Best Ski Vacation
At a Glance: Tucked into pine forests with high peaks looming overhead, Banff ranks as one of the most picturesque mountain towns in the world. Spotted with turquoise glacial lakes surrounded by jagged peaks, dark green pines under pillows of glistening snow, Banff is actually one of the few places in the world situated inside of a national park. Now included in the region’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, the park is still home to the country’s highest geothermal hot springs.
What to Do: Come January, it’s all about the slopes. The three resorts closest to Banff (SkiBig3) collectively encompass a sprawling 8,000 acres of skiable terrain, ranging from short, gentle slopes for beginners to steep, narrow chutes accessed on foot across tundra-like ridgelines for experts. Although the majority of terrain is open and ski season is in full-swing in January, there are some unbelievable ski & stay packages with up to 35 percent off lodging, lift tickets and rentals if booked by October 2, 2023. The packages offer a range of lodging options, including the two most iconic properties—Banff Fairmont Springs, the castle on the hill bearing a delightful resemblance to Harry Potter’s Hogwarts School, and the palace-like Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, situated directly on the shore of the glacier-fed lake, where ice skating, snowshoeing, Nordic skiing and even Bavarian-style curling opportunities abound. Beyond skiing and snowboarding, there is no shortage of outdoor winter activities in the area, try a dog-sled, horse-drawn sleigh ride or exhilarating glide down the slopes at the Norquay or Lake Louise tube parks. Also, January 19, 2024 marks the launch of the annual SnowDays Festival, when the streets are filled with giant, impressively detailed snow sculptures and skijoring, the Wild West of snowsports. It’s a spectacle you will never forget.
What to Eat: Park Distillery not only produces elevated pub fare and the tastiest spirits around, but does so sustainably. The most memorable fine dining experience you’re likely to have—possibly ever—can be found at the cozy Cliffhouse Bistro atop Mt. Norquay. To sample tapas and local wines, Grapes Wine Cellar in Banff Springs is your spot. Both local breweries, Banff Ave and Three Bears, offer decent Canadian grub (poutine and well-done burgers) to accompany their creative list of suds.