THE RESORT
Introduction
Three legendary ski resorts, one breathtaking national park, and a season you will never forget.
Welcome to the Banff Lake Louise region — home to three of Canada\'s most iconic ski resorts: Lake Louise Ski Resort, Banff Sunshine Village, and Mt Norquay. Together they form the SkiBig3, offering over 3,240 hectares of skiable terrain set against the stunning backdrop of Banff National Park in the Canadian Rockies.
This product guide has been prepared by Travelplan Ski for the 2026–27 season. It contains everything you need to know to plan, book, and enjoy your Banff Lake Louise ski holiday.
SkiBig3 Combined
Total Skiable Terrain
3,240+ hectares
Named Runs
350+
Lifts
26 total
Average Annual Snowfall
~9 metres (Sunshine Village)
Season
Early November – Late May
Operating Hours
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM daily
Lake Louise Ski Resort
Skiable Terrain
1,700 hectares
Vertical Drop
991 metres
Summit Elevation
2,637 metres
Base Elevation
1,646 metres
Named Runs
170
Lifts
13 (incl. gondola, 6-pack, heated bubble chair)
Terrain Breakdown
25% Beginner | 45% Intermediate | 30% Advanced
Longest Run
~8 kilometres
Banff Sunshine Village
Skiable Terrain
1,360 hectares
Vertical Drop
1,070 metres
Summit Elevation
2,730 metres
Base Elevation
1,660 metres
Named Runs
137
Lifts
12 (incl. gondola, heated chairlift)
Average Snowfall
~9 metres annually — most in Canada
Season
Longest in Canada: Nov–May
Mt Norquay
Skiable Terrain
~77 hectares ⚠️
Vertical Drop
503 metres
Summit Elevation
2,133 metres
Base Elevation
1,630 metres
Named Runs
60
Lifts
5
Night Skiing
Available on select runs (Fri/Sat nights) ⚠️
THE EXPERIENCE
Why Banff Lake Louise?
Three resorts, one pass. The best snow in Canada. And a national park that takes your breath away.
Three World-Class Resorts
The SkiBig3 — Lake Louise, Sunshine Village, and Mt Norquay — combine to offer over 3,240 hectares of skiable terrain on one tri-area pass.
Canada's Best Snowfall
Sunshine Village averages approximately 9 metres of natural snowfall annually — more than any major Canadian resort. The dry, light champagne powder is legendary.
For Every Level
From gentle green runs at Lake Louise to expert-only terrain like Delirium Dive at Sunshine, there is terrain for absolute beginners through to die-hard experts.
Banff Upper Hot Springs
After a long day on the mountain, soak in the historic Banff Upper Hot Springs — naturally heated mineral waters overlooking the Bow Valley.
Banff National Park
Canada's oldest national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Turquoise lakes, ancient glaciers, and wildlife encounters are all part of the experience.
The Town of Banff
Unlike many ski destinations, Banff is a real mountain town with a vibrant main street packed with restaurants, bars, shops, and galleries.
TRAVEL
Getting There
The journey begins at Calgary International Airport — gateway to the Canadian Rockies.
From Australia
Fly into Calgary International Airport (YYC). Direct services operate seasonally from Sydney, or connect through Los Angeles, Vancouver, or San Francisco. Flight time from Sydney is approximately 16–18 hours including connection.
Airport to Banff/Lake Louise
Scheduled coaches and private transfers depart Calgary Airport daily.
- Calgary Airport to Banff: ~1.5 hours (130 km)
- Calgary Airport to Lake Louise: ~2.5 hours (185 km)
- Banff to Lake Louise village: ~45 minutes (57 km)
Book your transfers early for the best rates. Ask about kids-travel-free promotions.
Driving
Highway 1 (Trans-Canada) runs directly from Calgary through Banff to Lake Louise. Winter tyres or chains are mandatory. A Parks Canada pass is required.
Getting Around
Free Roam Transit buses connect Banff town, and ski shuttles operate daily to all three SkiBig3 resorts. A car is not essential once you're in Banff or Lake Louise.
ON-MOUNTAIN ACCESS
Lift Pass Options
The SkiBig3 pass gives you access to all three resorts — over 3,240 hectares of terrain on one ticket.
SkiBig3 Lift Ticket
The SkiBig3 lift ticket gives unlimited access to Lake Louise, Sunshine Village, and Mt Norquay for the duration of your stay. Multi-day tickets offer the best per-day value — ask Travelplan for current pricing.
Ikon Pass
All three SkiBig3 resorts are included on the Ikon Pass. If you already hold one from the Australian season, you can use your remaining days here.
| Pass Type | Days at SkiBig3 | Blackout Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Ikon Pass | Unlimited (Sunshine/LL), 5 days Norquay | None |
| Ikon Base Pass | 5 days each | Peak periods |
Season Passes
For stays of 11+ days, a SkiBig3 season pass may offer better value. Contact Travelplan: 1300 754 754.
EQUIPMENT
Ski & Snowboard Rentals
Top-brand equipment hire is available at all three resorts and in Banff town.
Equipment hire is available through multiple outlets at all three resorts and throughout Banff town. Major brands stocked include Rossignol, Salomon, K2, Nordica, Burton, and Atomic.
Renting through Travelplan as part of your package typically saves 15–20% compared to walk-up rates. All rental packages include skis/board, boots, and poles.
Tip: Book demo-level skis if you want to try the latest high-performance models. Your gear can be stored overnight at the resort rental shops — no need to carry equipment on the shuttle bus.
LESSONS
Snow School
Learn from the best — all three resorts offer world-class ski and snowboard instruction.
Adult Lessons
Group and private lessons available at all three SkiBig3 resorts. Certified CSIA/CASI instructors provide tailored coaching.
Children's Lessons
Each resort has a dedicated children's ski school with programmes for ages 3–12. Lake Louise's kids programme is particularly well-regarded.
Adaptive Programmes
The Canadian Adaptive Snowsports programme operates at Lake Louise for skiers and snowboarders with disabilities.
BEYOND THE SLOPES
Non-Snow Activities
Banff Lake Louise is so much more than skiing — the Canadian Rockies are your playground.
Ice Skating on Lake Louise
Skate on one of the most beautiful natural ice rinks in the world. The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise maintains a groomed skating surface surrounded by towering peaks.
Snowshoeing
Explore the national park's winter trails. Popular routes include the Lake Louise Lakeshore, Tunnel Mountain, and Johnston Canyon.
Dog Sledding
Experience a traditional dog sled ride through snow-covered forests. Tours from 30 minutes to half-day excursions. Book in advance.
Johnston Canyon Ice Walk
Walk along frozen catwalks to view spectacular frozen waterfalls and ice caves. One of the most popular winter experiences in the Rockies.
Banff Upper Hot Springs
Soak in naturally heated mineral waters at 1,585 metres on Sulphur Mountain. Open daily year-round.
Wildlife Viewing
Spot elk, bighorn sheep, deer, and occasionally wolves along the Bow Valley Parkway and Vermilion Lakes.
Shopping in Banff
Banff Avenue is lined with outdoor gear shops, souvenir stores, art galleries, and clothing boutiques.
Sleigh Rides
Take a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the Bow Valley or around the Fairmont Chateau grounds.
Museums & Culture
Visit the Banff Park Museum, Whyte Museum, and Cave & Basin National Historic Site.
Ice Climbing
The Canadian Rockies are a world-class ice climbing destination. Guided clinics available for all levels.
EAT & DRINK
Dining
From fireside fondue to craft breweries — Banff’s dining scene punches well above its weight.
The Banff and Lake Louise region offers over 140 restaurants. Here are our top picks with direct website links:
Banff
The Bison Restaurant
Fine DiningFarm-to-table regional Canadian cuisine with mountain views. One of Banff’s best dining experiences.
Park Distillery
Casual DiningRestaurant and craft distillery with campfire-inspired dishes and in-house spirits.
The Grizzly House
RestaurantBanff institution since 1967. Famous for fondue and exotic game meats.
Juniper Bistro
Fine DiningContemporary Canadian cuisine with panoramic mountain views at The Juniper Hotel.
Block Kitchen + Bar
Casual DiningGlobal fusion and small plates in an urban-rustic setting on Banff Avenue.
Banff Ave Brewing Co
BrewpubCraft brewery and restaurant on Banff Avenue. Excellent pub food and house-brewed beers.
Lake Louise
Fairview Bar & Restaurant
Fine DiningFine dining at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise with stunning lake views.
Walliser Stube
Fine DiningEuropean Alpine dining and fondue at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.
Lake Louise Station
RestaurantDining in a beautifully restored 1910 Canadian Pacific Railway station.
Bill Peyto’s Cafe
Casual DiningBudget-friendly casual dining at the HI Lake Louise Alpine Centre. Great for families.
Between Banff & Lake Louise
Storm Mountain Lodge
Fine DiningRomantic log cabin restaurant with five-course dinner service. Between Banff and Lake Louise.
Lake Louise Ski Resort
Whitehorn Bistro
On-MountainOn-mountain dining at Lake Louise Ski Resort with panoramic views. Great for a mid-ski lunch.
WHERE TO STAY
Accommodation
From luxury mountain lodges to affordable hostels — there’s something for every budget.
Banff Town
The largest selection of accommodation in the region. Options range from the iconic Fairmont Banff Springs hotel to boutique hotels, condominiums, and budget-friendly hostels. Banff town puts you within shuttle distance of all three SkiBig3 resorts.
Lake Louise Village
A smaller, quieter option. The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is the signature property, along with several lodges and the Lake Louise Inn. Staying here puts you closest to Lake Louise Ski Resort.
Sunshine Village
The Sunshine Mountain Lodge sits right at the resort — ski-in/ski-out at 2,160 metres. The only on-mountain accommodation in the SkiBig3.
Canmore
Located 20 minutes east of Banff, Canmore offers more affordable accommodation options with a local-town atmosphere. A good base if you have a car.
Tip: Book your accommodation through Travelplan Ski for package deals that include lift passes, transfers, and equipment hire at significant savings. Call 1300 754 754.
RESOURCES
Useful Links & Website Portals
Quick access to the websites you’ll need most when planning your trip.
Important Travel Advisory
Check travel advisories, safety information, and register your travel plans before departing Australia.
Australian Government Smart TravellerWebsite Portals
Skiing
SkiBig3
Official website for the SkiBig3 tri-area pass and all three resorts.
Lake Louise Ski Resort
Lift tickets, conditions, trail maps, and resort information.
Banff Sunshine Village
Resort info, conditions, and Canada’s longest season.
Mt Norquay
Banff’s closest ski resort — conditions, passes, and tube park.
National Park
Transport
GOOD TO KNOW
Travel Tips
Practical advice to make the most of your Banff Lake Louise ski holiday.
For Families
All three resorts offer kids' ski school and childcare. Children under 6 ski free. The free Roam transit makes getting around easy.
For Groups
Book a condo or chalet through Travelplan. Self-catering saves money. The SkiBig3 pass lets your group split up across resorts.
For Solo Travellers
Banff's vibrant town centre is ideal. Hostels offer a social atmosphere, and group ski lessons are a great way to meet people.
Altitude
Banff sits at ~1,400 metres; resorts go up to 2,730 metres. Drink plenty of water and take it easy on day one.
Weather
Winter temperatures range from −5°C to −30°C. Layer up: base layer, insulating mid-layer, waterproof outer shell. Quality gloves and goggles are essential.
Currency & Payments
Canadian Dollar (CAD). Cards widely accepted. Tip 15–20% at restaurants. ATMs available throughout Banff and Lake Louise.