Conditions Report
SkiBig3‘s three world-class ski resorts of Banff Sunshine Village, Lake Louise, and Mt. Norquay are open for the 2025-26 ski season. Banff Sunshine opened on November 2, making it the first ski resort in Canada to open for the season. Lake Louise Ski Resort kicked off its season on Tuesday, November 4, and Mt Norquay started its 100th season on Saturday, November 8. Generally, these three resorts start their season in early November and usually last through late May.
The town of Banff is nestled high in the Canadian Rockies within Banff National Park. These mountains offer top-notch skiing, snowboarding, lodging, and amenities, which attract guests from around the world every year. The three resorts offer incredible views and some of the most stunning scenic backdrops in the Canadian Rockies.
Banff is well-known for its friendly locals and takes pride in the mountains they are from. Combined, Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise, and Mt Norquay boast 7,748 acres of skiable terrain, two gondolas, 27 chairlifts, and an annual snowfall of 30 feet of light-dry Canadian Rockies powder, all accessible with one SkiBig3 Lift Ticket. The town boasts vibrant streets lined with top-class restaurants, bars, shops, and numerous art galleries and museums. The town of Banff is easily walkable and has a convenient public transit system.
Thanks to Mother Nature providing natural snow and cold temperatures, these three mountains were able to open sooner than expected. Banff opened with two lifts, the Strawberry Express and the Mitey Mike Conveyer, where guests could hit the Strawberry Terrain Park, Boutry’s Bowl, and Rock Ilse Road. Since opening day, the Wawa, Wolverine, and Jackrabbit chairs have all come online. As the ski season progresses, Banff Sunshine will continue to open additional terrain and amenities.
Known for being one of Lindsey Vonn’s favorite World Cup Venues, Lake Louise opened three days earlier than projected. The resort opened with Juniper Express and Easy Street open for nice and easy early-season skiing, and the Learning Area carpet was open for beginners. Opening day also featured two terrain parks for skiers and snowboarders to shred and shake off any early-season rust. Lake Louise will add more lifts, runs, and terrain parks as conditions improve. Since its opening day, the Grizzly Gondola has been operational, providing increased access to terrain and trails for skiers and snowboarders to enjoy. Lake Louise is one of the most beautiful resorts in North America and was voted as the best Canadian resort by the World Ski Awards 11 times.
Mt. Norquay’s opening day was special because it marked its 100th season, and daily operations will start on Saturday, November 15. This season, the mountain will open the new Stoney Magic Carpet, which will triple Mt. Norquay’s beginner terrain and the Norquay 100 Glades, expanding new terrain in the Mystic area. The resort will celebrate its 100th anniversary in March with more details to follow throughout the season.
Overall, it has been a very early and promising start to the season for SkiBig3, which has experienced consistent snow and cold weather, allowing it to open a few weeks earlier than last season. Long-term winter forecasts favor Alberta and the Canadian Rockies, predicting above-average snowfall. The early start of the season for these SkiBig3 resorts is a sign that it will be an excellent season for Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise, and Mt. Norquay, whose seasons usually last until late May.Â
