Spring skiing is where Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise Ski Resort, and Mt. Norquay separate themselves from other resorts. The SkiBig3 resorts are located in Banff National Park, Alberta, where snow quality is consistently great season after season. The Canadian Rockies deliver what most skiers and snowboarders desire: reliable, dry, high-quality snow from early November through late spring.
Unlike other ski resorts that experience constant freeze-thaw cycles in the spring, Banff’s high elevation and northern latitude help preserve the snowpack longer. With colder daytime highs in April, north-facing zones help maintain the quality of the snowpack, resulting in the region’s famously dry, low-density powder. When skiers and snowboarders hit the slopes at these three resorts in the spring, the snowpack is typically at its deepest and driest. Guests, locals, and die-hards get to ski that soft, fluffy snow at the upper mountain and hit that spring corn at the lower mountain. Banff truly offers one of the best spring skiing experiences that a skier or snowboarder could ask for.
Snowpack & Current Conditions (as of April 3):
Banff Sunshine
- Upper mountain base of 107 inches (273 centimeters)
- Upper mountain cumulative total of 372 inches (945 centimeters)
Lake Louise
- Upper mountain base of 96 inches (245 centimeters)
- Upper mountain cumulative total of 359 inches (911 centimeters)
Mt. Norquay
- Upper mountain base of 27 inches (69 centimeters)
- Upper mountain year-to-date snowfall: 143 inches (364 centimeters)
Lake Louise Ski Resort has three days of après-ski events scheduled for its Deck Party on April 4, 5, and 18. The après party is held on the Banded Peak Base Camp Patio from 2-6 p.m., where people can enjoy great vibes, listen to the DJ spin tracks, and soak up the spring sun everyone loves. Mt. Slushmore is a crowd favorite and is Lake Louise’s end-of-year shindig with its pond skim on April 25. The event also features a live DJ who keeps participants and the crowd pumped up throughout the day.
Mt. Norquay has a long and rich history in ski racing and jumping, and on Friday, April 17, it will host its Crazy Canuck Challenge. It is a ski race in which teams of four compete to raise money for Alberta Alpine. It is a fun corporate fundraising race that supports the region’s future champion in their goal of representing Alberta and Canada at the Junior World Ski Championships, the World Cup, and the Olympic Winter Games. Each team will be joined for the day by a “ski legend’ who will coach, race, and share the stories of their time with the Canadian or Alberta Ski Teams. Participants and teams must register for the Crazy Canuck Challenge before April 10.
Spring fun continues with Sunshine’s Red Bull Jump & Freeze on Saturday, April 25. This family-friendly event is similar to its Soapbox Race, but is a winterized version. The event will take place at Goat’s Eye (mid-mountain lodge). The après events continue the following weekend with SkiTour Live at the GOAT Club featuring the Whistler DJ duo on May 2 and 3. It’s where Banff brings the music to the Canadian mountains at Sunshine’s newest après hot spot. Guests can expect to see retro ski suits, live tunes, and that great springtime stoke.
Spring conditions are already drawing skiers and snowboarders to carve through Canada’s best snow while enjoying warm sunshine and lively après-ski events. The Slushcup at Banff Sunshine is scheduled for Monday, May 18, and wraps up the Sunshine season with a pond skim & live DJ sets.
Mt. Norquay’s strong ties to ski racing continue with the Bozo & Kinder Cup, which celebrates and remembers the legacy of Rob Bosinger on Saturday, April 18, and Sunday, April 19. The event attracts junior racers, Olympians, alums, coaches, masters’ racers, and spectators, where competitors have the chance to win $10,000 in cash prizes. Competitors and spectators are encouraged to wear wild costumes and cheer from the Bozo beer garden at Mt. Norquay’s end-of-season ski racing send-off.
Next week’s forecast brings back colder temperatures and snow for the region. From Tuesday, April 7, through Thursday, April 9, colder air returns to the Canadian Rockies, but storm intensity, exact timing, westward extent, and lift-impacting winds vary. Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise, and Mount Norquay have the clearest signal for the next meaningful reload, with snow levels low enough to stay all snow. The Snow-To-Liquid Ratio is running in the 10-20 range, so the snow quality would be moderate to fairly fluffy if that storm verifies.
SkiBig3 has the best chance for skiers and snowboarders to hit the slopes at a great price. The Ticket to the North runs from April 6 through May 3, during which a season pass holder can access 50% off 2+ days of lift tickets at any resort in the world (consecutive, multiday only, and must book online in advance).
Whether carving pristine slopes, hitting dry powder fields, or enjoying spring après-ski festivities, skiers and snowboarders can expect unforgettable memories in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. Closing dates for Banff Sunshine are Monday, May 18; for Lake Louise, Sunday, May 3; and for Mt. Norquay, Sunday, April 19, depending on weather conditions. The season is not over yet, and there’s still plenty of great spring skiing and Après ski events to enjoy at these three SkiBig3 resorts.
