Rocky Mountains Ski Safari: Lake Louise, Sunshine & Norquay

If you’re dreaming of carving through powder snow amid some of Canada’s most iconic mountain scenery, the Rocky Mountains Ski Safari might just be the perfect day trip. Offered by Banff Trip Planner this guided tour packs a punch — taking you from Calgary to three of Banff’s top ski resorts: Lake Louise, Sunshine Village, and Mt. Norquay — all in one satisfying 8-hour adventure.

What makes this tour appealing? First, we love how it allows you to experience Canada’s largest ski area at Lake Louise, with breathtaking views of Victoria Glacier and the stunning lake below. Second, the ride up the Sunshine Gondola transports you into a snowy alpine world, with the thrill of Canada’s only heated chairlift, the Teepee Town LX. That combination of natural beauty and innovative lifts creates a memorable day on snow.

A potential drawback? The tour is quite packed. If you prefer to spend hours exploring each resort at your own pace, this might feel a bit rushed. Also, the group size is limited to nine, making it more intimate, but that means some booking planning is wise. This tour suits active travelers eager to see multiple resorts in one day without the hassle of driving or planning logistics — perfect for first-timers or those short on time.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• All-in-One Experience: Visit Lake Louise, Sunshine Village, and Norquay in a single day.
• Stunning Views: Expect breathtaking scenery of glaciers, lakes, and mountain peaks.
• Convenient Transport: Hotel pickup and drop-off from Calgary, Canmore, or Banff.
• Inclusive Lift Passes: No surprise extra costs for skiing or snowboarding.
• Small Group: Limited to nine participants for a more personal experience.
• Extra Fun Options: Tubing at Norquay and a cozy break with drinks in Banff.

We’re always curious about how a guided tour balances adventure, comfort, and value — and this one manages to tick all three. Starting with pickup from your hotel, the ride to the Rockies feels like a scenic preview of the day ahead. The shuttle is described as comfortable, with panoramic mountain views, giving you enough time to settle in and get excited.

Lake Louise Ski Resort: Canada’s Largest Ski Area

Our first stop is Lake Louise Ski Resort, a name that immediately conjures images of expansive slopes and stunning vistas. Known for its size and variety, this resort caters to all levels — whether you’re a seasoned skier or a beginner looking to take a lesson (not included but available). You’ll love the breathtaking views of Victoria Glacier and Lake Louise, especially when the early morning sunlight hits the icy surface.

In winter, Lake Louise transforms into a fairytale landscape, with snow-covered forests and the iconic ice castle. While the tour doesn’t include a snow castle visit, it’s worth noting that the Lake Louise Snow Castle is a seasonal highlight, drawing many visitors. A coffee break at the Whitehorn Bistro offers a chance to soak in the views and refuel before heading to the next resort.

Sunshine Village: Ride Into the Snowy Wonderland

Next, the tour takes you to Sunshine Village, accessible via an iconic gondola ride. The gondola itself is part of the fun — it’s a smooth, scenic ascent into the high alpine, and it offers incredible panoramic views. Once there, you’ll find legendary runs at Sunshine Meadows and Goats Eye Mountain, with terrain suited for a wide range of skiing and snowboarding abilities.

A standout feature here is the Teepee Town LX, Canada’s only heated chairlift, which ensures a warm, comfortable ride even on the coldest days. Many reviewers appreciate this innovative lift, especially those who dislike cold fingers or toes. The Sunshine Mountain Lodge provides a convenient spot for lunch, where you can enjoy a hearty meal while gazing at snow-capped peaks.

Mt. Norquay: Family-Friendly and Fun

The last stop is Mt. Norquay, a favorite among locals for its friendly, relaxed atmosphere. Known for its lively terrain park and spectacular views of Banff town and Bow Valley, Norquay is perfect for families or those wanting a more laid-back vibe.

Along With skiing and snowboarding, Norquay offers tubing at your own expense, which can be a real blast — especially for kids or those interested in some downhill fun. The mountain’s lively scene and sweeping scenery make it a fitting conclusion to a day of mountain adventures.

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Returning to Banff and Calgary

As the day winds down, you’ll make your way back to Banff, where you can enjoy a warming drink — perhaps hot chocolate, mulled wine, or a local craft beer — at a cozy pub. The return trip is a good time to reflect on the day’s highlights and share stories with your small group.

Transportation and Group Size: The shuttle is described as comfortable, and with a limit of just nine travelers, you’ll find the experience intimate without feeling crowded. Pickup and drop-off are included from Calgary, Canmore, and Banff, making this a flexible choice for various travelers.

Price and Value: At $143 per person, this tour offers a lot for the cost. With lift passes included, you won’t face surprise expenses at the ski resorts, and transportation is covered, saving you the hassle of navigating the mountain roads yourself.

What’s Included: Everything needed for a day on the slopes — from lift passes to hotel pickup — is taken care of. You’ll need to bring your own winter gear or rent on-site (rentals are available), and remember to dress warmly in layers.

Age and Mobility Considerations: The tour isn’t suitable for children under six or travelers with mobility impairments, mainly due to the physical nature of skiing and the mountain lifts involved. Tubing is available for ages 4+, offering an inclusive option for families.

Cancellation and Booking: Flexible booking options are available — you can reserve now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

From reviews, we gather that travelers appreciate how the tour combines stunning mountain vistas with easy logistics. One noted that the snow and views at Lake Louise were truly unforgettable, especially with the ice castle in winter. Others loved the heated chairlift at Sunshine, calling it a “game-changer,” especially in the cold.

We also note that the small group size ensures a more personal experience — guides can tailor the pace and answer questions more readily. The inclusion of ski lift passes means no unexpected costs, and the opportunity to explore each destination without fuss makes this a great value.

While some might feel the tight schedule limits time at each resort, this is balanced by the convenience of the full-day trip. For those new to the Rockies or short on time, this tour provides a comprehensive taste of Banff’s skiing gems.

This adventure is best for active travelers eager to experience multiple ski resorts without the hassle of planning individual trips. It’s ideal for first-time visitors who want an overview of Banff’s top spots, as well as those who want a hassle-free, guided day in the mountains.

It’s also great if you value comfort and convenience — hotel pickup, small groups, inclusive lift passes, and detailed guidance. However, if you’re seeking extensive time on the slopes or specialized ski lessons, this tour might be a bit limited.

For travelers looking to tick off some of the Rockies’ most iconic ski resorts in a single day, the Rocky Mountains Ski Safari offers excellent value. It combines stunning scenery, easy transportation, and well-chosen stops at Lake Louise, Sunshine, and Norquay, all within a manageable schedule.

The tour is especially suited for those who want a guided experience that minimizes fuss and maximizes sightseeing and skiing. While it’s not designed for those seeking extended time on the slopes or personalized lessons, it delivers a well-rounded mountain adventure packed with breathtaking views and memorable moments.

If you’re after a convenient, scenic, and fun day on snow, this trip is definitely worth considering — especially if you want that classic Canadian mountain experience without the hassle of organizing everything yourself.

Is transportation included? Yes, the tour provides hotel pickup and drop-off from Calgary, Canmore, and Banff, along with comfortable shuttle transport throughout the day.

Are lift passes included? Absolutely. Your ticket to the slopes at Lake Louise, Sunshine, and Norquay is covered, so no extra costs for lift access.

What should I bring? Dress warmly in layers, bring a camera to capture the views, and pack your winter sports gear if you have it — rentals are available if needed.

Can I try tubing? Yes, tubing is available at Norquay for those aged 4 and above, at your own expense.

Is this tour suitable for children? It’s not suitable for children under 6 or travelers with mobility impairments, due to the physical requirements of skiing and mountain lifts.

How long does the tour last? The experience runs for about 8 hours, with starting times depending on availability.

What is the group size? Limited to nine participants, ensuring a more personalized experience.

Can I cancel if my plans change? Yes, cancellations are free if made up to 24 hours in advance, giving you flexibility to book with confidence.

In sum, the Rocky Mountains Ski Safari offers a smart way to see some of Canada’s most beautiful mountain scenery while enjoying top ski resorts. It balances adventure with comfort and delivers excellent value, making it a solid choice for those eager to experience Banff’s snowy crown jewels.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby