Winter Sports
Whether you're driving a dogsled across a frozen lake, ice climbing, snowshoeing, skiing at one of the world's top mountain ski resorts—or simply taking in the northern lights—there's no shortage of winter activities to choose from in Banff.
Skis and snowboards can be rented on the slopes or at many shops in town, concentrated along Bear Street and Banff Avenue.
For ski or boarding instruction, consider booking the program called Club Ski (www.skibig3.com). For C$299, participants receive one day of instruction at each of the three resorts with the same instructor, guided tours of each resort, lift-line priority, and a souvenir photo. Lift tickets are not included.
A good bargain is a three-day pass (C$248) that allows you to ski at the Sunshine Village, Mount Norquay, and Lake Louise ski areas. The pass, available at the ski areas and the Banff Ski Hub store or online at www.skibig3.com, includes free shuttle service to the slopes.
Cross-Country Skiing
Canmore Nordic Centre. This cross-country ski center, built for the 1988 Winter Olympic Games, has rental equipment, a day lodge, and miles of trails to enjoy. You can also take a cross-country lesson, go snowshoeing and fat biking, and play winter disc golf. 1988 Olympic Way, Canmore, Alberta, T1W 2T6. 403/678–2400; www.albertaparks.ca/canmore-nordic-centre.aspx . From $15.
Downhill Skiing
Lake Louise Ski Resort. Lake Louise is one of the largest ski resorts in North America. With beginner, intermediate, and expert runs from every chair, this is a great hill for families—the downhill terrain on four mountain faces and north-facing back bowls is expansive and varied. Also here are a terrain park, a tube park, a beginner's fun zone, and a snowcross course. The ski school is excellent. Facilities: 145 trails; 4,200 acres; 3,250-foot vertical drop; 10 lifts. 1 Whitehorn Rd., off Lake Louise Dr., Lake Louise, Alberta, T0L 1E0. 403/522–3555; 877/956–8473; www.skilouise.com. Lift ticket: C$92.
Ski Banff at Norquay. The oldest ski resort in the Canadian Rockies is only a five-minute drive from Banff. Locals like this five-lift, 28-run mountain, and so do Olympic and World Cup trainees. Night skiing and tubing take place here, too. Facilities: 38 trails; 190 acres; 1,650-foot vertical drop; 5 lifts. Alberta. 403/762–4421; www.banffnorquay.com. Lift ticket: C$75.
Sunshine Village. About a 15-minute drive from Banff Townsite, this high-altitude resort with skiable terrain on three mountains has the longest nonglacial ski season in Canada and some of the prettiest views. Sunshine gets as many as 9 meters (30 feet) of dry, powdery snow in a season. Canada's first heated chairlift was installed here for the 2015–2016 season. Facilities: 107 trails; 3,358 acres; 3,514-foot vertical drop; 12 lifts. 1 Sunshine Access Rd., off Hwy. 1, Banff, Alberta, T1L 1J5. 403/762–6500; 877/542–2633; www.skibanff.com. Lift ticket: $92. Closed mid-May–mid-Nov..
Outfitter
Ultimate Ski and Ride. You can rent ski and snowboard equipment and bikes here and take advantage of the shop's free hotel delivery. 206 Banff Ave., Banff, Alberta, T1L1C3. 403/762–0547; 866/754–7433; www.ultimatebanff.com. From C$29.50.
