Ski & Snowboard The Big Three in the Rocky Mountains
Posted on November 24, 2014 • 3 minutes • 614 words
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Located in Banff National Park in beautiful Alberta is the world famous Trio of Rocky Mountain Resorts known as “The Big Three”. Mount Norquay, Sunshine Village, and Lake Louise Ski resort. These three world-class ski areas, found within 10 to 45 minutes from the Town of Banff. While Alberta is home to countless other mountains in the Rocky Mountain range, these three resorts are some of the most popular. If you’re new to skiing or snowboarding, each of the three ski areas provide lessons. From 3 day programs to one day refreshers courses. Their professional instructors aim to get get you from the top of the mountain back down to the comfort of the chalet in one piece with a mile wide smile on. For those with more experience, there are countless ski runs between the Big Three that are going to leave you aching after a few days on the slopes. 
Mount Norquay
Only 5Â minutes from the Town of Banff and 25 minutes from Canmore, Mount Norquay is easily one of the most accessible mountains in Banff National Park. Perfect for a full day trip, or a mid day powder session after a day at the shops. Mount Norquay is known for its close proximity to Banff, but also for its growing Terrain Park. There’s also a very convenient daily bus from Banff . For more information, check out the Mount Norquay website.
Mount Norquay Mountain Stats:
Vertical: 503m or 1,650 feet Base Elevation: 1630m or 5,350 feet Peak Elevation: 2133m or 7,000 feet Acreage: 190 acres 
Sunshine Village Ski Resort
Sunshine Village was one of the first mountains I ski’d when I was a kid. It was this trip that caused me to fall in love with mountain sports. While I hung up the skis and traded them in for a snowboard at the age of 13, I still make an effort to check out Sunshine Village whenever I’m in Banff. Located only 15 minutes from the Town of Banff, Sunshine Village sits atop the Continental Divide, and one of the only places in Canada where you can ski or snowboard from one province to the next. With over 3,300 acres of skiable terrain, this rocky mountain ski resort provides days of entertainment for beginners and experts. For more information, check out the Sunshine Village website.
Sunshine Village Mountain Stats
Vertical: 1070m 3,514 feet Base Elevation: 1,660m or 5,440 feet Peak Elevation: 2,730m or 8,954 feet Acreage: 3,358ac. 
Lake Louise Ski Resort
Sporting over 4,200 acres of ski-able terrain across four different mountains faces, this wildly popular ski resort is a must visit. With over 145 runs, and 3,250 vertical feet, it’s known as the “pro” mountain of the big three. Partly due to it being further away from the Town of Banff, leaving more fresh “pow” to sky or snowboard. The trail system here is immense, and the bowls are some of the best places to catch powder in the Rockies. For more information, check out the Lake Louise website.
Lake Louise Resort Mountain Stats
Vertical: 991m or 3,250 feet Base Elevation: 1,645m or 5,400 feet Peak Elevation: 2,647m or 8,650 feet Skiable Area:Â 4,200 acres
Big 3 Tri Area Lift Tickets
The Big 3 are a great way to dip your feet into the massive amount of Ski Resorts in the Rocky Mountains and in Canada. What I love about the Big 3 is that you can get tri-area lift tickets, allowing you to sample each mountain, and really do up a proper multi-day ski or snowboard trip. Located around the hustle and bustle of the quaint little mountain town of Banff, you’re guaranteed to make some superb memories.
