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Guide To Ski Season 2020-21
Banff National Park

Guide To Ski Season 2020-21

A comprehensive guide to the Ski Resorts 2020-21 season in Canada’s Western Mountains.

The first snow has started making an appearance in many parts of the country. We are just as excited for the Ski season in Canada’s Western Mountain region. The new normal may look very different this season compared to previous years on the slopes. This is due to the resorts adapting to new health and safety measures and ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.

The ski resorts in Canada’s Western Mountain region are all geared up to welcome guests for a much-awaited ski season. For this, the resorts have implemented new guidelines provided by the government health officials. Here’s a comprehensive guide to carving up Canada’s most coveted snow in the various resorts this ski season. Read below for expected opening dates of ski resorts, health and safety guidelines, where to purchase passes and tickets. With this handy guide, plan your visit and the best après-ski fun!

tourism whistler skiing whistler blackcomb

Whistler Blackcomb

Expected opening November 26, 2020

With two mountains and 4,757 skiable acres, Whistler Blackcomb boasts of 19 lifts/gondolas, 200 marked runs, 16 alpine bowls, and 3 glaciers. Needless to say, there is plenty of space to enjoy your ski and snowboard adventures at Canada’s biggest ski resort.

How will things be different this year? Whistler Blackcomb is ready to unveil a reimagined mountain experience this ski season with a new reservation system.

The resort is expecting a huge demand this ski season and is making advance reservations mandatory for all guests. Pass holders will get priority access:

Pass holders have up to seven Priority Reservation Days and seven Week-Of Reservation Days. These can be booked in advance on a renewable basis.

Important dates to note:

You must reserve your Priority reservation Days by December 7, 2020. All lift tickets will be bookable starting December 8, 2020.

Whistler Blackcomb will be taking extra precautions this ski season as per the guidance of B.C. health officials. Seating on chair lifts and gondolas will be limited to guests skiing or riding together. If guests are riding solo, they will be spaced out on opposite sides.

Ensure a safe and optimal experience and plan your ski vacation in advance with the most updated information at Whistler Blackcomb.

Season passes can be bought online here.

Marmot Basin, Jasper

Expected opening November 12, 2020

A spacious 91 run, 7 lift paradise, Marmot Basin is touted as the most affordable ski resort away from the crowded neighbouring slopes. Jasper has seen it’s first snow this season as early as Canadian Thanksgiving weekend and Marmot Basin is among the first ski resorts to open this season. Social distancing in any year at this resort is second nature and you’ll find plenty of pristine acreage to yourself.

No prior reserved time slots required. Let the staff now if you prefer to ride solo on the lifts. Pre-booked lift tickets, lessons, and rentals to avoid standing in lines. Park and ski is a great option at Marmot Basin for their novice run called “Home Run”.

Face coverings are mandatory in all public spaces, except when skiing or when seated in a designated seating area in the dining outlets.

Physical distancing measures are in place in chalets and lift lines.

Marmot Basin shuttle buses will only be utilizing window seats, restricting the buses to half capacity to ensure more space.

Dining: all outlets will be open, and to minimize touchpoints only cashless payments will be accepted.

Plan your Jasper ski vacation and purchase passes here.

Banff Sunshine

Expected opening November 8, 2020.

Boasting of three mountains of terrain span across 3,358 acres, 12 lifts and 137 runs, the resort is confident it will not need to limit capacity on the mountains, and will be maintaining the recommended health and safety standards.

Prior reservations are not a must, however, it is best to arrive with your pre-bought passes and lift tickets to skip long line-ups.

The Banff Sunshine Gondola is expected to be loaded to capacity on busy days. Hence, guests who prefer to ride solo should consider visiting during non-peak times.

Pre-purchase your Sunshine Super Cards on Sunshine e-store, Safeway, Sport Check, and other select retailers as are Season Passes.

Lake Louise Ski Resort

Expected opening October 29, 2020.

With 4200 skiable acres, 10 lifts and 145 runs, the Lake Louise Ski resort has been voted as the #1 Ski Resort in Canada at the 2019 World Ski Awards.

Reservations at Lake Louise ski resort are not mandatory. Avoid long lines and purchase season passes/tickets online in advance of the ski season.

Resort lifts will open earlier on some weekends and holidays. This will help reduce the number of people that are in the base area at one time.  

On most days lifts will have one cohort per chair or gondola. On certain days, there will be an option to combine cohorts to get through the line faster. Note that on busy days the line for guests requesting a separate chair/gondola may be longer.

All indoor facilities will have reduced capacity to ensure social distancing and the resort has installed washroom trailers to aid distancing.

The resort will be closing it’s fabulous daycare facility at the start of the season. But Ski Louise is looking at bringing back this service later in the season. You can check back for this facility and other frequently asked questions on their website.

Mt. Norquay

Expected opening October 24, 2020.

The best-kept secret of the Canadian Rockies skiing, this hidden gem offers 190 skiiable acres, 6 lifts, 60 runs. As the training ground of Olympic and World Cup athletes, everyone will love this small, family-friendly resort. Note, the tube park will be operating at limited capacity.

Reservations are not mandatory and season passes are on sale now.

All pass cancellations are eligible for a ‘no questions asked’ full refund till Oct 31. This is a great incentive to book in advance!

The best little secret is that this resort includes Fridays in mid-week skiing offers.

The mountain’s shuttle service was not running in the Summer. However, the resort does plan to bring back shuttle service for the ski season with added precautions.

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