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Base Depth:
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24hr Snowfall:
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Mt. Norquay (Banff)

PO Box 1520, Banff, T1L 1B4
Phone: 403-762-4421
Mt. Norquay Website

by Crai S. Bower

Located closest to Banff, and thus Calgary, Mount Norquay Ski Resort is the local’s hill. Unlike Lake Louise and Sunshine Village, the trails at Norquay are carved precisely with no bowls and few east-west options. This does not mean that Norquay is a beginner’s hill by any stretch, however. Upper Lone Pine and Gun Run combined to present North America’s steepest run for over 35-years. Norquay may not be the biggest of the “Big Three,” but it offers plenty of challenge and welcomed respite from resort crowds.

Locals love Mt. Norquay for its lack of crowds and the challenging terrain, an ideal ski-til-you-drop concoction. There is nothing fancy about this hill, steep runs and day lodge are what you will find here. Visitors will appreciate the distance, just four miles from Banff, on a late morning arrival or early getaway day. The view over Banff from the North American chair, a black and double-black thrill ride, is the best in the area. But don’t stare at the village for too long, these runs are bumpy fun and demand your fullest attention. The mystic chair conveys mixed ability skiers to the narrow blue runs including “Bruno’s Gully,” a great looping descent of bumps for beginners.

Stretching out in the day lodge after our last run, the vibe is part festive – the mayor of Banff is a frequent reveler here, and part locker room, exactly as you’d expect in this hockey-crazed country.

*all photos courtesy of Mount Norquay Ski Resort

WEATHER CONDITIONS

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Forecast:
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SKI CONDITIONS

Latest Report: 20110425T06:14:00
24hr Snowfall:
0		 Last Snowfall:
Apr 17 - 2"		 Surface:
No data
Base Depth:
-"		 Trails Open:
0		 Total Trails:
28
Percent Trails Open:
0%		 Lifts Open:
icon 0		 Total Lifts:
icon 5
Terrain Type:
Beginner:
N/A		 Intermediate:
N/A		 Advanced:
N/A		 Expert:
N/A
Elevation:
weather Peak Elevation:
7000 ft 2133 m Vertical:
1650 ft 503 m Base Elevation:
5350 ft 1630 m		 Total Acres:
N/A Total Miles:
N/A
Longest Run:
N/A
 Easiest Run:
Shenanigan		 Steepest Run:
Sun Chutes
Best Bumps:
The Lone Pine		 Best Trail Name:
Abracadabra		  
 

Air Travel 

Banff National Park is home to three of the world’s finest ski resorts; Mt. Norquay, The Lake Louise Ski Area and Sunshine Village.  The nearest, and most convenient airport is Calgary International Airport, served by non-stop flights from major cities throughout the world including London, Frankfurt, Dallas, Minneapolis, Los Angeles, Houston, San Francisco, Denver and Salt Lake City.

Driving Directions

Mt. Norquay is the closest ski resort to the townsites of Banff and Canmore.  Take are located off the second exit to Banff coming from Calgary heading west on the TransCanada highway.

Traveling To Canada

For short term visits to Canada you will need a valid passport, unless you are an American citizen or permanent resident arriving from the U.S.A. in which case you must provide proof of citizenship or residency upon request. Proof of citizenship consists of a passport, original or certified copy of your U.S. birth certificate, current voter's registration card, U.S. military discharge papers, or certificate of citizenship or naturalization. If you are a permanent resident of the U.S.A., but not a U.S. citizen you must provide your 'green card' if requested. Persons under 18 years traveling without their parents should have identification and a letter of authorization from a parent or guardian to travel into Canada.

 

From Banff:  From Banff there are shuttle buses from major hotels to the ski area. These run daily and also on Fridays for night skiing.  There are also shuttle buses from Lake Louise on Tuesdays and Saturdays.