Powder hounds across the planet are all clamoring to experience the bucket-list destinations and leg-burning verticals of Western Canada. This iconic terrain is a short road trip or quick direct flight away for most Canadians and Pacific Northwesterners.
Powder hounds across the planet are all clamoring to experience the bucket-list destinations and leg-burning verticals of Western Canada. This iconic terrain is a short road trip or quick direct flight away for most Canadians and Pacific Northwesterners.
Arrive at the Calgary airport and drive an hour and a half west to experience the powder-dry snow at SkiBig3. With its three serene mountain resorts—Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise Ski Resort, and Mt. Norquay—SkiBig3 is the perfect blend of raw wilderness and pure luxury. First stop on the trip: Mt. Norquay, a local gem with outstanding terrain for all skill levels. Ease into your day with a mellow ride down Constellation, a wide open green perfect for practicing turns and warming up your legs. Or spend the morning doing laps on the Mystic Express, serving a range of challenging blues and tree-packed blacks.
When you’re ready for a break, stop in for a delicious meal at Lone Pine in the Cascade Lodge. Or ride the North American Chair to Cliffhouse Bistro, an historic building carved into the granite rock cliffs of Mt Norquay, for a craft-brew and jaw-dropping views of Mt. Rundle and Cascade and the town of Banff far below. Snag a selfie on the patio before heading down the steep fall-line slopes of Lone Pine, Norquay Gully, or Boundary Bowl for a leg-burner to the bottom.
After a day on the mountain, quench your thirst with a pint of the spicy, fruity Norquay 92 Cranberry-Orange Saison, a French-Belgian style tribute tap created especially by Banff Ave. Brewing Co. for Mt. Norquay skiers and riders. If you still have energy, head back on the hill after the sun goes down. Mt. Norquay offers the only night skiing in Banff-Lake Louise, including a fully lit terrain park.
Power up for the day with a quick, hearty breakfast at Coyotes Southwestern Grill in Banff before heading out to Banff Sunshine Village. Perched high on the Continental Divide, Banff-Sunshine boasts over 3,300 acres of skiable terrain spread across three mountains. Once you arrive, head up the gondola to the upper village where you’ll find access to the entire resort. Ride the Strawberry Express to hit a few calm greens and blues. If it’s snowing, be sure to head down Dell Valley for a fun, rolling green that’s ideal for practicing powder turns. With a few runs under your belt, head up the Great Divide Express Quad for a view from the summit of Lookout Mountain.
Stop by the Chimney Corner for a relaxing lunch in the Sunshine Mountain Lodge or bring your own lunch from town and enjoy a picnic inside one of the various tented structures brought in this season to allow for expanded physical-distancing. Following lunch, experts looking for a challenge should head to Goat’s Eye Mountain at Banff Sunshine to try out the South Side Chutes, which start well above tree line and boast a ridiculously steep line before twisting into the trees and down the gleeful curves of a frozen Eagle Creek.
Toast your day with a glass of wine or pint of beer at the Lookout Lounge & Bar, located on the third floor of the Daylodge in Sunshine Village. Then take in the gorgeous mountain views as you soak your sore muscles in the steamy mineral water at Banff Upper Hot Springs, where travelers have come to “take the waters” for over 100 years.
One of the largest ski resorts in North America, Lake Louise features over 4,200 acres across four peaks. Before hitting the mountain, perk up with a specialty coffee and grab-and-go breakfast at a Banff local favorite Whitebark Cafe. If it’s your first time at Lake Louise Ski Resort, you must try the iconic Saddleback. Accessed via the “Top of the World,” this sweeping blue run offers skiers and riders an unblemished mountain landscape. Feel free to stick to the greens and blues or peel off into the steeper chutes and wide-open powder bowls.
Take a break on the backside of the mountain at Temple Lodge. There’s a heated outdoor seating area to enjoy a picnic lunch and a cafeteria for those seeking a quick refuel. If the flakes are flying, head over to the newly expanded terrain of West Bowl via the new Summit Chair. This freeride zone comprises 480 acres of open bowl skiing, chutes and gullies, glades and steep trees. West Bowl offers endless opportunities for intermediate and advanced skiers alike to test their mettle while gazing across endless spiny ridges of the Canadian Rockies.
End the day with a pint at Kokanee Kabin. Located at the base of the mountain, this bar offers an upbeat, beer-fueled après scene perfect for skiers and riders looking to kick back. Or lace up your skates for a romantic spin under the stars on the planet’s most iconic outdoor rink, Lake Louise.
Tomorrow, head back to Calgary for your flight home. Or, if you want to keep the ski action going, choose from one of the recommended options below:
Make your way three and a half hours east to end up at Revelstoke Mountain Resort, home to some of Canada’s most extreme terrain and North America’s longest vertical drop: a heart-pumping 5,620 feet. Sign up for Revelstoke’s First Tracks program the night prior to skip the morning lift line and get prime access to perfect powder and untouched corduroy.
Whether it’s a clear day or dumping snow, make sure to hit the Stoke Chair for access to both world-renowned powder glades and legendary selfie opportunities—for the best views of the Columbia River, and the Selkirk and Monashee Mountain ranges, hike to the top of Sub Peak. Jump on Revelstoke’s iconic Kill the Banker run for a continuous pillow field of steep fall line skiing, and finish in North Bowl for endless fresh line alpine skiing.
Curious about the next day’s snow report? Be sure to check the Revelstoke webcam to watch freshies fall on Gnorm the Powder Gnome—best enjoyed over a pint at Mt. Begbie Brewery. Named after one of the most iconic glacial peaks that dominates the Revelstoke skyline, Mr. Begbie Brewery is located in the heart of the Columbia mountain range and specializes in brewing both seasonal and classic local beers.
If you’ve used the Ikon Pass’s early booking benefits to secure your heli-skiing spot with CMH Heli-Skiing & Summer Adventures, end your Canadian Rockies adventure by skiing or riding the most intense, bucket-list worthy terrain in the world. CMH offers a variety of trips for all skill levels and group sizes ranging from 3 days to 7+ days. Make your way to the Bugaboos Helipad. From there, you’ll be whisked away to the Bugaboos Lodge via helicopter.
After lunch at the lodge, gear up and get ready to take the first turns of your trip—we’re talking acres upon acres of bold backcountry and untouched terrain for this once-in-a-lifetime, off-the-grid journey. Bag big lines from alpine to valley and right back up again. With more than three million acres of terrain available at CMH’s eleven luxury lodges, the variety is sure to surprise and delight.
After what’s sure to be an unforgettable day, join your partner, family, or friends back at the log-hewn lodge to soak up one of the best mountain views on the planet—all from the steamy comfort of Bugaboos’ rooftop hot tub. Post jacuzzi bliss, let your day’s yard sales melt away while indulging in the steam room or dry sauna, and then treat yourself a nightcap near the cozy fireplace with a deep glass of red in hand as you prepare for even more iconic experiences.
Head an hour west to Golden, BC for heli-skiing at Purcell, the newest addition to the CMH family. Purcell is CMH's only destination to offer day heli-skiing trips perfect for those looking to dip their toes into the heli-world or who want to tack on an additional day of access to some of the best snow in Canada. Guests are free to stay in the accommodations of their choosing, as overnight lodging is not included in this excursion. Kickstart the day by meeting at CMH Purcell's heli-pad and lodge for complimentary coffee, tea, and a light breakfast as you fuel up for a day of exploring the Canadian Rockies expansive terrain.
You and a group of up to seven other guests, will board the helicopter with two guides to embark on a full day of riding some of Purcell's 250+ runs and 495,000 backcountry acres. Purcell focuses on small group experiences to ensure you receive extra guide attention and have even more snow for yourself. Halfway through carving the untouched powder of the snowy summits and alpine bowls, a hearty lunch is provided between runs. As a CMH Purcell exclusive, unlimited runs for maximum mountain time is provided at no additional cost.
As the day's incredible journey concludes, enjoy après-ski snacks and refreshments at the day lodge, while recapping the day with your fellow adventurers before heading back to your hotel and recharging for the trip home.
Inspired by this road trip? Ikon Pass Travel is a new travel planning service for Ikon Pass holders that helps you customize your perfect mountain getaway all in one place.