tie Ski Delivery will come back to your lodging and retrieve the equipment with no need to intrude on your dining or travel plans.
