We hope you’ll take the opportunity to see more of the area during your visit. We’ve put together this guide to our favorite winter activities to help you plan your stay. Whether you're here for two days or five, it's worth the extra time to look around.

On the Slopes
​Skiing & Snowboarding Banff Sunshine Village is famous for its high elevation and 100% natural snow. It features a unique gondola ride from the base and terrain for all skill levels.

Cross-Country Skiing For a scenic and accessible outing, we recommend the Tunnel Mountain trails, which offer beautifully groomed loops for all skill levels. For equipment rentals, Chateau Mountain Sports is conveniently located directly within the Fairmont Banff Springs. Alternatively, Snowtips-Bactrax on Bear Street in downtown Banff is a fantastic local choice known for its extensive inventory and expert service. Both shops provide full Nordic ski packages and can offer the most up-to-date advice on daily trail conditions.

Classic Winter Magic

Ice Skating & Sleigh Rides For a quintessential winter experience, head to Lake Louise. You can skate on the lake in front of the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise or take a horse-drawn sleigh ride along the mountain base.

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Banff Gondola Take an 8-minute ride to the summit of Sulphur Mountain for panoramic views, an interactive discovery center, and a mountaintop boardwalk.  We highly recommend dining at Sky Bistro at the summit. It features floor-to-ceiling windows and a menu inspired by local ingredients. Tickets use dynamic pricing; we recommend booking your gondola ride and Sky Bistro reservations well in advance as tables sell out quickly.

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Snowshoeing White Mountain Adventures is known for its highly qualified local guides and unique access to backcountry terrain. They offer "Snowshoeing on Top of the World" at Sunshine Village Ski Resort where a gondola and chairlift ride take you above the treeline.

Adventure & Discovery
Ice Hiking Johnston Canyon is the premier spot for an ice walk, where you can hike on steel catwalks to see massive frozen waterfalls.

Ice Fishing For a unique winter experience on the frozen lakes, guided tours are available through Wapiti Sports in nearby Canmore.

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Additional Winter Adventures

Beyond the highlights above, popular activities include dogsledding through pristine valleys and snow tubing at Mt. Norquay. Please note that while snowmobiling is not permitted within Banff National Park, the Fairmont Concierge can assist in booking guided tours in the nearby Panorama or Golden areas.

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Booking Your Adventures The easiest and most reliable way to book mountain excursions is through the Fairmont Concierge, who can assist with everything from dog sledding to dinner reservations. While the Fairmont offers a seamless, high-touch experience, their services typically reflect a premium price point. For your convenience, we have provided links to other trusted local vendors that we recommend.