Hi all - hoping for some perspective/opinions. I'll be heading to the area in late February with a group of friends (8-10 people total) for an extended weekend of checking out Banff/Lake Louise and skiing. While there seem to be plenty of lodging options if we wanted to split up and get our own rooms, it looks like most of the lodgings still available for larger groups are in Canmore or in the surrounding area. It sounds like Canmore is nice in and of itself, but Banff is closer to the skiing, seems to have more nightlife, and seems to have some added convenience with the free shuttle to the slopes.
With that in mind, I'd be interested in any perspectives or opinions that those who live in the area may have on where to stay (i.e. whether it'd be worth it to split up or pay extra to stay in Banff). For reference, we're all in our late or 20s or early 30s, and this is as much a reunion for folks now living in different areas as it is a ski trip
.
Thanks in advance!
I highly recommend Canmore over Banff for accommodations for large group. Banff is slightly better for smaller intimate stays IMO. Assuming there's multiple vehicles with 8-10 people showing up, it's so much easier to drive out to Canmore separately and carpool in a minivan or two to Banff/skiing. That way you don't need to pay park admission for every vehicle. Canmore is very close to Banff as mentioned, so it's very easy to drive back and forth between the two for soaking in the hot springs, food and nightlight. Canmore isn't a slouch itself for certain amenities though. There are taxi options between the two towns if you all want to drink and responsibly get back, but I don't know the rates and I'm assuming it's a little pricey. I believe there's a bus option, but not sure of the rates and whether it's convenient.
From what I understand Sunshine is a popular hill and a somewhat easy hill. It's also the closest hill to Calgary which adds to the popularity. It's great if you get there first thing, but if you plan on staying the full day, it may ice up faster than other hills due to the popularity.
Louise doesn't ice up as quickly as far as I know maybe because it's bigger and further from Calgary and it's a beautiful hill.
I believe Norquay is a bit further out so it'll be even less busy which means much more fresh powder.
Depending how much you guys want to experience, Canmore to Kicking Horse BC is just slightly over 2 hours and from what I understand, it's an amazing mountain that completely blows the 3 out of the water. It might not be an interesting option if a few harder core individuals of the group want to make the extra trek out and spend the day out there and drive back for the evening.
Kicking Horse Mountain Resort - Champagne Powder Capital of Canada™
I know you guys are all in for hitting the hills, but if somehow there's intrigue, snowshoeing is worth a shot as well as there's some really beautiful areas to explore in the Canmore/Kananaskis area and the Banff/national park area. Definitely consider renting gear in Calgary if it's of interest rather than out there. Places like MEC and U of C has decent gear for rent at reasonable rates.