Hi, I’m going snowboarding in March/April to Banff in Canada but as I’ve never been to Canada before I’m not all that sure about weather and so on. My plan was just to wear lots of layers, like tops and hooded tops but not a proper ski jacket, as last time I went skiing I felt kind of unable to move in it, or not free enough. Would layers be enough or would a jacket be a must?
P.S. Im a 16 year old female. And please don’t post hate comments like I’ve seen in the past on Y!A, I know Canada isn’t one great big igloo lol
While in Banff you’ll have the choice of skiing at Sunshine Village, Norquay or Lake Louise. All these mountains will definitely still be open in March/April. Generally their season ends in May.
April and May are considered their "spring" boarding … with spring-like temperatures/conditions, it can get quite warm especially if you’re active all day on the hill and working up a sweat.
At that time of the year the snow can get quite slushy and wet. You will DEFINITELY need a proper ski jacket with good water proofing. It’s important to layer up as well because it can still get very cold at that time of the year. You need a proper ski jacket for many reasons: warmth, wind protection and keeping dry. Tops and hooded tops are not going to keep you dry, unless they’re waterproofed of course. As soon as you get wet up there you’ll be frozen in no time!
It is very very cold there at the moment, like -40 degrees … but when you plan to go, it’ll be later in the season and shouldn’t reach those sorts of temperatures, BUT it’s always best to be prepared. So my suggestion is definitely get a proper ski jacket, you will NEED it. Also layer up. When I snowboarded in Banff I would wear long johns (thermal pants) with my snowboarding pants over the top. I would also wear a thermal long-sleeve top, a fleece sweater (sometimes 2 sweaters depending on the temperature) AND my special snowboard jacket.
You can keep an eye on the temperature and the weather and the skiing conditions at this website: www.skibanff.com
You’ll have sooo much fun