Ski Alberta, Canada

You will find an abundance of natural beauty when you Ski Alberta. This area of Canada is ideal for anyone with an interest in glaciers, dinosaur fossils, spectacular mountains and lakes.  These are just a few reasons to go, but add to the mixture that skiing in Canada’s scenic Rocky Mountains is known for its guaranteed snowfall, great powder and clear blue skies and you cannot fail to be totally satisfied.  

There are many ski resorts and regional ski areas to explore in this province for skiers and boarders.  It is also a great place for Heli-skiing and boarding for the more adventurous.  Nothing compares to making fresh tracks in deep powder!

Alberta is the province located to the east of British Columbia.  Edmonton is the capital of the province of Alberta and the other sizeable city is Calgary.  Banff is located just west of Calgary.   The Banff area is probably the most well-known destination in Alberta with its tri-ski areas, or ‘big three’, which includes Norquay, Sunshine Village and Lake Louise.
Other ski resorts and areas in Alberta include:  Castle Mountain, Marmot Basin and Nakiska (venue of 1988 Winter Olympic events).  There is Drumheller where you can ski areas of the Badlands.  Edmonton has Rabbit Hill and Snow Valley.   In Edson you will find Silver Summit, close to Edmonton.   Medicine Hat has the Hidden Valley Ski Area and Red Deer has the Canyon Ski Area which is the most sizeable ski area located away from the Rocky Mountains. 

Calgary has the Canada Olympic Park which was built for the 1988 Winter Olympics.  There is a ski jump and the facilities are still used for training and competitive purposes and it is open to the public year-round as a recreation area.  

Useful website:   www.travelalberta.com

BANFF SKI AREAS

The Banff area includes three excellent ski resorts: Sunshine Valley, Ski Banff@Norquay and Lake Louise.  Between them there are approximately 7,800 acres and close to 250 trails for skiers and boarders to enjoy.  There are open bowls and glades, groomed runs, and champagne powder!   You can purchase a lift ticket which covers all three areas and also includes transfers to the slopes from your hotel.

Web site:   www.skibanff.com

Ski Insurance

An essential part of your ski holiday, Ski Insurance will provide cover for medical expenses and ski injuries including air ambulance from the slopes if needed. Click Here for an Instant Quote.

Ski Banff @ Norquay

This family-friendly resort allows you to ski by the hour and they have night skiing and a lit terrain park with half pipe.  

Web site:  www.banffnorquay.com

Ski Banff @ Norquay Mountain Information
Summit elevation: 7,000 feet (2,134 metres)
Base elevation: 5,350 feet (1,631 metres)
Vertical rise: 1,650 feet (503 metres)
Runs:  28
Lifts: 5 (2 quads, 2 doubles, 1 surface)
Longest run: 3,828 feet
Skier levels: 28% beginner, 36% intermediate, 16% advanced

Lake Louise Mountain Resort

This is Canada’s largest ski resort, with 11 square miles of terrain over four mountains.  It is also known as one of N. America’s most scenic resorts with spectacular mountains and wildlife all set in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Banff National Park.   Lake Louise is basically a small part of Banff  There are slopes for all level of skier.

Web site:   www.banfflakelouise.com.

Lake Louise Mountain Information:
Vertical rise: 3,250 feet (880 metres)
Summit elevation: 8,650 feet (2637 metres)
Skiable Acres: 4,200 acres (1700 hectares)
Longest run: 5 miles
Runs: 139 plus bowls 
Skier levels: 25% beginner, 45% intermediate, 30% advanced

Sunshine Village

Sunshine Village is close to Banff, and the ski season is often the longest in the area, sometimes running through to May.  There are accommodations located  by the slopes.   There is also a terrain park and half pipe.   
Web site:  www.sunshinevillage.com

Sunshine Village Mountain Information:
Summit elevation: 8,954 feet (2,729 metres)
Base elevation: 5,440 feet (1,658 metres)
Vertical rise: 3,514 feet (1,071 metres)
Lifts: 12 (1 gondola, 5 quads, 1 triple 1 double, 2 Magic carpet
Runs: 107
Skiable terrain: 3,358 acres
Longest run: 5 miles
Skier levels: 20% beginner, 55% intermediate, 25% advanced