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Banff Sunshine
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Mt. Norquay
Wed, Aug 12

What’s New at SkiBig3 for 2026–27

 

The Canadian Rockies are always evolving, and the 2026–27 season brings plenty of new ways to experience SkiBig3 and Banff National Park. From expanded terrain and upgraded lifts to new places to après, stay, eat and unwind, there’s plenty to discover across Banff, Canmore and Lake Louise this winter. 


All three SkiBig3 resorts are currently planning to open early November 2026, weather permitting. 

 

Blog Ratio (21)Richardson's Ridge | Photo credit: Sam Hamilton 

 

More Mountain at Lake Louise Ski Resort 

 

The Richardson’s Ridge addition continues to open up more of Lake Louise this winter. Following the addition of 200 acres of terrain and a new high-speed quad in early 2026, guests can explore new connections and routes across the ridge, including Grove Glade, a new groomed green run that will connect Merlin's to the Richardson's Ridge chairlift. 

 

Lake Louise also expanded intermediate and advanced glades and the Pikaboo run will be completed as a second run between the bases of Paradise and Richardson's Ridge. A new Prunepicker route will also connect Marmot with the base of Richardson’s Ridge, making it easier to move between some of the resort’s key terrain areas. 

 

New snowmaking will help provide more consistent conditions across the ridge, while upgrades to the Top of the World Chair will increase loading capacity and improve reliability and speed. Together, the improvements mean more ways to explore and more time skiing. 

 

Blog Ratio (22)The GOAT Club at Banff Sunshine | Photo credit: Jill Scarpato 

 

Après Gets Elevated at Sunshine 

 

Banff Sunshine Village is building on last winter’s new additions, with the GOAT Club returning for its second season at Goat’s Eye Lodge. Expect live entertainment, DJs and plenty of mountain après, while the Coco Lounge gets its first full winter on the deck of the Centennial Day Lodge, offering cocktails, food, fireside seating and views across the slopes. 

 

There’s even more to warm up with this winter, including a new Coco Lab Coffee & Hot Chocolate Bar and cocktail bar at Goat’s Eye Lodge. The historic Centennial Day Lodge is also getting a refresh, with updates to restaurant spaces and guest amenities. 

 

Blog Ratio (24)Bluebird day at Mt Norquay | Photo credit: Jill Scarpato

 

Mt. Norquay Looks Ahead 

 

After celebrating its 100th anniversary last season, Mt. Norquay is looking toward its next century with the 'Norquay 100 Vision'. Plans are underway for the future replacement of the iconic North American Chairlift, known as The Big Chair, while a new surface lift expands the learning area by three times between the Main Lodge and Tube Park.

 

Behind the scenes, upgrades to snowmaking, grooming, shuttle and lift infrastructure will continue to improve the everyday ski experience, helping keep Banff’s original ski hill running smoothly from first chair to last lap. 

 

Blog Ratio (25)Downtown, Banff Ave | Photo credit: Mirae Campbell 

 

New Ways to Ski the Rockies 

 

Coming soon: Experience Banff resorts like never before with the new Alpine Collection by SkiBig3. Three new curated guided and luxury experiences to be released in the coming weeks!  

 

  Blog Ratio (20)Powder day at Banff Sunshine Village | Photo credit: Banff Sunshine 

 

More to Explore After the Lifts Close 

 

There’s plenty happening around the mountains, too. Rimrock Banff, Emblems Collection reopened in July 2026 following a major renovation, while The Kenrick continues to bring a modern take on Banff’s mountain heritage with an indoor pool, hydrotherapy facilities and Italian dining. 

 


For a post-ski reset, BASIN Glacial Waters at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and Canmore’s Everwild Nordic Spa offer new ways to unwind, from thermal bathing and saunas to hot pools and cold plunges. And when it’s time to head out for the evening, Banff’s Dusty Boot Saloon & Dance Hall brings western-inspired nightlife to town, while Hunter Canmore offers a new Rocky Mountain steakhouse experience. 
For 2026/27, SkiBig3 and its three iconic resorts are doubling down on the guest experience. From 2024’s heated bubble lifts and major terrain additions to elevated après venues and infrastructure upgrades, Banff's ski resorts continue to reinvest at every level of your journey. 

 


While Banff National Park includes some of North America's most historic ski destinations, SkiBig3 and Banff is proving that heritage and innovation can coexist. You can expect world-class lift infrastructure, expanded terrain, premium experiences, and seamless service, all delivering exceptional value.  

Lilly Coote
Lilly is the Marketing Specialist at SkiBig3 and a lifelong skier with more than 20 years of experience on the slopes. Based in Banff National Park, she writes about skiing, snowboarding, mountain travel, and winter experiences in the Canadian Rockies. Through her work with SkiBig3 and firsthand experience at Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise, and Mt Norquay, Lilly shares trusted local insight to help visitors plan memorable mountain vacations.
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