This is Alberta’s ultimate road trip, skiing three world renowned ski resorts and exploring Canada’s Banff and Jasper National Parks which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
This multi-resort road trip will let you experience the best skiing in Alberta, whilst marvelling at some of the most exhilarating views in the Canadian Rockies. The route takes you along the Icefields Parkway between Lake Louise and Jasper, which has to be one of the most scenic highways in North America.
Banff is an amazing ski town set deep in the Canadian Rockies. With over 100 bars and restaurants and a wide variety of off-slope activities, this is a great destination for a family ski holiday. The authentic ski town provides easy access to the skiing at Sunshine Village and Mount Norquay via the regular shuttle buses which take you from downtown Banff to the ski areas, where you’ll find plenty of trails for the whole family to enjoy.
If you’re looking for a great ski area with quieter slopes, then Jasper rates in our top 5 North American resorts for uncrowded trails. The skiing is at Marmot Basin about 25 minutes away from the town of Jasper. This is the most northerly ski resort in Canada and has a great snow record. Marmot offers an amazing variety of terrain for all levels of skier to enjoy – there’s immaculately groomed runs, powder filled bowls and gladed meadows to ski. Most recently, the ski area opened up new terrain that offers some great advanced skiing in a bowl known as Tres Hombre. The skiing here feels a bit more remote than the other resorts and offers quiet, uncrowded, powder covered trails that are set in the middle of the majestic Jasper National Park.
Jasper is a real Rocky Mountain town steeped in history dating back to the early fur trading settlers. Known locally as the ‘Big Friendly’, Jasper lives up to its reputation as a relaxed friendly mountain community full of rustic charm, friendly shops, bars and restaurants.
Lake Louise is one of Canada’s largest ski resorts and was recently voted Canada’s best ski resort in the 2021 World Ski Awards. Not surprising really when you consider that Lake Louise has one of the longest ski seasons in North America and offers a great ski area for mixed ability groups and families. There’s a green run off every chairlift and plenty of runs that are perfect for improvers high up on the mountain which offer amazing views. Off the slopes the pace at Lake Louise is a bit more relaxed.
Suggested 14 night itinerary
After flying into Calgary make the transfer up to Banff where you could spend 5 days in one of the best ski towns in Alberta. The skiing at Sunshine Village and Mount Norquay is great for families and there are plenty of amenities off the slopes. Whilst in Banff, make time to visit and relax in the world famous Banff Hot Springs. The natural Hot Springs are one of Canada’s top attractions in the Canadian Rockies.
Travel from Banff up to Jasper for four nights skiing at Marmot Basin. The route takes you along the Icefields Parkway where you will pass a multitude of UNESCO listed scenic points, passing ancient glaciers and pristine lakes. The drive will take about 4 hours. There are so many photo opportunities you might want to stop at the designated scenic points along the way and take a few pictures. The skiing in Jasper’s Marmot Basin has something for everyone. Experts will enjoy the new advanced terrain and intermediates will enjoy the uncrowded slopes whilst exploring the four mountain faces in the resort. One of the ‘must try’ signature experiences in Jasper is the Maligne Canyon Icewalk where you explore the fascinating local ice cave system.
Travel back through Jasper and Banff National Parks to Lake Louise for a five night stay at one of North America’s largest ski areas. Why not make your stay here super special with a Lake View room at the 5* Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, which offers iconic views of the Lake and Victoria Glacier.
The Alberta Rockies snow safari is a fantastic option if you want to combine exploring some of the best UNESCO World Heritage Sites with some of the best skiing in Canada.