Since New York and I seem to be on a snow kick I thought I’d take this weekend getaway post somewhere that’s known for its snowy mountains and winter activities, Banff. Located in the Alberta Rockies of Canada, Banff is one of the number one places to rent (or bring) a pair of skis and hit the slopes with family and friends. Now, I have not been skiing since I was cruising down the bunny slopes in a hot pink ski suit at the age of five but it’s been something that I’ve wanted to try out again. However, regardless of the skiing, I’ve always wanted to rent a cabin with friends and spend days partaking in winter activities, curling up by the fire and cooking big meals and well, Banff seems like the perfect place to do that.

Aside from my desire to lounge around a cabin with a wintery cocktail in my hand, there are also a number of places I’d like to explore in Banff. Year round, visitors can explore multiple caves hidden within the rockies, bathe and swim in the hot springs surrounded by views of mountains and take gondola rides up and down these steep peaks to get an aerial view of the surrounding area. However, since we’re focusing on winter today (thank you Mr. Weather for bringing 8 inches of snow to New York City yesterday), Banff offers practically every winter activity you could possibly imagine: snow shoeing, skiing, snowmobiling, sledding, etc. However, something that I’ve never heard of before but am dying to try is Banff’s “Evening Icewalk” which features a moonlit walk around the icy Lake Minnewanka followed by a warm and cozy hang-out around a giant campfire.

If you couldn’t already tell, all this snow is making me stir crazy for some fun winter activities…and since a trip to Banff in the next few weeks is totally out of the question I guess I’ll just have to make do with what I’ve got; Central Park, here I come.

• nothing like seeing an elk bull in the wild •

• hot springs image from the 1920s •

• hot springs today – sign me up! •

• interior view of one of Banff’s many caves •

• don’t you just want to rent this cabin out for a week? or two…or three? •

• I wouldn’t mind staying at the Banff Springs Hotel either though •

Have you ever been to Banff?

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photos via flickr