Why Teens Will Love SkiBig3's Ski Resorts in Banff National Park

The U.S. boasts a wealth of world-class resorts throughout the Rocky Mountains, from Montana to Utah and Colorado. But none can draw skiers and boarders with the convenience of three renowned ski areas located in one national park like the Canadian Rockies’ SkiBig3. 

Set in the pristine wilderness of Alberta, Canada’s Banff National Park, SkiBig3 offers lift tickets with access to and travel-planning services at three resorts: Banff Sunshine Village, Lake Louise Ski Resort and Mount Norquay Ski Resort. The area claims rights to the world’s driest, lightest snow, which just happens to be surrounded by unspoiled terrain; it’s also the perfect winter destination for families — particularly with teens — who want the convenience and variety of resorts set in one spot.

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“Banff National Park offers families with teenagers the perfect blend of adventure and togetherness,” said Sarah Pearson, director of marketing for SkiBig3. 

Not only are skiers and boarders exposed to the breathtaking beauty of the Canadian Rockies, Pearson says; they’re also exploring the three resorts together, which can be a bonding experience for families — forging memories as they enjoy “the thrill of conquering the peaks as a family.” 

Here’s a closer look SkiBig3’s trio of offerings. 

Banff Sunshine Village (36 miles from Banff)

With terrain parks for all abilities, Banff Sunshine Village is the ultimate playground for teens, according to David Seidel, marketing, communications and events supervisor for the resort.

Events include Holy Bowly — an annual event inviting snowboarders to creatively ride unique bowls, berms and banks — and the legendary pond-skimming Banff Sunshine Slush Cup that ends each season.

“Our ‘island in the sky’ offers the ultimate ski and snowboard experience, with big mountain runs, deep powder and unforgettable views,” Seidel said, referencing the resort’s unofficial nickname, given because of its high-altitude location on the Continental Divide (topping out at nearly 9,000 feet).

Banff Sunshine Village features more than 3,300 acres of terrain, from gentle beginner runs to extreme mountain runs such as Delirium Dive, named one of the world’s top off-piste (typically backcountry) destinations. The resort is also home to Sunshine Mountain Lodge, the only ski-in, ski-out accommodation in the national park and the perfect family base camp, with amenities such as tobogganing, s’mores, hot-tub bingo and scavenger hunts.  

Mountain stats: 137 runs: 20% beginner; 55% intermediate; 25% advanced.

Lake Louise Ski Resort (35 miles from Banff)

There are endless ways for families to enjoy everything Lake Louise Ski Resort has to offer, says Leigha Stankewich, marketing and communications manager for the resort. The swift access to its terrain parks via the Juniper Express or Glacier Express chairs is just the start. 

“With convenient amenities tailored specifically to teens — such as Snow School private lessons, the Whiskyjack Cafe menu, a spacious learning area and a thrilling tube park — there are plenty of ways to have a fun-filled day at Lake Louise,” she said.

An especially popular event for teens traveling to Lake Louise in January is the For the ’Gram Rail Jam contest, according to Stankewich. Skiers and riders of all ages and abilities can submit videos of themselves performing tricks on rails and boxes in any of the resort’s four terrain parks to earn prizes. 

At more than 4,200 acres, the Canadian Rockies’ largest ski resort offers three mountain zones: the front side, which offers a terrain mix for all abilities; the back side, which specializes in tougher high-alpine trails; and Larch, which is mostly composed of tree-defined and gladed runs. 

Mountain stats: 164 runs; 25% beginner, 45% intermediate; 30% advanced.

Mt. Norquay Ski Resort (4 Miles From Banff)

At just 190 skiable acres, Mt. Norquay Ski Resort is in size to a local hill rather than a destination resort. But don’t let its small size fool you: It’s famously known as the birthplace of skiing in the Canadian Rockies, with the first runs cut in 1926.

The closest of the three SkiBig3 resorts to the town of Banff, it’s also a training ground for Olympic and World Cup athletes. In other words: Families won’t be disappointed skiing here. 

“Mt. Norquay Ski Resort promises an unforgettable winter playground for young thrill-seekers, along with free transportation to and from the resort,” said Jasper Johnson, marketing and communications manager for the resort.

He invites teens to “carve” their own path to adventure with amenities such as Alberta's largest tubing lanes, night skiing and terrain parks. Most important, though? Mt. Norquay Ski Resort makes the best nachos in Banff, according to Johnson — a contention most teens would be happy to investigate.  

Mountain stats: 60 runs; 31% beginner, 25% intermediate; 44% advanced.