Tips & Advice

On the mountain:

• Advanced skiers - hire an instructor and safety equipment at Sunshine and ski the awesome off-piste route Delirium Dive
  

• You can buy lift tickets by the hour at Norquay, perfect if you just want to warm your legs up gently on the first day and there are never any lift queues!
  

• Take a day to experience skiing in Kicking Horse - it’s approx a 1½ hour drive or if you don’t have a car you can get the ‘Powder Express’ bus which is $75 for the day and includes your lift ticket and luxury coach right from your hotel door.
  

• Split stays – our top tip to get the most from your visit - split your stay between Banff and Lake Louise. For example, stay in both the Fairmont Banff Springs and the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and minimise the journey to the skiing, alternatively add on other resorts in the Rockies Loop.
  

• It gets cold in Banff, Lake Louise & Sunshine, particularly in Dec and Jan - so wrap up warm and invest in a face mask!

Resort and aprés:

• You will feel jet lagged on your first few days in Banff, so factor that in if you’re planning to make the most of Banff’s great nightlife.
  

• Head to Wild Bills in Banff for a very authentic cowboy night out!
  

• For dinner with a view, try Mukamuk Bistro & Lounge at the Juniper Hotel, Mt Norquay Road
  

• Skier receptions - the only place to get free beer, snacks and prizes is at Sunday receptions hosted by the ski areas at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel (6 - 7.30pm).
  

• Restaurants can get busy on Friday and Saturday nights so we suggest you either head out early or book.

Car hire:

• Driving to Banff is a very simple and short journey - perfect if you’ve never driven in North America before. Parking is also fairly easy in town and free for short durations, i.e. up to 2 hrs.
  

• The area is extremely easy to drive around and it gives you that extra flexibility to try some of the further afield resorts and run your itineraries as you please.
  

• Be aware of the following extra costs associated when hiring a car:
  1. The $17.99 per day or $126 yearly pass (whatever is cheapest) national park fees
  2. Car parking charges at hotels. Often parking is free or a small fee per night, however you can pay up to $25 per night in the more luxurious hotels - please see property descriptions for details.
  3. If flying to Calgary and picking up a hire car, Calgary airport charges extra tax per day that needs to be paid on returning the car - approx $50 for a 12 day hire. Make sure you’re clear on whether you need to return your vehicle with or without a full tank.