As another winter comes to a close in Banff National Park, it's hard not to feel grateful for the season we've just had. 

The 2025/26 ski season delivered everything we love about skiing in the Canadian Rockies.  

We had early-season storms, deep powder days, bluebird afternoons, spring laps, and a season that stretched from early November to mid-May. From historic snowfall totals to major milestones and celebrations, this winter left its mark on all three SkiBig3 resorts. 

Before we start looking ahead to summer adventures and next winter's return, let's take one last look back at a remarkable season. 

 

Record-breaking season at Banff Sunshine | Photo Credit: Jill Scarpato 

 

Banff Sunshine Village: A Season for the Record Books 

 

Winter arrived early at Banff Sunshine Village and never really let up.

 
Thanks to an early-season snowfall, Sunshine opened on November 2, marking its earliest opening day in more than 40 years. It was an exciting start to a season that would continue to exceed expectations right through spring. 

By the time the lifts stopped spinning, Sunshine had recorded an incredible 1,025 centimetres (403 inches) of snowfall, setting a new record for the resort's upper mountain snow plot. Powder days became the norm, and skiers were treated to some of the deepest conditions seen in years. 

The mountain's legendary Wild West Freeride Zone also enjoyed its longest season on record, remaining open from December 21 through May 16 and giving adventurous skiers months of access to some of Sunshine's most sought-after terrain. 

 

The GOAT Club at Banff Sunshine | Photo Credit: Jill Scarpato 

 

Sunshine welcomed a new addition to its mountain experience with the opening of The Goat Club. The mid-mountain après venue quickly became a favourite gathering spot, hosting live music, sunny patio  dance parties, and performances from internationally recognized DJs.

 
The season brought recognition beyond Banff as well. In April, Sunshine was voted Best Resort in North America by OnTheSnow, a testament to the incredible experience delivered by the mountain and its team throughout the winter. 

And of course, no Sunshine season recap would be complete without mentioning Slush Cup. More than 5,000 skiers and riders gathered for the resort's biggest edition yet, closing out another unforgettable winter with one final splash. 

But the season isn't over yet! Banff Sunshine will return for summer skiing and riding from June 20th to July 5th, 2026. Strawberry Express is expected to spin once again for skiers and snowboarders looking to trade spring hiking boots for a few more days of turns in the Rockies. 

 

Lake Louise Ski Resort in late March | Photo Credit: Jill Scarpato 

 

Lake Louise Ski Resort: Deep Snow and Endless Turns 

 

The resort’s biggest headline came early when December delivered more than three metres of alpine snowfall, setting a new 75-year snowfall record for the month. Those storms created the foundation for one of the deepest winters Lake Louise has experienced in decades. 

The snow kept coming throughout the season, eventually bringing the resort's alpine snowfall total to an impressive 941 centimeters, which is more than 30 feet of snow over the course of the winter. 

The result was consistent, high-quality skiing from opening day on November 4th to closing weekend, May 3rd. Whether guests were exploring the resort's front side, chasing powder through West Bowl, or taking in the views from the Top of the World chair, conditions remained exceptional throughout the season. 

 

Richardson's Ridge in December | Photo credit: Josh Selegeski 

 

One of the season's standout successes was the opening of Richardson's Ridge – 200 acres of intermediate and beginner runs.The terrain and new chairlift addition opened months early and provided 181 days of skiing, giving visitors even more opportunities to explore Lake Louise's  vast terrain. 

As the season came to a close, Lake Louise once again delivered the kind of winter that keeps skiers and snowboarders coming back year after year, showcasing another memorable season in the heart of Banff National Park. 

 

Skiing at Mt. Norquay this winter | Photo Credit: Jill Scarpato 

 

Mt. Norquay: Celebrating 100 Years of Skiing in Banff

 

While snowfall records made headlines across SkiBig3, Mt. Norquay spent the season celebrating something even bigger: a century of skiing history. 

The 2025/26 season marked Norquay's official 100th anniversary, making it one of the most significant years in the resort's history. The celebration began when the mountain opened for its centennial season on November 8, welcoming skiers and riders back to Banff's local mountain for a winter filled with nostalgia, community, and celebration. 

 

Vintage Photograph of Mt. Norquay Sinage | Photo Credit: Simon Hoyle 

Throughout the season, guests had the opportunity to reflect on Norquay's remarkable legacy. The mountain hosted special events, partnered with Banff Ave Brewing to create the Mighty Quay Send'tennial Kölsch, and shared its story through The Mighty Quay documentary. 

The highlight of the celebrations came in March during the Day of Nostalgia, when longtime locals, former staff, and generations of skiers gathered to honour the mountain that has played such an important role in Banff's ski culture for the last 100 years. 

 

Winter is coming to a close in Banff National Park | Photo Credit: Jill Scarpato

 

Thank You for an Incredible Winter 

 The 2025/26 season was filled with milestones. 

Banff Sunshine recorded its earliest opening in more than four decades and surpassed 1,000 centimetres of snowfall. Lake Louise experienced its snowiest December in 75 years and accumulated more than 30 feet of snow throughout the season. Mt. Norquay celebrated 100 years of skiing while looking ahead to its next century. 

But beyond the numbers, this season was about the moments that brought people to the mountains in the first place: first chair on a powder morning, spring skiing with friends, learning a new skill, discovering a favourite run, or simply taking in the view from a chairlift. 

To everyone who visited SkiBig3 this winter, thank you for being part of another unforgettable season in Banff National Park. 

We'll see you on the trails, lakes, patios, and peaks this summer and before long, we'll be counting down the days until winter returns to the Canadian Rockies once again!