Ski and Snowboard at Ski Banff @ Norquay Ski Resort, Banff, Alberta

Ski Banff @ Norquay, Banff Region, Alberta, Canada

This small, challenging ski and snowboard area is definitely a locals' favorite.

Ski Banff @ Norquay is a great place to start your Banff winter adventure. In fact, you may have so much fun, you can't help but return before leaving for home. Its reputation for challenge hits you as soon as you drive into the parking lot and see the steeps served by the original Norquay double chair. But if you're not an expert, don't turn around and go home. There are convenient, forgiving beginner and intermediate areas just next door. See mountain layout.

MOUNTAIN OVERVIEW | EVENTS

Norquay, just a 10-minute drive or shuttle ride from Banff, and home of two time World Cup GS Champ Thomas Grandi, claims some of the best grooming in Western Canada. It also threatens the thighs with some gnarly bump runs and hard-core dynamite double-black super-steeps, as demanding as any slopes in the Canadian Rockies.

There are virtually no lift lines here, so you can really rack up the vertical. The winding mountain road that takes you up to the base lodge can be a bit dicey, but the views are incredible as you climb above the town of Banff. Be sure to watch for elk.

The 24,000 square foot Cascade Lodge at the base was built in 1996 after the previous lodge burned down. This beautiful post & beam lodge includes an excellent restaurant, a bar, three large stone fireplaces and the other usual services.

Ski Banff @ Norquay Resort Facts:

Summit elevation: 7,000 feet
Vertical drop: 1,650 feet
Base elevation: 5,350 feet

Expert: ++++
Advanced: ++++
Intermediate: +++
Beginner: ++
First-timer: ++

Address: P.O. Box 1520, Banff, Alberta, Canada T1L 1B4
Area code: 403
Ski area phone: 762-4421
Snow report: 760-7704
Fax: 762-8133
E-mail: info@banffnorquay.com
Internet: www.banffnorquay.com

Number of lifts: 5—1 high-speed quad, 2 quads, 1 double, 1 moving carpet
Skiable acreage: 190 acres
Snowmaking: 85 percent
Uphill capacity: 7,000 per hour
Parks & pipes: 1 park, 1 pipe
Nearest lodging: Base of access road–—ski-in only
Resort child care: Yes, 19 months and older
Adult ticket, per day: C$49 (06/07, plus tax)

Banff Region Facts:

Dining: ++++
Apres-ski/nightlife: ++++
Other activities: +++++

Internet: www.skibig3.com (tri-area skiing); www.banfflakelouise.com (tourism bureau); www.canadianrockies.net (townsite)

Bed base: 10,000 in Banff