Background

The sooner you make your travel arrangements the better. Flights are normally cheaper the earlier you book and once they’re booked you’ll have one less thing to do, so you’ll be able to focus on looking forward to the course.

Please read the following information carefully and let us know your travel plans via our Travel Survey as soon as you’re able. You’ll need your Booking ID, which you can find in your confirmation email or invoice.

Canada’s Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)

Most visitors will need an ‘Electronic Travel Authorisation’ (eTA) to visit Canada when arriving by air– this is essentially a pre-screening service and should be purchased before booking your flight.

To find out more, visit www.Canada.ca/eta.

Flying

If you are coming by plane, our included Nonstop group transfer departs from Calgary International Airport and returns you there too. All of the dates available are listed below.

When selecting flights and airlines it is worth considering all the extra costs. For example, we know that Air Canada will allow you to check in sports equipment (1 pair of skis or 1 snowboard, plus a pair of boots) on international flights at no additional cost whereas some airlines will charge. Likewise, luggage allowance will vary from airline to airline.

Flying From the UK?

For those of you flying from the UK, we recommend you book Air Canada’s flight from Heathrow to Calgary (AC851 outbound AC850 return). This flight aligns perfectly with the transfer times. There is only one flight per day so it should be easy to find. If that is not available then there are also WestJet flights from/to Gatwick at a very similar time

We apricate that Covid and the recent airport chaos has lead to some nerves around travel, and that more than ever, some of you want the security of booking with a travel agent. Trailfinders offer a brilliant service:

Complete an enquiry form here: https://www.trailfinders.com/enquiry#/

You can simply skip through the first couple of sections until you get to the flights page.

On the next page there is a box which asks for further trip details. In this box, pop in the following information:

• That you are part of Nonstop Snow
• Destination
• Preferred flight dates and times (see below for transfer times that you need to align with)

As soon as this form is submitted, it will go directly to the next available sales consultant. They will call you back and assist with flights and insurance.

Please note, we have no affiliation with Trailfinders. We know that people sometimes find booking flights and taking out insurance stressful, so we simply wanted to find some way to help. We spoke to lots of companies and were really impressed by Trailfinders and their service. They have been operating for over 50 years and specialise in overseas travel.

Flying From the Rest of the World

Trailfinders are very happy help you too, but cannot guarantee the same low prices.

Alternatively you can book directly with your chosen airline, visit a local travel agent such as flight centre or use Google Flights to see what your different options are. Remember to fly into Calgary International Airport (YYC).

Nonstop Airport Transfers

INSTRUCTOR COURSES ONLY

Nonstop organises a group airport transfer on the course start date and end date. These group transfers are included in the standard course package so long as you book your space by completing the Travel Survey.

If you wish to utilise the Nonstop group transfer, you will need to co-ordinate your flight arrival accordingly. Please allow sufficient time to collect your baggage and clear customs.

You can arrive and depart on any Nonstop transfer listed below regardless of your course dates. However, it is imperative that you let us know which transfer you plan to take so that we can ensure that we have space for you. You can do this via the travel survey.

If your flight does not co-ordinate with our group transfers, you will need to organise your own airport transfers (see more details below).

Nonstop Organised Transfers – Calgary Airport to Banff

Meet the transfer at 17:00

Sunday 04 January 2026

Nonstop Organised Transfers – Banff to Calgary Airport

Arrives in Calgary approx. 13:30

Sunday 01 February 2026
Sunday 22 March 2026
Sunday 29 March 2026

Making Your Own Way to Banff

If the included group transfer doesn’t align, the Banff Airporter operates multiple scheduled departures between 05:00 and 22:30 daily. One way costs CAD$79.99 + Tax. Nonstop participants can receive a 15% discount – get in touch with us for the discount code

Driving

If you are driving, please contact us so we can discuss check in times and make sure your arrival goes smoothly.

Car Hire

There are a number of car hire facilities at Calgary Airport. A basic car for 1 week is going to cost upwards of (CAD) $500 + taxes, fuel and insurance. It is approximately a 1.5 hour drive from Calgary to Banff and the roads can be bad during the winter months so we only recommend this option if you are confident driving in snow. There is limited parking available at Irwin’s Hotel. Once you have arrived in Banff you a are unlikely to use the car as regular buses to the ski hill are included with your lift pass. Everything else is within walking distance.

Let Us Know Your Plans

Regardless of how you are getting to the resort (and even if you already live in the resort!), we will need the details so we can plan accordingly. Please complete our online Travel Survey.

Staying at Calgary Airport

If you cannot find flights that align with our transfers then another option is to fly on a different day and stay overnight in Calgary. There are many airport hotels:

The Calgary Airport Marriott In-Terminal Hotel couldn’t be closer – it is attached to the terminal.

Their sister hotel, Delta Hotels Calgary Airport In-Terminal is also attached to the terminal and a little bit cheaper. For a budget option try Hampton Inn by Hilton Calgary Airport North which is typically half the price and just 1.5 minutes from the airport. They run a shuttle bus to and from the airport too.

If you have a few hours to spare, take the opportunity to explore Calgary — easily accessible from the airport via excellent transport links. For ideas on what to see and do, check out this page.