How to Survive a Winter in Banff

The winter can be brutal if you’re not prepared. Snowy or icy roads can make travel not only difficult but extremely dangerous.

A bad storm could even take out your electricity. Anyone who lives in Canada knows that the more north you travel, the more likely you’ll have a wicked winter.

If you’ve just purchased a piece of real estate in Banff or you’re just visiting the area on vacation, here are a few ways you can prepare for your winter in Banff.

Check the Weather

Keep an eye on the local weather reports each day. You’ll need to know how to prepare for the day of the week, and you’ll especially want to make sure you’re wearing the right clothing if you choose to go outside.

There’s nothing worse than heading out to run errands and finding yourself in the middle of a blizzard on the way home with just a light jacket.

Moisturise

You may be thinking about your home staying warm or getting around in your vehicle during the winter, but you should also be worried about your skin.

Especially if you’re from somewhere with a warmer climate, you may experience severely chapped skin and lips. Stock up on chapstick and a thick moisturising lotion to keep yourself comfortable as you wait out the long winter.

Enjoy the Snow

You could spend the day cooped up in the house, or you can make the best of the winter snow. If you’re not afraid to brave the chilly weather, Banff has some amazing things to do even in the snowiest situations.

From ice skating to snowshoeing to dog sledding, there’s never a shortage of adventures for those who love wintertime activities.

If you’re not looking to exert too much energy, a Banff gondola ride is the perfect way to see the sights of the area while staying cosy inside your individual cabin.

Gear Up

Whether you’re residing in Banff or just visiting, you should be fully outfitted with the best gear to survive the winter.

You should always have mittens or gloves, scarves, a tactical jacket that’s equipped to deal with freezing temperatures, many pairs of wool socks, and of course, a pair of sturdy non-slip winter boots.

Your car should also be prepared for the occasion. You may need to splurge on snow tires, especially if this wintery destination is your new home.

You’ll need to have a safe way to get to the store during a snowstorm should you need to stock up on hot chocolate and your favourite snacks.

Invest in a Generator

If a really bad storm hits, you may be without power for a short amount of time due to power lines going down.

While this is a rare occurrence, it never hurts to be overly prepared. Invest in a small generator for travelling, or a home generator for your new Banff house to be sure you’re never without power on a winter night.

You should also be well stocked on firewood to keep the heat going through those cold nights, as well as shovels and a snowblower so you can escape the storm once it’s over.

Featured Image | Nora photo on Unsplash

Simone Ribeiro

Hi! I'm Simone, a citizen of Britain, where I live for over a decade, and of Brazil, where I was born. Midlands Traveller is where I combine my passion for travelling, business and an Eco-friendly lifestyle.