Skiing and snowboarding in Banff National Park in April can only mean one thing: spring skiing has arrived. If you’re thinking the ski season is winding down, think again. Around Banff and Lake Louise, April is when the season really hits its stride. Locals know it’s one of the best-kept secrets of the ski season. Fewer crowds, longer sunny days, warmer temperatures, and plenty of snowfall mean you can enjoy some of the best skiing of the season, often with even more space on the slopes.
Here's why April might just be the most underrated time to ski with SkiBig3.
Snowboarding at Banff Sunshine on April 11, 2025 | Photo credit: Jill Scarpato
Get ready for goggle tans and the occasional t-shirt lap. As temperatures begin to rise and the days get longer, SkiBig3’s resorts transform into prime spring skiing destinations. The resorts have a deep, well established snow base. This is especially true of the 25/26 season with record-breaking snowfall. In April average daily highs hover around 1–10ºC (34–50ºF), which means you can often leave the heated socks and heavy layers behind. With warmer temperatures and plenty of sunshine, the snow softens throughout the day, creating those smooth, buttery turns and forgiving bumps that spring skiing is famous for.
And just because it’s sunny doesn’t mean the snow stops falling. April still delivers regular refreshes. On average, you can expect around two snowfall days per week, so powder days are still very much on the table.
Skiing at Mt. Norquay on April 3, 2025 | Photo credit: Royce Sihlis
By April, many skiers start thinking about putting their gear away for the season. But that just means more mountain for everyone else. Spring skiing brings shorter lift lines, quieter runs, and plenty of room to explore. It’s the perfect time to tick off those long cruisers, explore new terrain, or simply enjoy lap after lap without the usual peak season crowds.
It’s also one of the best times to find great travel deals. Spring ski & stay packages often include mid-week specials, last-minute discounts and short-stay offers. And if you’re visiting from the United States, the Canadian exchange rate can stretch your ski vacation budget even further.
Spring skiing and sunny patio après go hand-in-hand. In April, SkiBig3’s mountain patios come alive with music, sunshine and that relaxed end-of-season energy.
At Banff Sunshine, the GOAT Club at Goat’s Eye Gardens comes alive on weekends with live DJs, sunshine and laid-back spring vibes. Apres the Canadian way with live performances from country singer, Tim Hus and DJ duo SkiiTour. Grab a cold beer or fresh Caesar at the legendary Mad Trapper's patio and swap stories from the day’s turns.
On April 25, don’t miss Red Bull Jump & Freeze. Expect creative homemade crafts, wild costumes, and competitors attempting to glide across an icy pond (with varying levels of success).
GOAT Club at Banff Sunshine | Photo credit: Jill Scarpato
Over at Lake Louise Ski Resort, sunny spring patios are practically a tradition. On the backside, the Temple Lodge patio is the perfect place to soak up the sun with friends after a few laps. On the frontside, the Banded Peak Base Camp patio serves refreshing drinks, tasty smoked BBQ and unbeatable 360º Rocky Mountain views.
April 25 also brings the resort’s annual Mt. Slushmore Pond Skim, a crowd favourite featuring crazy costumes, daring pond skims and a spring style party with live DJ sets and fresh drinks.
Mt Slushmore at Lake Louise Ski Resort on April 26, 2025 | Photo credit: Jill Scarpato
At Mt. Norquay, the Lone Pine Pub patio is a classic spring hangout. It’s the perfect place to soak up the afternoon sun and enjoy a drink after a few laps. While you’re there, try the send-tennial kölsch, the Mighty Quay, brewed by Banff Ave Brewing Co to celebrate Norquay’s 100th anniversary.
From April 18–19, the mountain also hosts the annual BoZo Cup and Kinder Cup. This beloved racing community event brings together everyone from junior racers to Olympians for a weekend of speed, costumes and classic Norquay atmosphere.
Lone Pine patio apres at Mt. Norquay | Photo credit: Rueben Krabbe
The Easter Bunny at Lake Louise Ski Resort | Photo credit: Shannon Martin
With Easter falling in early April, it’s the perfect excuse to plan a family spring ski trip to Banff National Park. On Easter Sunday, Banff Sunshine Village, Lake Louise Ski Resort and Mt. Norquay all welcome a special guest; the Easter Bunny. Kids can join an Easter egg hunt at Mt. Norquay or attend a non-denominational Easter service at Banff Sunshine.
SkiBig3’s resorts also offer plenty of family-friendly terrain where everyone can ski together. Families love the wide, gradual runs off the Strawberry and Wolverine Express at Banff Sunshine. At Lake Louise, the newest beginner-friendly terrain at Richardson’s Ridge offers cruisy groomers and fun glades. And at Mt. Norquay, the welcoming, family-first atmosphere makes it a favourite for local families. Kids will also love Norquay’s tube park, where they can slip, slide and spin down Alberta’s longest tube lanes.
Spring is one of the best and most underrated times to visit SkiBig3. With sunny days, soft snow and plenty of space on the slopes, April is when locals know the season is still going strong. The SkiBig3 Reservations Team is always happy to share their local knowledge and help you find the best vacation package for your style and budget. Call 1-844-754-2443 to start planning your spring ski trip.
