Wed, 14 Jan 2026
6 Reasons February is the Best Time to Ski in Banff and Lake Louise
February combines bumper snow conditions with ski town charm and smaller crowds, making it one of the best times to ski in Banff and Lake Louise.
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.
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.
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.
Photos 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
Tue, 13 Jan 2026
What to Pack for a Ski Trip to Banff and Lake Louise
Preparing for a ski trip to Banff and Lake Louise and not sure what to pack? This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of everything you’ll need to après in style, keep warm on the slopes and unwind after a big day up the mountain.
Mon, 12 Jan 2026
Professional Skier and Indigenous Ski Activist, Connor Ryan, on Finding Belonging in the Mountains
This past December, SkiBig3 hosted Connor Ryan, also known as @sacredstoke, for a few days of early-season powder in Banff National Park. A proud Hunkpapa Lakota skier raised at the foot of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, Connor brings intention, and respect for the land into every turn he makes as he explores the mountains.
Fri, 09 Jan 2026
2026 Banff Skijoring Weekend Guide: Events, Après & Skiing
Banff’s Skijor weekend is fast upon us. This January 17-18, Banff Avenue will transform into an action packed western après festival filled with fur, fringe, flips and plenty of horse-powered tricks and stunts. This guide brings together all the best viewpoints, restaurants, bars and festivities to make the most of this Skijoring weekend.
Fri, 09 Jan 2026
Snow Alert! Record-breaking Snowfall in Banff and Lake Louise
The 2025 and 2026 ski and snowboard season has kicked off with an absolute bang at SkiBig3. As of December 31, SkiBig3s 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.
