Mount Norquay is the ski area you can see from Banff itself, rising just north of town. In winter it offers the closest lift-served skiing to the townsite, while in summer the road and chairlift give quick access to wide views over the Bow Valley.
It is smaller than Sunshine Village or Lake Louise, which can be a virtue if you want an easy half day rather than a full alpine expedition. Non-skiers can still treat Norquay as a viewpoint drive, especially when the weather is clear and the valley is lit below.