Guess I’m a bit apprehensive about not knowing all the logistics and traveling solo. I’m going to be skiing 3-4 days with a total of stay of 5-6 days. Any recommendations for hotels?
Totally understand. When I planned my first solo ski trip, I did research for weeks online, looking at maps and made several phone calls for logistics. 1st time always feels its a daunting task. Once you've done couple times, it became less daunting and very manageable. First few solo trips, I over planned. Now I just go w/ the flow..... figure things out as I arrive.
As I mentioned, stay on the bus route. I stayed at Mount Royal hotel, right behind the hotel is the town parking lot, where ski shuttle bus stop is located. I stayed inside the hotel lobby until I saw bus pulled into the parking lot, very convenient.
Mt Royal Hotel just had renovation (due to fire couple yrs ago), it is very nice and right on Banff Ave. in the middle of town. Location is very good. (Brewster Bus also owns Mt Royal Hotel.) Right across street is SkiBig3 office, where you can get lift tickets (if needed), pass set up...
Other hotel options: as above mentioned Banff Aspen Lodge / Inns of Banff / Ptarmigan Inn
You can also call hotel that you might interested in, find out how close the location to ski bus stops.
This is link for ski shuttle bus stops and schedules:
https://www.skibig3.com/ski-shuttle/
3 more things need to keep in mind:
1) You may need to exchange some Canadian dollars. If exchange $$ in Banff, rate might not be as good as in Calgary. But all you need is enough $ to cover your meals. In grand scheme of things, probably the difference is insignificant.
2) If you use credit card, some may charge foreign transaction fee, some don't. May need to check w/ your credit card company.
3) Cell phone. I have Verizon and it automatically charges me $10 USD per day for cell coverage when I am in Canada if I don't turn off roaming. Something to keep in mind.... may need to check w/ your cell phone carrier.
In my opinion, stay in Banff town is more convenient than staying in SSV hotel.
If you stay in SSV hotel, your transportation route will be (based on what I know):
1) From airport - take shuttle (Brewster bus or Banff Airporter) to Banff bus depot
2) from Banff bus depot to ski bus shuttle for SSV
3) Unload at SSV parking lot, get on gondola to SSV hotel.
Heading back home will be the reverse route. Likely will stop at Banff bus depot to get on different bus to Calgary airport.
If you stay in Banff town:
1) From airport - take shuttle (Brewster bus or Banff Airporter) to hotel directly or to bus depot first then change another bus to hotel.
I think Banff Airporter is door to door, whereas Brewster bus drops you off at certain designated bus stop. I know Mont Royal Hotel Town parking lot is one of Brewster bus stops.
From hotel to mountains, you get on ski shuttle bus (to SSV/LL/Norquay).
Heading back home, likely you will get on bus to Banff bus depot first, then get on another bus to Calgary airport.
Shuttle bus ticket to and from Banff, you can purchase it at Calgary airport. Consider getting round trip ticket for convenience.
One more thing: Both SSV and LL offer free mountain tours SSV is at 12 noon, about 3 hours long, light blue or dark blue groups (in terms of skiing level).
LL has one at 9:30 (?) in the morning and 1:30 (?) in the afternoon - it is called ski friends (?). It has groups range from green level to double black diamond group.
I did both tours at SSV and LL when I visited both times. It was great as I got to meet people from different places and I skied with them after the tours were finished.