Spring break in the mountains? Absolutely.
Ditch the crowded beaches—this spring break, ski deep powder, soak in hot springs, and chase adventure in Banff, Jasper, Lake Louise, and Whistler.
From travel hacks to local must-dos, here’s your go-to guide for making Spring Break 2025 seamless, stress-free, and unforgettable.
Where to Go: Top Mountain Destinations
Banff
Where bluebird ski days meet soaking in natural hot springs and nightlife that keeps going long after the lifts close.
- Best Skiing: Sunshine Village—deep snowpack, stays open into May.
- Après & Nightlife: Rundle Bar for upscale cocktails, Eden for elevated dining, Rose & Crown for live music.
- Must-Do: Banff Upper Hot Springs—a post-ski soak with stunning mountain views.
- Bonus: Banff Sunshine Untracked Concert Series brings live music straight to the slopes.
💡 Pro Tip
For fewer crowds, hit the slopes at Mt. Norquay and save Sunshine Village for a midweek session.
Jasper
Jasper’s charm is its untouched beauty, fewer crowds, and incredible adventure. Bonus: Northern Lights are possible this time of year.
- Best Skiing: Marmot Basin—wide-open runs, no long lines, and great spring conditions.
- Off-Mountain Magic: Explore Jasper’s Ice Wall or ride the Jasper SkyTram (reopening March 21).
- Après & Dining: Jasper Brewing Co. for local craft beer, The Emerald Lounge for fireside cocktails.
- Bonus: Jasper is a Dark Sky Preserve, so expect incredible stargazing.
💡 Pro Tip
Jasper’s Pride & Ski Festival (April 4–13, 2025) is an inclusive, can’t-miss celebration on and off the slopes.
Lake Louise
If you’re chasing scenic alpine beauty, legendary terrain, and pure mountain luxury, Lake Louise is the place to be.
- Best Skiing: Lake Louise Ski Resort—long runs, epic powder, and jaw-dropping views.
- Signature Experience: Skating on frozen Lake Louise—the most picturesque rink in the world.
- Après & Dining: Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise for afternoon tea with a view, Lodge of Ten Peaks for après drinks.
- Bonus: Try the Torchlight Ski Dinner, where you ski under the stars before a gourmet meal.
💡 Pro Tip
Want a quieter spring break? Stay in Lake Louise instead of Banff—the vibe is more relaxed but just as stunning.
Whistler
Whistler brings the best spring skiing, après-party scene, and legendary events.
- Best Skiing: Whistler Blackcomb—Canada’s biggest ski resort with terrain for all levels.
- Après & Nightlife: Longhorn Saloon for wild après, Mallard Lounge for cozy vibes.
- Must-See Event: Fire & Ice Show (Sundays through March 16)—watch skiers jump through flaming hoops.
- Bonus: World Ski & Snowboard Festival (April 7–13, 2025)—competitions, concerts, and all-out après energy.
💡 Pro Tip
Want a break from skiing? Try the bobsleigh experience at the Whistler Sliding Centre—the same track used in the 2010 Olympics.
Check the Weather (& Then Check It Again)
Timing-wise, spring break usually falls in March or early April. Weather and conditions in the Rockies at that time are still wintry – expect plenty of snow on the slopes, with longer daylight and a hint of milder afternoons as spring approaches. Dress in layers and plan for variable conditions: you might be skiing on fresh powder one day and on warm, sun-softened snow the next. Many ski resorts in Banff and Whistler stay open through April or even May, so you can count on good snow. Just book your accommodations and transport early, as spring break is popular even in the mountains.
You’re Going to Need A Pass (& Not Just A Ski Pass)
National park entry is required for Banff, Jasper, and Lake Louise (all within national parks). Budget for the park pass fee, which you can purchase at the park gate or online in advance. If you’ll be road-tripping between these areas, plan your route and driving times – for example, Banff to Jasper via the Icefields Parkway is a breathtaking drive but can take a full day with sightseeing stops, so schedule it on a non-ski day. Check road conditions; by March the highways are usually well-cleared, but storms can still roll through.
Did You Get the Date Right?
Planning ahead to maximize your time and budget on this mountain getaway. First, be mindful of dates and travel documents. In Canada, dates are often written as day/month/year– so 07/03/2025 means March 7, 2025 (not July 3). If you’re coming from the U.S., remember the U.S. uses month/day/year, so 03/07/2025 is the same date. Double-check all your booking confirmations and event tickets to avoid any confusion about dates. It’s a small detail, but it can save you from showing up on the wrong day!
Packing Essentials
Layered Clothing
Pack moisture-wicking base layers, insulating mid-layers (fleece or down), and waterproof outer layers. Weather can swing from snowy to sunny in spring, so you’ll want to add or remove layers as needed. Don’t forget a warm hat, gloves, and neck gaiter or scarf.
Footwear & AcCessories
Sturdy, waterproof boots are essential for tromping around resort towns (which can be slushy in spring afternoons). Also pack a reusable water bottle (stay hydrated at altitude), hand warmers for chilly mornings, and a small backpack to carry extra layers, snacks, and water while exploring.
Tech & Documents
Bring an external battery pack to keep your phone charged (cold weather can drain batteries faster). Download any trail maps or resort apps ahead of time (for example, Whistler’s app for lift status, or SkiBig3’s app for Banff/Lake Louise). And, of course, carry your ID, insurance info, and park pass or booking confirmations. If you’re crossing the border from the U.S., ensure your passport is valid and consider a roaming plan or local SIM for your phone to avoid surprise charges.
don’t Forget your sunny Essentials!
- Sunscreen: Spring sun at high altitude is strong – you can get a serious sunburn. Bring high-SPF sunscreen. Hard to believe people once sunbathed with aluminum trays to catch the reflection. Well, snow does the same thing—just on a much bigger scale. Google tans are a real thing.
- Sunglasses: Again the sun is strong – you can get snowblindness if you’re not careful. Bring UV-blocking sunglasses or ski goggles.
- Swimsuit: Yes, really – bring a swimsuit on a ski trip. Each of these destinations has either hot springs or hot tubs.
- Flip-flops
While you may not be working on your tan poolside, hot tubs and saunas surrounded by snow are pretty special. If you’re feeling frisky, hop into the hot tub, run out and jump in the snow, and hop back into the hot tub. It’s called the Polar Bear Plunge, and it hurts so good. The Fairmont Banff Springs has an outdoor hot tub overlooking the valley, which is quite the setting for après ski after a ski day.
Maximize Your Time
Start Early on the Slopes
Ski lifts typically open by 8 or 9 AM. Aim to be on one of the first chairs up. The snow is often best in the morning (and lift lines are shortest). In spring, cooler mornings mean crisper snow that softens by afternoon. If you’re renting gear, pick it up the afternoon before to hit the ground running the next day.
PLAN APRèS & EVENINGS
Après-ski (socializing after skiing) is a big part of mountain culture. However, it’s easy to lose track of time in a cozy pub. Decide which nights you want to go out on the town and which nights to chill or hit the hot tub so you don’t wake up exhausted each day. For example, if you know you’ll be skiing hard at Lake Louise tomorrow, maybe take it easy tonight; but if tomorrow is a rest day or just a short ski, that could be a great night to experience Whistler Village’s nightlife. Balance is key!
Reserve & Book key experiences
Spring break is popular, so reserve anything important in advance. This includes ski lessons, guided tours (like snowshoeing or mountain excursions), and restaurant reservations for must-try eateries (especially in Banff and Whistler, which get busy). If you plan to visit Banff’s famous Banff Gondola or Jasper’s SkyTram, book a time slot ahead of time so you don’t waste hours in line. The Jasper SkyTram, for instance, opens for the season on March 21, 2025– reserving a spot on one of the first days could guarantee you a stunning sunset view without long waits.
ALTERNATE Activities on Crowded Days
Weekends will see more crowds. Consider doing a non-ski activity on Saturday or Sunday, then ski on Monday when many others leave. For example, spend a Saturday in Banff browsing shops, visiting the Whyte Museum, or taking a scenic drive, and save the ski hill for Monday’s calmer slopes. Or in Whistler, do the Peak-2-Peak Gondola sightseeing circuit and a snowmobile tour on the weekend, then enjoy wide-open runs mid-week.
Altitude = Hydration is Key
Yes, après-ski is a ritual in mountain towns, and you might even spot a shot-ski making the rounds at a nearby table. But when we say “drink up,” we mean water.
Higher altitudes mean thinner air, which can leave you winded, dehydrated, and with a headache if you’re not careful. Staying hydrated helps you ski longer, recover faster, and even adjust to jet lag if you’re traveling far. Start drinking extra water a week before your trip, and keep it going once you’re here.
Bonus? It’ll also help you keep up when that shot-ski does come your way. We see you.
Winter Driving ≠ Your Daily Commute
Thinking of renting a car? Make sure it’s equipped with winter tires and four-wheel drive. Mountain weather changes fast—sometimes within minutes—so be prepared for snow, ice, and unpredictable conditions on the way to Banff and Jasper.
Not keen on driving? Skip the stress and take the Sun Dog Shuttle. They’ll pick you up at the airport and get you to your destination safely. Plus, they offer guided tours and transportation to activities, so you can explore without worrying about the roads.
Spring Break 2025 Events You Don’t Want to Miss
Spring skiing is just the start—these can’t-miss events make mountain towns even more electric during spring break.
See Spring Break EventsThis isn’t just a trip—it’s an experience. Whether you’re chasing fresh powder, après-skiing under the sun, or stargazing in Jasper, spring break in the mountains is an adventure you’ll never forget.
📍 Where will you be spending Spring Break 2025? Plan your next trip to the Canadian Rockies in Edmonton, Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper.
