Tag: ski season canada

Getting Started:

* Disclaimer: I lived in Canada from Sept 2023 – Aug 2024 and spend most of my time in Banff and Lake Louise so my advice is from this experience. 

Basics:

Okay so you’ve decided to head to Canada for a ski season! Woo! Before booking flights, I recommend doing a bit of research in terms of what kind of ski town you want to live in. The ski towns and their respective ski hills vary in size and terrain, so it depends where you’d like to be. 

For example: I knew I didn’t want to be in Whistler (too many Aussies! ha!) and didn’t want to buy a car so that ruled out Revelstoke, Fernie (not much public transport) as well as Golden. I also considered what sort of jobs were available and the number of housing options. I ended up in Banff (initially not my first pick) because:  

• I was able to find a place to live
• I found multiple jobs there
• there is the option of 3 ski hills – all of which are all easily accessible via free shuttles from the centre of Banff
• feels very walkable – more of a European-feel than Revy or Golden

These are just some basic examples of what to think of when choosing a ski town for the winter.

But regardless where you end up, I assure you you’ll have a great time!

Essentials:

• Working Holiday Visa (obviously ;)) – check the application process for your home country and leave enough time for it to be processed – including if you need to get biometrics done – at least 9 months before just to be safe
• Travel & Medical insurance
  • Hot tip: buy at least a years’ worth if you want to stay that long. Sometimes the Canadian immigration will only issue your visa for as long as your insurance is valid. I was lucky and got 2 years (only bought 1 years’ worth of insurance)- but I’ve heard it’s not the case for everyone – so rather be prepared! 
• Good Thermals x2 pairs- Useful not only for skiing but everyday life.We had a cold snap of -30C and I wore them everyday
• Thick Socks – same reason as above 🙂
• Waterproof boots with grip! – The sidewalks can be very slippery & icy even when they’ve been salted/scraped – especially if the snow melts then freezes again overnight
• Some sort of savings $$$ – to live off before you start working and get paid
• Ski Wear* – waterproof shells are your best friend. Learn the art of layering up with your thermals and a mid layer between. If you stay the whole season you’ll experience varying temperatures when out on the slopes. I found this was best at keeping warm
• Ski Gear* – depending if you want to
• Beanie (or as Canadians call it – a toque) – keep ya noggin warm!
• Good Winter Jacket* – you’ll be wearing it constantly. I recommend one that has a hood, is waterproof and warm and is knee or mid-thigh length. Up to you if you want to splurge on something fancy but I bought mine on Facebook Marketplace for $50 and it did me well
• Laptop/ipad (optional)- watch movies, edit photos, browse internet, book things
• Wise card – to load up with CAD$ to use before you get settled and open a bank account in town 
• Bank Account – once you’ve secured a place to live, set up an account with one of the banks in Banff – I recommend ATB – they opened an account for me right then and there!
• Alberta Health Care card – apply in person via the registry in Banff (find it here) – they’ll let you know all the necessary documents you need

*Up to you if you want to buy new but as will be mentioned below, there is the possibility of buying secondhand items on FB Marketplace and the various thrift stores around Banff 

Accomodation:

Arrive in summer or even autumn when there’s a changeover of people in town. There’s a housing crisis in Banff (like everywhere now) so join ALL the Facebook housing groups & post in ALL– BUT remember you must work in Banff to live there as it is in a national park.    

Facebook Groups to join in Banff: 

• FB Housing groups: -Bow Valley Home Finder 2.0 
• Bow Valley Home Finder 
• Bow Valley Nest Finders 
• Banff and Canmore Rentals 
• Banff Rentals 
• Banff Canmore Accom Finders 

In my post I just had 1-3 photos of me and a bit about where I was working, how long I was staying for etc. 

I managed to organise a sublet for the first 2 months just as a starting point before finding something long term. It took a little bit of research and time, but I managed to find a nice place in Banff on my 8^th house viewing – so be patient. 

Depending on what kind of work you find – you might be able to stay at the staff accommodation. Most of the time, if you end up working for any of the 3 ski hills surrounding Banff, you will be provided staff accommodation. Although some places in town also provide housing but it really depends – don’t be afraid to ask when applying for jobs. I found that it was better to organise accommodation first before getting a job in town as a lot of employers will ask if you have it sorted beforehand. 

TIP 1: Ask around and let people know you’re looking for somewhere to rent– people you work with, friends, literally anyone – you never know! 

TIP 2: The longer you plan to stay the easier it’ll be – it’s harder to find short term rentals

❅ Jobs/Working in Banff: 

As the ski season normally starts from Oct – April (depending on snowfall) I recommend arriving at your town of choice a bit earlier if you can, to get sorted. You can apply before arriving in Canada, but I found (and heard from others) that many places will not even look at your CV if you’re not in the country and have a WHV visa.   

This is where it’s important to have some savings just to tide you over while you find something. 

As stated above, it’s better to have sorted out accom before applying for jobs.  

I ended up working multiple jobs while living in Banff (hello cost of living crisis!) including as a snowboard instructor for Mnt Norquay, a food runner and I did some light alteration (sewing) work on the side. 

Jobs in the Ski Resorts: 

Normally these are posted on the different ski resorts websites, but there is also a job fair that happens in Banff right before the start of the season, normally in Oct.

Jobs in the Ski Resorts:  

• Lift attendant  

• Ski technician 

• Snowsports instructor 

• Ski patrol 

• Guest services 

• Shuttle driver 

• Ticket office/ guest services 

Jobs in town:

Anything to do with restaurants/ cafes/ pubs 

• server (waitress/waiter) 

• bartender 

• food runner 

• host 

• kitchen hand/ chef 

• barista 

Anything to do with tourism: 

• Receptionist 

• Childcare   

• Housekeeper 

• Retail assistant 

  

❅ So whats the skiing like?

Okay so you have your visa, accommodation and job sorted and now comes the fun bit – what we really came here for – the skiing/snow! Banff is lucky to be surrounded by not 1 but THREE epic ski hills! 

Depending on where you end up working, you could get it slightly cheaper (if you work in town) or for free (if you work for one of the hills).

Mt. Norquay

First is Mount Norquay, which is closest (and cheapest) but also the smallest and steepest. I worked here for a couple of months and really felt pushed in my snowboarding traversing this hill.

It has a nice little sectioned off ‘bunny hill’ with a magic carpet for those learning but plenty of steep for the advanced.

It’s also the only hill to offer night skiing in winter. Although only 1 run is open but so is the ‘baby’ park and big boy XL jumps. They often hold friendly comps here during the season.

PRICE: $900-1200 – An adult season pass

RESTAURANTS/ AMMENITIES: Most are at the base such as Cascade Lodge & Lone Pine, with one on mountain – North American Lodge

SKI LEVEL: beginner to advanced

SNOW TYPE & TERRAIN: groomed runs; tree runs; limited off-piste /backcountry

Sunshine Village

Although closer than Lake Louise in terms of distance- it actually takes the same amount of time to get to the actual base of the ski hill after taking into account the 25min gondola ride up from the parking lot.

Sunshine can be fun if you’re with a bunch of mates and if you ski – otherwise as a boarder I found it flat with lots of up & down and unstrapping of my left boot to skate to the end of the run. So this is a great option if you are an intermediate skier and like varied terrain. There is also a small park that is set up on the Lookout Mtn side during the season.

I also found it more spread out in comparison to Lake Louise but there are a many ‘faces’ to ski like Lake Louise, such as Goats Eye, Lookout Mnt and Standish, but didnt feel as challenging as Lake Louise.

PRICE: $755/$897(mid week) – $1395/$1827(full week) – adult season pass*

RESTAURANTS/ AMMENITIES: There are a few options throughout the ski hill – such as in the ski Village itself, at Goat’s Eye, and at the base of the ski lift

SKI LEVEL: beginner – advanced

SNOW TYPE & TERRAIN: powder; groomed runs

*Prices will depend if you want to ski either mid week or full week as well as the whole day or just afternoons

Lake Louise

And last but definitely not least is Lake Louise! My fav of the three. Although it does take a 40min bus ride to get there (which is free!) its sooo worth it! Bigger & steeper runs, more to explore in powder, better lay out – with the main lodge being right where the bus drops you so all you have to do is dump your bag, strap in and glide straight onto the lift. I will say that the other two previously mentioned to get slightly better snow and Lake is know for being icy but I had a Lake pass all season and didn’t regret it once.

There also 3 ‘faces’ or sides you can ride at Lake. The Front and Back sides as well as ‘Larch’ – which is accessed from the Back side. There are runs for all levels but I would say Lake Louise suits more intermediate to advanced riders.

Towards the tail end of winter, one of the mountain restaurants will put on a DJ event on a Saturday which is a vibe.

PRICE: $899 – $1699* (adult season pass)

RESTAURANTS/ AMMENITIES: Main base area has a couple dining options with 4 on mountain as well.

SKI LEVEL: beginner to advance

SNOW TYPE & TERRAIN: groomed runs; a few backcountry spots; tends to be a bit more icy than the others

*prices depend on if you’d like to ski just mid-week (Mon-Thurs) or full week

❅ Where to rent/buy ski gear:

There are many options to rent in Banff or at the ski hills themselves. My advice would be to buy your own gear if you plan on staying all season. Its a more cost effective option, as the rentals can be quite expensive – plus you can sell it afterwards if moving on. Renting is a good option if you dont want to commit.

BUYING:

• Sports Garage, Canmore – secondhand skis/boots/snowboards as well as ski wear and clothing
• Switching Gear, Canmore – secondhand skis/boots/snowboards and ski clothing
• Facebook Marketplace – a great source to find secondhand gear from people passing through
• Monod Sports – new skis/ boots & clothing
• Unltd boardshop

RENTING: in Banff

• Snowtips-Bactrax – one of the more affordable options
• Ultimate Sports
• Bear Street Outfitters
• Black Tie Ski Rentals at Banff Park Lodge
• Mnt Norquay, Lake Louise & Sunshine Village also all provide rentals if you prefer
• Ski Big 3 Adventure Hub

*Dont forget to say you are a local living and working in Banff to get a discount!

If you’re undecided between these fun hills but can only afford one – it doesn’t really matter as you’ll have fun anyway (and will beg/borrow/steal to ride the others)

I will tell you that I managed to ski all 3 with only 1 pass. This was done by working for one hill (Norquay), buying a midweek pass ($800 for Lake Louise) and borrowing my roommates (Sunshine) – it works ! As long as you cover up your face with your goggles, buff & helmet. I somehow got away with using my roommates, even though she is a brown eyed brunette and Im a fair, freckled redhead!

❅ Getting around Banff & its ski hills:

If you are like me, and don’t have a car in Banff, there is the public transit option known as Roam. These buses have regular services to nearby Canmore and Lake Louise and in the summer run more frequently. i recommend getting Banff Access Card you could get heavily discounted bus passes (more info below).

The ski hills offer free shuttles to and from their bases from the main Banff bus station – which is super helpful for us car-less folk!

❆ Tips & tricks on living thrifty in Banff: 

Canada can be expensive but I found these tips really helped stretch my dollar further (and I also just love a bargain!)

• Become an Banff Ambassador – where you attend an info evening and then get a discount card for local businesses -super helpful as Banff is expensive! 

• Get a Banff Access card – after 3 months of living & working -go to town hall and apply. This card lets you get discounted activities & transit (bus rides to Canmore & Lake Lousie at 90% off!!) – all you have to do is take your 3 last payslips and proof of address in Banff (more on how to apply here)

• Ask for ‘Locals’ discount EVERYWHERE! Sometimes its only 5% but sometimes its 10% – also just frequent places and become a regular – I use to hang out in Little Wild cafe so offen (would always just buy coffee) they gave me free cookies and coffees because they knew I was there all the time. As big and famous as Banff is, in winter it still has a sort of small mountain town feel where people look out for each other

• Take advantage of happy hours and deal nights like Stein Night at Banff Ave Brewing & half price tacos and margaritas at Anejos – check out local Taxi Mike’s dining guide for all the latest specials in Banff – such a wallet saver!

• Banff Food rescue – volunteer to sort out donated food that supermarkets don’t want and you get first pick! Otherwise stand in line every Monday & Friday afternoon and get some goodies for only $10 – my first time I scored greek yoghurt, 2x loaves of bread, fruit, veggies and even wraps (sometimes they have eggs too!)

• Get a library card! Banff Library has not only books for loan but also a ‘Library of Things‘ that you cant really find in shops in and around Banff – things like sewing machines, hot glue gun, rice cooker, and even an ice cream maker!

• Check out Facebook Marketplace for secondhand goodies – Banff is so transient that theres always people coming and going in between seasons and selling what they don’t want to take home
• Browse thrift stores like Temptation Vintage in Banff and Sports Garage, Switching Gear & Crossway Community Thrift in Canmore for secondhand clothing and sports items

❆ My cozy winter hangouts in Banff:

• Flow State Yoga Studio – one of my FAV yoga studios.
  • Filled with light and plants and the teachers are so so nice. The studio has a view of the iconic Cascade mountain out the window

• Wild Flour Bakery & their sister cafe Little Wild 
  • the best coffee, cookies and sandwiches
• Banff library
  • rented many a book here and just hung out eating my lunch and on being on my iPad. Its warm and theres a sky light which is nice to sit under in winter 
• Tommys pub –
  • still owned by a local (not conglomerate BHC) and is down the stairs under the Mediterranean place The Balkan. Think wooden tables, dim lighting, hearty food, tall beers and just chill, unpretentious vibes 
• Anejos Mexican –
  • enjoyed many a discounted marg and taco!. I also recommend Magpie & Stump* for a place with more character
• Banff Ave Brewing Co  – $9 stein night every Thursday!
• High Rollers* – bowling and DJs sometimes 
• Mels – steakhouse but also a nightclub – Latin night is a hit! 

• Friends houses – potlucks are a thing in North America and so wholesome! 
  • For the uninitiated: potlucks consist of everyone making a dish and bringing it to a mates place to share.

If you’re feeling adventurous, hop on the Roam bus to neighbouring town Canmore and check out some of these gems:

• Hello Vintage – a wider range of vintage pieces
• bicycle cafe – bikes! coffee! plants!
• Cafe Books – books! coffee! food!
• Stonewaters – cute store filled of designer goodies for the home, office, kitchen
• Communitea cafe – tea focused cafe I would go to everytime I was in town with good healthy food too

In Summary:

So, there you have it! A little How-To on surviving the winter ski season in Banff. To see more photos of my time there, check out my website here. 

Hopefully you found this informative and helpful in planning your ski season in Banff. Let me know if you have any questions or comments below. 

If you’d like to support my work, feel free to buy me a coffee.

* I do not get commissions from any of the mentioned links – I do it purely for the enjoyment of sharing 🙂