Spring is well and truly underway in the Canadian Rockies! With sunny skies and warmer temperatures – spring skiing and après-ski vibes are in full swing. Rather than sticking to your usual après routine, how about mixing things up after a day of shredding? Check out these six unique après experiences in Banff and Lake Louise. You won’t want to miss out on the fun from on-mountain parties to distillery tours!
1. Rock out in the Rockies at the Untracked Concert Series at Banff Sunshine
Get ready to rock out in the Rockies this spring at the Untracked Concert Series. Ride your way down to Mad Trappers and grab a beer in the Coors Light beer garden. Experience live music every weekend, kicking off on April 13th and running until Slush Cup weekend on May 20th, starting at 1:00 pm. Soak up the sun and enjoy the spring mountain vibes!
Untracked Concert Series Lineup:
- April 13 & 14: Kate & The Comets
- April 20 & 21: The Bulldogs
- April 27 & 28: Tim Hus
- May 4 & 5: TBA
- May 11 & 12: Smalltown Pete
- May 18 & 19: DJ Joanna Magik
2. Boogie at Banded Peak Basecamp at Lake Louise Ski Resort
After a day of shredding the slopes at Lake Louise Ski Resort, nothing beats the feeling of heading down to Banded Peak Base Camp for some après tunes. From April 13th to May 5th, you can groove to live DJs on the deck (literally), sip on a cold beverage and boogie the afternoon away.
Banded Peak Base Camp Schedule:
- April 13th – Sponsored by ByHendo: 1-5 pm featuring 2 DJs
- May 5 – Cinqo De May – Sponsored by ByHendo: 1-5 pm, featuring 2 DJs
3. Uncover the magic of craft spirits on a Park Distillery tour
If you’re looking for a unique après experience in Banff town, make your way over to Park Distillery and book a free craft distillery tour. Witness firsthand how the award-winning Park spirits are made right here in Banff. Want to stay a little longer? Treat yourself to a guided-tasting flight after for just $22. Tours run every day at 3:15 pm.
4. Après at new heights at the top of the Banff Gondola
Take your après-ski experience to new heights at the top of Sulphur Mountain. Make your way over to the base of the Banff Gondola and ride up to the summit. If you’re feeling extra energised, there’s a scenic hiking trail weaving through the forest to the top. From there, soak in the panoramic views of six mountain ranges, the Bow Valley and the picturesque town of Banff. Stroll along the boardwalk and soak up the luxury with an après drink at the Sky Bistro. After a fun-filled day of riding, there’s no better place to finish the day.
5. Soak in the sun on the spring patios
As the weather starts warming up, it’s the perfect time to venture onto the spring patios in Banff and Lake Louise. After your day skiing or snowboarding at the three resorts – Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise Ski Resort, or Mt. Norquay – there are so many places to enjoy a cold drink in the sun. Check out these springtime patios for the ideal spot to unwind after an adventurous day on the slopes. Don’t forget your sun cream too!
6. Continue the adventure with another activity
If you want to continue the adventure after hitting the slopes, there’s a range of non-ski activities to discover in Banff National Park. One of the cool things about spring is you can shred in the morning and then head down into town for some more summer-focused fun (weather dependent). It really is the best of both worlds! From hiking trails to horseback rides, here is a list of some other awesome activities to check out:
- Hike up Tunnel Mountain or Sulphur Mountain*
- Take a scenic bike ride along the Bow Valley Parkway (from May 1)*
- Discover the trails by horseback (starting April 18)
- Enjoy a round of golf at the Fairmont Banff Springs (starting May 5)
*Please note trail conditions can be variable at this time of year, check the trail report before you go.
Get ready for spring skiing in Banff and Lake Louise
With the resort closing dates not until April 21 for Mt. Norquay, May 5 for Lake Louise Ski Resort and May 20 for Banff Sunshine, there’s still plenty of time to get those spring laps in and try out some unique après experiences in Banff and Lake Louise. Whether you’re looking to book a last-minute trip or use the final few scans on your Ikon Pass or Mountain Collective, take advantage of the SkiBig3 last-minute deals. Or, thinking about next year? It’s never too early to book. Discover our Early-Bird deals and lock in your ski vacation for next year. Reach out to our friendly reservations team at 1-844-754-2443 to help you book your dream ski vacation.