Banff is a popular ski resort town located in Alberta, Canada. The nearby mountains of Mt. Rundle and Mt. Cascade make this a highly popular destination among skiers looking for an exciting ski vacation. If you have never skied at Banff before, you should consider the following beginners guide. 

Location

Banff is located in the province of Alberta, Canada. You can drive into Banff on the Trans-Canada Highway, making this an accessible town for any traveler. 

Difficulty Level

One of the most popular aspects of Banff is that it features more than 8,000 acres of ski terrain. This massive amount of ski terrain includes a variety of different slopes and runs; these runs range from simple slopes for beginners all the way to challenging, thrilling and intense slopes that are best left to experts. Make sure to consult with guides regarding which runs are best for beginners to Banff. 

Best Season

The recommended seasons for visiting Banff are between December and March for skiing, although temperatures in November will likely be low enough for skiing as well. These months are quite busy for the ski runs, but since you’ll want to go in the winter when the temperatures are lower, it’s something you will have to deal with due to the need for cold weather. 

What to Bring

If you plan on visiting Banff for a ski trip, make sure you bring the following: 

• Ski gear, unless you plan to rent it
• Lift ticket reservations; you’ll save money and likely get discounts on local restaurants and other perks
• Warm clothing with insulated layers–temperatures tend to dip into the single digits during the winter, so keep this in mind

Remember, if you aren’t sure which slopes are best for your beginner-level experience, ask the resort to make sure that you’re on the right track.