Industry News
Lake Louise Ski Resort, Alberta, Canada, has officially etched the 2025-26 ski season into the history books as its latest storm cycle pushes its annual snowfall total to 198 inches, with 121 inches falling in December alone. This not only breaks its year-to-date snowfall record from the 1950-51 season, but also sets a new December snowfall record, which occurred during the same 1950-51 season.
This surplus of early-season snow has enabled Lake Louise to open its new, highly anticipated terrain expansion, Richardson’s Ridge, ahead of schedule. This expansion adds 200 acres of skiable terrain and includes five new beginner and intermediate runs, glades, and a high-speed detachable quad, aptly named the Richardson’s Ridge Express.
Lake Louise has taken advantage of the all-time early-season conditions, currently operating 159 of 169 runs, all 13 lifts, and skiing across all five distinct mountain faces. Lake Louise joins the party of other ski resorts in the Canadian Rockies that are racing ahead of the remainder of North America. Destinations such as Kicking Horse and Revelstoke have also seen staggering snowfall totals this year, totaling 213 inches and 228 inches, respectively. In a year where much of western North America has dealt with a slow, if not abysmal, start to the ski season, the Canadian Rockies are looking forward to a plentiful snowpack that will support a (hopefully) long and powder-filled season ahead.
Looking ahead, models for Lake Louise are forecasting a drier trend entering 2026, with only a few inches expected to fall by the end of the weekend. However, with nothing but cold temperatures ahead, spirits should remain high as skiers enjoy a 68-inch base to explore the mountain on. If this article wasn’t convincing enough, this text will link you to some early-season stoke and powder skiing posted on Instagram by Lake Louise.
