According to the U.S. National Ski Areas Association, the United States is set to become the world’s most popular ski destination this winter. That means crowded slopes and high prices virtually everywhere. A possible skip-the-lift-lines alternative for 2017? Head north. Canada's current strong dollar will let you enjoy a world class ski vacation at a third of the price in the states. And it's worth noting: Canadian Rocky Mountain ski resorts are forecasted to get the more snow than their North American counterparts. Specifically, head to Alberta, home of “SkiBig3” — Mt. Norquay, The Lake Louise Ski Resort and Sunshine Village — some of the world’s best and most beautiful ski resorts. It’s an exciting time in the region for a few reasons:
- Lake Louise is hosting the Alpine Ski World Cup in November/December.
- New this year, SkiBig3 lift ticket holders now have free access to the Historic Banff Hot Springs.
- There are cheap direct flights to Calgary from most major American markets, and the burgeoning city is only a short drive from the mountain resorts.
- Not to mention, with Calgary’s booming culinary scene and brand new National Music Centre, Studio Bell, it’s likely worth tacking on a few extra travel days in town.
Alberta, Canada – What’s New in The Skiing World
The Big Three Ski Resorts (Mt. Norquay, Lake Louise, Sunshine Village)
Free Admission to Historic Banff Hot Springs: A Tri-Area Lift Ticket now gains you free admission to the historic Banff Hot Springs. In 1883, three railway workers discovered a natural hot spring that ultimately brought rise to the founding of Banff National Park. In the early years, travelers lured by the healing minerals of the hot springs journeyed to the area via the Canadian Pacific Railway, now visitors can soak up these benefits after a day on the slopes. With the purchase of a 3+ day lift ticket, skiers and riders receive complimentary access to these famed hot springs.
SkiBig3 Mountain Guided Experiences: Find the best snow, best terrain and best views these three resorts have to offer with a guided coaching experience! Choose a 3-day group program or a private guided experience and discover the very best of three unique mountain resorts: Sunshine Village, The Lake Louise Ski Resort and Mt. Norquay. SkiBig3 Guided Experiences match you with a local Snow-Pro, guaranteeing insider access to favourite terrain, secret snow stashes, and topline views. Enjoy lift line priority, boost skills, and gain the inside scoop for finding those hidden gems of this remarkable ski destination.
Canada’s 150th Birthday - Free National Park Passes: Banff National Park, Canada’s first national park and UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the perfect destination to celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday. Consisting of 6,641 square kilometers of unparalleled mountain scenery in the heart of the magnificent Canadian Rockies, Banff National Park beckons an unmatched winter ski experience. All Canadian and international visitors in 2017 receive free entry to Banff National Park. Just one more reason to choose Banff & Lake Louise for your 2017 winter vacation - it’s Canada’s birthday gift.
First New Hotel in Banff in Seven Years: Discover Banff’s newest independent 4-star hotel, The Moose Hotel & Suites, located just minutes from the heart of downtown Banff. The Moose offers modern mountain elegance with a moose in each room – a perfect ski vacation home-base with a twist. Following our day on the slopes, head to the Rooftop Health Club to bask in spectacular views of the surrounding mountain peaks. Featuring a bright indoor swimming pool, exercise room, two spectacular outdoor hot pools and a cozy sauna, this unique rooftop experience is the perfect way to unwind and après. Ski ‘n Stay packages available online at SkiBig3.com.
The Lake Louise Alpine Ski World Cup: Watch the world’s fastest racers begin the World Cup speed circuit at the Lake Louise Ski Resort, amongst the Canadian Rockies in Banff National Park. This is the only World Cup stop outside of Europe to join the ranks of the famous Club 5 Ski Classics. The Lake Louise Alpine Ski World Cup is one of the select few that hold both the men’s and women’s speed events on the World Cup circuit and will play host to the first Audi FIS Ski World Cup downhill and super-G races of the 2016-2017 season. This is the only event of its kind in Canada and is broadcast to a global audience in excess of 184 million. Men: November 26-27, 2016; Women: December 2-4, 2016.
Mountain Collective Western Canadian Road Trip: Grab a Mountain Collective Pass and discover the best of Western Canada. Fly to Calgary and spend your first two ski days exploring Banff & Lake Louise in the famed Canadian Rockies. Head west into British Columbia and take-on two days of steep & deep trees of Revelstoke Mountain Resort. Round off your Western Canadian ski tour with two days of coastal skiing at Whistler Blackcomb. Each Mountain Collective pass is essentially a lift ticket that includes two days of skiing and snowboarding (and 50 percent off additional days) at each partner destination with no blackout days. Telluride and Revelstoke join the list that includes, Alta/Snowbird, Aspen Snowmass, Banff-Lake Louise-Sunshine, Jackson Hole, Mammoth, Revelstoke, Stowe, Sun Valley, Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows, Taos, Telluride, Thredbo (Australia), Coronet Peak-Remarkables (New Zealand) and Whistler Blackcomb. Global affiliate destinations include Hakuba Valley (Japan), Chamonix (France) and Valle Nevado (Chile).
