1 of 5

Write now Article Tools

To experience an amazingly memorable ski vacation in a magical winter wonderland you must visit the spectacular ski resorts in Canada's Banff National Park. Banff is the ideal destination to appreciate the awesome grandeur of the Rocky Mountains and is within close proximity to four world-class ski resorts Norquay, Sunshine, Lake Louise and Nakiska. Each resort has something to offer from the novice to the expert, from children to seniors. One even provides an on-hill daycare.

The resorts open from November until late May and boast consistent, light, dry powdery conditions and almost 8,000 acres of ski-able terrain. Banff is easily accessible located just one hour west of Calgary.

Norquay, Sunshine and Lake Louise ski resorts have partnered together to provide some special packages including Tri-Area lift tickets which include a free shuttle from local hotels. A three day pass costs $231 for adults, $108 for children age six to12, and is free for children five and under.

Ski Big 3 Vacations (www.skibig3.com) offers a number of special hotel and ski packages including four nights at a Banff or Lake Louise area hotel, plus three days skiing at all three resorts. The package prices vary according to the hotel and season ranging range from $720 at the Banff Aspen Lodge to $1,117 at the imposing Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel during value season. Peak season at the same hotels costs $1,042 and $1,687 respectively. Or you can enjoy a White Christmas special at the beautiful Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel or Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise from $937 per person for five night's accommodation and four day's skiing.

Accommodation choices in the Lake Louise area (40 minutes west of Banff) include the spectacular Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise ($1,722 in holiday season) or Deer Lodge ($798 in holiday season). The World Cup Special gives you four nights' accommodation at the Lake Louise Inn and three days skiing for $474. You can book a Winterfest Vacation from $406 per person at Deer Lodge, Emerald Lake Lodge or Buffalo Mountain Lodge which provides four night's accommodation and three day's skiing.

All three resorts offer a three day adventure package called Club Junior (for six to12-year-olds) and Club Ski (for age 13 plus) which includes lessons for all levels at each ski resort each day plus lunch for a cost of $244. In addition to the Tri-Area Snow School programs each ski resort offers their own snow school programs for all levels and abilities.

Each resort has something special to offer. While Sunshine offers the most high speed quad chairs in the Rockies, Lake Louise has been ranked as North America's most scenic ski area, and Norquay is touted as "Banff's best family resort."

Another ski resort located in beautiful Kananaskis Provincial Park, just 40 minutes southeast of Banff, is Nakiska - built for the 1988 Olympics. Kananaskis also offers special vacation packages from $97 per night (including lift ticket) at the Delta Lodge or Executive Resort.

In January/February you can enjoy the Banff Winter Festival which includes an Ice Magic Sculpture Contest, Cross-Country ski race, Banff Skating Club Annual Ice Show, Mountain Madness Relay Race, and a wind-up Banff Town Party. For details visit Banff Lake Louise Tourism Bureau website.

If you want to take a break from downhill skiing there are plenty of other activities to try including cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, ice walks, sleigh rides, wildlife viewing, helicopter tours, world-class shopping, restaurants, hot springs, museums, and spas.

Come and experience some of the world's best skiing amid the awe-inspiring peaks of the Canadian Rockies' Banff National Park. It will be a vacation to remember.

Learn more about this author, Jacqueline Price.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Learn how to ski in Banff, Canada?
We want to hear your view. Write now!