Just Back From: Island Hopping in the Maldives
When most people picture the Maldives, they imagine one dreamy island stay. But on my recent trip,
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Having sent so many of my clients to Banff over the years, I felt it was finally time to experience it properly for myself and what better excuse than a week of skiing across all three resorts in the heart of the Canadian Rockies.
At the end of February, my partner and I headed to Banff for seven nights, perfectly timed for peak winter season, and we were Incredibly lucky with a fresh dump of powder during our stay. I can honestly say I’ve never skied on snow so soft!
We based ourselves at Elk + Avenue Hotel, right on Banff Avenue. The location was ideal. Steps from restaurants, bars and shops, and with the ski bus stop directly outside the hotel.
We didn’t hire a car and honestly didn’t need one. The ski shuttles were excellent. Frequent, reliable and operating to all three resorts, making it incredibly easy to explore the “Big 3.”
Banff is unique in that you can ski three completely different mountains in one trip. If you’re a keen skier and have the time, I highly recommend skiing all three. They each offer something different.
Banff Sunshine – My Personal Favourite
Just 15 minutes by shuttle from Banff Avenue, Banff Sunshine quickly became my favourite, especially on a bluebird day. There is nothing quite like standing at the top of the mountain under clear blue skies, surrounded by endless snow covered peaks.
For beginners and intermediates, Sunshine is fantastic. The wide alpine greens and blues are ideal for building confidence and practising your turns.
If you love a long scenic blue, Sunshine Coast at Goat’s Eye Mountain is a must. An Incredible three mile ski back down towards the gondola. It felt like it went on forever in the best possible way.
My daily ritual was a mid morning hot chocolate stop on the mountain. The perfect energy boost and a lovely way to warm frozen hands before heading back out.
Lake Louise Ski Resort – Vast & Varied
About 40 minutes by shuttle, but absolutely worth it. Lake Louise offers a huge selection of terrain, again brilliant for beginners and intermediates, but plenty of advanced skiing too. Wide open cruising runs and spectacular scenery in every direction. You feel properly immersed in the Rockies here.
The fresh powder we had during our week made for the dreamiest ski conditions, proper soft, floaty powder days that you just don’t always get in Europe.
Mount Norquay – Compact & Fun
Smaller and closest to town, Mount Norquay is ideal if you want a shorter ski day or to mix things up. It rounds out the Big 3 experience nicely. runs here are shorter but still fun! They also have a tubing park, great for all ages and lots of fun!
Top Ski Tips
We built in a rest day, which I would highly recommend. Banff is far more than just skiing. The town itself is compact, easy to navigate on foot and framed by breathtaking views of Cascade Mountain, Mount Rundle and Sulphur Mountain.
Banff Avenue must have one of the most spectacular “main street” backdrops in the world. Just make sure you pack proper snow boots with grip, we had plenty of snow underfoot!
E Fat Biking Along the Bow River
One of the highlights of our non ski day was an e fat biking scenic tour. Basically they are bikes with oversized tyres designed for snow. Such a fun and different way to explore.
We cycled along the Bow River, stopping at Bow Rivers Falls, Cave & Basin National Historic Site and a viewpoint overlooking the iconic Fairmont Banff Springs. It was a two hour tour and far more adventurous than simply strolling around town.
Banff Gondola – 360° Rockies Views
We chose a clear, sunny day to go up the Banff Gondola and the views across the Canadian Rockies were absolutely incredible.
Top tip: Check the weather and go on a bright day for those full 360 degree panoramic views. You can hop on the Roam Transit bus from downtown for just a couple of Canadian dollars, very easy!
The Iconic Fairmont & Après-Ski Scene
We walked from Banff Avenue to the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, about 30 minutes on foot (or a short bus ride). Stopping at the Rundle Bar for their colour changing gin which was a nice treat.
Banff also does après exceptionally well. Between 4–5pm many bars and restaurants offer fantastic Happy Hour deals, perfect after a full ski day.
My favourites:
Banff is scenic on a level that’s hard to describe. Towering peaks, crisp mountain air, endless powder and a genuinely fun, friendly town atmosphere. It’s compact and easy to navigate, yet feels adventurous and exciting.
Whether you visit in winter for skiing or summer for hiking, it absolutely deserves a place on your Canadian wish list. I went primarily to ski and it delivered in every possible way, but I’ve left already thinking about my next Canadian adventure.
Practical Advice for Planning a Trip
Banff is a wonderful addition to a wider Canadian adventure. Whether paired with a road trip through the Rockies, Lake Louise, Jasper, or even extended into British Columbia.
If Banff or a wider Canadian road trip through the Rockies is on your radar, I’d love to help you plan it properly.
From ski itineraries across the Big 3 to luxury lodges, scenic rail journeys and tailor made self drive adventures, I’ll design a trip that fits you perfectly. Please get in touch with and let’s start planning your Canadian escape!
When most people picture the Maldives, they imagine one dreamy island stay. But on my recent trip,
After years of sending clients, I finally experienced Banff for myself. Spending a week skiing the Big 3, with incredible powder, spectacular scenery and a brilliant après-ski scene.
Two boutique islands. Two unforgettable stays. Discover my latest Caribbean escape to Peter Island in
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