This guide was sponsored in partnership with our friends at SkiBig3.

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Skiers love big numbers. Deep snow totals that show up in forecasts and reports, for instance. But I want to let you in on a little secret. A single 24-hour snowfall number does not tell the whole story as far as the quality of the skiing or riding experience goes.

Big storms with snowfall measured in feet are exciting, but side effects can come with those big numbers, such as high moisture content, road closures, significant delays in terrain openings, and long lift lines. 

As a meteorologist and skier who also loves to travel, I always want to ski somewhere where there will be fresh snow.

I also want to choose a destination that meets the following criteria:

1. The quality of the snow will be excellent (powder over cement).
   
   
2. Snow conditions will be consistently good over multiple days (frequent light to moderate refills rather than one-hit-wonder powder days that attract the hordes).
   
   
3. The terrain is not only fun and challenging but oriented in a way to maximize snow preservation.
   
   
4. I can reliably plan a trip in advance to maximize my odds for consistent soft snow conditions. 

When it comes to planning a ski trip months or even weeks in advance, it's often a gamble on whether or not you'll have good snow conditions. You might get lucky and score a powder day, or you might get unlucky and catch a long dry spell with warm temperatures and less-than-optimal snow conditions – or even worse, rain.  

When planning a ski trip, the SkiBig3 in the Canadian Rockies – including Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise Ski Resort, and Mt. Norquay – is one of my go-to destinations. Not only is the terrain excellent and the scenery out-of-this-world, but I also know the odds are high that I will find fresh, soft snow with low moisture content whether it's mid-January or early April.

In order to test the theory that SkiBig3 enjoys consistent, quality, and reliable snow throughout the season, I examined snowfall, snow depth, and temperature data for the past eight seasons (2016-2017 to 2023-2024) at two weather stations, located near mid-mountain at Banff Sunshine and Lake Louise.

New Snow Frequency and Consistency

Banff Sunshine and Lake Louise both receive new snowfall on a frequent basis and throughout the core season from November through April. 

Banff Sunshine receives at least one inch (or 2.5 centimeters) of new snow on 45% of days from November 1 to April 30, and Lake Louise on 42% of days. In other words, at least one inch of snow falls on approximately three days per week on average throughout the season. 

Also, Banff Sunshine and Lake Louise show remarkable month-to-month consistency. In every month from November to April, there are an average of 12 to 14 days with new snow (one inch or more).

In other words, there is a good chance you will catch some fresh snow, no matter when you plan your ski trip. 

Also, year-to-year consistency is strong, and long dry spells (one week or more) are rare. From 2016 to 2024, 85% of the core ski months (November to April) had at least 10 days with new snowfall. 

In terms of snowfall amounts, monthly averages are also consistent from November to April, with only slight dips in average snowfall in January and April. Banff Sunshine averages slightly more snowfall than Lake Louise, with 4 of 6 months at Banff Sunshine averaging over 40 inches (100 cm). 

Base that Sets in Early and Grows Consistently

Winter starts early in the Canadian Rockies, well before the lifts start spinning for the season. In most years, a natural base for the season begins to build in early October, growing to an average of 19 inches (38 cm) by November 1st. 

The early natural snowfall in combination with snowmaking allows the SkiBig3 resorts to open earlier in the season than resorts in other regions – often by early November.

Good Coverage for the Holidays

Consistent early-season snowfall through November and December allows the mid-mountain base depth at Banff Sunshine to grow to an average of 40 inches (100 cm) by December 20, which is enough to open a high percentage of terrain in time for the holidays in most years.

On Christmas Day, the average base depth is 44 inches (109 cm), and in 7 out of the 8 years examined, the base depth was at least 40 inches on Christmas Day (only this past season, 2023-2024, was lower). 

The consistency of snowfall and early start to the season makes the SkiBig3 resorts less susceptible to early season prolonged dry spells compared to other areas, which can impact holiday season terrain availability.

A Deep Mid to Late Season Snowpack

The average base depth steadily increases throughout the season, reaching 60 inches (152 cm) by late February, 65 inches (165 cm) in mid-March, and hovering around 70 inches (178 cm) for most of April. Even on May 1st, the average snow depth is an impressive 69 inches (175 cm). 

In other words, late-season skiing is excellent at SkiBig3 when the snowpack is at its deepest, and you can even ski here in May when spring skiing and fresh powder are both possible. 

The Best of Both Worlds in April

Most ski areas are winding down for the season in April, but this is an amazing time to hit the slopes at SkiBig3.

The snowpack is at its deepest in April, and conditions typically range from powder days (storms with fresh snow) to bluebird spring skiing days (soft corn snow) to bluebird powder days (fresh snow + sunny skies).

The spring sunshine in April does not work over the snow as quickly at SkiBig3 in north-facing and alpine terrain compared to other locations further south, but it still provides enough ambient warmth and visibility to create outstanding late-season ski conditions along with spring skiing vibes.

Average Base Depth Throughout the Season

The graph below shows the average base depth (inches) at mid-mountain at Banff Sunshine from November 1 to May 1.

Also, the base depth at SkiBig3 tends to be deeper on average compared to other regions further south near the Continental Divide in the Rockies. 

Here is a comparison to Southwest Montana and Summit County in Colorado. Notice the uptick in average base depth at SkiBig 3 right before the holidays in December. Also, deep snowpack tends to hold throughout April at SkiBig3.

Temperatures Supportive of Low-Density Powder Snow and Snow Preservation

Temperatures at SkiBig3 are ideal when it comes to supporting excellent snow conditions. The Canadian Rockies experience colder temperatures on average than many other areas in Western North America, and that means better, more reliable snow.

Here are a few of the ways that temperatures in the Canadian Rockies support excellent snow conditions...

Cold air results in excellent snow quality (low-density powder).

Located right on the Continental Divide, the SkiBig3 resorts have access to cold air arriving from the north and northeast without any terrain barriers to "block" these cold air intrusions.

Residual moisture arriving from the Pacific Ocean collides with the cold air from the Canadian Prairies to produce dry, powdery snowfall over the Canadian Rockies, leading to amazing skiing and riding conditions.

Areas located further west and south often experience higher moisture content snow events due to closer access to milder air from the Pacific Ocean. Also, other areas west of the Continental Divide are more protected from cold air intrusions due to significant terrain barriers to the north and east.

The snow that falls in the Canadian Rockies has lower moisture content and higher snow-liquid ratios and therefore is more powdery and enjoyable to ride. 

Snow quality remains excellent well after a new snowfall.

Another benefit is that daytime high temperatures typically stay below freezing at the SkiBig3 resorts, even on sunny days, which helps to preserve snow conditions in between storms. 

During the core winter months of December to February, average temperatures (factoring in mornings and afternoons) are generally in the teens ºF. Also, afternoon high temperatures are below freezing at the mid-mountain weather stations at Banff Sunshine and Lake Louise on about 95% of all days, based on data from 2016 to 2024.

Even in March, when most other regions are experiencing melt/freeze cycles, average temperatures (factoring in mornings and afternoons) at SkiBig3 are in the upper teens ºF, and high temperatures are below freezing about 80% of the time.

In April, high temperatures are below freezing about 50% of the time, meaning that late in the season, possibilities range from skiing corn snow to skiing powder. 

3) Rain events are very rare.

It's highly unlikely that you'll have to worry about the "R" word at the SkiBig 3 resorts. Even when warm atmospheric river events slam the Pacific Northwest and BC, the SkiBig3 resorts are protected due to their high elevation and access to cold air reinforcements from the Canadian Prairies, which allow precipitation to remain as snow, even during these warmer patterns.

What about arctic cold fronts?

In the event of a severe cold snap, just remember that if snow has fallen recently, it is likely to remain soft and fun to ski due to the preservation effect of the cold air. Also, the SkiBig3 resorts have three heated bubble chairs and numerous on-mountain indoor facilities to help you warm up in between runs.

High Latitude → Low Sun Angle

SkiBig3's northerly latitude also results in a lower sun angle compared to areas south of the border in the U.S. This means that the sun's influence on snow conditions is not as pronounced compared to areas further south during late winter.

For example, in Salt Lake City, Utah, the average solar angle at noon reaches 35º above the horizon by February 11. By comparison, Banff's average solar angle at noon does not reach 35º until March 11, exactly one month later.

During late winter, you can enjoy the benefit of sunshine in between snow events that feels good to bask in but doesn't wreck the snowpack the same way it does further south. 

Alpine Terrain Situated for Wind Loading and Snow Preservation

Banff Sunshine and Lake Louise are famous for their alpine terrain, and for good reason. Even when new snowfall is light, prevailing winds often blow fresh snow from windward to leeward slopes at higher rates, which can load up the alpine bowls and chutes with locally deeper snow.

This is especially true in the Canadian Rockies where the dry, low-density snow is more easily "moveable" compared to higher-density, wetter snow. 

Many of the alpine bowls are located on north or northeast-facing aspects at these resorts. Prevailing winds often blow from the southwest or west, which is ideal for blowing new snow onto these slopes.

Occasionally, cold fronts will reach the SkiBig3 resorts from the northeast. Along and behind these fronts, winds shift to blowing from the northeast or east, which can also load up the West Bowl at Lake Louise.

When skiing or riding in the alpine terrain, wind matters just as much as new snowfall.

Snow Farming in Alpine Terrain

Banff Sunshine's mountain operations team also utilizes snow farming techniques to optimize snow coverage in alpine terrain. Snow fences are set up to block snow from being blown outside of resort boundaries by the wind, and this snow is then redistributed by the snowcat crew onto areas that need the snow.

Snow farming allows Banff Sunshine to open up a wider variety of terrain than would otherwise be possible, especially early in the season. The redistributed snow is also natural, better quality, and more environmentally friendly compared to manmade snow. 

The Aspect Advantage in Alpine Terrain

The north-facing alpine terrain that exists at Banff Sunshine and Lake Louise receives less direct sunshine and holds onto soft snow conditions for a longer time as a result, compared to other resorts that have a higher percentage of sun-exposed south-facing or southeast-facing alpine terrain. 

Final Thoughts

The SkiBig3 resorts of Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise Ski Resort, and Mt. Norquay are one of the best bets for planning a ski vacation if you're seeking consistent and reliable snow conditions that stay fresh in between storms. 

At SkiBig3, it's about quality more than quantity as new snow freshens up the slopes frequently (nearly every other day on average), consistent below-freezing temperatures preserve the snow, and wind consistently loads new snow onto north and northeast-facing alpine bowls. 

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Plan your next ski trip at SkiBig3.com for the ultimate skiing experience in the Canadian Rockies.

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OpenSnow Resources

Snow Forecast & Report: Banff Sunshine Village

Snow Forecast & Report: Lake Louise

Snow Forecast & Report: Mt. Norquay

Daily Snow Forecast: Canadian Rockies

Download: OpenSnow App

Alan Smith

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This article was sponsored in partnership with SkiBig3.