Norquay

Norquay

Overall Rating

Norquay

Norquay3.5/55
Norquay3.5 out of 5 based on 5 reviews
  • Recommend
    20%
  • Would Revisit
    20%
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Norquay - Reviews

Norquay - Reviews

Awesome Family Hill in Banff

Adam Volk
16/12/2019
  • Recommend
  • Would Revisit
  • Rider Type
    Skier
  • Rider Level
    Advanced
  • Rider Age
    36-50
  • Month Visited:
    January
  • Admin Rating
    2

Awesome Family Hill in Banff

Adam Volk
16/12/2019
I’ve been taking my kids here for the past three seasons and honestly it’s one of the best family-friendly hills around Calgary/Banff. Super great prices, awesome staff and solid runs. Highly recommended if you’re looking for an affordable place to shred some pow with the kids.
See our video here

Slick City

31/03/2017

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  • Recommend
  • Would Revisit
  • Rider Type
    Skier
  • Rider Level
    Advanced
  • Rider Age
    36-50
  • Admin Rating
    4

Slick City

31/03/2017
If you love steep moguls and fast slick groomers then you’ll probably love Norquay. However if you’ve got no cartilage left in your knees to ski the bumps or you’re a powder hound, or both, then you might not enjoy Norquay quite so much unless you’re there for a warm up. 

The Norquay terrain size is tiny, especially compared to its neighbouring ski resorts, but at least it has a good spread of terrain for all ability levels. 

Pros: proximity to Banff; great friendly vibe; good for families; inexpensive; uncrowded; it’s more protected than its neighbours on bad weather days; and you can quickly rack up a lot of vertical on the groomers.

Cons: small terrain; predisposition towards icy slopes; and limited powder days.

The views across the Banff township from the top of the North American chair were delightful. We visited the Cliff Bistro, which definitely wasn’t a bistro in winter. The menu choice was very limited and we had sandwiches with stale bread – it was all rather underwhelming – except for the amazing views!
See our video here

Not what you would expect

Jason
20/10/2012
  • Recommend
  • Would Revisit
  • Rider Type
    Skier
  • Rider Level
    Expert
  • Rider Age
    36-50
  • Admin Rating
    4

Not what you would expect

Jason
20/10/2012
There are a few things that Norquay really has going for it. Location is right in the Town of Banff, and nestled in some of the most beautiful mountains in the area. After that, there isn't much (unfortunately) that I can say positively. I couldn't seem to find my way out of moguls, or find any stashes of fresh snow. It was almost like skiing an eastern mountain in western Canada. Very strange. As much as I really tried to like Norquay, I found it a very frustrating day, and wished I had gone to Sunshine or Louise. If you are in Banff, do yourself a favor and go to Sunshine or Louise. Do the drive, you'll thank me later. It's really a shame.

Pros: 1) Location in the Town of Banff, 2) Ummmm...

Cons: 1) Snow quality is lacking, 2) Feels like skiing an Eastern mountain, 3) Tons of moguls, 4) Icy? Yes.
See our video here

Not worth the 15 minute drive from banff.

Olivier
07/10/2012
  • Recommend
  • Would Revisit
  • Rider Type
    Skier
  • Rider Level
    Expert
  • Rider Age
    18-35
  • Admin Rating
    4

Not worth the 15 minute drive from banff.

Olivier
07/10/2012
So you've decided to take a sweet little trip to Banff to do some skiing. Within a 2 hour drive, you can ski at Sunshine, Lake Louise, Panorama, Kicking Horse, Norquay, and Canmore.

With the first 4 options boasting some of the most pristine skiing in the Rockies, why would you settle for Norquay? At $59 a day, this is the Banff's best value, but in my opinion, the quality/price ratio doesn't add up. I will add that there had been little snow prior to my arrival in Banff, and as an expert skier I was looking for fresh tracks, which were non-existent.

Pros:
-Good "warm-up" mountain before hitting Norquay's neighbours.
-Slim to no line-ups
-Decent groomers for beginners.
-Looked like there was decent terrain skiers left of NorthAmerican double chair, and skiers right of Mystic Express, however these areas were closed.
-Friendly staff
-Great view of Banff
-Friday night park is open
-Closest resort to banff

Cons:
-Icy, Windy, and it doesn't snow often here
-Got boring quickly (for an expert skier)
-Most lifts are very outdated
-Far better options nearby

Best suited to families who are on a budget, and to those still learning the basics of skiing.
See our video here

It'll do the trick, but isn't on par with other Banff options

Kirk
15/11/2011
  • Recommend
  • Would Revisit
  • Rider Type
    Snowboarder
  • Rider Level
    Advanced
  • Rider Age
    18-35
  • Admin Rating
    1

It'll do the trick, but isn't on par with other Banff options

Kirk
15/11/2011
I only went once and have never felt the need to go back. It's a fairly small mountain. It was fun but because you are so close to Sunshine and Lake Louise, it is hard to justify.
See our video here