10 Days in the Canadian Rockies: Banff, Lake Louise & Jasper for 2026/27
There are few ski destinations that combine scale, scenery and variety quite like Banff and Lake Louise.
Set within Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada, this region brings together three distinct ski areas under the SkiBig3 lift pass, along with two very different bases. The lively alpine town of Banff, and the smaller, more remote hamlet of Lake Louise, where the setting feels entirely immersed in the mountains.
To experience it properly, time matters.
This is a destination that rewards a 10-day itinerary, allowing for a balance of skiing, travel between regions and the off-mountain experiences that define the Canadian Rockies.
Days 1–3: Lake Louise – A Slower Start in the Mountains
Arrive via Calgary and transfer directly to Lake Louise, where your accommodation becomes part of the experience.
Staying at the Fairmont Château Lake Louise, you are positioned on the edge of the frozen lake, with the mountains rising directly behind. It is a setting that feels removed from everything else.
Skiing here is spread across a vast area, with long runs off the Front Side, wide-open bowls in the Back Bowls, and quieter terrain on the Larch side. Recent expansion at Richardson’s Ridge has added new beginner and intermediate terrain, further improving the flow across the mountain .
Non-ski experiences are just as important here.
Horse-drawn sleigh rides across the frozen lake, ice skating beneath the peaks and snowshoeing trails that begin from your doorstep all make this a place where slowing down is part of the appeal.
Days 4–5: Jasper – Remote and Uncrowded
From Lake Louise, travel north along the Icefields Parkway toward Jasper, one of the most scenic drives in Canada.
Jasper offers a noticeably different pace.
At Marmot Basin, skiing is defined by wide-open terrain, consistent snow and a complete absence of crowds. It is the kind of mountain where you can take your time, explore freely and often ski the same line more than once without seeing another person.
Your base here is the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, set on a vast lakeside property just outside the town. Unlike the castle-style hotels in Banff and Lake Louise, this is a collection of cabins and lodge buildings spread across the landscape, creating a more private, retreat-style experience.
Days 6–10: Banff – Variety, Energy and SkiBig3
Return south to Banff, the main hub of the region and the base for the final part of the journey.
From here, you have access to all three SkiBig3 resorts, connected by an efficient shuttle system.
Start with Sunshine Village, known for its high elevation and reliable snow. Our team often recommends heading straight to the Standish and Goat’s Eye areas, where terrain is more varied and less crowded.
Move on to Mt Norquay, a smaller mountain but one that offers excellent views back over Banff and some of the best night skiing in the region.
Then return to Lake Louise Ski Resort for another day, this time with a better understanding of how to navigate its scale.
Banff itself brings a different energy.
Banff Avenue is the centre of town, lined with restaurants, bars and shops, creating a lively après and dining scene. It is here that the social side of the trip comes into its own.
Off the slopes, this is where many of the region’s signature experiences are based. Dog sledding, snowshoeing and wildlife tours all depart from Banff, making it the ideal base to round out the itinerary .
Where to Stay
Accommodation plays a defining role in this itinerary, particularly when combining the region’s three iconic Fairmont properties.
- Fairmont Château Lake Louise – a destination in itself, now enhanced by the new Basin Glacial Waters spa, overlooking the frozen lake
- Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge – a more secluded, cabin-style retreat set within a vast natural landscape
- Fairmont Banff Springs – a historic castle-style hotel overlooking the town, known for its scale, dining and spa facilities
When combined, these iconic properties unlock up to 35% in early booking savings, plus an additional 5% bonus discount when staying across multiple locations, making this one of the most rewarding ways to experience the Canadian Rockies.
Planning for 2026/27
For the 2026/27 season, early planning delivers very real value, particularly when structuring a multi-stop itinerary across Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper.
Fairmont’s Early Bird offers include:
- Stay 5 nights and save 30%
- Stay 7 or more nights and save 35%
Available across:
- Fairmont Banff Springs
- Fairmont Château Lake Louise
- Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
Book and pay by 31 August 2026
For travellers combining properties, there is an additional incentive.
When you stay at three of the participating Fairmont properties, you will receive an additional 5% discount on top of these Early Bird savings, making this one of the most compelling long-stay luxury ski itineraries available in North America.
These offers can be combined with SkiBig3 lift passes and full holiday packages, allowing you to lock in accommodation, skiing and logistics well in advance.
Banff and Lake Louise is not a destination to rush.
It is a journey through landscapes, experiences and ski areas that are best appreciated over time.
Ten days allows you to see it properly. To ski each mountain, to experience both Banff and Lake Louise, and to venture further into Jasper.
Plan Your Banff & Lake Louise Snow Holiday
To start planning your 2026/27 Canadian Rockies snow holiday, contact the Mogul Ski World team on 1800 335 724 or email [email protected].
Explore the Snow Holiday Launchpad Deals page to view Early Bird offers and exclusive packages from our Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper partners.
