Mt. Norquay

The Banff National Park is home to some of Alberta's best skiing and snowboarding, with the Mt. Norquay being one of the "Big Three" that also happens to be a favorite among locals. Offering terrain that first-timers can enjoy to runs that challenge professional alpine athletes, it has it all. The resort also boasts the only night skiing/riding in the National Park.

The Trans-Canada Highway 1 puts motorists in the town of Banff and the resort north of the highway. Calgary International Airport handles large planes and International flights into the region, with Banff's local airport handling light traffic. Americans can use several roadways from Montana or Idaho to drive into the Province from the south.

Stunning Views On and Off the Slopes

The Mt. Norquay ski resort sits on the opposite side of Highway 1 from the town of Banff, with Lake Louise and other communities minutes away. These cater to visitors and offer lodging accommodations with scenery that matches the views on the slopes. Four locations offer beverages and home-style food that guests can stay fueled with during their stay and play. Branded apparel and slope necessities are available here, with more retail options in Banff and the surrounding area.

Rentals are available at the Mt. Norquay ski area, with mid and upper-tier equipment available for children or adults. Staff will match a visitor's skill and interests so that everything fits right the first time. Repairs and tune-ups can help those bringing gear that requires attention.

School stays open during the winter at the Mt. Norquay ski resort, with a reputation as one of the largest and oldest in Canada. Aspiring and current skiers/riders will access their current level (between one and seven), allowing individuals to pick the proper classes. First-tiers to pros looking for tips can benefit from certified instruction, with lessons built around age groups and session length. Most classes last two or four hours, with camps occurring over several sessions.

Terrain and Features for All

The Mt. Norquay ski area has a base elevation of 5,500 feet and a summit that reaches 8,040 feet. Skiers and snowboarders can use the 1,650-foot vertical drop to create many potentials down the slopes. There are 190 acres of skiable terrain at the winter venue that receive 120 inches of annual snowfall each year. Those totals receive a boost with snowmaking equipment on 85-percent of the resort's skiable terrain.

The Mt. Norquay ski resort has 60 runs that guests can ski or snowboard across, with 31-percent of the terrain here rated as green for beginners to use. A quarter of the alpine trails are rated as blue, making them fun and challenging for those with some experience. The remaining 44-percent of the slopes rate as either black diamond (eight advanced runs) or double black diamond (five expert runs), giving everyone something to explore at the Mt. Norquay winter venue.

Six lifts provide an uphill capacity of 7,000 guests each hour, and there is nighttime skiing/riding on several runs, the Snow Tube area, and the mixed terrain park at Mt. Norquay.