There are few better places to enjoy a powder day than the majestic beauty of Banff & Lake Louise. Set in the heart of Banff National Park, the three world-class resorts of Banff Sunshine Village, Lake Louise Ski Resort, and Mount Norquay offer a premier ski destination.
One of the longest ski seasons in North America means more opportunities for powder! Offering over three hundred runs to choose from, it’s hard to know where to begin.
That’s why the team at Skican has put together our list of the best spots to enjoy a powder day at Banff & Lake Louise. If you’re looking for hidden gems where you can find the best snow and really shred on your skis or board, here’s where you’ll want to start.
Have a favourite spot that’s not on the list? Let us know in the comments below.
Banff Sunshine Village
Banff Sunshine Village is a spectacular resort to explore on a powder day. Between the three peaks of Goat’s Eye Mtn., Lookout Mtn., and Mt. Standish, there is ample terrain to explore and many fantastic powder spots to discover.
South Side Chutes
The South Side Chutes are a set of black and double black runs on the south-facing slopes of Goat’s Eye Mountain. Hike up from the Goat’s Eye Express or take the traverse and pick the best-looking line through the powder, down to the glades at the bottom. Be warned — these runs are not for the faint of heart! Make sure you’re ready for a challenge.
TeePee Town Shoulder
Moving over to Lookout Mountain, we recommend a great set of runs underneath the TeePee Town Express. Follow Ecstasy down from the peak and turn skier’s right to reach The Shoulder. This section of the hill features open glades with snow protection and room to maneuver. Plus the heated chair will keep you warm between runs!
Paris Basin
Finishing up the three peaks is Mount Standish, the best spot for powder is definitely the Paris Basin. Located next to the Wawa Quad, this powder bowl is a great spot for intermediate skiers to test their mettle with more advanced terrain — or for experts to let loose! After skiing the bowl, you can join back up with the cruiser underneath the lift or continue into more glades on runs like Waterfall or Birdcage.
Lake Louise Ski Resort
At Lake Louise Ski Resort, powder days transform the beauty of Banff National Park into a true winter wonderland. Enjoy spectacular views of Lake Louise, while carving up the slopes in these top spots.
Sunset Terrace
If your idea of powder day fun is a cruisy blue, then there’s no better option than Sunset Terrace. This run takes you from the Top of the World Express and offers prime views of the surrounding landscape. A classic warm-up or a lovely way to close out the day.
West Bowl
The first new terrain expansion in the National Park in 25 years, the West Bowl opens up unexplored backcountry and off-piste terrain to resort guests. Accessed via the new and improved Summit Chair, this area sits to skier’s right of the main resort.
The Skican team were lucky enough to check out the West Bowl last season. From the spectacular bowl to the chutes, gullies, and glades around it, this new area has huge potential, especially on powder days. Don’t sleep on it!
Tower 12
If you’re looking for hidden gems and a challenge off the beaten track, head to the Larch Express. Underneath the chairlift is a spectacular set of double black runs, where you’re sure to find good snow conditions on a powder day. The glades on Tower 12 are short and challenging — you won’t leave disappointed.
Mount Norquay
There are many great spots to explore on Mount Norquay and hidden powder caches await, if you know where to look.
North American
Getting onto the hill early? Head straight for North American. Located to skier’s right of the North American Chair, this iconic run has the perfect, steep fall-line. It often has moguls, due to its popularity, but it’s sure to delight in powder conditions.
Norquay Gully
If you’re looking for more glade skiing, head to skier’s left from the North American chair and explore the chutes in Norquay Gully. Sections like Gun Run, Herman’s Bowl, and Norquay Meadows offer a variety of challenging terrain for more advanced skiers. Later in the day, this is a great place to hunt for powder caches and continue to tear up the hill.
It’s never too early to start thinking about a ski vacation. By booking early, you could score big savings for yourself, your family, and your friends.
