Banff Skiing Tour Guide | Travel to Banff Ski resorts Alberta Canada

Destination Information

Think Banff and imagine extreme beauty. This is reality. Located in the Canadian province of Alberta Banff is situated inside Banff National park. Set up amidst sheer majestic heights of the Canadian Rockies the scenery presented to the guests here in this ski resort destination of Banff is simply unparallel. With rugged mountain cliffs and a pristine white blanket of powdery snow encasing the entire landscape one has to see it with their own eyes to actually believe it. Skiing was introduced in this area in about 1909 with the arrival of Swiss and Austrian guides and the skiing areas are divided into two areas- Ski Norquay and the Sunshine Village. But non skiers need not lose hope. With plenty of shops, eateries, pubs and restaurants there is enough to keep even the non-skiers occupied and happy.

Reaching there

The nearest airport located near Banff providing access to this ski resort town is situated at a distance of an hour and a half at Calgary.

Skiing locations

The skiing season in both the skiing areas of Banff runs from mid November to May. Both the skiing areas of Ski Norquay and Sunshine Village offer slopes to skiing enthusiasts of varying degrees and gradients. When both these skiing areas are compared it is established that Norquay is smaller than Sunshine village and therefore the number and kinds of slopes being offered to skiers are also less. Though their number may be limited but still there are plenty of slopes to engage skiers of all levels. The experienced skiers love to test their skills skiing down the slopes of Upper Lone Pine and Gun Run. Also popular in this part of the world is the concept of night skiing. Skiing under the stars is surely one heavenly experience which one must try to soak in at least once.

The skiing area of Sunshine has a better track record for better snowfall and hence is more popular than Norquay. Also the sheer varieties of slopes being offered to the skiers to try out are more. The three mountains located in this area namely Goats’s eye, Standish and Lookout offer excellent high speed lifts to the skiers who get to experience the rare rush and the splurge of high octane adrenaline. There are individuals slopes identified here to cater for skiers having proficiencies of various degrees. A beginner is expected to have fun zooming down the Banff Avenue while an intermediate skier can further improve his skills on the Continental Divide chair positioned on the Lookout Mountain. Professional skiers can be seen zipping down the treacherous and arduous slopes being offered by the Delirium Dive which is known for its steep slopes and also at the newly opened silver city.

Activities beyond the slopes

Just like any other ski resort destination Banff too offers several outdoor and indoor activities to keep the guests happy and occupied. These include snow mobile rides, sleigh rides, snowshoeing, ice fishing and cross country skiing. The indoor entertainment options include cinema halls, Bowling alleys, a museum, a cultural centre etc. while in Banff you can also take on a helicopter ride and get to see the beautiful scenic views of this town from the sky or take a trip under the earth to explore some caves. One can also relax their tired, sore and aching muscles after a good day at skiing by soaking in the warm waters of the Banff Upper Hot springs.

Nightlife and food

There is no denying the fact that Banff is a total fun ski resort. With late night partying a a wild west kind of atmosphere the air here is electrifying and lively. The Rose and Crown and Wild Bill’s Legendary Saloon are some of the pubs worth trying out by the guests. When considering culinary options there are numerable places to choose from each showing mastery at some form of cuisine. The most popular and the most sought after eating joints include Melissa’s and Maple Leaf.

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