Every winter, Banff National Park transforms into a playground for skiers and snowboarders. But is suited for beginners? In this article, you’ll read why the answer is a resounding yes!
Banff National Park is home to three major ski resorts: Sunshine Village, Lake Louise Ski Resort, and Mt. Norquay. They all offer a variety of beginner-friendly trails.
In addition, the resorts offer ski and snowboard schools where beginners can learn the basics from experienced instructors. Let’s have a look at what else the three resorts offer for novice skiers and snowboarders. Alright, let’s dive in.
What Makes Banff a Good Place to Learn to Ski or Snowboard?
Is skiing and snowboarding in Banff for beginners the right choice, you ask? Here are five reasons why:
First, Banff is home to some of North America’s best beginner-friendly ski hills. For example, the slopes at Mt. Norquay are perfect for those just starting out. They offer gentle green runs that help you build confidence without being too challenging.
Second, Banff is a great place to learn because of its many world-class ski schools. These schools offer lessons for all levels, so you can be sure to find one that’s right for you. The instructors are all experienced and will be able to help you master the basics quickly.
Third, Banff is an excellent destination for beginners because it’s exceptionally picturesque. The views from the slopes are simply incredible, and they’ll help you relax and enjoy your Banff skiing or snowboarding experience.
Fourth, the Banff ski hills offer great value for your money, as the variety of terrain in Banff is ideal for beginners. There are gentle slopes for those just learning and more challenging terrain for the slightly more advanced skiers. Besides, there are often discounts and deals for beginners.
Fifth, Banff is well-serviced, with three ski resorts and plenty of amenities. This makes it easy to get around and find everything you need, whether you’re looking for lessons, equipment, or just a place to warm up after a day on the slopes.
So if you’re thinking about learning to ski or snowboard, Banff is definitely the place to do it.
Which of Banff’s Ski Resorts Is Best for Beginners?
Banff is home to three ski resorts, each with unique beginner-friendly characteristics. Let’s have a closer look.
Norquay Mountain
As Banff’s closest resort to town, Mount Norquay is an ideal option for beginners who want to get a feel for skiing or snowboarding without venturing too far from civilization. In addition, Mount Norquay offers stunning views of Banff town and the surrounding Rocky Mountains. But maybe the most appealing for first-timers is that this resort is not crowded at all, especially compared to the park’s two alternatives.
Mount Norquay, a relatively small resort, has a few designated beginner areas. The Sundance Surface lift near the base village lodge and the Cascade chair offer easy runs. The same goes for the Spirit and Mystic Express chair lifts. You’ll also find the Sundance Magic Carpet lift near the base, a conveyor belt that takes you up the mountain. It’s perfect for first-timers.
Norquay also has a ski and snowboard school for adults and kids. It’s the quickest way to learn the basics and build your technique and confidence. The lessons are tailored to seven levels for skiers and snowboarders, depending on your experience. It starts with never skied or snowboarded before.
Beginner run to try: Cascade
Total length easy slopes: 5.1 km (3.17 mi)
Sunshine Village
Sunshine Village is just a short drive from Banff town and is renowned for its beginner-friendly slopes. The resort has two carpet lifts near the Strawberry lift.
Sunshine Village also boasts several family-friendly green runs perfect for learning the basics of skiing and snowboarding, like Kid’s Play (Terrain Park), Rock Isle Road and Dell Valley. But there are plenty more green runs to keep you occupied all day without getting bored.
The best way to learn the fundamentals of skiing and snowboarding is to take lessons. Sunshine Village will not disappoint. It has an excellent Ski and Snowboard School for kids, teens, adults and people with adaptive accessibility needs. It offers group and private lessons for all levels of ability.
Beginner runs to try: Meadow Park, Rock Isle Road
Total length easy slopes: 25 km (15.53 mi)
Lake Louise
Lake Louise is Banff’s most prominent resort. It offers a variety of beginner-friendly runs and a world-class Ski and Snowboard School. It has practice lifts near the base and dedicated beginner slopes, with the longest total length of the three Banff ski resorts. The resort recommends runs #9, #55 and #56 as the most suited to hone your skills.
In addition, Lake Louise is home to one of the largest terrain parks in North America, where beginners can test their skills in a safe and controlled environment. All in all, Lake Louise has all the facilities you need to progress quickly and keep learning.
Beginner runs to try: Pika and Sunny Side (aka “The Magic Carpet”)
Total length easy slopes: 35 km (21.75 mi)
VERDICT
So, which of Banff’s three ski resorts is best for beginners? The answer is: it depends.
For beginners who want to stay close to town and want to practice in a more quiet environment, Mount Norquay is an excellent option.
Lake Louise is the perfect choice for beginners who wish for facilities that allow them to progress quickly and keep learning.
And for beginners who want to enjoy a wide range of beginner-friendly facilities, Sunshine Village is the ideal resort.
What Beginner Programs Are Available at the Three Ski Resorts?
When choosing a ski resort to visit as a beginner, you should consider a few things, like insurance and equipment rental. Another vital thing to look at is what beginner programs the resort offers.
Below you’ll find an extensive overview of all Lake Louise, Sunshine Village and Norquay Mountain the ski and snowboard school programs.
How Much Do Beginner Lessons Cost at the 3 Banff Ski Resorts?
Beginner lessons at the three ski resorts in Banff range in price based on the resort and the kind of session.
The least expensive option is usually to take group lessons. However, a private class might be a better choice for you if you want more personalized attention.
The following section provides an overview of group lesson starting prices at each ski resort for the 2022–2023 season:
SUNSHINE VILLAGE
Kids, starting at: CAD 135 (half day)
Adults, starting at: CAD 245 (multi-week program)
LAKE LOUISE
Kids, starting at: CAD 114 (half day)
Adults, starting at: CAD 179 (half day)
MOUNT NORQUAY
Kids, starting at: CAD 105 (2 hours)
Adults, starting at: CAD 169 (2 hours)
According to these figures, Norquay Mountain offers the lowest starting prices for children and adults. All three ski areas, however, provide a wide variety of lesson plans. I advise you to check which resort offers the best program to meet your demands.
If you want private skiing or snowboarding lessons, be prepared to pay substantially more. The starting prices for a one-hour private lesson for children and adults for the 2022-2023 are listed below:
SUNSHINE VILLAGE
Kids, starting at: CAD 140 (1 hour)
Adults, starting at: CAD 535 (half day)
LAKE LOUISE
Kids, starting at: CAD 99 (1 hour)
Adults, starting at: CAD 339 (2 hours)
MOUNT NORQUAY
Kids, starting at: CAD 69 (1 hour)
Adults, starting at: CAD 299 (2 hours)
Based on these figures, Mount Norquay also offers the lowest starting prices for individual lessons for kids and adults.
Alright, now you know this, let’s have a look at all the programs the 3 resorts have to offer:
Sunshine Village Lesson Programs
| 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 Lesson Programs
| 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 Lesson Programs
| 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 |
For a comprehensive price comparison between the three Banff ski resorts, click the link.
A Few Things To Consider
There are a few things to consider before visiting Banff if you’ve never skied or snowboarded before.
The cost of skiing and snowboarding in Banff is high because a lift pass is necessary. Beginners should also consider taking classes and renting the necessary equipment.
Additional costs include housing and food. Wintertime costs are high in Banff. If you want to learn more about accommodation and prices, I recommend you read the post How Much Does a Banff Vacation Cost in 2022. It’ll give you a good idea of what to expect.
Second, you’ll need to get skiing insurance. Skiing and snowboarding are risky sports. You might break a limb or sustain another injury. Verify that your insurance policy will protect you if an unexpected incident occurs on the slopes.