Late March Banff skiing?

[wernerslab]

My son's spring break is March 20-Apr 5. Typically we have gone to CO but with this winter, I don't plan to head there (plus we were there at Christmas). He would like to ski Banff/LL and my husband, who loves the area but is not a skier would consider going too. I assume conditions there should still be pretty good that late in March? It seems they have good snow amounts so far this winter. The East coast is a little too iffy for me that late in the season to count on. I know this year might be the exception for the East given winter so far but I'd like to try a new place too and it is a bonus for me if my husband will come. I usu do these trips w/out him.

 

[marzNC]

The SkiTalk annual Gathering is in Banff March 21-28, 2026. I'm sure the date was picked with the expectation of good snow conditions.

Everyone I know who has been to Banff for a late season trip has wanted to go back. Meaning trips in late March or early April.

 

[Jilly]

Since Sunshine is usually open till May, March should be good. Warmer than now too.

 

[wernerslab]

I just booked refundable flights from Mar25-Apr4 (bc we have to get my son's passport renewed in order to go). We can intersperse some non-skiing days too so my husband is not all by his lonesome.

 

[marzNC]

I just booked refundable flights from Mar25-Apr4 (bc we have to get my son's passport renewed in order to go). We can intersperse some non-skiing days too so my husband is not all by his lonesome.

Since there are slopes close to town, you could also ski half-day and do other stuff on the same day.

What airline?

 

[wernerslab]

We are flying Air Canada out of Newark on non-stop into Calgary. Will probably rent a car so my husband can explore while we ski. Seems more convenient to stay in Banff but Canmore is a lot cheaper for 2 bd places. We don't care about nightlife and if we have a car, my H can drive us to Banff to catch the shuttles to the mountains. Seem like a reasonable idea?

 

[wernerslab]

and we have IKON so get 7 days among Norquay, Sunshine and LL.

 

[Christy]

I've been in mid April and there was new snow every day IIRC. But the roads were good, so I was able to do some sightseeing driving as well. If you've never been to that area it's week worth it to sightsee a bit

Banff is more convenient. It's almost an hour from Canmore to LL which was my fave by far, and that's all driving, not a drive plus shuttle, so that's to much commuting for me.

 

[marzNC]

We are flying Air Canada out of Newark on non-stop into Calgary. Will probably rent a car so my husband can explore while we ski. Seems more convenient to stay in Banff but Canmore is a lot cheaper for 2 bd places. We don't care about nightlife and if we have a car, my H can drive us to Banff to catch the shuttles to the mountains. Seem like a reasonable idea?

Lucky you can get a non-stop flight!

I've read of Australians who like stay in Canmore.

For a new location, I always prefer to have a car for exploring. Obviously want to have AWD. Might consider Turo. May be worth taking the time to check on the type of tires. @Olesya C has gained experience with the process. She had a very nice SUV with actual snow tires for Diva West last winter.

 

[marzNC]

Found a few of videos that introduce skiing in the Banff area. The one about Norquay includes scenes from the Banff Hot Springs.

posted 05Mar2024

posted 26Jun2024

11Feb2023

 

[Christy]

I've read of Australians who like stay in Canmore.

Canmore is a popular spot for tourists year round--it's outside the national park and has many more hotels and condos than Banff, plus timeshares and looser rules on STRs than Banff.

I got a car with proper snow tires from one of the major rental companies at YYC. They offered it as an upgrade.

 

[Jilly]

I've rented an SUV the last 2X I've been out. 4 lane highway all the way.

Don't forget you need a park pass to get into Banff National Park. They are available at the park entrance or any MEC store.

 

[Jenny]

When does Norquay close? We’ve been there a couple of times and just missed it both time, but we may have been there later in April, too. its been a great time to go for us, and SO much warmer than when we were there in January.

IF DH gets the OK to ski from his doc we’re potentially going to book an April trip up there this year, so the season won’t be a complete miss.

 

[Jilly]

Norquay is calling for April 20th.

 

[wernerslab]

About 15 yrs ago, we did a 2 week car camping trip through Banff, Yoho, Waterton, LL in September and it snowed several of the days there although not much accumulation. It was one of my favorite vacations. We didn't stay in Banff but we visited the town which was enjoyable! We flew into/out Calgary and rented a sedan not thinking we would get snow but it was still okay driving. This time we would aim for an SUV with AWD/4WD. I considered Turo when we were out in CO at Christmas but scared myself off when I read some negative reviews.

I've been in mid April and there was new snow every day IIRC. But the roads were good, so I was able to do some sightseeing driving as well. If you've never been to that area it's week worth it to sightsee a bit

Banff is more convenient. It's almost an hour from Canmore to LL which was my fave by far, and that's all driving, not a drive plus shuttle, so that's to much commuting for me.

We drive an 1hr20min to go skiing here in Philly for a day so while not great, it is what we are used to. We have some more adventures planned for the summer so I feel like staying more cheaply but a little further would still be okay.

 

[marzNC]

I considered Turo when we were out in CO at Christmas but scared myself off when I read some negative reviews.

Negative reviews about Turo in general, or about a specific owner/vehicle?

Picking a car with Turo is like picking a condo with VRBO/AirBnB. Pays to take the time to contact the owner with questions before making a commitment. Can be questions for which you already know the answer. What's different with Turo is that you have to do a booking before you can contact the owner. It's straightforward to cancel if you decide it's not a good fit.

I use Costco Travel for car rentals most of the time.

 

[wernerslab]

Negative reviews about Turo in general, or about a specific owner/vehicle?

Picking a car with Turo is like picking a condo with VRBO/AirBnB. Pays to take the time to contact the owner with questions before making a commitment. Can be questions for which you already know the answer. What's different with Turo is that you have to do a booking before you can contact the owner. It's straightforward to cancel if you decide it's not a good fit.

I use Costco Travel for car rentals most of the time.

We used Costco on our last trip to CO. Thanks for the tips on Turo.

 

[Jenny]

@marzNC @wernerslab We’re recent Costco members (SUCH good prices on eyeglasses!) - how do their car rental prices compare to direct with the company?

 

[marzNC]

@marzNC @wernerslab We’re recent Costco members (SUCH good prices on eyeglasses!) - how do their car rental prices compare to direct with the company?

For the comparisons I've done, the Costco car rental prices are quite good. Note that Costco only works with a few companies. I've done the most comparisons for ABQ. SixT can come close but it's usually a bit higher.

Of course, if someone has a discount from work or some other connection, that can make a difference.

I like Costco Travel partially because I'm comfortable doing a booking, then re-booking if/when rates dropped noticeably. For the Taos trip that I got stuck in Dallas because of a major multi-state ice storm, I probably rebooked 10 times before I was able to know when I'd actually arrive in ABQ.

 

[Olesya C]

Turo rental are exactly like @marzNC described, it's like renting lodging on AirBnB and VRBO. You are renting a car from either the owner or someone who manages the car. You can pick exactly what type of car, what year, make, snow tires, heated seats, etc. It's also true that you have to read reviews and contact the owner to see how responsive they are. Some hosts will deliver the car straight to the arrival's door at the airport - which is great when you have a lot of luggage, some will provide with bears spray or ski racks, some will just drop it off at short term airport parking and leave a key in lockbox - so the service can vary widely.

Not all hosts are amazing, but most Turo rentals I had were great and the cars well maintained. The SUV @marzNC mentioned I rented in UT was Volvo XC60 with snow tires and i was great. Most of the time for my trips to Anchorage I rent Subaru, either Outback or Crosstrek with snow studded tires. In Anchorage/Girdwood area studded tires are a must because it can get icy on the roads, especially the smaller country roads.

I have been renting only on Turo for the last 2 years or so for multiple ski trips and have had mostly positive experience.