Planning a winter ski trip to the Banff and Lake Louise area in 2024? This guide covers our firsthand experience skiing both Nordic and alpine terrain in Canmore, Banff, and Lake Louise, plus tips on where to stay, eat, and explore. Whether you’re visiting during a low snow year or just looking for insider advice, this post breaks it all down.
✈️ Getting There: Boise to Calgary + Hotel Tips
We flew from Boise to Calgary, arriving late in the evening. Renting a car was easy—we picked one up from Hertz at Calgary International Airport.
Where NOT to Stay: We initially booked a generic airport hotel (think Hampton Inn), but weren’t impressed. Dry bread and powdered eggs don’t exactly fuel a ski day.
PRO TIP: On your way back, stay at the Calgary Marriott Airport Hotel—literally 250 feet from the terminal. Great food, modern rooms, a bar, and a full gym make it a worthwhile upgrade.
🎿 Nordic Skiing in Canmore: Olympic-Level Trails
Our first ski stop was the legendary Canmore Nordic Centre, just outside Banff.
Built for the 1988 Winter Olympics, this world-class cross-country ski destination offers:
Day passes for around $18 USD
Groomed trails with Olympic-grade climbs and descents
Trail names like EKG, Rundle, Flying Squirrel, and Coyote
The lodge is cozy, food is surprisingly great, and even during the low-snow 2024 season, they were making snow for an upcoming Nordic World Cup event.
Weather Note: Temps were near 40°F with clear skies, so conditions were slick but manageable.
🏘️ Exploring Canmore: Food and Small-Town Charm
After skiing, spend time in downtown Canmore, a charming mountain town with great local restaurants and zero touristy vibes (if you know where to go).
Local Tip: Skip the main strip and check out Communitea Cafe—a hidden gem we loved. Canmore’s vibe? Let’s just say we wouldn’t mind moving there someday.
🛌 Where to Stay in Banff: Moose Hotel & Suites
We based ourselves in downtown Banff at Moose Hotel & Suites—highly recommended for easy walking access to restaurants, shopping, and shuttles to ski resorts.
🍽️ Where to Eat in Banff: Restaurant Picks
A few standouts during our trip:
Brazen – Modern Canadian cuisine
Park Distillery – House-made spirits and hearty meals
Farm and Fire – Wood-fired comfort food
Anejo – Excellent tacos and tequila
Need groceries? The IGA in downtown Banff has everything you’ll need for snacks, drinks, or even meal prepping.
⛷️ Alpine Skiing in Lake Louise & Banff Sunshine
🏔️ Lake Louise Ski Resort
Our day at Lake Louise was... interesting. The weather brought sleet and ice, so conditions ranged from crusty at the top to slushy at the base. Still, it was worth it.
Don’t Miss: Temple Lodge on the backside. It’s a throwback lodge with decent eats and great terrain on clear days. The views from the summit are epic if visibility cooperates.
🏞️ Banff Sunshine Village
Next up: Sunshine Village, just a short drive or shuttle from Banff. We were hoping to find better snow—and we did!
Park in the base lot and hop on the gondola to access the main ski area.
Conditions were much better up top, especially on Standish and Lookout Mountains.
For backcountry lovers, Standish Summit offers great touring access.
Scenery here is next level. Even with variable snow in 2024, Sunshine delivered the best alpine skiing of the trip.
🕶️ Winter Travel Tips for Banff & Lake Louise
Avoid peak holidays for smaller crowds and easier bookings.
Book ski passes online ahead of time to save money.
Dress in layers—temps swing wildly between valley and summit.
Consider splitting time between Nordic and alpine skiing for variety.
📊 Overall Ratings (Out of 10)
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Scenery & Views | 10 |
| Nordic Skiing | 9 |
| Alpine Skiing | 4–5 |
| Restaurants | 7.5 |
| Lodging | 7 |
| Overall Trip | 8 |
Despite the low-snow 2024 winter, our ski trip to Banff, Canmore, and Lake Louise was still a memorable adventure. From Olympic-grade Nordic trails to breathtaking alpine views and lively après-ski options, this area has something for every winter traveler.
✅ Final Thoughts
If you're planning a ski trip to Banff or Lake Louise, especially during an unpredictable snow season, diversify your experience. Mix in cross-country skiing, explore the towns of Canmore and Banff, and travel midweek to avoid crowds.
Here are some random picts from the trip:
