One hundred years. In mountain terms, that’s a whole lot of powder days, race starts, first turns, last chairs, and après stories that probably get a little better every time they’re told. This year, Mt. Norquay turns 100, and for a resort that has taught generations of Alberta locals how to ski and snowboard, that calls for a proper, mountain-sized celebration. On May 28, Norquay is hosting a centenary “Day of Nostalgia,” bringing the community together to celebrate a century of history, heart, and that unmistakable locals’ hill vibe.
Skiing at Mt. Norquay in the 50s and 70s | Photos provided by Mt. Norquay
Back in 1926, a group of passionate Banff locals carved the first ski runs into the slopes above town. There were no high-speed lifts, no Gore-Tex layers, and definitely no curated après playlists. Just wooden skis, a whole lot of determination, and a love for sliding downhill. That spirit still defines Norquay today.
From setting the first slalom courses in 1929 to installing a single chairlift in 1948, only the second in Canada at the time, Norquay has always punched above its weight. The construction of the Cliffhouse Bistro in 1952 added another iconic chapter, giving skiers a mountaintop gathering place long before on-mountain dining became the norm.
Steeped in ski racing and ski jumping history, Norquay has long been the training ground for local kids finding their edges and future champions chasing podiums. It’s the place where Bow Valley families have passed down ski boots from sibling to sibling, where race days feel like reunions, and where lifties still know your name.
That’s what makes turning 100 so special. It’s not just about longevity, it’s about community.
The Big Chair lookout | Photo credit: Rueben Krabbe
The Day of Nostalgia is all about celebrating where Norquay has been and where it’s headed next. Guests can ride the historic Big Chair for sightseeing from 9AM to 3:30PM for just $10, or free with a season pass or lift ticket. It’s a chance to soak in those classic Norquay views and reflect on just how many skiers have ridden up that same line over the decades.
Throughout the day, you can check out Norquay memorabilia and snap photos with the first chair, the current Big Chair, and even get a glimpse at the vision for a future gondola. It’s a neat reminder of how far lift technology has come and how Norquay continues to evolve while staying true to its roots.
Fireside chats at Kika’s will offer a deeper look into the mountain’s story. At 10AM, Adam and Jan Waterous, Norquay owners, will speak about the future gondola plans, and local ski legend and historian Chick Scott will also share his perspective. Mighty Quay screenings will run in the lower lodge, and guided tours will give guests the chance to see the mountain through the eyes of the people who’ve shaped its history.
Live music will keep the atmosphere buzzing all day. Andrew Staygold will play upstairs in the Lone Pine from 10AM to 1PM, DJ Tenax will bring energy to the lower patio from noon to 3PM, and Bobby Hughes will round out the afternoon with a set from 2PM to 4PM. Expect a soundtrack worthy of a 100th birthday.
Fireside apres on the Lone Pine Patio | Photo credit: Rueben Krabbe
If you’ve ever spent time at Norquay, you know the magic often happens off the slopes, around a firepit, on the deck, or inside the lodge swapping stories. Complimentary fireside s’mores will be available from 9AM to 4PM, giving everyone an excuse to slow down and savour the day. An outdoor barbecue will fire up on the deck from 11AM to 3PM, serving burgers and brats fresh off the grill.
There will also be brewery and spirits tasting sessions throughout the day, including Black Station Spirits, Big Rock Brewing, Wild Life, Best of Kin, Fernie Brewing, and Banded Peak Brewing. The Banff Ave Brewing patio takeover will feature a special Norquay 100 Kölsch brewed just for the occasion. If ever there was a time to raise a glass to your local hill, this is it.
The Bruno Engler Family Race in 1974 | Photo provided by Mt. Norquay
No celebration of Norquay would be complete without honouring its deep roots in ski racing. The 58th Bruno Engler Race, the longest running annual ski race in Canadian history, will take place as part of the centennial celebrations. Carve down Cascade in a two-run GS or team up for the Bruno Engler Family Race for the Berchtold Trophy; a cornerstone of the Norquay calendar and a true testament to the mountain’s racing roots.
Registration opens at noon, with the two-run giant slalom kicking off at 1:30PM on Cascade. Awards and a reception follow at 4PM, bringing racers, families, and spectators together in classic Norquay community fashion.
The centenary celebration concludes with a closing reception in the Lone Pine from 4:30PM to 6:30PM. Guests can enjoy appetizers, drinks, and a closing speech reflecting on 100 years of memories. The reception is free to attend and open to everyone, reinforcing what Norquay has always been about: community.
Ski resorts don’t just quietly reach 100 years. It takes resilience, adaptability, and a whole lot of loyal locals to keep the lifts spinning for a century. From hand-cut runs in the 1920s to modern lift infrastructure today, Norquay has remained proudly independent and proudly local. It’s the hill where people learned to link their first turns, where a GS course was raced for the first time, where kids now ski the same runs their parents and grandparents grew up on. That’s the beauty of 100 years: it connects generations.
On May 28, 2026, the community comes together not just to celebrate a milestone, but to celebrate a mountain that has always felt like home. Here’s to 100 years of Mt. Norquay and to the next century of steep turns, big views, and familiar faces on the chair.
Mount Norquay, Improvement District No. 9, AB
