Why Banff Should Be on Every Skier's Bucket List

There are ski holidays... and then there is Banff.

My trip to the Canadian Rockies was everything I had hoped for and more. From the moment I arrived, I could see why Banff is considered one of the world's most iconic ski destinations. Towering snow-covered mountains, breathtaking scenery, incredible hospitality and some of the best skiing I've ever experienced made this a holiday I'll never forget.

One of the biggest highlights of skiing in Banff is that you have access to three fantastic ski resorts with one lift pass – Lake Louise Ski Resort, Sunshine Village and Mt. Norquay. Each mountain has its own personality, making every day on the slopes a completely different experience.

Staying in Banff Town

We stayed right in the heart of Banff Town, and I honestly couldn't have picked a better base. Everywhere you looked there were breathtaking mountain views, making even a simple walk to breakfast feel special.

The town itself has such a welcoming atmosphere, with boutique shops, cosy cafés, lively bars and an excellent choice of restaurants. I absolutely loved the food here. Whether it was a hearty breakfast before heading to the slopes or a delicious evening meal after a day of skiing, there was always somewhere fantastic to eat.

One thing that really impressed me was how easy it was to get around. Every morning we simply jumped on the free ski buses, which made getting to each of the three ski resorts completely hassle-free. There was no need to worry about driving or parking – just sit back, enjoy the spectacular scenery and look forward to another amazing day on the mountain.

Lake Louise – A Winter Wonderland

If you've ever seen photographs of the Canadian Rockies, chances are you've seen Lake Louise.

The skiing here is simply incredible. The scenery is breathtaking, with endless mountain peaks surrounding perfectly groomed runs. Whether you're a beginner finding your confidence or an experienced skier looking for more challenging terrain, Lake Louise has something for everyone.

The resort offers a fantastic variety of runs, from wide-open cruisers to steep bowls and tree-lined descents. I loved the feeling of having so much space on the mountain, with every run offering a different view.

But Lake Louise isn't just about the skiing.

One of my favourite memories was visiting the famous lake itself and walking across the frozen lake, surrounded by towering snow-covered mountains. Seeing Lake Louise transformed into a winter wonderland was absolutely magical and one of those moments I'll never forget.

I was also incredibly lucky to enjoy a site visit of the beautiful Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. This iconic hotel is every bit as luxurious as you'd imagine, with stunning interiors, exceptional service and one of the most spectacular locations in Canada. Looking out over the frozen lake from the hotel is a view that will stay with me forever.

Whether you're looking for a romantic escape, celebrating a special occasion or simply want to experience one of Canada's most famous luxury hotels, the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is somewhere truly special.

Sunshine Village – My Favourite Ski Resort

Out of the three ski resorts, Sunshine Village was definitely my favourite.

Sitting high in the mountains, it enjoys one of the longest ski seasons in Canada and is renowned for its light, dry powder. As soon as we reached the top by gondola, we were greeted with spectacular 360-degree views stretching across Alberta and British Columbia.

As someone who enjoys skiing at a relaxed pace, I found Sunshine Village to be the perfect resort. I felt it was particularly well suited to beginners and intermediate skiers, with a fantastic choice of wide, confidence-building runs and plenty of variety to keep the day interesting. There were so many runs to choose from that you could happily spend the entire day exploring different parts of the mountain.

Another thing I loved was the atmosphere. There are some lovely mountain restaurants dotted around the resort, making it easy to stop for a leisurely lunch or simply enjoy a hot chocolate while taking in the incredible scenery. Rather than rushing back to town, we could spend the whole day on the mountain, making the most of everything Sunshine Village had to offer.

The combination of beautiful snow, stunning views, varied skiing and welcoming mountain restaurants made Sunshine Village my favourite of the three resorts, and it's somewhere I'd happily return to again and again.

Mt. Norquay – Small Resort, Big Character

Mt. Norquay may be the smallest of Banff's three ski resorts, but it certainly shouldn't be overlooked.

Located just minutes from Banff Town, it's incredibly convenient and has a wonderfully friendly atmosphere. It's ideal for families, beginners and anyone looking for a more relaxed day on the slopes, while still offering some exciting runs for more experienced skiers.

Being so close to Banff also meant we were back in town in no time, ready to enjoy another fantastic evening.

The Banff Gondola & Sulphur Mountain

One experience I would recommend to everyone, whether you're skiing or not, is taking the Banff Gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain.

The ride up offers incredible views, but once you reach the summit, the scenery is simply breathtaking. Standing at the top, surrounded by the snow-covered Canadian Rockies, is something you'll never forget.

There are boardwalks leading to different viewpoints, allowing you to soak up the panoramic views and capture some amazing photographs. There's also a café and restaurant where you can sit back and enjoy the scenery from one of the most spectacular viewpoints in the region.

For me, this was one of the highlights of the entire trip and a reminder that Banff has so much more to offer than just incredible skiing.

More Than Just a Ski Holiday

What made this trip so special wasn't just the skiing – it was the complete experience.

Each of the three ski resorts offered something different, and every day brought new scenery and unforgettable memories. Then, after an amazing day on the slopes, we returned to Banff Town, where there was always somewhere new to explore, eat or simply relax while admiring the mountain views.

One thing that really stood out throughout the trip was just how incredibly friendly and welcoming the Canadians were. Everywhere we went, people were happy to chat, offer recommendations or simply greet you with a smile. From the staff at the ski resorts and restaurants to the locals we met around Banff, everyone made us feel genuinely welcome. It added so much to the overall experience and is one of the many reasons I'd love to return.

Banff isn't just a destination—it's an experience. It's the combination of world-class skiing, spectacular scenery, delicious food, luxurious hotels, unforgettable excursions and genuine Canadian hospitality that makes it one of the best winter holidays I've ever had.

Whether you're planning your very first ski holiday or you're an experienced skier looking for your next adventure, I genuinely believe Banff deserves a place on your bucket list.

As a Travel Counsellor, I love helping clients find the perfect ski holiday. Having experienced Banff first hand means I can share real recommendations on where to stay, which ski areas might suit your ability, and the experiences that will make your holiday even more memorable.

If you've been dreaming of skiing in Canada, or would like to find out more about Banff and the Canadian Rockies, I'd love to help you plan your own unforgettable adventure.