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SnowDays in Banff & Lake Louise
Banff National Park

SnowDays in Banff & Lake Louise

Event Dates: January 18 – 29, 2023

Who doesn’t love a snow day? Such great childhood memories of waking up for school just to discover a heavy snowfall that resulted in school being cancelled. The joy of the surprise play day and the magic of spending it outside, throwing snowballs, building snowmen, making snow angels, and impromptu sledding sessions on everything from crazy carpets to garbage bags. So, why not relive those blissed-filled memories or make new ones with your family at Banff SnowDays in January.

Magical Snow and Ice Sculptures at Banff SnowDays
Photo Credit: Shannon Martin

where to stay during banff snowdays

Whether you choose to stay in town or up at Lake Louise, both properties promise to impress with luxury accommodations, wonderful winter wonderlands, cozy places to gather and exceptional dining choices. Find the right Fairmont offer for your Banff SnowDays visit and save up to 25% off.

What To EXpect at Banff SnowDays

Every January, the main streets of Banff, from the Whyte Museum, to Bear Street and Banff Avenue Square, are transformed into a winter wonderland and spectacular outdoor gallery of light and snow creations. During the first days of the festival you can watch talented sculptors as they cut and contour huge blocks of snow into extraordinary works of art. Bundle up and grab a hot drink, then wander the trail of snow sculptures guaranteed to impress kids of all ages.

While not limited to the dates of SnowDays, having started December 2nd and running through the winter, be sure to visit Banff Gondola for Nightrise. Created by visionary Montreal-based multimedia studio Moment Factory in partnership with the Stoney Nakoda Nation, Nightrise transforms Sulphur Mountain into an immersive, interactive experience after dark through dynamic lights, projections, original soundscapes and more.

Banff Snowdays Play Zone

Fun for the whole family, is waiting at the SnowDays Play Zone. Activities include ice slides, sledding hill, fat tire bike track, cross-country ski track, and much more. Play together in the snow as much as you want. Or you can just hit the slopes at One of Banff National Parks world class ski resorts. After all, Banff is known for pristine skiing and snowboarding in the Canadian Rockies.

Banff SnowDays Play Zone - Family Fun
Photo Credit: Shannon Martin

NORWAY’S WILDEST WINTER SPORT AT SNOWDAYS

What every you do, be sure to stick around for an exhibition by Skijor Canada. What is Skijor? Think trick skiers pulled by horses. It’s wildly entertaining and an incredible display of athleticism.

Banff SnowDays Skijor Event
Photo Credit: Shannon Martin

Winter Experiences Beyond Limits

more snowdays and ice magic

Finally, While Lake Louise’s Ice Magic Festival is not scheduled this year, there is still plenty of magical ice to experience. Visit Canada’s (maybe the world’s) most spectacular outdoor ice rink. Enjoy a spin through the ice castle on the lake; play a pick up game of shinny; play in the snow or skate on one of Canada’s largest outdoor rinks. As a matter of fact, skate rentals are available at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Take a moment to enjoy the beauty of the season, especially the Ice sculptures on the grounds.

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