Spotlio   Header Image  (2)
Mon, 21 Oct 2024

Snowfall Is Here and So Are 2 New Heated Bubble Chairlifts!

With the recent snowfall in Banff & Lake Louise – SkiBig3 is excited to announce the debut of TWO new heated bubble chairlifts for the 2024-2025 ski and snowboard season. Along with the current Teepee Town LX chair at Banff Sunshine, the two new additions at Banff Sunshine and Lake Louise Ski Resort, now make the SkiBig3 resorts home to Canada’s ONLY heated lifts.  

 

‘Super Angel Express’ – Banff Sunshine 

Banff Sunshine is replacing its original Angel Express (quad chairlift) with the resorts first ever state-of-the-art, six-seater, luxury high-speed express lift. The lift is complete with heated bucket seats, footrests and a yellow protection bubble, to keep you cozy and comfortable.  

“At Banff Sunshine it’s our goal to create a guest experience worthy of our location in Canada’s first national park - Banff National Park,” said Kendra Scurfield, vice president of brand and communications at Banff Sunshine. “It was this goal that led us to invest in upgrading our Angel Express to a six-passenger high-speed luxury heated bubble lift with Evo technology from Poma. Our new lift, Super Angel, will be the first of its kind in North America. We’re thrilled to be able to enhance our guest experience with the brand-new Super Angel Express, flying winter 2024.”

Construction of the new Super Angel Express Heated Bubble Chairlift began in May of 2024 and is scheduled to be unveiled in November of 2024, just in time for the winter season.  

Spotlio   in Text Images (8)Super Anger Express Heated Bubble Chairlift ready for 24/25 winter season | Photo by Banff Sunshine

 

‘Pipestone Express’ – Lake Louise Ski Resort

Lake Louise Ski Resort has also been hard at work over the summer of 2024, with the launch of their new Pipestone Express Chair, formerly known as Upper Juniper Chairlift. The new chairlift will offer better access to Lake Louise Ski Resort’s famous West Bowl, where intermediate to expert skiers and boarders can ride some of Canada’s most technical in-bounds terrain. The heated bubble chair will come fitted with the same features as the Banff Sunshine lift, with a blue bubble to create some difference between the two.  

“We’re excited to celebrate the addition of Pipestone Express to the Lake Louise fleet,” said Richard Burkley, CEO of Lake Louise Ski Resort. “This lift is the latest in a series of investments to expand terrain and uphill capacity. Pipestone gives quicker lap times in West Bowl and easy access to backside runs and will be a terrific addition to the Lake Louise lift inventory.”

Opening slightly later, Lake Louise Ski Resort has tentatively put the first week of December at their scheduled open date.  

Spotlio   in Text Images (9)Pipestone Express Chairlift | Photo by Lake Louise Ski Resort

 

SkiBig3 is excited to welcome guests to these two-award winning resorts. The addition of these two technologically advanced chairlifts, along with predictions for/of a La Nina season, is setting up for an exciting ski season here at the SkiBig3 resorts.  

 

Tentative Resort Opening Dates: 2024-2025*

Banff Sunshine: Nov. 8, 2024 
Lake Louise Ski Resort: Nov. 8, 2024 
Mt. Norquay:  Nov. 2, 2024 
*All resort opening dates are tentative and weather permitting.

 

About SkiBig3: Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise Ski Resort and Mt. Norquay

Here in the north is Canada’s beloved Banff National Park and three iconic mountain resorts: Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise Ski Resort and Mt. Norquay. SkiBig3 promises a combined 7,700 acres of ski- and rideable in-bounds terrain, an average annual snowfall of 30 feet, 362 trails and the world’s only Prosecco Powder™, all accessible with one lift ticket.

SkiBig3 resortPhotos by Reuben Krabbe

 

Ready to test the heated bubble chairs out for yourself?  

With a SkiBig3 Lift Ticket, you can enjoy cozy rides at both Banff Sunshine and Lake Louise Ski Resort, as well as experiencing Mt. Norquay. So, what are you waiting for? Get ready to embark on an unforgettable winter adventure to SkiBig3 in Banff and Lake Louise. Reach out to our team at 1-844-754-2443 for the best packages and local tips, or simply book online.  

 

SkiBig3

Other blog posts

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.
Blog Ratio (7)
Tips
Events
Tue, 23 Dec 2025

The Ultimate Guide to Christmas in Banff and Lake Louise: Top Events, Festive Activities, and SkiBig3 Holiday Fun

Christmas in Banff and Lake Louise feels like stepping into a real-life snow globe. With powdery peaks, glowing lights, charming alpine towns, and festive celebrations around every corner, the Canadian Rockies set the stage for an unforgettable holiday season. Whether you're here for skiing, cozy winter moments, or magical holiday traditions, this guide highlights everything you need to know to plan the perfect December getaway.
Blog Ratio
Wed, 17 Dec 2025

Get Ready to Ride! Richardson’s Ridge Opening at Lake Louise Ski Resort

Big news for skiers and riders this winter. Lake Louise Ski Resort has officially opened the first phase of Richardson’s Ridge, welcoming guests to brand new terrain as of Wednesday, December 17, months ahead of schedule.
Ben Thunbs Up
Blog
Tips
Fri, 12 Dec 2025

Top Early Season Tips for Getting Back on Snow This December

Get ready for early season skiing in Banff with SkiBig3. Discover top tips for your first days back on snow, the best warm up spots at all three resorts, and how to plan a smooth winter getaway with flexible SkiBig3 Lift Tickets. Perfect for skiers and riders visiting Banff National Park this December.
Spotlio   Header Image  (4)
Fri, 05 Dec 2025

Celebrate SnowDays with Your Ikon Pass This 2025 MLK Weekend

Martin Luther King Jr. weekend is the perfect time to plan a ski escape to Banff and Lake Louise. While it’s a public holiday in the U.S., it’s business as usual in Canada, meaning fewer crowds and wide open slopes. Your Ikon Pass gives you access to three world class resorts: Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise Ski Resort, and Mt. Norquay.