Banff National Park boasts three renowned ski resorts: Mt. Norquay, Lake Louise Ski Resort and Banff Sunshine Village offering a variety of terrain for all skill levels.
Here's a closer look at each:
Mt. Norquay:
Mount Norquay, a ski resMount Norquay is located in Banff National Park, just minutes from the town of Banff, and has a rich history as a family-friendly resort since 1926. ort in Banff National Park, Alberta, isknown for its family-friendly atmosphere, short lift lines and a variety of terrain catering to all skill levels, including beginner slopes and challengingsteep, with hight skiing available.
- The resort offers 190 acres of skiable terrain with 60 runs, 6 lifts, and a variety of terrain suitable for all skill levels, including beginners and experts.
- Besides skiing and snowboarding, the resort offers a world-class Snow School, ski & snowboard rentals, a tube park, and events.
- In the summer, Norquay offers sightseeing chairlift rides, Via Ferrata climbing, hiking, and wildlife spotting.
Mt. Norquay Ski Resort: Offers rentals at the base of the mountain.
Lake Louise Ski Resort:
Best known for its location within Banff National Park, Lake Louise Ski Area in Alberta, Canada, is one of the largest and most scenic ski resorts in North America. Covering 4,200 acres, the resort features 164 named runs across four mountain faces, offering a diverse range of terrain for all skill levels.
- One of the largest ski areas in North America, with a wide range of terrain and considered a world-class destination.
- Lake Louise Ski Resort, the largest ski area in the Canadian Rockies, offers 4,200 acres of terrain, including sunny groomers and freestyle runs, and is known for its 45 average sunny days per season.
- Theresort also has a sightseeing gondola, a sunny tube park, dining and après-ski options, shopping, and childcare services
- Includes a variety of amenities, including dining, lodging, and activities, and is known for its stunning scenery and views of the Canadian Rockies.
Banff Sunshine Village:
Banff Sunshine Village, known for "Canada's Best Snow," is a ski resort in the Canadian Rockies, offering three mountains with a diverse terrain, a long season, and a unique upper-mountain village experience. Known for its consistent, dry snow and a long season, stretching from early November to late May, making it the longest non-glacial season in Canada. Situated on the Continental Divide within Banff National Park in Alberta and Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park in British Columbia.
- A popular choice for families, with a focus on beginner and intermediate terrain, and the highest ski resort in the Banff National Park
- Features 3,300 acres of skiable terrain, ranging from gentle beginner runs to challenging big-mountain runs, with a 12-acre Great Divide Terrain Park.
- The resort has 12 lifts, including a high-speed gondola and several high-speed quads.
- Delirium Dive, a renowned off-piste destination, and the 12-acre Great Divide Terrain Park.
Ski Kananaskis
Nakiska Ski Resort
The mountain, which was home to the Calgary 88 Olympic Alpine Events, is just 45 minutes west of Calgary and close to the world-class dining, accommodation, and spas found in Kananaskis Village. Known for its family-friendly atmosphere and easy on-mountain navigation.
- Located in Kananaskis Country, in the front ranges of the breathtaking Canadian Rockies, Nakiska is a family-friendly resort offering a variety of terrain including perfectly groomed Olympic-length runs and a secure beginner’s area.
- Offers a mix of terrain, with a significant portion rated as intermediate, alongside novice and expert areas.
- Features learn-to-ski and ride programs and world-class dining.
- Equipped with high-speed chairlifts, including the Gold Chair Express, which takes skiers and riders to the summit quickly.
- Encompasses 1021 skiable acres with 71 marked trails.
Local Ski, Snowboard and Winter Gear rentals -
There are so many and some not even on this list, we recommend using google and desired search terms to find what your looking for.
It is highly recommended that you book your rentals in advance.
Winter Clothing Rentals: Can be found at Lake Louise
Banff:
GearUp Sports: Known as a premier rental shop in the Canadian Rockies, they offer a wide selection of rental gear, including alpine skis, ice skates, and bikes. They also allow for convenient evening pick-ups at no extra charge.
Chateau Mountain Sports: Another option for rentals, and they are located in the same parking lot as GearUP, allowing for one-stop shopping.
SkiBig3 Adventure Hub: Offers a wide variety of rental options for all styles and abilities, with a premium fleet of top-of-the-line equipment.
White Mountain Adventures: Specializes in winter outdoor rental gear, including snowshoes, ice cleats, and hiking poles, with a location at 202 Bear Street.
Ultimate Sports: Boasts Banff's biggest rental fleet, with over 1200 skis and snowboards, catering to all skill levels. Their team of friendly locals are keen riders themselves and can help with gear selection.
Abominable Sports: Boasts the best quality rentals in Banff and has a location in Canmore.
Lake Louise:
SkiBig3 Adventure Hub: Offers a wide variety of rental options for all styles and abilities, with a premium fleet of top-of-the-line equipment.
Chateau Lake Louise Rentals: Offers a variety of winter equipment rentals, including helmets, poles, and boots.
Lake Louise Ski Resort: Offers clothing rentals, including ski pants, jackets, and helmets.
Canmore:
GearUp Sports: Offers a wide variety of rental gear, including alpine skis, ice skates, and more, with a location in Canmore.
SkiBig3: Offers rentals for skiing and snowboarding in Banff and Lake Louise, with pick-up locations in Banff and Canmore.
Abominable Sports: Boasts the best quality rentals in Banff and has a location in Canmore.
Abominable Sports: Boasts the best quality rentals in Banff and has a location in Canmore.
TIPS FOR RENTING
Book in Advance
Especially during peak season, it's recommended to book your rentals online in advance to ensure availability.
Check Rental Policies
Familiarize yourself with the rental policies, including pickup and drop-off times, and any late fees.
Consider Rental Packages
Some companies offer rental packages that include multiple items, such as a ski package with skis, boots, and poles.
Ask for Recommendations
Ask local experts or rental shop staff for recommendations on gear and activities based on your skill level and the conditions.
Black Tie Ski Rental Delivery
Allows you to rent online and arrange delivery to your accommodation or their office.