Ski Banff: Enjoy Some of the Top Descents in Canada

Banff is the ideal destination for skiers and snowboarders looking to avoid the dense crowds so prevalent at other Canadian hot spots like Whistler Blackcomb and Kicking Horse. This small resort city is located about an hour west of Calgary International Airport, and there are plenty of transportation services offering rides to and from all three of Banff's most popular ski spots. All of the resorts in the area tend to offer similar difficulty levels, but none are as well developed as Lake Louise.

Lake Louise is far and away the biggest Banff area resort, located about forty minutes northwest of the actual town. With over one hundred and thirty runs, it is well worth the short drive up. Like most Canadian resorts, Lake Louise boasts a very well balanced set of descents, giving first timers and veterans alike a chance to enjoy the mountain. The lifts are fast and the ski school is great but you better be prepared to pay up for these amenities. The average adult lift ticket will cost around $70 to $75 dollars per day and lodging isn't exactly cheap either. Prices aside, the skiing is top notch and there are plenty of things to keep you busy when you aren't actually tackling the slopes.

Sunshine Village is a bit closer to Banff than Lake Louise, and is fairly comparable in size with over 100 runs. Snowboarders and freestyle skiers will particularly love the terrain park, as it is one of the biggest and most challenging in all of Canada. Resorts of this magnitude usually provide the skier/snowboarder with a wealth of conveniences, but like Lake Louise, Sunshine Village costs a pretty penny to enjoy. A lift ticket good for the day will cost about $75, but is well worth the money if you want the chance to enjoy some of the best descents in North America. Sunshine Mountain Lodge is easily the best place to stay being as though you can ski out of the front door, but this convenience will only add to your final bill. Of course there are plenty of other hotels to stay in if you are on a budget, but none are likely to compare to the Mountain Lodge.

Norquay is a much smaller resort than the two I have previously mentioned and as you might expect, also costs a bit less to enjoy. At just over $50 per day, a lift ticket here wont exactly break the bank. The age old phrase "you get what you pay for" tends to hold true around Banff, as the more budget minded Norquay resort offers less lift options and a smaller amount of quality trails. Don't let this push you away though, Norquay may be smaller than its local competitors, but it still manages to boast an extremely well developed terrain park if you are interested in tackling some jumps and rails. The crowds here are also likely less dense than at Sunshine Village or Lake Louise.

While Banff may appear expensive at first glance, a little research shows it is still cheaper than the more crowded resorts in nearby British Columbia. If the slopes of Colorado and Utah just aren't enough anymore, check out the resorts of the great white north; you will be glad you did.