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TSC Banff Winter Shootout 2026

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About this event

TRIP SUMMARY: Trip

Start Date	February 7, 2026	Trip Coordinator	Max Salinas
End Date	February 14, 2026	Email	msalinas4926@gmail.com
Full Package	$1,946.00 pp
Land Package	$1,274.00 pp	Final Payment Date	12/20/2025
Deposit	15%	Resort Affiliation	IKON
Total Participants	36
Note: package prices reflect 3.15% credit card fee.

Ground Transportation
Transfers between airports and hotels are arranged for the main group and are coordinated with the main group’s flight itineraries. It is incumbent upon the participants to adhere to this recommendation, cost for off schedule transportation will be the responsibility of the participant.
Roommate requirement
If a registrant is a single traveler, it is the responsibility of the participant to identify a qualified roommate. If the Trip Coordinator aids with roommate matching, it will be the responsibly for each participant to communicate and approve the match within two weeks of being notified by email. If participants do not agree, then one of the following options exist:
• the option to pay for a single supplement (if available), or
• be moved to the wait list, or
• cancel less club cancellation fee before final payment
Room and/or Condo mate requests (new for 2025-26)
If you want a particular room and/or condo mates, please specify who they are. If configurations work, we we will accommodate the request
Forms of Payment
SCSC will no longer accept cash as payment for trips. Credit Card, Check, Cashier’s Check and Money Orders are acceptable forms of payment.

Join Us for an Adventure to Banff, Canada

Why Choose This Trip?

Skiing in Banff National Park, home to the SkiBig3 resorts (Banff Sunshine Village, Lake Louise Ski Resort, and Mt. Norquay), offers a unique combination of factors that make it a standout choice compared to other ski destinations. Here are the key reasons to choose Banff over other ski resorts:

• Unparalleled Scenery and UNESCO Status

Banff National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, provides jaw-dropping views of the Canadian Rockies, with iconic peaks like Mt. Rundle, Mount Assiniboine, and turquoise lakes like Lake Louise. The resorts are nestled in pristine wilderness, offering vistas that many skiers consider among the most beautiful in the world, such as sweeping views from Sunshine Village’s lifts or Lake Louise’s back bowls overlooking Mount Victoria. This natural beauty sets Banff apart from resorts with less dramatic landscapes.

• Three Resorts with One Lift Ticket

The SkiBig3 lift ticket grants access to three distinct resorts—Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise, and Mt. Norquay—covering 7,748 acres of skiable terrain, 357 runs, two gondolas, and 26 chairlifts. This variety allows skiers to explore diverse terrain without needing separate passes, unlike many destinations with single-resort access. For example, you can ski Sunshine’s off-piste terrain in the morning and Lake Louise’s expansive bowls in the afternoon. Ikon Pass and Mountain Collective pass holders also get significant access (up to seven days), adding value.

• Abundant Snowfall and Long Season

Banff Sunshine Village receives up to 30 feet (9 meters) of light, dry powder annually, the most among Banff’s resorts, due to its high elevation (2,730m/8,954ft). The region’s consistently cold temperatures ensure excellent snow quality, and the season runs from November to May, one of the longest in Canada. Compared to resorts with shorter seasons or less reliable snow, Banff’s conditions are a major draw.

• Diverse Terrain for All Abilities

The SkiBig3 resorts cater to every skill level. Lake Louise, Canada’s largest single ski resort with 4,200 acres, offers 164 runs, including beginner-friendly greens (22% of terrain), long intermediate cruisers, and expert-level double black chutes in the back bowls. Sunshine Village is renowned for advanced off-piste terrain like Delirium Dive and has four terrain parks, while Mt. Norquay provides family-friendly slopes and night skiing. This variety surpasses many resorts that cater primarily to one skill level.

• Low Crowds and Accessibility

Banff’s resorts are less crowded than many popular destinations, especially midweek, due to their location in a protected national park. Visitors note minimal lift lines even during peak snow conditions, unlike busier resorts like Whistler or Vail. Proximity to Calgary International Airport (90 minutes to Banff, 2 hours to Lake Louise) and free shuttle services from Banff hotels to all three resorts make access seamless, avoiding the challenging mountain passes of some other destinations.

• Vibrant Après-Ski and Off-Mountain Activities

Banff’s lively mountain town offers a vibrant après-ski scene with restaurants, bars, and cultural attractions like the Whyte Museum and Banff Centre. Lake Louise provides serene options like cocktails at the Fairmont Chateau with frozen lake views. Beyond skiing, Banff offers dog sledding, snowshoeing, ice skating, hot springs, and wildlife viewing (e.g., elk, grizzlies). These activities provide a richer experience compared to resorts with limited off-mountain options.

• Value and Favorable Exchange Rates

Banff offers competitive value, especially for international visitors due to favorable exchange rates. The SkiBig3 super card/plus card ($119 CAD) provides discounts and free lift tickets on select days, and a three-day pass (around $550 CAD) is cost-effective for multi-resort access. Compared to pricier resorts in the U.S. or Europe, Banff delivers world-class skiing at a lower cost.

• Rich Skiing Heritage

Banff’s deep ties to North American ski culture, with lodges operating for nearly a century and Lake Louise hosting Ski World Cup races, add a unique historical appeal. Mt. Norquay, approaching its 100th anniversary in 2026, offers a nostalgic, local vibe. This heritage enhances the experience for those seeking a culturally significant ski destination

Banff Big 3 Mountain Statistics

The “Big 3” ski resorts are Banff Sunshine Village, Lake Louise Ski Resort, and Mt. Norquay. Below are the key ski mountain statistics for each resort.

Banff Sunshine Village

Skiable Area: 3,358 acres
Vertical Drop: 3,514 feet (1,070 meters)
Base Elevation: 5,440 feet (1,658 meters)
Summit Elevation: 8,954 feet (2,730 meters, highest in Canada)
Number of Runs: 107 trails
Beginner: 20%
Intermediate: 55%
Advanced/Expert: 25% (includes Delirium Dive, a renowned freeride zone requiring avalanche gear)
Lifts: 12 total (1 high-speed 8-passenger gondola, 7 quads, 1 triple, 1 double, 2 surface lifts)
Terrain Features: Freeride zones (e.g., Delirium Dive), terrain park, tree runs, and open bowls.

Lake Louise Ski Resort

Skiable Area: 4,200 acres (largest single ski resort in Canada)
Vertical Drop: 3,250 feet (990 meters)
Base Elevation: 5,400 feet (1,646 meters)
Summit Elevation: 8,650 feet (2,637 meters)
Number of Runs: 139 trails
Beginner: 25%
Intermediate: 45%
Advanced/Expert: 30% (includes World Cup Downhill, gladed runs, chutes, and back bowls)
Longest Run: 5 miles (8 kilometers)
Lifts: 10 total (1 gondola, 5 chairlifts, 4 surface lifts)

Mt. Norquay

Skiable Area: 190 acres
Vertical Drop: 1,650 feet (503 meters)
Base Elevation: 5,350 feet (1,630 meters)
Summit Elevation: 7,000 feet (2,133 meters)
Number of Runs: 60 trails (16.4 km/10.2 miles of marked runs)
Beginner: 20%
Intermediate: 36%
Advanced: 28%
Expert: 16% (includes big moguls and steep terrain)
Longest Run: 1,167 meters (3,828 feet)
Average Annual Snowfall: 10 feet (3 meters, 120 inches)
Lifts: 4 chairlifts (including the Cascade chair for night skiing)
Terrain Features: Fully lit terrain park for night skiing, tubing park, tree-lined trails.

Accommodation

We will be staying at the Banff Ptarmigan Inn. It is a compelling choice for a ski lodge in Banff due to its prime location, convenient amenities, and access to the Banff Big 3 ski resorts. Here’s why it stands out:

• Central Location: Situated on Banff Avenue, the inn is just steps from downtown Banff, offering easy access to shops, restaurants, and attractions like Bow Falls and Banff Upper Hot Springs. This makes it ideal for skiers who want to combine slope time with exploring the vibrant town.

• Ski Resort Access: The free ski shuttle for the SkiBig3 lift pass (covering Mount Norquay, Sunshine Village, and Lake Louise) stops right outside the hotel, making it incredibly convenient to reach the slopes. Mount Norquay is a 10-minute drive, Sunshine Village 25 minutes, and Lake Louise 45 minutes. Complimentary Roam bus passes also facilitate exploration of Banff National Park.

• Ski-Friendly Amenities: The inn offers a dedicated ski room for equipment storage, ensuring gear is secure and organized. After a day on the slopes, guests can relax in two indoor hot tubs, a steam room, or a sauna, perfect for soothing tired muscles.

• Comfortable Accommodations: With 134 rooms featuring Mountain Luxury bedding, flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and Keurig coffee makers, the inn provides cozy and practical lodging. Superior rooms with mountain views or split rooms offer added comfort and privacy. We are staying in Superior 2 Queen Hotel rooms.

• On-Site Dining: The Meatball Pizza & Pasta restaurant serves breakfast and dinner, offering convenient Italian-inspired meals. Breakfasts are included in the trip price. This is great for skiers who prefer to dine in after a long day.

• Additional Perks: Free heated underground parking (first-come, first-served) keeps vehicles protected from winter weather. Complimentary Wi-Fi and a “Best of Banff” booklet with local discounts enhance the guest experience.

• Porterage: Roundtrip porterage is included in the trip price. Ski equipment will not be delivered to rooms.

• Website: Banff Ptarmigan Inn

Transportation

The optional group airfare will be on United Airlines on the following itinerary:

UA 537 07FEB IAHYYC 935A 105P
UA 750 14FEB YYCIAH 155P 700P

Tranportation to and from resort on Land Packages
Transfers between airports and hotels are arranged for the main group and are coordinated with the main group’s flight itineraries. It is incumbent upon the participants to adhere to this recommendation and any cost for off schedule transportation will be the responsibility of the participant.

Schedule

This is a Texas Ski Council (TSC) Winter Shootout Trip, February 7 -14, 2026. This trip will include a Welcome Party on Sunday, Banquet Dinner with DJ on Thursday, Ski Week Badge and pin, and on-site Ski Group representatives. A formal final schedule will be published before departure.

More Than Just Skiing

The Banff Big3 area offers a variety of winter activities beyond skiing and snowboarding. Here are some of the key non-skiing activities available:

1. Snowshoeing: Explore snow-covered trails in Banff National Park with guided snowshoe tours.
2. Tubing: Mt. Norquay features Alberta’s longest tube lanes at its Tube Town. Tubing is free with a SkiBig3 Lift Ticket.
3. Ice Skating: Skate on iconic frozen lakes like Lake Louise, maintained by the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, with stunning views of Victoria Glacier.
4. Dog Sledding: Experience a thrilling ride through the winter landscapes of Lake Louise or Canmore with a dog sled tour.
5. Fat Biking: Ride specially designed bikes with wide tires on snowy trails in Banff National Park.
6. Banff Gondola: Ride the gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain for 360-degree views of the Canadian Rockies.
7. Hot Springs: Relax in the Banff Upper Hot Springs, where geothermally heated, mineral-rich waters provide a soothing experience after a day in the cold.
8. Johnston Canyon Ice Walk: Walk along a steel catwalk through Johnston Canyon to see frozen waterfalls and glittering ice formations.
9. Cross-Country Skiing: Explore Banff’s trails, like those along the Bow River in Lake Louise, with cross-country skiing.
10. Horse-Drawn Sleigh Rides: Enjoy a cozy, scenic sleigh ride through Banff’s snowy landscapes, often along Banff Avenue or near Lake Louise.
11. Snowmobiling: Take a guided snowmobile tour through groomed or backcountry trails in the Rockies for an adrenaline-pumping experience.
12. Cave Tours: Explore underground caves in Banff with guided tours that involve climbing through woods and navigating stalactite-filled tunnels.
13. Helicopter Tours: See Banff from above with a 25- to 45-minute helicopter tour, offering views of valleys, mountain peaks, and the town nestled in the Rockies.
14. Northern Lights Viewing: On clear nights with a strong aurora forecast, head to dark areas of the park, like Lake Minnewanka, for a chance to see the Northern Lights. This is rare but possible from December to April.

Lift Ticket Summary

Banff “Big3” accepts the Ikon Lift pass. If you don’t have an Ikon pass and plan to purchase one, go purchase at https://www.sportsamerica.com/ikon-spacecity for a group discount.

For non-Ikon Lift pass holders, the tour operator will be offering discounted lift tickets that are interchangeable at all 3 resorts (Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise & Mt. Norquay). They are confirmed rates for the Texas Ski Council and we will take orders prior to final payment.

Banff Lift Ticket Prices

Age Range	Adult	Senior (65+)
3 out of 5 Day Ticket	$340	$247
4 out of 6 Day Ticket	$425	$319
5 out of 8 Day Ticket	$521	$389
6 out of 9 Day Ticket	$615	$458

Ski Rental

The Banff Ptarmigan Inn is centrally located on Banff Avenue, just steps from downtown Banff, making it close to several ski rental shops. I have listed a few nearby options below. SkiBig3 will eventually provide a promo code with a discount for their main site. This usually occurs sometime in September. They have 2 stores, but we will be using the Banff Adventure Hub at 114 Banff Ave in downtown Banff

1. SkiBig3 Adventure Hub (0.3 miles, ~6-minute walk)
o Location: 114 Banff Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1C2
o Website: skibig3.com
2.Ultimate Ski & Ride (0.1 miles, ~2-minute walk)
o Location: 206 Banff Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1B6
o Website: ultimateskiandride.com
3. The Ski Stop Banff (0.2 miles, ~4-minute walk)
o Location: 228 Banff Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1C2
o Website: skistopbanff.com
4. Snowtips-Bactrax (0.3 miles, ~6-minute walk)
o Location: 225 Bear St, Banff, AB T1L 1J2
o Website: snowtips-bactrax.com
5. Black Tie Ski Rentals (Mobile service, delivery to Ptarmigan Inn)
o Location: No physical store; delivers to your hotel
o Website: blacktieskis.com

Ski Lessons

Ski lessons for the Banff Big 3 resorts—Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise Ski Resort, and Mt. Norquay—are primarily offered through skibig3.com and individual resort snow schools. Here’s where you can book lessons:

1. SkiBig3 Snow School
2. Banff Sunshine Snow School
3. Lake Louise Ski Resort Snow School
4. Mt. Norquay Snow School

Online registration for Banff begins August 18, 2025 at 7:00 PM!! Make certain that your membership and online profile are up to date on https://www.spacecity.org/ as tears will not help once the trip is sold out. However, a waiting list will be available.

Trip Coordinator: Max Salinas
Msalinas4926@gmail.com

Date and Time

Saturday, February 7, 2026, 8:00 AM until Saturday, February 14, 2026, 5:00 PM

Event Contact(s)

Max Salinas

Registration Info

Registration is required and it opens Monday, August 18, 2025 at 7:00 PM

Payment By Schedule Only

Payment Schedule

Initial Payment: $ 0.00

8/18/2025

15%

11/20/2025

45%

12/20/2025

40%

Activities/Items (Click the down-arrow to view details)

Banff - Additional Single Supplement Charge - Contact TC for Availability

Banff Full Package

Banff Land Package