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

The 2025-2026 ski and snowboard season has kicked off with an absolute bang at SkiBig3. As of December 31, SkiBig3's 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. December delivered wall-to-wall powder across the region, with all three resorts cashing in on exceptional snow totals. As of December 31, 94% of SkiBig3 terrain is open, and with winter just getting started, this season is shaping up to be one for the history books. 

UPDATE: January 14, 2026
Another storm delivered 37 cm (15") at Lake Louise Ski Resort, 27 cm (11") at Banff Sunshine and 14 cm (5.5") at Mt. Norquay over the past 48 hours, adding to the already incredible totals at each resort! Lake Louise Ski Resort now has 100% of its terrain open for the season. 

Richardson's Ridge Opening, Dec 17 2025 | Photo credit: Josh Segeleski

December at Lake Louise Ski Resort showed up with extra snow and zero chill. The resort recorded its snowiest December on record since 1970, with an incredible 282 cm (111 inches) of snowfall, smashing a 75-year-old record. As of December 31, Lake Louise is already sitting at 226% of its average snowfall.

The powder was so plentiful that the resort fast-tracked the opening of their newest terrain, Richardson's Ridge, by a full three months. Featuring gentle green and blue runs alongside playful glades and tree skiing, Richardson’s Ridge is perfectly suited for beginner to intermediate skiers and snowboarders eager to explore new terrain. 

Goat's Eye Opening, Dec 13 2025 | Photo credit: Jill Scarpato

Winter wasted no time in showing up at Banff Sunshine. December brought 268 cm (106 inches) of snow, making it the resort’s 5th snowiest month on record (Jan 1971 with 299cm holds the record). Since their early opening on November 2 through Dec 31, the storm board tallied an impressive 416cm (164 inches) of snow, Banff Sunshine’s 4th snowiest season on record.  

With such a strong December base to lean on, Sunshine’s iconic free ride zones are open and thriving. Head up Delirium Dive or Wild West for narrow shoots, formidable steeps and open powder bowls. (Remember: bring a mate and your avalanche safety gear if you’re heading into these zones.) 

North American Chair Opening, Dec 13 2025 | Photo credit: Cody Gray

At Mt. Norquay, consistent snowfall delivered big results. From opening day on November 8 through to December 31, the resort received 156 cm (61 inches) of snow. December alone accounted for 120 cm (46 inches), not just double December 2024’s total, but twelve times more than the 10 cm (4 inches) recorded last December. Mt. Norquay is already closing in on their 24/25 season total snowfall of 175cm, and there’s still 4 more months of skiing to go.

Thanks to a December that forgot how to stop snowing, Mt. Norquay opened their North American chairlift, locally dubbed Big Chair, two months ahead of last year. Skiers and snowboarders wasted no time enjoying powder laps through Boundary Bowl, Memorial Bowl and Lone Pine. Just in time for Christmas, the resort also unveiled its newest terrain addition, the Norquay 100 Glades, bringing even more exciting tree runs to the mountain. 

With one of the longest ski seasons in North America, there’s still plenty of time to enjoy the record-breaking Prosecco Powder™. SkiBig3 lift tickets give you access to all three resorts, Lake Louise Ski Resort, Banff Sunshine, and Mt. Norquay, all the way through late April.