APH Resort Guides at a Glance:
Banff Norquay

Overview
Steep slopes all to yourself. It sounds like a dream come true but that’s exactly what you’ll find at Norquay.   The smallest – and some say friendliest – of the three resorts that lie around Banff is blessed with breathtaking scenery and excellent snow conditions.

Terrain
Although it’s pretty small in comparison with its Banff siblings (Lake Louise and Sunshine), Norquay has a good mix of terrain. Experts will love the challenging, ungroomed blacks, while intermediates will find plenty of cruisy, tree-lined blues. The terrain park here is good, too: come here mid-week and you’ll get the halfpipe to yourself.

Recommended run
Experts should take the North American chair and try XXX – a challenging double-black diamond

Ski-in, ski-out?
Like all of Banff ’s resorts, you need to get a shuttle bus up here, which leaves from Banff town centre. It’s about 15-minutes’ drive.

Cost of living
This is Canada – where burgers are about £4 and beers are a couple of quid.

Nightlife
Because it’s located outside town, the apres scene at Norquay is limited. Most people head back to town to do beers.

Alternative activities
There’s lots to do here, away from the slopes. Lovely walks in the woods, hot springs, cross-country skiing – take your pick.

Family friendly
The nursery slopes and ski school facilities here are excellent. Feel free to drop the kids off for the morning and make your way out for a few runs – they’ll be fine.

Findout more about Banff at Ultimate-Ski.com.