❄ Powder Alert - 15 cm (5.9) at Banff Sunshine overnight! ❄ 

Spotlio   Header Image  6
Sat, 21 Dec 2024

Launch of the Pipestone Express: Lake Louise’s New Heated Bubble 6-Person Chairlift

Big news for the 2024/25 winter season! Lake Louise Ski Resort is proud to unveil its newest addition, the Pipestone Express heated bubble chairlift. Built in collaboration with Doppelmayr, this state of the art six seater chair features heated seats for cozy ascents, footrests for added comfort, and a sleek blue bubble to protect skiers and riders from the elements. 

With a speedy seven minute ride time, the new Pipestone Express effortlessly connects the mid-mountain of the front side to the Summit Chair. It’s a game changer for accessing the resort’s incredible terrain, including West Bowl, while keeping you warm and comfortable every step of the way. 

 Spotlio   in Text Images 30
Image by: Jillian Tester at Lake Louise Ski Resort

A Warm Welcome to the Pipestone Express 

Lake Louise celebrated their newest addition with a Grand Opening on December 21, 2024 for VIPs including breakfast, ribbon cutting, speeches, hot chocolate & ceremonial first chair. Excitement was in the air as skiers and snowboarders took their first rides on the brand new Pipestone Express. Visitors were quick to embrace the smooth, comfortable ascent and the added convenience this heated bubble chairlift brings to Lake Louise Ski Resort. The Pipestone Express transforms the ride from mid-mountain to the Summit Chair into an experience. Whether catching early morning laps or cruising in the afternoon sun, the new lift delivers comfort, efficiency, and stunning views of Lake Louise’s terrain.

This lift isn't just about comfort, it’s also about efficiency. Paired with the Lower Juniper Chair, the Pipestone Express gives front side and back side access, shortening ride times and getting you on the slopes faster. It’s also perfectly positioned for when West Bowl opens later this season, making it easier than ever to access Lake Louise’s large terrain.

 Spotlio   in Text Images 31
Image by: Jillian Tester at Lake Louise Ski Resort

Experience the Pipestone Express This Winter 

Don’t miss the chance to experience the Pipestone Express for yourself. Whether you’re looking for warmer laps on the front side or quicker access to Lake Louise’s west and back bowls, this lift brings both comfort and efficiency to your winter adventure. 
 
With the Pipestone Express at Lake Louise Ski Resort and recently opened Super Angel LX Express at Banff Sunshine Village, two SkiBig3 resorts now offer the only three heated bubble chairlifts in North America. Grab your SkiBig3 Lift Ticket and explore three legendary resorts in the Canadian Rockies, where your winter adventures just got a whole lot warmer. 

Location

1 Whitehorn Rd, Lake Louise, AB T0L 1E0

SkiBig3

Other blog posts

Cover Pic What to Pack for Banff Photo by Mirae Campbell
Tips
SkiBig3
Tue, 13 Jan 2026

What to Pack for a Ski Trip to Banff and Lake Louise

Preparing for a ski trip to Banff and Lake Louise and not sure what to pack? This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of everything you’ll need to après in style, keep warm on the slopes and unwind after a big day up the mountain.
Cover Photo Connor Ryan Skiing at Lake Louise Ski Resort 5 Photo Credit Jill Scarpato
3 Mountains 5 Se...
SkiBig3
Mon, 12 Jan 2026

Professional Skier and Indigenous Ski Activist, Connor Ryan, on Finding Belonging in the Mountains

This past December, SkiBig3 hosted Connor Ryan, also known as @sacredstoke, for a few days of early-season powder in Banff National Park. A proud Hunkpapa Lakota skier raised at the foot of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, Connor brings intention, and respect for the land into every turn he makes as he explores the mountains.
01 Skijoring on Banff Avenue Nick Hase
Blog
Events
Fri, 09 Jan 2026

2026 Banff Skijoring Weekend Guide: Events, Après & Skiing

Banff’s Skijor weekend is fast upon us. This January 17-18, Banff Avenue will transform into an action packed western après festival filled with fur, fringe, flips and plenty of horse-powered tricks and stunts. This guide brings together all the best viewpoints, restaurants, bars and festivities to make the most of this Skijoring weekend.
01 Powder Skiing at Lake Louise Dec 9 Photo by Jill Scarpato
Conditions
SkiBig3
Fri, 09 Jan 2026

Snow Alert! Record-breaking Snowfall in Banff and Lake Louise

The 2025 and 2026 ski and snowboard season has kicked off with an absolute bang at SkiBig3. As of December 31, SkiBig3s three ski resorts, Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise Ski Resort and Mt. Norquay, have already shattered historic snowfall records, setting the stage for a truly unforgettable winter season.
Blog Ratio (9)
Wed, 31 Dec 2025

Why Skiing in Banff National Park Feels Different

Skiing rarely happens in a place this protected, expansive, and deeply connected to nature. In Banff, three world-class ski resorts operate entirely within a preserved Canadian National Park, the oldest park in Canada, creating an experience that feels both elevated and refreshingly grounded.