Banff Buried in Snow: Winter Has Officially Arrived at SkiBig3

SkiBig3 is cautiously optimistic about what this early October snowfall could indicate for this upcoming winter. It felt as though fall was just beginning here in Banff National Park. However, the mountains wanted to signal something important: a big season of powder is ahead.

This past weekend, the Canadian Rockies saw their first major dusting of snow, just in time for Canadian Thanksgiving. With flakes falling across all three SkiBig3 resorts- Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise, and Mt. Norquay- the hype for winter has officially begun!  

Whether you’re a double black expert or planning to take your first turns this season, this first snowfall signifies that an exciting season has just begun. As we start to see more long-term winter forecasts, with promising signs of a La Niña winter, it’s becoming clearer that opening days are in the foreseeable future.  

Sunshine Village: Upper terrain turning white  

Photo Credit: Banff Sunshine Viewing Deck Webcam on October 12th, 2025 

Banff Sunshine saw the biggest snowfall of the SkiBig3 resorts so far, with 10-20 cm covering the upper slopes. While it’s still too early to say, it’s certainly a good indicator that Sunshine’s trails are getting a solid base for the ‘Prosecco Powder’ conditions we’ll see later on in the season. Photos from October 12th showcase an unmistakable wintery transformation that now covers Sunshine Meadows.  

Mt. Norquay: Snowmaking has started!  

Photo Credit: Mt. Norquay Webcam on October 12th, 2025 

Closer to town, Mt. Norquay saw a respectable 6-15 cm of snow. This dusting has sparked some early-season excitement as Mt. Norquay announced on Instagram that snowmaking has officially begun. Aiming for an ambitious (tentative) opening day of November 1, Norquay is notorious for being one of the first resorts to open in Canada. With promising conditions, all signs point to keeping that reputation alive!  

Lake Louise: More snow with big potential 

Photo Credit: Lake Louise Base Webcam on October 12th, 2025 

Lake Louise Ski Resort received a lighter snowfall, with a few centimeters dusting the trails and base lodge. With a few more cold nights and help from the snowmaking crew, this mountain will be turning white in no time!  

Ready for Winter?  

Photo Credit: Jill Tester

With snowfalls and stoke levels high already, there’s still time to lock in your SkiBig3 lift tickets for the season. Whether you’re ripping laps at Norquay, floating through Prosecco Powder at Sunshine, or deep and steep at Lake Louise, we’re certain that this season is shaping up to be one for the books!