When it comes to the spectacular, it’s hard to find anything more impressive than the breathtaking scenery surrounding the Canadian Rockies’ resort of Banff. Named after the town of the same name in Scotland, the surrounding national park has been one of Canada’s most prestigious ski resorts since 1909, when the sport was first introduced here by some Austrian and Swiss mountain guides.
Banff has two main ski areas – Sunshine Village, about 20 minutes drive outside the town, and Ski Norquay, which is found just on the town’s outskirts. Lake Louise is much smaller, but offers a third option and is included in the Tri-Area ski pass. One disadvantage to Banff is that each of the ski areas has to be reached by road, unless visitors opt to stay at Sunshine Village’s single hotel. Another negative is the often bitter cold – something that may come as a shock to those who are used to Europe’s sun-baked resorts.
The skiing seasons differ slightly between the two main areas. In Norquay, the season begins in November, although it’s only open at weekends until December, when it runs full time until the end of April. Sunshine Village opens full time in November, and continues until the end of May. Both areas are considerably smaller than most major European resorts.
Norquay for instance, is serviced by just a few ski lifts, but it’s convenient for its location to the town. It has runs suitable for all levels, but most people would probably only want to stay for a day or two before moving onto something else. The best runs for advanced skiers are the Gun Run and Upper Lone Pine Run, both of which have a reputation for being tricky mogul runs.
Sunshine Village is bigger, and is considerably more snow sure than Norquay. The area is serviced by a modern gondola which takes skiers up to the lodge, and from there three different mountains can be accessed by ski lift – Lookout, Standish and Goat’s Eye (not recommended for beginners).
Among the best runs at Sunshine is Banff Avenue, a nice and easy, very wide green run which is perfect for beginners. The Continental Divide is a good bet for intermediates with some fun offshoots, while advanced skiers can put their skills to the test of Delirium Dive’s super-steep slopes, or else have a crack at the Silver City Run.
Both ski areas have good terrain parks for freestyle skiers and boarders. The largest is at Sunshine, which includes a number of boxes, rails and tabletops.
Currency: Canadian Dollar
Budget for one week: over $ 750 USD
Taxes and gratuity: Tipping is expected
Official languages: English, French
Area: 4.85 km2 (1.9 sq mi)
Population: 6700
Electricity:
- Voltage: 110-120 Volts (Most other areas are 220-240 Volts)
- Primary Socket Type: North American Grounded
- Multi-voltage appliances (laptops, etc.)
- 220-240V appliances: Plug adapter + step-up transformer
- 100V Japanese appliances: Japan to U.S. reducer transformer
Other key facts:
- Elevation – 2160 meters
- Skiable Area - 3135 hectares
- Snowfall - 250 + inches per year
Images courtesy: RedChris1979; LASZLO ILYES; Lijuan Guo - Fotolia.com
Report an error
