March might seem late to start skiing and for some maybe it is. But for me and for Banff, you’ll find some of the best conditions in March. We always seem to get heaps of snow at this time of year, and March brings bluebird days, longer afternoons and typically milder weather. Here’s a few of my favourite reasons to hit the snow right now.
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Bonus health benefits
Skiing is great for your health for so many reasons. Mentally, you’ll feel the benefits of being in nature within 20-minutes. After inhaling all that fresh alpine air, you’ll probably sleep better, too.
A new study has shown that skiers report lower levels of anxiety. It’s actually really significant. Compared to non-skiers, we have a 60% lower risk of being diagnosed with anxiety disorders.
Being out in nature enhances our sense of wellbeing and exercise like skiing and snowboarding can be a clever distraction from your worries.
Of course there’s physical benefits to skiing and snowboarding. You not only work your legs and glutes, but staying upright requires core stability. And as I snowboarder, I definitely get a tricep workout each and every time I push myself up.
But let’s play out the worse case scenario and you’re just not feeling it. There’s no shame in calling it a day and starting your après ski early. For a little extra pampering, book in for a massage or facial at Verde Day Spa located in the upper Village of Banff Sunshine Village.
Sunshine Ski Resort deals
It’s also cheaper to ski in the spring. Right now spring skiing passes offer unlimited visits to Sunshine Village Ski Resort from March 20 until May 22. You can get an adult pass, family pass or the cheapest option – a mid-week pass. There’s also student, youth, children and senior’s passes. If you plan on skiing at least 4 times in the next 2 months it’s worth getting a spring season pass.
But you don’t have to wait until March 20 for spring skiing. If you ski before then, simply show your Sunshine Spring Pass at the ticket booth and receive $50 off when skiing Monday – Thursday and $30 off when skiing Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
For an extra savings, go mobile. When you buy online using the Ski Banff Mobile App, you save $10 off an adult full price lift ticket.
We love the convenience of our pass. Because we’re slightly lazy and perpetually tired, we typically don’t make it to Sunshine Ski Resort until after 10:30 am. Oftentimes we don’t arrive until noon. But that’s OK. With a season pass you don’t sweat as much about what time you arrive.
We go hard for a few hours, then grab a snack mid-afternoon in the upper village while most folks are hitting Goat’s Eye before calling it a day. I love that last 2 hours at Sunshine Village. Angel chairlift is virtually empty, there are few line ups and I feel like I have the mountain to myself.
Gourmet dining deals
You’ll be hungry after a day of carving it up the fresh mountain air, that’s for sure. Head to the Chimney Corner inside the Sunshine Mountain Lodge, on Fridays from 4:30-8pm for their Prime Rib Buffet.
In addition to a chef carving you up a perfect slice of Alberta prime rib, you’ll also tuck into:
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Seasonal vegetables
- Winter greens with your choice of dressings
- Local bakery rolls, house made honey butter
- Assorted petit fours for dessert
If you’re not skiing you can still snag this great dining deal (only $44+GST/person). No need to drive, there’s a free shuttle to and from Sunshine Village from several spots in Banff. The prime rib buffet price also includes your Gondola sightseeing ticket to access the Village.
If you’re looking for something light and healthy to start off your day, there’s a new Flamingo Smoothie Bar at Banff Sunshine Village. Here, you can sip fresh pressed juices or power up with a tasty Chocolate Orange smoothie made with oat milk.
Are you a cocktail lover? If you hit Burger Co. inside Centennial Lodge on Wednesday, March 29 you can score free samples of Wild Life Distillery’s HOT Wild G&T and Hot Wild Mule from 11:30am – 2:30pm.
Spring skiing lessons
Now is a great time to build up your skill set. There’s less people on the mountain during the spring months and there’s still plenty of snow. The Adult Spring Series at Sunshine Village is for anyone over 18 years old interested in amping up their game.
Depending on your level, you can learn some basic skills (that will 100% serve you well next season, too) to carving over technical terrain with ease. This 4-week program runs on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays from 10am-3:30pm
Sunshine Mountain Lodge Discount
One thing that caps off a ski day almost as good as après is soothing those ski legs in a hot tub. Banff’s largest hot tub is found at Sunshine Mountain Lodge, the only ski-in ski-out accommodation in Banff National Park.
Right now, you can book a 3 night stay at Sunshine Mountain Lodge, and enjoy the 4th night for free. Use the PROMO code: 4NFREE. It’s for new bookings only and can’t be combined with other offers for discounts, restrictions apply.
