Banff is a skiing enthusiast’s Walhalla as it has three resorts within 60 kilometers (37 mi): Mount Norquay, Sunshine Village and Lake Louise. But which one to choose? In this article, you’ll find the prices for ski lifts, lessons and rentals for all three resorts. I also listed other facilities to help you choose the best alternative.
Banff is arguably North America’s best ski (and snowboard) destination. You have three resorts to choose from, plenty of lodging options, lots of non-skiing opportunities, fantastic après skiing, splendid shopping, and intimidatingly beautiful scenery.
So basically, you can’t go wrong; all resorts are excellent. However, they have different facilities and prices, so let’s take a closer look at how the three ski resorts in Banff National Park compare.
Banff Ski Resorts – A Closer Look
Before we dive into comparing the three ski resorts, let’s have a closer look at what Mount Norquay, Sunshine Village and Lake Louise have to offer.
First off, you can ski or snowboard in either of the three resorts. The biggest resort is Lake Louise, with a slope length of 139 kilometers (86.37 mi). Norquay Mountain is closest to the town of Banff (7 km / 4.35 mi) and the resort in Lake Louise is only 3 kilometers (1.86 mi) away from Lake Louise Village.
Sunshine Village is the farthest from facilities like hotels, restaurants and shops. But this shouldn’t be a deal breaker as the town of Banff is only 18 kilometers (11.18 mi) away.
If you can’t choose, you can visit the website skibig3.com and get a pass that grants access to all three resorts. The website also features several deals, including ski and stay packages.
Facts and Figures
To help you quickly identify the differences between the three ski resorts, here’s a table with facts and figures:
| LAKE LOUISE | MOUNT NORQUAY | SUNSHINE VILLAGE | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Slope Length | 139 km (86.37 mi) | 16.4 km (10.19 mi) | 109 km (67.72 mi) |
| Number of Lifts | 11 | 5 | 12 |
| Easy Slopes | 35 km (21.75 mi) | 5.1 km (3.17 mi) | 25 km (15.53 mi) |
| Intermediate Slopes | 62 km (38.52 mi) | 4.1 km (2.55 mi) | 50 km (31.1 mi) |
| Difficult Slopes | 42 km (26.10 mi) | 7.2 km (4.47 mi) | 35 km (21.75 mi) |
| Elevation Range | 991 m (3,251 ft) | 503 m (1,650 ft) | 1070 m (3,510 ft) |
| Altitude Difference | 1646-2637 m | 1630-2133 m | 1660-2730 m |
| Distance to Banff | 59 km (36.66 mi) | 7 km (4.35 mi) | 18 km (11.18 mi) |
| Distance to Lake Louise | 3 km (1.86 mi) | 61.1 km (37.97 mi) | 56.2 km (34.92 mi) |
Ski Lift Prices
You’ll spend a sizeable chunk of your budget on ski lift passes. Below you’ll find a table with the lift prices for all three ski resorts in Banff.
CAVEAT: all prices exclude 5% VAT.
Sunshine Village Season Passes
| NAME | PRICE | ADDITIONAL INFORMATION |
|---|---|---|
| Adult Season Pass | $1,347 | |
| Adult Afternoon Season Pass | $998 | From 12:00 pm to last chair |
| Family Season Pass | $2,698 | 2 parents with children -18 |
| Family Afternoon Season Pass | $1,998 | From 12:00 pm to last chair |
| Midweek Season Pass | $645 | Monday – Thursday |
| Midweek Afternoon Season Pass | $547 | Monday – Thursday, 12pm to last chair |
| Senior Season Pass | $997 | |
| Super Senior Season Pass | $97 | |
| Student Season Pass | $745 | Must be enrolled full-time at Canadian college or university for fall and winter semesters |
| Youth Season Pass | $447 | |
| Child Season Pass | $395 | |
| Tiny Tiger Season Pass | $50 | |
| CADS Adult Season Pass | $897 | Must present CADS membership card |
| CADS Youth Season Pass | $397 | Must present CADS membership card |
Norquay Mountain Season Passes
| NAME | PRICE | ADDITIONAL INFORMATION |
|---|---|---|
| Super Senior Pass (80+) | $25 | |
| Senior Pass (65-79) | $197 | |
| Adult (18+) | $799 | |
| Student (18-24) | $385 | For Albertan full time students |
| Youth (13-17) | $255 | |
| Child (6-12) | $209 | |
| Tiger (0-5) | $25 | |
| Family | $1,699 | 2 parents with children -18 |
| Norquay 97 Pass | $399 | Full season pass, excluding 16 black-out dates |
| Power of 4 Pass | $836 | Ski outside holidays and busy weekends |
| Night Skiing Pass | $85 | Twilight skiing and riding all season long |
Lake Louise Season Passes
| NAME | PRICE | ADDITIONAL INFORMATION |
|---|---|---|
| Super Senior (80+) | $20 | |
| Senior (65-79) | $999 | |
| Adult (18-64) | $1349 | |
| Student (18-29) | $799 | Must be enrolled full time at Canadian College or University |
| Student Add-on | $699 | Can be added to Family Pass |
| Youth (13-17) | $429 | |
| Child (6-12) | $349 | |
| Tiger (0-5) | $25 | |
| Grade 2 | $20 | Season pass for kids in grade 2 in Alberta and Southeastern BC |
| CADS | $849 | Must present CADS membership card |
| CADS Youth (13-17) | $399 | Must present CADS membership card |
| Family | $2749 | 2 parents with children -18 |
| Parent Pass | $1499 | Pass can be shared between two parents |
| Mid-Week (18-79) | $699 | Monday – Thursday |
| Corporate Pass 25 | $2750 | Transferable season pass – 25 days |
| Corporate Pass 40 | $4200 | Transferable season pass – 40 days |
| Corporate Pass 60 | $6000 | Transferable season pass – 60 days |
Lesson Prices
Are you new to skiing or snowboarding, or do you think you could benefit from some further instruction? There are plenty of lesson facilities for both downhill disciplines at all three ski resorts.
Listed below is a table per ski resort with all lesson costs.
Sunshine Village
| PROGRAM | AGE | PRICE | ADDITIONAL INFORMATION |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jumpstart Tiny Tigers Half Day PM Ski Only | 3-6 | $135 | Saturdays: November 19th – December 10th 2022; Sundays: November 20th – December 11th 2022 |
| Tiny Tiger Freeriders Half Day PM 4 Week Ski | 3-6 | $285 | Saturdays: January 7th – January 28th 2023; Sundays: January 8th – January 29th 2023 |
| Jumpstart Tiny Tigers Half Day AM Ski Only | 3-6 | $135 | Saturdays: November 19th – December 10th 2022; Sundays: November 20th – December 11th 2022 |
| Jumpstart Tiny Tigers Full Day Ski Only | 3-6 | $275 | Saturdays: November 19th – December 10th 2022; Sundays: November 20th – December 11th 2022 |
| Tiny Tiger Freeriders Half Day PM 10 Week Ski | 3-6 | $590 | Saturdays: January 7th – March 18th 2023; Sundays: January 8th – March 19th 2023 |
| Tiny Tiger Freeriders Half Day AM 10 Week Ski | 3-6 | $590 | Saturdays: January 7th – March 18th 2023; Sundays: January 8th – March 19th 2023 |
| Tiny Tiger Freeriders Half Day PM 6 Week Ski | 3-6 | $395 | Saturdays: January 7th – February 11th 2023; Sundays: January 8th – February 12th 2023 |
| Tiny Tiger Freeriders Full Day 4 Week Ski | 3-6 | $575 | Saturdays: January 7th – January 28th 2023; Sundays: January 8th – January 29th 2023 |
| Tiny Tiger Freeriders Half Day AM 6 Week Ski | 3-6 | $395 | Saturdays: January 7th – February 11th 2023; Sundays: January 8th – February 12th 2023 |
| Tiny Tiger Freeriders Full Day 6 Week Ski | 3-6 | $790 | Saturdays: January 7th – February 11th 2023; Sundays: January 8th – February 12th 2023 |
| Tiny Tiger Freeriders Half Day AM 4 Week Ski | 3-6 | $285 | Saturdays: January 7th – January 28th 2023; Sundays: January 8th – January 29th 2023 |
| Tiny Tiger Freeriders Full Day Ski 10 Week | 3-6 | $1180 | Saturdays: January 7th – March 18th 2023; Sundays: January 8th – March 19th 2023 |
| Jumpstart Tiny Tigers Half Day PM Ski Only | 3-6 | $127 | Saturdays: November 19th – December 10th 2022; Sundays: November 20th – December 11th 2022 |
| Jumpstart Tiny Tigers Half Day AM Ski Only | 3-6 | $135 | Saturdays: November 19th – December 10th 2022; Sundays: November 20th – December 11th 2022 |
| Jumpstart Tiny Tigers Full Day Ski Only | 3-6 | $275 | Saturdays: November 19th – December 10th 2022; Sundays: November 20th – December 11th 2022 |
| Jumpstart Kids Kampus Ski / Snowboard | 6-12 | $245 | 4-week Saturdays: November 19th – December 10th 2022; Sundays: November 20th – December 11th 2022 |
| Jumpstart Teen Ski / Snowboard | 13-17 | $245 | Saturdays: November 19th – December 10th 2022; Sundays: November 20th – December 11th 2022 |
| Big Mountain Freeriders Ski Only | 13-17 | $945 | Saturdays: January 7th – March 18th 2023; Sundays: January 8th – March 19th 2023 |
| Mountain Freeriders 4 Week Ski / Snowboard | 6-17 | $460 | Saturdays: January 7th – January 28th 2023; Sundays: January 8th – January 29th 2023 |
| Mountain Freeriders 6 Week Ski / Snowboard | 6-17 | $620 | January 7th – February 11th 2023; Sundays: January 8th – February 12th 2023 |
| Mountain Freeriders 10 Week Ski / Snowboard | 6-17 | $945 | Saturdays: January 7th – March 18th 2023; Sundays: January 8th – March 19th 2023 |
| Jumpstart Adult Ski / Snowboard | 18+ | $245 | Wednesday: November 16th – December 7th 2022; Saturdays: November 19th – December 12th 2022; Sundays: November 20th – December 11th 2022 |
| Adult Freeriders 10 Week Ski / Snowboard | 18+ | $945 | Wednesdays: January 4th – March 15th 2023; Saturdays: January 7th – March 18th 2023; Sundays: January 8th – March 19th 2023 |
| Adult Freeriders 4 Week Ski / Snowboard | 18+ | $460 | Wednesdays: January 4th – January 25th 2023; Saturdays: January 7th – January 28th 2023; Sundays: January 8th – January 29th 2023 |
| Adult Freeriders 6 Week Ski / Snowboard | 18+ | $620 | January 4th – February 8th 2023; Saturdays: January 7th – February 11th 2023; Sundays: January 8th – February 12th 2023 |
| 1-Hour AM Tiny Tiger Private Ski / Snowboard | 2-5 | $140 | |
| 1-Hour AM Private Lesson Ski /Snowboard | 3+ | $175 | |
| 2-Hour AM Private Lesson Ski / Snowboard | 3+ | $350 | |
| 2-Hour PM Private Lesson Ski / Snowboard | 3+ | $275 | |
| Half Day AM Private Lesson Ski / Snowboard | 3+ | $460 | |
| Half Day PM Private Lesson Ski / Snowboard | 3+ | $405 | |
| Full Day Private Lesson Ski / Snowboard | 3+ | $755 | |
| Delirium Dive Half Day AM Ski / Snowboard Private Lesson | 18+ | $535 | |
| Delirium Dive Half Day PM Ski / Snowboard Private Lesson | 18+ | $535 | |
| Delirium Dive Full Day Ski / Snowboard Private Lesson | 18+ | $785 |
Norquay Mountain
| PROGRAM | AGE | PRICE | ADDITIONAL INFORMATION |
|---|---|---|---|
| Child First Time Lesson (2 hours) – SKI / SNOWBOARD | $125 | ||
| Child First Time Lesson (4 hours) – SKI / SNOWBOARD | $155 | ||
| Child Group Lesson (2 hours) – SKI / SNOWBOARD | $105 | For levels 2 – 6 | |
| Child Group Lesson (4 hours) – SKI / SNOWBOARD | $145 | For levels 2 – 6 | |
| Early Season Camp SKI – SNOWBOARD | 3-4 | $189 | Saturday on Nov 26 Dec 3,10,17 or Sunday on Nov 27 Dec 4,11,18 |
| Shred n Play – SKI / SNOWBOARD | 3-4 | $369 | Skill level 1-3 |
| Mini Mite SKI / SNOWBOARD | 3-5 | $169 | |
| Early Season Camp SKI / SNOWBOARD | 4-5 | $189 | Saturday Nov 26, Dec 3, 10, 17 or Sunday Nov 27, Dec 4, 11, 18 |
| Wee Warrior – SKI / SNOWBOARD | 4-5 | $369 | Skill level 1-4 |
| PD Fridays – Ski | 5+ | $189 | 7 week program |
| Every Friday Fun-SKI / SNOWBOARD | 5-16 | $125 | |
| Weekend Warrior – SKI / SNOWBOARD | 5-15 | $589 | Skill level 1-5 |
| Early Season Camp SKI / SNOWBOARD | 6+ | $269 | |
| Park Rats – SKI / SNOWBOARD | 6-13 | $269 | Saturdays Nov 26, Dec 3, 10, and 17, Sundays Nov 27, Dec 4, 11, 1 – minimum skill level 5 |
| Park Rats – SKI / SNOWBOARD | 7-13 | $589 | Minimum Skill level 5 |
| Giver’ Grandi | 6-14 | $439 | Performance based, Fridays January 6th to March 24th |
| All Mountain – SKI/SNOWBOARD | 10-15 | $589 | Minimum Skill level 6 |
| Adult First Time Lesson – 2 hrs SKI / SNOWBOARD | 18+ | $169 | |
| Adult First Time Lesson – 4 hrs SKI / SNOWBOARD | 18+ | $199 | |
| Adult (2 hour) Private Lesson – SKI | 18+ | $299 | Lift ticket 40% off |
| Adult (4 hour) Private Lesson – SKI / SNOWBOARD | 18+ | $529 | Lift ticket 40% off |
| Adult (2 hour) Clinics – SKI / SNOWBOARD | 15+ | $139 | Lift tickets 40% off |
| adult (4 hour) Clinics – SKI / SNOWBOARD | 15+ | $189 | Lift tickets 40% off |
Lake Louise
| PROGRAM | AGE | PRICE | ADDITIONAL INFORMATION |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kinder Privates 1hr – SKI / SNOWBOARD | 3-4 | $99 | Must wear a helmet |
| 5 Week Fall Program | 3-4 | $219 | Programs begin Friday November 18, Saturday November 19, or Sunday November 20, 2022; must wear a helmet |
| 8 Week Program | 3-4 | $355 | Program begins Friday January 13, Saturday January 14, or Sunday, January 15, 2023; must wear a helmet |
| 4 Week Spring Program | 3-4 | $179 | Programs begin Friday March 24, Saturday March 25, or Sunday March 26, 2023; must wear a helmet |
| Kids Private Lessons 2hrs – SKI / SNOWBOARD | 5+ | $339 | |
| Kids Private Lessons 3 hrs – SKI / SNOWBOARD | 5+ | $449 | |
| Kids Private Lessons Full Day (6 hrs) – SKI / SNOWBOARD | 5+ | $729 | |
| 5 Week Fall Program | 5-8 | $359 | Program begins Friday November 18, Saturday November 19, or Sunday November 20, 2022 |
| 10 Week Program | 5-8 | $689 | Programs begin Friday January 6, Saturday January 7 or Sunday January 8, 2023 |
| 4 Week Spring Program | 5-8 | $289 | Programs begin Friday March 24, Saturday March 25, or Sunday March 26, 2023 |
| 5 Week Fall Program | 9-12 | $359 | Programs begin Friday November 18, Saturday November 19, or Sunday November 20, 2022 |
| 10 Week Program | 9-12 | $689 | Programs begin Friday January 6, Saturday January 7, or Sunday January 8, 2023 |
| 4 Week Spring Program | 9-12 | $289 | Programs begin Friday March 24, Saturday March 25, or Sunday March 26, 2023 |
| 5 Week Fall Program | 13-17 | $359 | Programs begin Friday November 18, Saturday November 19, or Sunday November 20, 2022 |
| 10 Week Program | 13-17 | $689 | Programs begin Friday January 6, Saturday January 7, or Sunday January 8, 2023 |
| 4 Week Spring Program | 13-17 | $289 | Skiing – levels 1-6 and Snowboard – levels 1-4 |
| Kids First Track Private Lessons 1.5 hrs – SKI / SNOWBOARD | $129 | Before lifts open to public | |
| Kids First Track Private Lessons 2.5 hrs – SKI / SNOWBOARD | $389 | Before lifts open to public | |
| First Tracks 1.5 hrs – SKI / SNOWBOARD | $129 | Before lifts open to public | |
| First Tracks 2.5 hrs – SKI / SNOWBOARD | $389 | Before lifts open to public | |
| Kids Group Lessons Half Day | 5-12 | $114 | Skiing – levels 1-6 and Snowboard – levels 1-4 |
| Kids Group Lessons Full Day | 5-12 | $139 | Skiing – levels 1-6 and Snowboard – levels 1-4 |
| Kids Group Lessons – Lesson Extension | 5-12 | $26 | Skiing – levels 1-6 and Snowboard – levels 1-4 |
| Kids Group Multi-Day Lessons – 2 Days | 5-12 | $239 | Skiing – levels 1-6 and Snowboard – levels 1-4 |
| Kids Group Multi-Day Lessons – 3 Days | 5-12 | $349 | Skiing – levels 1-6 and Snowboard – levels 1-4 |
| Kids Group Multi-Day Lessons – 4 Days | 5-12 | $449 | Skiing – levels 1-6 and Snowboard – levels 1-4 |
| Adult Private Lessons – Standard Privates 2 hrs – SKI / SNOWBOARD | 18+ | $339 | Maximum of 5 people |
| Adult Private Lessons – Standard Privates 3 hrs – SKI / SNOWBOARD | 18+ | $449 | Maximum of 5 people |
| Adult Private Lessons – Standard Privates Full Day – SKI / SNOWBOARD | 18+ | $729 | Maximum of 5 people |
| Adult First Tracks 1.5 hrs – SKI / SNOWBOARD | 18+ | $129 | Runs December 10, 2022 until April 16, 2023 |
| Adult First Tracks 2.5 hrs – SKI / SNOWBOARD | 18+ | $389 | Runs December 10, 2022 until April 16, 2023 |
| Adult Group Lessons – Novice Levels 1-2 Half Day SKI / SNOWBOARD | 18+ | $179 | Includes equipment rentals & Sunnyside Beginner Ticket |
| Adult Group Lessons – Novice Levels 1-2 Full Day SKI / SNOWBOARD | 18+ | $209 | Includes equipment rentals & Sunnyside Beginner Ticket |
| Adult Group Lessons – Snowboard Levels 1-4 Half Day | 18+ | $164 | Maximum of 6 people |
| Adult Group Lessons – Snowboard Levels 1-4 Full Day | 18+ | $194 | Maximum of 6 people |
| Adult Group Lessons – Snowboard Levels 1-4 Lesson Extension | 18+ | $46 | Maximum of 6 people |
| Adult Multi-Day Lessons Ski Levels 1-5 / Snowboard Levels 1-4 – 2 Days | 18+ | $339 | |
| Adult Multi-Day Lessons Ski Levels 1-5 / Snowboard Levels 1-4 – 3 Days | 18+ | $499 | |
| Adult Multi-Day Lessons Ski Levels 1-5 / Snowboard Levels 1-4 – 4 Days | 18+ | $599 | |
| Ladies Only 6 Weeks Program | 18+ | $289 | Wednesday or Thursday; excluding lift pass |
| Ladies Only 9 Weeks Program | 18+ | $399 | Wednesday or Thursday; excluding lift pass |
| Freeride Program | 18+ | $279 | Friday morning for 4 weeks in February and/or March |
Equipment Rental Prices
All three resorts provide a variety of ski equipment for rent if you didn’t bring your own. Consequently, you won’t ever have to stress about forgetting stuff. The three resorts’ equipment categories and costs are listed below.
Sunshine Village Rental Prices
| 12 & UNDER SPORT PERFORMANCE | 13+SPORT PERFORMANCE | 13+ HIGH PERORMANCE | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Day Ski Package | $36 | $57 | $72 |
| Half-Day Ski Package | $31 | $51 | $66 |
| 3+ Day Ski Package (rate per day) | $31 | $51 | $66 |
| Full-Day Ski Only | $29 | $46 | $66 |
| Half-day Ski Only | $26 | $41 | $61 |
| 3+ Day Ski Only (rate per day) | $26 | $41 | $61 |
| Full-Day Boots Only | $12 | $21 | $26 |
| Half-Day Boots Only | $10.50 | $16 | $24 |
| 3+ Day Boots Only (rate per day) | $10.50 | $16 | $24 |
| Full Day Jr. Ski Poles Only | $14 | $14 | – |
| Half Day Jr. Ski Poles Only | $14 | $14 | – |
| 3+ Day Jr. Ski Poles Only (rate per day) | $14 | $14 | – |
| Helmet | $14 | $14 | $14 |
| Full-Day or Half-Day Optional Damage Recovery | $6.50 | $6.50 | $6.50 |
Norquay Mountain Rental Prices
| HALF DAY | FULL DAY | 3+ DAYS | |
|---|---|---|---|
| MID PERFORMANCE ADULT | |||
| Complete Ski Package | $39 | $45 | $40 |
| Skis Only | $29 | $33 | $30 |
| Boots Only | $15 | $17 | $15 |
| Poles Only | $10 | $10 | $10 |
| Helmet | $10 | $10 | $10 |
| HIGH PERFORMANCE ADULT | |||
| Complete Ski Package | $50 | $56 | $50 |
| Skis Only | $42 | $46 | $42 |
| JUNIOR SKIS (12 AND UNDER) | |||
| Complete Ski Package (including helmet) | $29 | $32 | $29 |
| Skis Only | $16 | $19 | $17 |
| Boots Only | $10 | $12 | $10 |
| Poles Only | $8 | $8 | $8 |
| Helmet | $10 | $10 | $10 |
| ADULT SNOWBOARDS | |||
| Complete package | $39 | $45 | $40 |
| Board Only | $29 | $33 | $30 |
| Boots Only | $15 | $17 | $15 |
| Helmet | $10 | $10 | $10 |
| JUNIOR SNOWBOARDS (12 AND UNDER | |||
| Complete Package (including helmet) | $29 | $32 | $29 |
| Junior board Only | $16 | $19 | $17 |
| Junior Boots Only | $10 | $12 | $10 |
| Helmet | $10 | $10 | $10 |
Lake Louise Rental Prices
| CHILD SKIS | MID PERFORMANCE SKIS 13+ | HIGH PERFORMANCE SKIS 13+ | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ski Package* | $29/$35/$29 | $45/$55/$45 | $58/$70/$58 |
| Skis* | $23/$28/$23 | $37/$44/$37 | $53/$59/$53 |
| Boots* | $11/$12/$11 | $17/$20/$17 | $21/$25/$21 |
| Poles* | $12/$12/$12 | $12/$12/$12 | $12/$12/$12 |
| Ski Pants & Jacket | $40 | $40 | $40 |
| Ski Pants | $25 | $25 | $25 |
| Ski Jacket | $25 | $25 | $25 |
| Helmet | $13 | $13 | $13 |
| Poles | $12 | $12 | $12 |
| CHILD SNOWBOARDS | MID PERFORMANCE SNOWBOARDS 13+ | HIGH PERFORMANCE SNOWBOARDS 13+ | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snowboard Package* | $29/$35/$29 | $45/$55/$45 | $57/$70/$57 |
| Snowboard* | $23/$28/$23 | $37/$44/$37 | $53/$59/$53 |
| Boots* | $11/$12/$11 | $17/$20/$17 | $17/$20/&17 |
| Ski Pants & Jacket | $40 | $40 | $40 |
| Ski Pants | $25 | $25 | $25 |
| Ski Jacket | $25 | $25 | $25 |
| Helmet | $13 | $13 | $13 |
| Poles | $12 | $12 | $12 |
* Prices represent after 12 pm, full-day and 3-day rate per day, respectively.
Other Facilities
While snowboarding and skiing are lots of fun, it goes without saying that you also need to eat, drink and sleep. Let’s examine the three resorts’ amenities.
Sunshine Village
Sunshine Village has the word village in its name and for good reason. It is a village in and of itself. Thanks to the resort’s hotel, many restaurants, and shops, you can stay on-site for the entirety of your visit.
The Sunshine Mountain Lodge allows you to ski to your doorstep. But make sure you book well in time. Being the only hotel on the mountain, the rooms at the inn fill up quickly.
But fear not, Banff offers a wide variety of additional choices.
The restaurants can be found at the base, in the village and at Goat’s Eye. They provide a broad selection of meals, and you will have plenty of chances to participate in an amazing après-ski. What’s not to like?
At the Base offers the following restaurants and food joints:
- Java Station (food to go)
- Creekside Bar + Grill (après-ski drink and snack)
In the Village:
- Mad Trappers (meat and southwestern dishes)
- Java Express (Coffee bar)
- Sunshine Burger Company (gourmet burgers and poutine)
- The Alpine Grill (pizza, pasta, pho and burritos)
- Lookout Lounge (restaurant)
- Java Lift Coffee Bar (coffee bar, serves breakfast and lunch)
- Chimney Corner (breakfast, lunch, après-ski and dinner)
- Eagles Nest (restaurant including gluten-free and vegetarian options)
At Goat’s Eye:
- Goat’s Eye Grill (cafeteria style food)
- BeaverTails Pastry (sweet treats)
- Sixty Five South (tacos and burritos)
Norquay Mountain
Norquay Mountain is the smallest of the three Banff ski resorts, reflected in the on-site facilities. There are only a handful of restaurants and no on-site lodging.
However, the relatively small scale of this resort gives it a unique, cozy atmosphere that you can’t find at Lake Louise and Sunshine Village.
Besides, if you aren’t satisfied with the Norquay dining options, the town of Banff is just a stone’s throw away. It has numerous restaurants to choose from. The same goes for lodging.
Norquay Mountain is home to the following restaurants:
- North American Lodge (daily specials, sandwiches and snacks)
- Cliffhouse Bistro (tearoom and bistro)
- Deli & Cafeteria (wide range of home-made fare)
- Lone Pine Pub (traditional dishes with a contemporary twist)
Lake Louise
Lake Louise’s amenities reflect that it is the largest ski resort in Banff National Park. A wide range of dining and drinking establishments are at the base and on the slope of the resort.
Base area:
- Slopeside Coffee (coffee, pastry and snacks)
- Lodge of the Ten Peaks Café (grilled food)
- Banded Peak Base Camp (smokehouse BBQ)
- Powder Keg Lounge (varied food, including gluten-free options)
- Whiskey Jack Café (lunch options for CAD 8)
- Bier Stube (bar-style beverage station)
- Kuma Yama (ramen and suhsi)
- Northface Bistro (buffet-style breakfast bar and interactive lunch stations
On-mountain:
- Whitehorn Bistro (Canadian Alpine-themed cuisine)
- Temple Café (grilled food)
- Sawyer’s Nook (traditional alpine and house-made favorites)
- Temple Cantina (Mexican food)
Transport
SkiBig3 operates daily shuttle buses from Banff to all three ski resorts in the park, so you don’t have to worry about getting there. You can find more information about stops and schedules on skibig3.com.
If you stay in Lake Louise Village or the Fairmont hotel, you can take a daily shuttle to the slopes. It runs between the Fairmont Château Lake Louise, the Samson Mall in Lake Louise Village, and the Lake Louise Summer Gondola. You can find more information on skilouise.com.
You would need a rental car to travel from Lake Louise to Sunshine Village or Norquay Mountain as there is no direct shuttle bus service.
Tubing
Had enough skiing or snowboarding, want to have a different kind of fun, or just break up the day? Tubing is an excellent opportunity for that!
You can take part in this daring and surprisingly enjoyable winter activity at Norquay Mountain and the Lake Louise Ski Resort in Banff National Park. Read the blog post on sledding in the park to learn more.
SEE ALSO: Your Go-To Guide to Winter Driving in Banff National Park
