Mt. Norquay Welcomes Skiers Back for the 26/27 Winter Season

 

Mt. Norquay officially opened for the 26/27 winter season on November 6th 2026, welcoming skiers and snowboarders back to its slopes for another winter. Locals and visitors made their way up to the resort for a 9:30 am opening, enjoying the first turns down Cascade and taking in the familiar sights of the long-awaited ski season returning to Banff. 

 

It's officially winter at Mt Norquay| Photo Credit: Ryan De Angelis

 

Opening Day at Mt. Norquay 

 

Attendees gathered at the base of Cascade Chairlift for the first laps of the season, ready to take advantage of the wide-open groomed terrain and reconnect with the mountain after the summer months. Opening day brought the familiar sounds of winter back to life, from the hum of the chairlift to the sound of the Norquay snow school team quickly making their way down the run. As snow started falling mid-morning, the terrain park crew worked to have different elements open by the afternoon. The Sundance carpet was also open for those looking to learn, offering a welcoming space for beginners to get comfortable on the slopes.  

At the base, Cascade Lodge provided a place to warm up between runs, with guests stopping in for food, drinks and a break from the slopes. Outside, the views across the Bow Valley offered a reminder of Norquay's unique setting, with the Town of Banff and surrounding mountain peaks stretching out below. 

 

Opening day turns at Mt Norquay  | Photo Credit: Ryan De Angelis

 

101 Winters at Mt. Norquay 

 

Mt. Norquay celebrated its 100th anniversary during the 25/26 winter season, marking a century of skiing and mountain culture in Banff. With a history deeply connected to the Bow Valley, Norquay, known as Banff’s backyard, has been part of the community for generations, and many local legends gathered for opening day. Mt. Norquay also continues to make improvements with a new surface lift in 2026, which runs from the main lodge area to the tube park. The carpet triples the current learning area, creating an even better first-time skiing or riding experience. 

 

Opening Day Excitement at Mt Norquay | Photo Credit: Ryan De Angelis

 

Winter Is Underway Across SkiBig3 

 

With Lake Louise Ski Resort open as of November 1st and Banff Sunshine Village opening November 7th, winter is kicking off at SkiBig3. As the season gets underway, Mt Norquay will continue to open additional terrain as conditions allow. Stay tuned to @SkiBig3 and the SkiBig3 Snow Report for the latest updates on snow conditions, terrain openings and what's happening across Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise Ski Resort and Mt. Norquay.