Natural beauty and great skiing
In a nutshell
Come to Banff; ski sublime slopes amidst some of the most glorious scenery in the world. It really is that straightforward. At an altitude of over 4,500 feet, Banff’s snowfall is heavy and reliable, so you can count on amazing skiing in these extraordinary mountains. A protected natural area for over 100 years, it offers some of the best powder skiing in Canada. Banff boasts 3 ski resorts that total over 7,700 acres and 240 trails, offering countless options to skiers and snowboarders of any ability, and in particular lower intermediate skiers. Choose from wide open bowls, tree-lined glades or meticulously groomed slopes with state-of-the-art snowmaking or those up for a challenge can turn their hand to heli-skiing.
In Banff, skiing is just the start of your holiday. Away from the slopes there is no shortage of things to keep you busy and you really won't want to miss a thing. Soothe those aching limbs at the hot springs, try dogsledding or snowmobiling for the experience of a lifetime whilst taking in the breathtaking scenery of the Rockies, take an ice canyon walk or go snowshoeing. And don’t forget to head to Banff Avenue for a bit of good old fashioned retail therapy.
Banff offers great all-round value – a Banff ski pass covers all 3 of its resorts: Ski Norquay (4 miles from Banff), the larger ski areas of Sunshine Village (10 miles), Lake Louise Mountain Resort (35 miles). It’s easy to ski all 3 areas during your holiday as they are connected by regular, efficient, FREE shuttle buses picking up from lodgings in Banff and Lake Louise. Experience each ski area's own unique character. See our reps in resort to receive 10% discount at Ultimate Ski & Sports for retail and boot fitting.
Après-ski
It’s lively! Après-ski starts on the mountain and continues in the spectacularly situated town of Banff, which has well over 100 restaurants, lounges and bars, and nightclubs. From quaint Indian restaurants to fabulous fine dining, it's easy to find the perfect ending to an already stunning day.
Getting around
Good bus service (which collects from a central pick-up and drop-off point) between the 3 mountains (FREE with your lift pass). Plus an evening trolley service from most properties (extra charge).
Getting there
Flights: Heathrow to Calgary 9 hours 10 min.
Banff is a 1 hour 30-min drive from Calgary.
Car Hire: Included in the flight with car hire price.
Transfers: Can be arranged for £57 per adult return and £38 per child return.
Entry Fee: Banff is a national park and there is a charge to enter. The charge is approx $125 per family/small group.
Star attractions
- Banff National Park
- Amazing Scenery
- Loads of Terrain
- Plenty of Shops
- Relatively Quiet Slopes
Handy stuff
For all your Ski Extras please refer to the Excursions Page
Additional info
Western Canada Luxury Flydrive
Virgin Holidays' West Coast flydrive will allow you to ski the highlights of Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper, luxuriate in some world-famous hotels and enjoy some stunning views along the way!
Banff Weddings
The Canadian Rockies provides a stunning backdrop to any wedding photo. Whether it's snow-capped mountain tops or world-famous luxury hotels that capture the imagination, the beauty of Banff National Park is hard to beat! See our Virgin Holidays' Wedding brochure for more details.
Twin Centres
Why not combine West Coast ski resort with...
- Hawaii
- Vancouver
- Other Canadian West Coast ski resorts
Snow Experience
The magical Northern Lights dance across the sky at night between Oct and Mar, but only in certain areas of northern Canada.
Please Note: Banff: Norquay - Resort closure 10th Apr'09. Dates are subject to change.
Banff: Sunshine - Resort closure 22nd May '09. Dates are subject to change.