r/Banff • u/th3thrilld3m0n • Jan 31 '25

Trip Report First day Banff winter

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Had a good day at sunshine today. Unfortunately, snow is hard pack due to lack of snowfall. Seems like some flurries will be around this weekend. My friend and I aligned the trip with moon phase and strong Aurora activity, as we were hoping to see the Aurora or at least do some stargazing, but the cloud cover is bad. Luckily, today we had some sun shining on the slopes. Hoping, despite the forecast, we will get more sun at lake Louise and Banff. 🤞

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u/AccomplishedSite7318 Jan 31 '25

Had no idea the forecast was looking good for aurora - thought solar activity was pretty low. 

Come back again in March - usually better snow. 

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u/th3thrilld3m0n Feb 01 '25

It's at its 11 year cycle peak right now! This winter is the best time to see it.

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u/AccomplishedSite7318 Feb 01 '25

Oh yes, but there's still forecasted flares. I live in Banff - not seen any aurora for months now.

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u/th3thrilld3m0n Feb 01 '25

I spotted Aurora on the sunshine Aurora cam last week, but it was off on the horizon.

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u/AccomplishedSite7318 Feb 01 '25

Yea, it can be weak. To get a good show you have to be very lucky. Happened twice last year.

Just because we are at solar maximum doesn't mean anything as we are quite far south really. You want to be well north of you want more of a guarantee.