Lake Louise, AB, February 2, 2026; Lake Louise Ski Resort officially celebrated a major milestone this weekend with the grand opening event of Richardson’s Ridge, welcoming skiers and riders to the resort’s newest family-friendly terrain. After a record-breaking December snowfall, the terrain opened to the public on December 17, months ahead of schedule. The Grand Opening marked the official, ceremonial launch. Resort leadership, partners, and key community members gathered for a ribbon-cutting celebration, formally ushering in a transformative new chapter for Lake Louise Ski Resort.
Richardson's Ridge Grand Opening on Jan 31, 2026 | Photo credit: Cody Gray
Guests at the Grand Opening were greeted with mild January conditions, crisp mountain air and beautifully groomed runs. With 7cm of snowfall overnight and bluebird skies, the resort was hard pressed to find a better opening day.
Lake Louise Ski Resort hosted VIP guests and resort and community members for a celebratory morning that included a welcome address by Rich Burkley, Lake Louise Ski Resort CEO and Kim Locke, Vice President of Lake Louise Ski Resort. This was followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10:00 a.m by Lake Louise owner Charlie Locke and Parks Canada CEO Ron Hallman. Guests rode the chair, admiring the new views it showcases followed by a group lap on the cruisey groomed runs.
Rich Burkley welcoming guests and the reception at Sawyer's Nook on Jan 31, 2026 | Photo credit: Cody Gray
The celebration continued with a reception at Sawyer’s Nook at Temple Lodge, MC’ed by Lake Louise Ski Resort CEO, Rich Burkley. Guests gathered for speeches from Bruno Mannsberger, Senior Director, Operations & Long Range Planning at Lake Louise Ski Resort; Kevin Weidlich, Travel Alberta Vice President of Destination and Commercial Development; Ron Hallman, Parks Canada CEO; Charlie Locke, Lake Louise Ski Resort owner; and a poem reading from Bill Keeling. A key theme throughout the speeches was recognition of Charlie’s ambitious vision for the Lake Louise Ski Resort, and the determination and perseverance of his team to see these dreams into reality.
Paul Pinchbeck presenting Charlie Locke with the 2025 Jimmie Spencer Lifetime Achievement Award on Jan 31, 2026 | Photo credit: Cody Gray
The formalities concluded with a speech and the presentation of the 2025 Jimmie Spencer Lifetime Achievement Award to Charlie Locke by Paul Pinchbeck, President and CEO of the Canadian Ski Council. Recognizing individuals that have shown exceptional leadership and lengthy service to the ski industry, Paul reflected on Charlie’s vision and dedication to not only Lake Louise Ski Resort, but the broader Canadian ski industry. Congratulations Charlie!
Following the reception, skiers and riders wasted no time exploring Richardson’s Ridge, experiencing the kind of downhill skiing Lake Louise Ski Resort is renowned for while taking in sweeping views of Pika Valley and Temple Mountain.
The Richardson's Ridge Express at the Grand Opening on Jan 31, 2026 | Photo credit: Cody Gray
The opening of Richardson’s Ridge adds approximately 200 acres of new ski terrain to Lake Louise Ski Resort, increasing total skiable terrain by nearly 15%. Served by the brand-new Richardson’s Ridge Express, a detachable high-speed quad chair, the area features five new green and blue runs alongside naturally gladed terrain.
Designed with progression and accessibility in mind, Richardson’s Ridge significantly expands the resort’s beginner and intermediate offerings. Wide-open groomers, gentle slopes, and quiet glades create an inviting space for families, first-timers, and developing skiers and riders to build confidence, while still offering plenty of adventure and stunning mountain scenery.
Skiers and riders at the Richardson's Ridge Grand Opening on Jan 31, 2026 | Photo credit: Cody Gray
A project that was 15 years in the making, the opening of Richardson’s Ridge marks the completion of another milestone in Lake Louise Ski Resort’s long range plan to enhance guest experience. Future phases will include selective glading of advanced and expert terrain, installation of a surface lift connection from Temple Lodge and the construction of a new lodge at the top of the Grizzly Gondola.
This milestone also reflects the resort’s broader growth strategy over the past five years, which has included the Summit Quad, the opening of West Bowl, the Juniper Express learning area, new staff residences, and most recently, the Pipestone Express Heated Bubble six-pack. Together, these investments have transformed the mountain experience, delivering more accessible terrain, shorter lift lines, and more opportunities for skiers and riders of all ability levels to explore.
If you’re planning a visit to Banff and Lake Louise this winter, Richardson’s Ridge is a must-ski addition to the mountain. And the excitement doesn’t stop there. Head over to Mt. Norquay to explore their newest 100 Glades off the Mystic Chair.
With a SkiBig3 lift ticket, you’ll have access to all of this new terrain across three world-class resorts: Lake Louise Ski Resort, Banff Sunshine Village, and Mt. Norquay.
