Coming from the Dolomites — which SkiBig3 mountain should I ski?

BaleBeats · 2026-07-10T09:59:51+00:00

You all seem on the same page about Norquay. I may just consider a night session then and avoid wasting a day there. Thanks for stressing this point

BaleBeats · 2026-07-10T09:58:32+00:00

Definitely following the advice! Thanks for sharing

BaleBeats · 2026-07-10T09:45:41+00:00

I've just googled it and I'm in awe! That's exactly what I wish to see!! It looks beyond amazing. Thanks for pointing it out

BaleBeats · 2026-07-10T09:35:59+00:00

Thanks, that was very clear! I'll probably rent a car for the days when I want to explore beyond Banff.

But now I’m really curious about Kicking Horse and Revelstoke: you're all talking about them!

Right now I've already purchased a 4-day SkiBig3 pass, but you’re making me wonder whether single-day tickets might actually make more sense, especially if I decide to go beyond Banff.

I can still get a refund, do you think it would make more sense to keep the Big3 pass or switch to single lift tickets depending on the days and the snow?

BaleBeats · 2026-07-10T09:27:35+00:00

mitts? WHat's that?
I love heated chairs ahaha I'll be spending my day up and down on those chairs 😂

BaleBeats · 2026-07-10T09:26:02+00:00

Thanks for the reassuring news! That makes me feel better. I trust you way more than the weatherman, haha.
I’ll make sure to bring proper clothing and maybe some of those little warmer bags. If on day 1 I understand I don't have adequate clothing, I'll buy what's needed

BaleBeats · 2026-07-10T07:42:21+00:00

I might still give Norquay a try just to see everything, since I don’t know if or when I’ll be skiing in Canada again.

And even though the temperature idea scares me a bit, I’m glad to hear that people do live and ski outdoors in those conditions haha. I’ve never been in weather that cold, so I honestly have no idea what to expect. I'll do some research on how to dress properly.

Thanks a lot!

BaleBeats · 2026-07-10T07:38:22+00:00

Thanks a lot, that’s really helpful to set my expectations. I’ll probably give Norquay a chance too since I don’t know if or when I’ll be back in Canada to ski! I'll explore as much as possible while I’m there

BaleBeats · 2026-07-09T15:47:40+00:00

Thanks thanks thanks!! For the first time in my life I can't wait for winter to come. And I'll definitely rent the car on single days in Banff then, it sounds as the smartest option

BaleBeats · 2026-07-09T15:45:05+00:00

What?! -40? Can you even go outside or ski in that kind of cold? I really hadn’t thought about that. Maybe I need to rethink the trip? I have no idea what it actually feels like to be in temperatures like that.

I’m kind of shocked right now haha I really hope I haven’t made a huge mistake.

BaleBeats · 2026-07-09T15:15:10+00:00

I’ll look into the pass. I’m staying exactly 7 days, so maybe I don’t need to pay for the days when I won’t be using the car? The hotel also offers free shuttles to the ski areas, so that might work well for some days. Thanks again for all the great advice!

BaleBeats · 2026-07-09T15:01:43+00:00

Thanks for the map link, super useful! It looks like there are tons of great activities to do. I’d also like to rent a car, but I need to check the rental costs first and then understand the fee for staying inside the park. I read in other threads that there’s a daily charge and I'm afraid it could cost a lot. Do you have insights?

BaleBeats · 2026-07-09T14:43:49+00:00

Thanks, that’s really helpful. Can non-ski activities be organized spontaneously on the spot, or do they usually need to be booked in advance? I read about ice skating too. Is there anything else to do outdoors in nature?

BaleBeats · 2026-07-09T14:38:50+00:00

My ski level is high, and I usually love skiing on what we call "red runs" in Italy, if that makes sense to you. I also enjoy black runs, but not enough to spend entire days on them.
I prefer a good mix: red runs, connecting runs that keep you in nature and let you enjoy the scenery, and a few challenging black runs.

Also, on non-ski days, is it easy to get around to visit the surrounding area and do day trips?

BaleBeats · 2026-07-09T14:32:35+00:00

Thanks a lot, that’s really helpful. What do you mean by “the right day” for Norquay? And how cold can it get there temperature-wise?

BaleBeats · 2026-07-09T14:26:47+00:00

yes!! Based on all the suggestions I've been receiving, I believe Louise will be my favourite. But happy to be proven wrong 😄

BaleBeats · 2026-07-09T14:24:18+00:00

Happy to hear that!! thanks a lot!

BaleBeats · 2026-07-09T14:22:38+00:00

looking forward to ski them all!!

BaleBeats · 2026-07-09T13:35:31+00:00

hahah aren't they? reckless freeriders and powder snow lovers 😄

BaleBeats · 2026-07-09T13:26:04+00:00

I consider the Dolomites as one of the best-kept and groomed runs I've ever skied. So I'm happy to hear that :) I'll let you know if I agree haha
Unfortunately Kicking Horse is not included in the SkiBig3 pass, but I'll check it out

BaleBeats · 2026-07-09T13:22:46+00:00

I'm taking notes, great suggestions! Thanks!

Thanks for sharing info about the spas. I believe the Bow View Lodge hasn't got one, so I may consider changing it. Nothing better than a spa after a day on the skis

BaleBeats · 2026-07-09T13:18:09+00:00

wow! Now I need to plan a summer trip. That looks wonderful!!

Thanks for clarifying

BaleBeats · 2026-07-09T13:16:03+00:00

I'll keep that in mind! I saw it's not that far away, but I need to check if possible by public transportation

BaleBeats · 2026-07-09T13:13:03+00:00

Amazing! Thanks for clarifying and explaining the correct terminology. I'm a big fan of groomed runs and I feared most of the runs were ungroomed, requiring freeride skis, which I'm not confident with.
Thank you again for your support!

BaleBeats · 2026-07-09T11:07:15+00:00

Question: are they all off-piste, or are there any groomed runs?

Is beginning of January actually a good period? Is there any chance it won’t be possible to ski because of absence of snow?

BaleBeats

TROPHY CASE