The Canadian province of Alberta is one of the best places to ride or ski – Banff National Park has a massive ski season with light, dry snow that extends from mid-November to late May. Want some more top tips for your Canada ski trip? Fresh from shredding the pow pow with Sno'n'Ski on a recent trip, we asked our Travel Experts for the lowdown on the snow.
When’s The Best Time To Book Your Canada Ski Holiday?
“Book in advance – all ski destinations have great earlybird sales.”
– Laura Robertson, Travel Expert, Flight Centre Garden City, Qld
When’s The Best Time To Go On An Alberta Ski Trip?
Alberta basically has 7 months of winter with snow falling from November to May. February to April is considered to the peak ski season in Canada. January and February have lots of snow, but temperatures can become freezing cold and from April onwards the slopes can start to get a little icy.
"According to locals, the best ski conditions are in March for spring skiing, so don't be afraid to book a little later in the ski season. It will be cheaper and won't disappoint.”
– Anna Budd, Travel Expert, Flight Centre Carindale, Qld
Where’s The Best Place To Stay?
“Treat yourself to a night or two at the Fairmont Alberta hotels – Fairmont Banff Springs and Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise are justifiably famous.”
– Darcy Loney, Travel Expert, Flight Centre Business Travel Albert Street, Qld
“Stay in Banff and ski at Sunshine Village – it’s the best of both worlds with a vibrant city centre, incredibly picturesque views and then Sunshine Village only a 25-minute drive for all mountain experiences. Perfect for all levels of snow bunny.”
– Laura Robertson, Travel Expert, Flight Centre Garden City, Qld
"Panorama is my favourite resort due to the village – everything was within walking distance and you can snowboard as you please. We had the most amount of fun on the slopes and in the bar. I could have spent a week there happily.”
– Darcy Loney, Travel Expert, Flight Centre Business Travel Albert Street, Qld
“Panorama is an unexpected gem. The resort has everything you could possibly need to enjoy a snow holiday. The ski-in, ski-out from Panorama Springs was great and the mountain terrain was amazing. There’s something for everyone of all levels, plenty to explore and we got lucky with some fresh snow, which definitely helped.”
– Shelley Unthank, Travel Expert, Flight Centre Robina, Qld
“I really love Lake Louise, it's such a spectacular spot. The ice skating on the lake and the sleigh ride are something different and the ski resort is so gorgeous – good for skiers and snowboarders and all levels of ability.”
– Kylie Dowling, Travel Expert, Flight Centre Burnside, SA
“Panorama has it all in the one spot. You get the feel of an actual snow village, the mountain is suited for all (even the more experienced) and it’s great for families.”
– Tayla Suiker, Travel Expert, Flight Centre Yarraville, Vic
“I recommend Panorama or Lake Louise – both are great for different reasons. Panorama has ski-in, ski-out, accommodation is varied to fit any family size plus there’s hot springs on site. Lake Louise has an exceptional ski school, and it’s not too far from the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise or Lake Louise town for accommodation. Both resorts have very friendly, attentive staff.”
– Abbey Toll, Travel Expert, Flight Centre Miranda Mega, NSW
“The town of Banff is amazing and now one of my favourite places, but I'd actually have to say Panorama was my favourite ski resort. A tiny little jewel in the middle of the Rockies, its quirky style and ski-in, ski-out appeal made it such a fun and intimate place to ski and have fun.”
– Anna Budd, Travel Expert, Flight Centre Carindale, Qld
RELATED: Beginners' Guide To Snow Season
Top Tip For The Snow?
“Skiing and snowboarding lessons are worth every cent.”
– Shelley Unthank, Travel Expert, Flight Centre Robina, Qld
“Get to know the mountain by taking a guide or a lesson on your first day, even if you are an experienced skier or rider.”
– Kylie Dowling, Travel Expert, Flight Centre Burnside, SA
“Explore the different resorts if you can – they all have something amazing to offer.”
– Kylie Dowling, Travel Expert, Flight Centre Burnside, SA
“Explore different mountains in the area, don't just stick to one – they are all close by!”
– Tayla Suiker, Travel Expert, Flight Centre Yarraville, Vic
“One of the things I loved most was getting to ski the different mountains in Alberta because they are all unique. It enhanced the trip so much.”
– Anna Budd, Travel Expert, Flight Centre Carindale, Qld
“Get a lesson or hire a mountain guide to make sure you get the most out of each mountain.”
– Tayla Suiker, Travel Expert, Flight Centre Yarraville, Vic
“Give skiing or snowboarding a try if you haven’t already! Ski school can be a lot of fun.”
– Abbey Toll, Travel Expert, Flight Centre Miranda Mega, NSW
“Remember to keep your fluids up and moisturise – the air is very crisp and dry and your skin needs to stay hydrated. Hot tubs help too, of course.”
– Trista Mogridge, Travel Expert, Flight Centre 300 Queen Street, Qld
“Have fun and make friends – Canadians are such nice people and willing to help wherever they can. Talking to locals is always a great way of finding out some cool information you wouldn’t know about if you just stick to your own itinerary.”
– Trista Mogridge, Travel Expert, Flight Centre 300 Queen Street, Qld
“Take five seconds to stop and look around you. We can get distracted by our cameras and phones but when you stop and look around you, breathe in the fresh Canadian air and see the magnificent Alberta mountains around you, it really is something special.”
– Anna Budd, Travel Expert, Flight Centre Carindale, Qld
What should you pack for the snow?
“While you can hire ski gear, it’s worth buying your own clothing rather than renting. Uncomfortable gear can affect your enjoyment out on the hill.”
– Shelley Unthank, Travel Expert, Flight Centre Robina, Qld
“Bring the right type of clothing and footwear – ask your consultant for advice on what you’ll need for a ski holiday.”
– Kylie Dowling, Travel Expert, Flight Centre Burnside, SA
“Pack a lot of layers and stay warm... it actually snows in Canada! It’s exactly like the pictures.”
– Abbey Toll, Travel Expert, Flight Centre Miranda Mega, NSW
“Bring a good camera or a phone with a good camera as there are just so many photo opportunities in the mountains.”
– Shelley Unthank, Travel Expert, Flight Centre Robina, Qld
What else is there to do on a ski holiday in Alberta?
“Besides being on the slopes, check out what other activities are around the area. You can have just as much fun with your friends and family enjoying what Canada’s adventure playground has to offer off the slopes.”
– Trista Mogridge, Travel Expert, Flight Centre 300 Queen Street, Qld
“Leave free time in your day for extra activities such as snowmobiling, ice skating and horse sleds.”
– Laura Robertson, Travel Expert, Flight Centre Garden City, Qld
“Take the kids tubing at Norquay.”
– Russell Brown, Travel Expert, Flight Centre Brisbane Airport, Qld
“Icefields Parkway is the most incredible drive, something photos can only JUST do justice.”
– Laura Robertson, Travel Expert, Flight Centre Garden City, Qld
“Icefields Parkway: I don't think there is anything to describe the beauty of one road. It was honestly one of the most beautiful and life-changing drives I've ever been on.”
– Anna Budd, Travel Expert, Flight Centre Carindale, Qld
“Visit Jasper, the skies are so clear and with no light pollution, you might catch the Northern Lights. We went chasing the Northern Lights and caught a glimpse glowing in the distance in Jasper!”
–Abbey Toll, Travel Expert, Flight Centre Miranda Mega, NSW
“We had snow in Lake Louise – and a lot of it. Watching those big beautiful snowflakes fall down from the sky on our noses and scarves was pretty special while we did the sleigh ride around the lake.”
– Trista Mogridge, Travel Expert, Flight Centre 300 Queen Street, Qld
“Eat everything and anything: Alberta has amazing options and all types of cuisine. I recommend a Beavertail or three – a delicious fried dough pastry you have to try.”
– Laura Robertson, Travel Expert, Flight Centre Garden City, Qld
“Enjoy a night out in the picturesque town of Banff.”
– Russell Brown, Travel Expert, Flight Centre Brisbane Airport, Qld
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