Canadian Ski Resorts See First Snow of the 2026-27 Season

Banff Sunshine, Alberta, Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, and Panorama Mountain Resort, British Columbia, saw the first snow of the 2026-27 season. The three Canadian resorts saw some snow accumulations above 7,500 feet, while precipitation fell as sleet and rain at lower altitudes. The province of Alberta’s median date for first measurable snow is usually late September to the beginning of October, so this is coming earlier than anticipated.

• Related: Map Reveals When Your Area Sees Its First Snowfall of the Year

Banff Sunshine is one of SkiBig3‘s three world-class ski resorts in and around Banff National Park. The resort sits at a base elevation of 5,440 feet (1,658 meters) and rises to 8,954 feet (2,730 meters) at its summit. The resort receives an average of 360 inches (914 cm) of snow annually and offers 3,358 acres of skiable terrain across three mountains — Goat’s Eye, Lookout, and Standish.

Known for its long season and reliable snowpack, Banff Sunshine typically operates from early November through late May, making it one of the longest-running ski seasons in North America.

• Related: Banff Sunshine, AB, Report: Beautiful Location, Big-Mountain Feel, & Diverse Terrain

Kicking Horse Mountain Resort usually receives its first measurable snowfall in October. Kicking Horse Mountain Resort sits just eight miles outside Golden, British Columbia, on the easternmost slopes of the Purcell Mountains, overlooking the Rocky Mountain Trench and surrounded by six national parks: Yoho, Banff, Jasper, Glacier, Kootenay, and Mount Revelstoke.

The mountain boasts one of the steepest vertical drops in North America at 4,314 feet across 3,486 skiable acres. It offers over 120 runs — including more than 85 inbound chutes — five alpine bowls, and terrain for all levels: 20% beginner, 20% intermediate, 45% advanced, and 15% expert. Peak elevation is 8,218 feet, with a base of 3,900 feet, and the area averages more than 24 feet of snow annually.

Panorama Mountain Resort, British Columbia, also saw its first snow accumulation of the 2026-27 season this Sunday. It received just over 3 inches (8 centimeters) of snow last night. It features 2,975 skiable acres, a vertical drop of 4,625 feet, and an annual snowfall of 204 inches. The ski resort is just 95 days away from being back on the slopes.

Panorama sits in the Purcell Mountains of British Columbia along the famous powder highway. Like many other resorts in this region, Panorama provides skiers with world-class views. The resort also boasts the seventh-biggest vertical drop in North America, making for some truly leg-burning laps.

The beginner terrain at Panorama is limited, but where Panorama really shines is its intermediate terrain. Blue cruisers can be found throughout the mid-mountain area and offer skiers incredibly long runs that are hard to find at other resorts. The upper mountain consists of all advanced terrain and supplies skiers of this ability with tons of terrain options, from open bowl terrain to steep glades.

Local weather forecasts for these resorts show temperatures going above freezing, which means the white cloak will be short lived. However, with fall just around the corner, seeing some pre-season snowfall is always exciting and with a Super El Niño on the cards, there are plenty of reasons to get excited for 2026-27.

PHOTOS