2025-02 Banff

Thursday, February 6, 2025

Best Scenic Views

Best Views at SunShine, Lake Louise and Norquay

https://www.banfflakelouise.com/blog/bucket-list-ski-runs-banff-lake-louise-ski-trip

Top 5 Longest Green Runs at Lake Louise

Lake Louise Ski Resort boasts several long green runs that are perfect for beginners looking to enjoy extended descents amidst stunning scenery. Here are five of the longest green runs you might want to check out:

Wiwaxy

Starting from the Glacier Express Chairlift, Wiwaxy is a popular choice among beginners. It's a designated slow trail, ensuring a relaxed environment as you make your way down. The run offers gentle twists and turns, providing a scenic and enjoyable descent.

Pika

Accessible from either the Grizzly Express Gondola or the Ptarmigan Quad Chairlift, Pika is celebrated for its balanced terrain. It's not too steep and offers a pleasant ride with gentle curves, making it a favorite among novice skiers.

Easy Street

Located off the Juniper Express Chairlift, Easy Street provides a wide trail with a gentle slope, ideal for those new to skiing. The run is often less crowded, allowing beginners to practice comfortably.

Eagle Meadows

Starting near the top of the front side, Eagle Meadows offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. The run begins with a straightforward downhill section, followed by a gentle, wide trail that's perfect for beginners.

Pine Cone Way

Branching off from Wiwaxy, Pine Cone Way is a longer, less steep alternative. While it's a bit narrower, it provides a serene and extended descent for those looking to enjoy a peaceful run.

TRAVELBANFFCANADA.COM

These runs not only offer manageable terrain for beginners but also showcase the breathtaking beauty of Lake Louise, making your skiing experience both enjoyable and memorable.

Here are some (Lake Louise) that I can take my kid on, who is learning parallel, but much of the time reverts to the snowplow straight down the hill technique:

FRONT SIDE GREEN

-Wiwaxy

-Pine Cone Way (one of the easiest)

-Eagle Meadows

-Deer Run

FRONT SIDE BLUE

-Home Run

-Cameron Way

-Juniper/Juniper Jungle

BACKSIDE GREEN

-Saddleback

-Pika

-Lookout

-Marmot

BACKSIDE BLUE

-Old Ptarmigan

-Larch (this one is a steeper blue for sure and might be a black in Colorado). Larch run and Larch Poma run are definitely steeper blues so try the green runs off Larch chair first, and then if you're comfortable, work your way up.

Sunday, February 2, 2025

Norquay Trail Map

Norquay Trail Maps

Beginner Runs: Lower middle, right of base lodge

Intermediate Runs: Right side

Mount Norquay offers a variety of green runs suitable for beginners, though the resort's compact size means fewer long descents compared to larger ski areas. The longest run at Norquay is approximately 1,167 meters (3,828 feet).

BANFFNORQUAY.COM

While specific lengths of individual green runs aren't readily available, here are some of the notable green runs at Mount Norquay:

Cascade

Located near the Cascade chairlift, this area provides gentle slopes ideal for those new to skiing or snowboarding.

Abracadabra

Accessible via the Spirit Chair, Abracadabra offers a unique progression with a pitch that transitions from blue to green, making it suitable for beginners looking to challenge themselves slightly.

Consolation

This run provides a gentle slope, perfect for practicing turns and building confidence.

Easy Way

As the name suggests, this run offers an easy descent, making it a favorite among novices.

Surprise

A beginner-friendly run that provides a comfortable slope for those new to the sport.

These runs are designed to help beginners develop their skills in a comfortable environment. For a detailed view of these trails and to plan your day on the mountain, you can refer to Mount Norquay's trail map.

Keep in mind that while Mount Norquay offers a cozy, local-friendly atmosphere with shorter lift lines, its terrain is more limited in variety and length compared to larger resorts. However, it's an excellent choice for those seeking a relaxed and authentic skiing experience close to Banff.

SunShine Village Trails

Mount Standish

https://files.skimap.org/8yy3anqajwczkm0ish0f63vbpl4a.pdf

Lookout Mountain

Blue: SunShine Coast, Goat's Eye Mountain

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BG9dpXa-kmQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LejdNsYI-NA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lG0ysGFlbDM

Green: Green Run

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5X_aStfOqo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SGE865ADE5w

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aPT-YwEFvEo

Green: Meadow Park

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M8R3MLFbeBY

Banff Sunshine Village offers a variety of green runs that cater to beginners and those looking to enjoy leisurely descents amidst stunning alpine scenery. Here are five of the longest and most enjoyable green runs at the resort:

Banff Avenue (Sunshine Ski-Out)

This is the resort's signature green run, stretching approximately 8 kilometers (5 miles) from the upper village all the way down to the parking lot. It's a favorite among beginners for its gentle slopes and scenic views.

Green Run

Accessed from the Angel Express or Tee Pee Town LX chairlifts, this run offers a gentle descent with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. It's a great choice for those looking to build confidence on longer runs.

Meadow Park

Starting from the Wawa Quad Chair, Meadow Park provides a scenic and leisurely route, making it ideal for beginners seeking a relaxed skiing experience.

Dell Valley

Located off the Strawberry Express Quad Chair, Dell Valley is known for its natural halfpipe shape, offering a unique and enjoyable experience for novice skiers.

Rock Isle Road

Also accessible from the Strawberry Express, this run is wide and gently sloping, making it perfect for those new to skiing. It's often less crowded, allowing for a more relaxed descent.