By the end of March, many ski resorts are wrapping up their ski seasons… but not SkiBig3! With the longest non-glacial ski season in North America, in Banff National Park, savvy snow-seekers know how to take spring skiing to the next level – all the way until late May. Here are eight reasons why you need to experience spring skiing at Banff and Lake Louise.
1. Ski unbelievable snow conditions
Did you know SkiBig3 has one of the longest non-glacial ski seasons in North America? This year, Banff Sunshine is open until May 20! If your home mountain is closed, and you’re still craving some turns look North. Here in Alberta March and April’s storms bring some of the heaviest snowfalls that offer a thick, fluffy snow base until the end of May.
Closing Dates 2023:
- Mt. Norquay – Mid Arpil, 2024
- Lake Louise Ski Resort – May 5, 2024
- Banff Sunshine Village – May 20, 2024
2. Bask in milder temperatures
Springtime kicks off in Banff National Park in mid-March, and it brings some of the mildest and most enjoyable conditions of the ski season. With average daytime temperatures around:
- 3°C/37°F in March
- 8°C/46°F in April
- 14°C/57°F in May
Milder weather has a number of perks in contrast to the chill of mid-winter! Needing fewer layers means you can pack lighter when travelling and hit the slopes sporting your favourite spring ski fashions. Plus, with the coldest days of the season behind you, warmer days mean more time to work on your turns, perfect your goggle tan, and picnic on the patio. Spring is also a great time to travel with kids, as it’s more comfortable to stay outside for longer in the mild, spring air.
3. Find the Easter Bunny on the slopes
Travelling with kids? The Easter holiday break is a great time for the whole family to experience Banff National Park. On Easter Sunday both Mt. Norquay and Banff Sunshine are known for hosting on-snow easter egg hunts. They also host delicious Easter brunches with kid-friendly favourites and lots of Easter cheer. You can also find the Easter bunny hopping all over Lake Louise Ski Resort on easter weekend. If you find him, you might just get a chocolate treat!
4. Make your money go further
As closing day approaches, spring ski & stay specials can offer substantial savings with last-minute deals, mid-week specials, and short-stay packages. Visiting from the United States? Take advantage of the Canadian dollar exchange rate allows your savings to go even further in your financial favour.
5. Let the good times roll at slope-side events
In April and May, Banff Sunshine Village and Lake Louise Ski Resort each host tons of spring events to keep the après stoke alive. It’s the perfect time to head to the patio, crack a cold one and kick back to the chill sounds of local music while working on your goggle tan.
Here are our top events to watch out for this spring:
- Coors Light Untracked Concert Series, Banff Sunshine, April 1
- Holy Bowly, Banff Sunshine, April 22-28
- Mountain Joe Temple Takeover, Lake Louise Ski Resort, Date TBD
- Kids Rail Jam, Mt. Norquay, April 14
- Mount Slushmore, Lake Louise Ski Resort, April 27
- Banff Sunshine Slush Cup, May 20
6. Meet the local wildlife
The onset of spring offers a great opportunity to witness the beauty of Banff and Lake Louise from a whole new perspective. As the snow begins to recede, the wildlife of Banff National Park emerge from their winter hideaways. The Park, home to 53 species of mammals, offers great opportunities to spot these magnificent creatures in their natural environment.
Note: for your safety and the safety of the wildlife, always keep your distance and never feed any wildlife (or face a hefty fine).
Read more: Six ways to safely watch wildlife in Banff National Park
7. Try new apres activities
Thanks to longer daylight hours, a spring visit to Banff National Park means you can spend more time skiing. Extended ski hours mean some chairlifts at SkiBig3 resorts remain open until 4:30pm, giving you more time to enjoy the mountains. During springtime, there’s also no need to head straight indoors once your ski day has ended. If you’re feeling extra energetic after hitting the slopes, keep the adrenaline going into the evening. Take up a summer-focused challenge offered at lower elevations, such as:
8. Send off the season in style
Ski season doesn’t end quietly in Banff and Lake Louise – it goes out with a bang! At The Lake Louise Ski Resort, don’t miss Mount Slushmore (April 27) and closing weekend celebrations (May 5, 2024). Hit your favourite runs in amazing spring conditions, then head to Banded Peak Basecamp for live music, good food and drink, and an atmosphere to remember.
For guaranteed good times, don’t miss the annual Slush Cup, Banff Sunshine Village’s biggest event of the season, held on closing day (May 20, 2024). This legendary pond skimming contest challenges skiers and snowboarders to skim across a pond of icy water, with a successful few taking home a top prize. Punters and participants are known for cranking up the spring vibe a notch or two, seeing out the season in style.
Got time for a spring getaway?
Our friendly Reservations Team is always happy to share their local knowledge and experience to help you find the best vacation package for your style and budget. You can reach them via Live Chat (scroll up for the Live Chat link at the top of our website), or by calling 1-844-754-2443.
