About Abominable Sports
Abominable Sports has been locally owned and operated since 1960, making it one of the longest-running ski shops in the Canadian Rockies and a genuine Banff institution. With locations on Banff Avenue and in nearby Canmore, their experienced staff have been fitting visitors with the right ski and snowboard packages for over six decades, matching body type, ability level, and terrain preferences to gear that performs from gentle groomers to Lake Louise's steepest chutes.
The shop carries a broad rental fleet alongside a retail floor stocked with current-season skis, boards, boots, and accessories from leading manufacturers. Their popular try-before-you-buy programme lets renters purchase their demo skis at the end of a trip if the fit and feel are right, removing the guesswork from buying new equipment and giving serious skiers a chance to test gear in real Canadian Rockies conditions before committing.
Located at 229 Banff Avenue in the heart of the downtown shopping strip, Abominable Sports is an easy walk from most Banff hotels and just minutes from the free Roam transit stops that connect to the ski resorts. The staff's deep local knowledge — built over decades of riding Sunshine, Norquay, and Louise — means you'll get honest trail recommendations alongside your fitting, and their no-pressure approach has earned them a loyal following among families and repeat visitors who value personal service over flashy marketing.
