Winter Sports in Banff
Albertans often complain that our winters last for 6 months. Half the year with snow and cold is more than enough. But, it does allow for us to enjoy a lot of winter sports. Banff is the destination of choice for many of the winter activities in Alberta. And, for those coming to visit from warmer climates, it provides something unique and some great stories to tell for when you get home.
Obviously, the most popular winter sport in the mountains is skiing. Banff National Park has three ski hills: Lake Louise, Sunshine, and Norquay. A fourth, Nakiska, is just a half-hour drive out of the park in Kananaskis. Lake Louise is a very famous ski hill, and it's one of Canada's premiere ski resorts. There's a lot of terrain, usually pretty good snow, and it's easy to get to off the Trans-Canada Highway. Sunshine Village requires a gondola to access the ski area. But, once up there, it's a great hill. Sunshine is very close to the town of Banff, and it has a lot of quad chair lifts, meaning you won't have to ever wait in line too long. Norquay is right beside the town of Banff, but it's not as good as the other two.
The Canadian Rockies Adventure Centre has things to do all year, but in winter they offer snowmobiling, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and many others. There main office is in Canmore, but their tours take guests all throughout Kananaskis and Banff National Park.
Lake Minnewanka is the only place in Banff where tourists can scuba diving. Even in the winter, they do scuba. But, you can also ice fish, cross-country ski, and snowshoe in the lake area.
Obviously, the most popular winter sport in the mountains is skiing. Banff National Park has three ski hills: Lake Louise, Sunshine, and Norquay. A fourth, Nakiska, is just a half-hour drive out of the park in Kananaskis. Lake Louise is a very famous ski hill, and it's one of Canada's premiere ski resorts. There's a lot of terrain, usually pretty good snow, and it's easy to get to off the Trans-Canada Highway. Sunshine Village requires a gondola to access the ski area. But, once up there, it's a great hill. Sunshine is very close to the town of Banff, and it has a lot of quad chair lifts, meaning you won't have to ever wait in line too long. Norquay is right beside the town of Banff, but it's not as good as the other two.
The Canadian Rockies Adventure Centre has things to do all year, but in winter they offer snowmobiling, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and many others. There main office is in Canmore, but their tours take guests all throughout Kananaskis and Banff National Park.
Lake Minnewanka is the only place in Banff where tourists can scuba diving. Even in the winter, they do scuba. But, you can also ice fish, cross-country ski, and snowshoe in the lake area.
Canadian Rockies Rafting and Adventure Centre
701 Bow Valley Trail
The leader in Canadian Rockies adventures...
Lake Minnewanka and Two Jack Lake
Recreation area for hiking, biking, fishing, and scuba...
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