The start of the 21/22 season is here. Mt Norquay officially opens Friday, November 5th, and Lake Louise is also confirmed for a Friday, November 5th opening. Following close on their heels, Banff Sunshine is putting the final touches on the mountain in preparation for a mid-November opening day. After waking up to fresh snow last week and temperatures dropping below zero consistently every night, the buzz in Banff and Lake Louise is real. Winter is back, and it’s time to shred!
While you were out trick or treating, the operations team at Mt. Norquay was busy blowing snow for the much anticipated Mt. Norquay Opening Day on Friday, November 5, 2021. Fresh, fluffy, all-natural snow last weekend combined with Mt. Norquay’s improved snow-making system has meant that the resort is on-track for families to hit the hill for the first time this weekend. Cascade Chair will be open starting at 9:00am to take shredders of all ages to the top of Cascade, and Sundance. And, for anyone looking to get sendy, Mt. Norquay’s terrain park team will have some early season features sculpted for a few quick hits.
To make sure the hill stays in tip-top shape, Mt. Norquay will be closed Monday through Thursday (November 8-11). This will give the operations team time to do some additional snow-making. The hill will reopen to guests on Friday, November 12 for 7-day coverage.
It's important to be ready for all travel, health & safety protocols when visiting resorts. For the latest details, please visit our SkiBig3 Health & Safety Page, and current safety updates directly from Mt Norquay.
Norquay preparations for 21/22 Opening Day
It's official! Lake Louise Ski Resort is opening Friday, November 5th. The operations crew has been working flat out to get the resort ready for guests for this weekend and the groomers have been busy spreading around the good stuff so can get your warm-ups laps in on the first day of the season. Starting at 9:00 a.m., Glacier Chair will be spinning, so set your alarm early if you want to snag a spot on the coveted first-day chair. Wiwaxy will be open and we expect lots of hoots and yee-haws as skiers and riders alike rejoice at the feeling of carving deep turns through fresh corduroy and cresting poppy rollers.
Consider this opening day a primer to the rest of the season, to warm up and get your legs in shape, and to revel in the joy of being back on the hill. After a few laps of pure bliss, slide into the base for a bite and bevy. The Lodge of Ten Peaks, Slopeside Coffee, and Powder Keg will all be open for a quick, hearty warm-up.
It's important to be ready for all travel, health & safety protocols when visiting resorts. For the latest details, please visit our SkiBig3 Health & Safety Page, and current safety updates directly from the Lake Louise Ski Resort.
A groomer getting runs ready at Lake Louise Ski Resort near the Top of the World chair | Photo by @dhmathers7
The staff, the snow, the stoke - everything is lining up for Banff Sunshine to open on Thursday, November 11, 2021. While ski patrol has been busy practicing lift evacuations and prepping signage, gondola operators have been learning the ropes and getting excited to welcome guests back this winter. Last weekend, Banff Sunshine got some serious freshies with a hefty dump of new snow covering the resort. Now, the snowcats and the entire operations crew are at it every day to get the resort ready for those first few glorious turns of the season.
Sunshine Pre-Season Snowfall, October 30, 2021
The best part about a ski vacation in Banff and Lake Louise is you don’t even need a car to experience the three resorts. With a SkiBig3 Lift Ticket, Ikon Pass or Mountain Collective, you get unlimited access to a full schedule of complimentary ski shuttles. Shuttles depart from Banff hotels (to all resorts) and Lake Louise village hotels (to Lake Louise Ski Resort) daily.
Have you been to the SkiBig3 Adventure Hub? If not, we highly recommend dashing down there for some last-minute accessory upgrades before the season starts. From glove liners to cozy ski socks, from goggles to backpacks and more brands than you can imagine, the Adventure Hub, located at 114 Banff Ave., has got all the goods you need to stay warm (and stylin’) this season. Plus, if you’re in need of skis, boots, or a board (or you just want to try out some rad demo gear) they offer single and multi-day rentals.
Thinking about a ski vacation to Banff National Park this winter? Call our friendly ski specialists for the latest deals and packages 1-844-745-2443 or check out some of our best SkiBig3 online deals.
