Come to Calgary in the winter and you’ll not only feel the festive atmosphere, but also experience exciting skiing and snow adventures. As one of Canada’s most famous ski resorts, the ski resorts and natural attractions around Calgary offer a variety of winter sports options.
Whether you are a professional skier or a first-time snow adventurer, there is something for everyone here. From intense alpine skiing to peaceful snowshoeing to exciting snowmobiling and dog sledding activities, Calgary’s winter attractions are rich and diverse.
Each ski resort and adventure site has unique landscapes and activities, allowing people to immerse themselves in a snow-covered world and enjoy the perfect combination of nature and adventure. These attractions are not only suitable for families, but also for couples and solo travelers, and are definitely ideal places for winter travel.
1. Leisure and Challenge Coexist: Banff National Park
1.1 Overview of Attractions
Banff National Park is one of the oldest national parks in Canada. It is located in the Rocky Mountains in Alberta, Canada, about 1.5 hours drive from Calgary. There are not only world-class ski resorts here, but also many attractions suitable for winter adventures. The landscape of Banff National Park is beautiful and spectacular. Snow-capped mountains, lakes, and ice waterfalls are interwoven into a picture of a winter wonderland. It is an ideal place for ski enthusiasts and nature lovers.
1.2 Skiing and Snow Activities
The three major ski resorts in Banff National Park – Sunshine Ski Resort, Lake Louise Ski Resort and Mount Forbes Ski Resort, are all world-renowned ski resorts. The ski slopes here are suitable for skiers of all levels, from beginners to advanced skiers.
In addition to skiing, Banff National Park also offers winter activities such as snowshoeing, dog sledding, snowboarding and ice fishing. You can stroll in the snow-white forest or enjoy a quiet winter day on the snow-covered lake.
1.3 Transportation and Accommodation
From Calgary to Banff, tourists can choose to drive or take the Banff bus. The self-driving route is very convenient and the scenery along the way is charming. There are many high-end hotels and resorts in the town of Banff, where you can enjoy a warm and comfortable accommodation experience.
1.4 Booking Platform and Fees
Most ski resorts and activities can be booked through major booking platforms such as Viator, GetYourGuide, etc. During the peak season (December to February), the cost is higher, with ski tickets costing about $120 CAD/day and ski equipment rentals costing between $50 and $80 CAD. Depending on your accommodation needs, accommodation costs in Banff range from about $150 to $500 CAD/night.
2. Extreme Challenge: Kananaskis Ski Resort
2.1 Overview of Attractions
Kananaskis Ski Resort is located about an hour’s drive west of Calgary and is on the east side of the Rocky Mountains. It is a relatively hidden ski resort known for its diverse ski trails and rich skiing activities. Compared to other ski resorts, Kananaskis has fewer visitors, so visitors can enjoy a more peaceful and focused skiing experience.
2.2 Skiing and Snow Activities
Kananaskis Ski Resort offers more than 50 ski trails, suitable for beginners to experts. Its ski trails are designed based on natural terrain and are very suitable for cross-country skiing and snowboarding. In addition, there are also abundant snow activities around the ski resort, such as snowmobiling, ice and snow hiking, snowmobiling and ice fishing.
2.3 Transportation and accommodation
Kananaskis Ski Resort is conveniently accessible, and visitors can choose to drive or take a shuttle bus. The ski resort offers a wide range of accommodation options, including resorts, luxury hotels and family-friendly ski huts. Accommodation prices vary depending on the season and choice, generally ranging from $120 to $350 CAD.
2.4 Booking platform and fees
Ski tickets are usually $90 to $130 CAD/day, and ski equipment rental costs are between $45 and $70 CAD. Ski tickets, guided tours, snowmobiles and other items can be booked in advance through booking platforms such as Viator and GetYourGuide, and the prices are usually discounted.
3. Experience the world of ice and snow: Sunshine Ski Resort
3.1 Overview of attractions
Sunshine Ski Resort is located in Banff National Park and is one of the most famous ski resorts in Canada. It is famous for its perfect skiing conditions and beautiful natural scenery. Sunshine Ski Resort is located at a high altitude, with long ski slopes and steep slopes, which is very suitable for experienced skiers. It also offers a variety of snow activities, suitable for the whole family to come and play.
3.2 Skiing and Snow Activities
Sunshine Ski Resort offers a variety of ski slopes to meet the needs of skiers of different levels. In addition to traditional skiing, Sunshine Ski Resort also offers snowboarding, ski trail walking, dog sledding and other activities. It is worth mentioning that the night skiing experience at Sunshine Ski Resort is very popular, and skiers can experience a different kind of skiing fun when night falls.
3.3 Transportation and Accommodation
It takes about 1.5 hours to drive from Calgary to Sunshine Ski Resort. There are a variety of accommodation options in the ski resort, ranging from simple hotels to luxury resorts. It is especially suitable for tourists who love snow adventures.
3.4 Booking Platform and Fees
The price of ski tickets is about $120 to $160 CAD/day, and the cost of renting ski equipment is about $45 to $65 CAD. You can book ski tickets and equipment in advance through booking platforms such as GetYourGuide and Viator to ensure a smoother trip.
4. Snow Paradise: Forbes Mountain Ski Resort
4.1 Overview of Attractions
Forbes Mountain Ski Resort is located about an hour’s drive east of Calgary and is a ski resort suitable for the whole family. The ski trails at Forbes Mountain Ski Resort are designed to suit all types of skiers, especially beginners. Winter activities here are mainly skiing and snowshoeing, while enjoying beautiful mountain scenery.
4.2 Skiing and Snow Activities
Forbes Mountain Ski Resort is famous for its wide beginner and intermediate ski trails, which are very suitable for families and beginners. In addition, the ski resort also offers activities such as snowshoeing, snowboarding and snowmobiling. For tourists who like taking photos, the scenery of Forbes Mountain is extremely charming and is an ideal place to take pictures of winter natural landscapes.
4.3 Transportation and Accommodation
It takes about 1 hour to drive from Calgary to Forbes Mountain Ski Resort. There are many resorts, hotels and family-friendly ski lodges to choose from around the ski resorts. Accommodation prices are relatively affordable and suitable for tourists with limited budgets.
4.4 Booking Platform and Fees
The price of ski tickets is usually $80 to $110 CAD/day, and the cost of renting ski equipment is about $40 to $60 CAD. Through booking platforms such as Viator and GetYourGuide, tourists can enjoy discounted fares and book ski guide services.
5. Perfect equipment and preparation for skiing and snow adventures
In order to ensure that your skiing and snow adventure trip goes smoothly, it is very important to prepare the right equipment. In addition to skis, snowshoes and ski suits, warm layers, waterproof layers and windproof equipment are also essential. Here is a list of items you need to prepare in advance:
5.1 Ski equipment
Skis and snowshoes: These equipment are the most basic in skiing activities, and equipment suitable for your skiing level will ensure that you have a better experience. Most ski resorts provide ski equipment rental services, and you can choose to rent them on site.
Ski poles: Help maintain balance and control the speed of sliding.
Ski suits: Choose comfortable, warm and waterproof ski suits. Ski suits are usually designed with good breathability to avoid overheating during exercise.
Ski goggles and helmets: Protect your eyes from strong sunlight and wind and snow, while ensuring your safety.
5.2 Snow adventure equipment
Snowshoes: Snowshoes are indispensable equipment if you plan to participate in activities such as snowshoe hiking. Snowshoes can help you walk on soft snow.
Snowmobile clothing: If you participate in activities such as snowmobiling, make sure you wear clothing suitable for snow sports.
Cold protection: Gloves, scarves, warm hats, etc. can help you resist the cold weather, especially when exploring the snow.
5.3 Safety and health
Sunscreen and lip balm: Although it is winter, ultraviolet rays can still cause skin damage. Especially at high altitudes, ultraviolet rays are stronger, so sunscreen and lip balm are essential.
Water and high-energy snacks: During skiing and snow activities, make sure you stay hydrated and energized. Bring bottled water and energy foods such as chocolate and nuts.
Skiing and snow adventures around Calgary offer plenty of options for all winter-loving travelers. Whether you want to enjoy a peaceful snowshoe walk or take on the ultimate skiing adventure, these attractions will provide you with an unforgettable winter experience. Booking your ski tickets and other snow activities in advance can save you time and money, ensuring your trip is smoother and more enjoyable.
Choose the right ski resort and activities, adjust them to your interests and skiing experience, and prepare the necessary equipment, so you can fully enjoy this winter wonderland and experience the snowy charm and adventurous spirit of the Canadian Rockies.
