When most families are packing swimsuits for a spring break beach escape, we zipped up parkas and headed for the snow-covered peaks of Banff, Alberta. And let me tell you—trading in sand for snow was one of the best decisions we’ve ever made.
Our six-day winter adventure in the Canadian Rockies wasn’t just epic—it was economical. We skied, mushed, and ice-skated our hearts out for nearly half the price of what a similar trip in the Western U.S. would’ve cost. And the memories? Worth every chilly minute.
Day 1: The Travel Shuffle
We flew Delta from Nashville to Atlanta, then hopped on a WestJet flight to Calgary, arriving late into the night. Knowing the fatigue that comes with time zone changes and traveling with kids, we wisely booked a hotel near the airport to crash and recha
rge.
Day 2: Mush, Mush Baby
Early the next morning, we hit the road to Canmore for a once-in-a-lifetime experience with Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours. Pro tip: Arrive 15 minutes earlier than they say. We barely made it (as in last family on the bus), and if you miss it—your money and spot are gone. No joke.
But we made it. And thank goodness, because this was easily one of the most magical experiences I’ve ever had with my kids.
My husband steered one sled carrying our youngest son and his mom. I rode in another with our oldest, steered by Tom—our hilarious and deeply fascinating Polish guide who left behind a career in law to follow his heart to Canada and a pack of sled dogs. The fresh snow (first in 2 months!) made the ride smooth and picture-perfect. Both boys even got to help drive the sleds.
Yes, it was freezing, and yes, we weren’t layered up like we should’ve been (rookie mistake). But sipping hot cider by the fire afterward made up for every frozen toe. The whole mushing experience runs about three hours door-to-door, and it’s worth carving into your itinerary.
Settling into Banff
Post-mushing, we continued on to Banff and checked into Hidden Ridge Resort—a gem nestled in the mountains. We had a 3-bed, 2-bath condo with views that could’ve been printed on postcards. The public bus stop right outside made it easy for my mother-in-law to explore town while the rest of us hit the slopes.
Bonus: the massive outdoor hot tub overlooking the peaks? 10/10 recommend after a long ski day.
That evening, we ventured into town for a cozy late lunch at Three Bears Brewery & Restaurant. Comfort food, local beer flights, and mountain-town charm? Yes, please.
Days 3–5: Hitting the Slopes at Sunshine Village
We booked our ski trip through SkiBig3, and I highly recommend it. We were able to bundle our lodging, ski lift tickets, ski rentals, and lessons all in one go, which not only saved us money but also made the planning process incredibly seamless. Everything was ready and waiting for us when we arrived, which—when traveling with kids—makes a huge difference.
This was our boys' first ski trip out west—and wow, did Sunshine Village deliver. With minimal snow leading up to our arrival, we were beyond lucky to score fresh powder during our stay.
The boys took ski lessons for two days and were zooming down blue runs by day three (thank you, hockey legs!). Their instructor, Arabella, was patient, encouraging, and totally awesome. I also snuck in a refresher lesson with Maja—a 70-something former speed skier who schooled me with grace and grit.
Sunshine Village was family-friendly and super navigable, with a great range of greens and blues. The snowboarders in our group stuck to the blacks (the easier runs were a little too flat for boarding), but we all had an amazing time.
Day 5: Ice Skating on Lake Louise
If our mushing adventure was magic, Lake Louise was a dream.
We brought our hockey skates and rented sticks from the Fairmont Hotel. My boys played hockey on a frozen lake in the Rockies for nearly six hours. I sat in awe, sipping hot chocolate and watching them glide across that iconic ice.
Inside the Fairmont, I wandered through the boutique shops, treated myself to pastries, and soaked up the quiet joy of the moment. It was peaceful, majestic, and one of those rare scenes where everything feels just right.
Day 6: The Journey Home
With an early morning flight ahead, we made our way back to Calgary Thursday evening. We had rented a Tahoe through Turo—spacious, reliable, and absolutely essential for navigating snowy mountain roads.
Final Thoughts
This trip was more than a vacation—it was a collection of core memories. It was watching my sons steer sled dogs and chase pucks across a frozen lake. It was fresh mountain air, laughter echoing off ski lifts, and hot chocolate that tasted just a little sweeter because of the cold.
If your family is active and you’re craving something beyond the typical spring break, I can’t recommend Banff enough. It's budget-friendly (relatively speaking), filled with adventure, and unforgettable in every way.
So yes, we missed the beach this year—but in exchange, we gained so much more.