In the heart of the Banff National Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site, sit the vibrant mountain town of Banff and village of Lake Louise. Surrounded by stunning snow-capped peaks and glittering lakes, its three ski resorts together boast one of the longest ski seasons in North America.
The three resorts are Mt Norquay, Banff Sunshine, and Lake Louise Ski Resort are all are covered by the SKIBIG3 lift pass, which also includes the connecting ski-bus services. And with 356 runs between them, plus some of the best freeride anywhere in North America, the Banff Lake Louise ski resorts offer superb skiing whatever your level.
Banff Sunshine is just 15 minutes from Banff town and has more than 3,300 skiable acres, from the freeride terrain of Wild West and Delirium Dive to the gentle groomers off Strawberry Chair. Just minutes from Banff, Mt Norquay - the oldest ski resort in the Canadian Rockies -is also the first ski resort in Canada to make the switch to 100% clean, green energy generated from a blend of wind and low-impact hydropower.
Lake Louise is one of the largest ski resorts in North America, with over 4,200 acres of skiable terrain and spectacular views of mountains, glaciers, lakes and forests - possibly one of the most idyllic settings of any ski resort, and a twin centre ski holiday combining Lake Louise and Banff is the perfect way to experience this fantastic region.
Breathe in the fresh Canadian Rocky Mountains air as you enjoy exhilarating skiing and riding before returning to the comfort of Banff & Lake Louise’s superb hotels and condos, fantastic eating and drinking, and relaxing wellness opportunities. Soak your tired muscles in Banff’s natural mineral hot springs or soothe your soul in your hotel’s rooftop hot tub or outdoor heated pool.
When it comes to après, Banff town is a lively place with abundant bars, restaurants, coffee shops and bakeries - its nightlife rocks till the wee hours. The town also has several art galleries plus the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies which gives a great insight into the surrounding landscapes.
How to get to Banff
Banff is an easy journey from Calgary Airport, which is only 90 minutes away by car/coach. Ski Independence offer a choice of airlines flying from London into Calgary and provides complete flexibility to choose the day of departure, holiday duration, choice of airline and cabin type.
Their Banff holidays include a shared shuttle transfer from Calgary, or you can hire a self-drive car, SUV or minivan. The 'Gold' option car rental includes all the mandatory taxes & fees, extra drive fees, fuel and ski rack.
The best places to stay in Banff and Lake Louise
The Banff area is blessed with a wide range of places to stay. Here are 10 great places to stay in Lake Louise and Banff:
The Fairmont Banff Springs
An elegant and luxury full-service hotel, located on the edge of Banff. Designed in the style of a Scottish baronial castle, you can expect first class service and facilities, including indoor and outdoor pools and hot tubs, or a treatment at the luxurious Willow Stream Spa - one of the best full service spa facilities in the Canadian Rockies! There is no shortage of dining options either, with a choice of 11 different restaurants and lounges - serving everything from sushi to steak.
Price: from £1,216 per double room for 7 nights (including flights).
BOOK NOW: ski-i.com
The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
Hotel locations don't come more breathtaking than this. Situated on the shores of the beautiful Lake Louise, with its dramatic glacial backdrop, the luxury Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is blends history with modern energy to create a unique resort experience. Just minutes from the Lake Louise ski slopes via the regular free shuttle, this hotel has all the amenities you'd expect from a world-class hotel, including 8 on-site restaurants and a Health Club featuring a heated indoor pool and Spa.
Price: on application
BOOK NOW: ski-i.com
Fox Hotel & Suites
With a fantastic central location on Banff Avenue, close to the many downtown attractions, the Fox Hotel is a great base. Offering spacious hotel rooms or condos, it's perfect for families and those looking for the added flexibility of self-catered accommodation. Banff's great bars, restaurants, shops and galleries are within walking distance, while on-site facilities include a large hot pool and a sauna, plus Chili's Grill & Bar which is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Price: from £1,138 per 4-person suite for 7 nights (including flights)
BOOK NOW: ski-i.com
Moose Hotel & Suites
Sitting on Banff Avenue, the Moose Hotel features 174 guest rooms with a combination of spacious one and two bedroom suites and hotel rooms. Enjoy a range of on-site amenities such as the Meadow Spa & Pools with private outdoor hot pool, a bright indoor pool and two rooftop hot pools with spectacular mountain views. The hotel also has its own Pacini Italian Restaurant. Downtown Banff is a short walk away, and the ski bus picks up from the Banff Ptarmigan Inn, right next door.
Price: £1,211 for a Superior double room for 7 nights (including flights)
BOOK NOW: ski-i.com
Banff Aspen Lodge
A great value property two blocks from downtown Banff, offering affordable flexible accommodation with warm, friendly hospitality and excellent facilities, including sauna, steam room, outdoor hot tub, free WiFi and the White Bark Cafe. Banff town centre is a three-minute walk, and the regular free ski shuttle picks up from the Banff Ptarmigan Inn next door. Also included in a stay is the hotel's legendary full Canadian Rockies breakfast.
Price: from £1,041 for a double room for 7 nights (including flights)
BOOK NOW: ski-i.com
Banff Caribou Lodge & Spa
A great value choice for a Banff ski holiday, the Caribou in downtown Banff, is a popular choice for Ski Independence clients, with many returning year after year. Facilities include a spa with 26-person hot tub, and the on-site Keg Steak House Restaurant and Bar. The regular free ski shuttle picks up from the central Banff downtown hub and guests are provided with free bus passes to use the ROAM Banff transit buses which take you around town and connect with the ski shuttle.
Price: from £987 for a standard double room for 7 nights (including flights)
BOOK NOW: ski-i.com
Canalta Lodge
The beautifully renovated Canalta Lodge has a nice quiet location just opposite the Inns of Banff on Banff Avenue. It offers quiet sophistication and great value, including daily breakfast, free WiFi, outdoor hot tubs, outdoor sauna and glacier plunge tub. The regular free ski shuttle picks up from the central Banff downtown hub and guests are provided with free bus passes to use the ROAM Banff transit buses.
Price: from £1,056 for a standard double room for 7 nights (including flights)
BOOK NOW: ski-i.com
Elk + Avenue Hotel
Formerly the Banff International on the doorstep of downtown Banff, the Elk + Avenue hotel has spacious and comfortable rooms plus a broad range of on-site amenities, including the cedar sauna, steam room, large whirlpool and fitness room. The Farm & Fire kitchen and bar is open throughout the day and check out the Good Earth Coffeehouse for excellent coffee and snacks. The regular free ski shuttle picks up from the nearby downtown Banff hub.
Price: from £978 for a regular double room for 7 nights (including flights)
BOOK NOW: ski-i.com
Mount Royal Hotel
This fully renovated hotel is located right in the centre of Banff a few short steps from the shops, bars, restaurants and après-ski of downtown. Guests have access to a rooftop lounge with hot tubs, as well as the Toque Canadian Pub with its extensive craft beer list! New for winter 2021-22 is a new on site restaurant/lounge to eat and relax in. There is also now a Guest Pantry takeaway café on the 2nd floor. The regular free ski shuttle picks up from the downtown Banff hub, behind the hotel.
Price: from £998 for a Heritage double room for 7 nights (including flights)
BOOK NOW: ski-i.com
The Lake Louise Inn
The closest hotel to the Lake Louise ski area, The Lake Louise Inn provides good value accommodation just 1km from the slopes, via the regular free shuttle. It's a very popular choice for families thanks to its range of excellent facilities which include a choice of two good family-friendly restaurants - Legends and Timberwolf, a large indoor heated pool, two Jacuzzis and a steam room.
Price: upon application
BOOK NOW: ski-i.com
Tailor-made ski holiday specialists, Ski Independence, have over 25 years experience in putting together the best possible ski holidays for their clients. With destinations across North America, France, Switzerland and Italy, they offer a wide range of accommodation from self-catered apartments to 5-star luxury.
Get in touch now for your personalised ski holiday quote.
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