With snow already piling up on the ground, the 2025/2026 winter season is shaping up to be a landmark year in the Bow Valley, with major on-mountain upgrades, new terrain openings, centennial celebrations, and premium in-room rental services. Across Banff National Park, world-class wellness and après-ski experiences are also emerging, offering new ways to relax, recharge, and connect with the mountain spirit. Here is what is new this winter for SkiBig3.
Richardson's Ridge Construction and Development | Photo Credit: Lake Louise Ski Resort
Richardson’s Ridge, Lake Louise’s highly anticipated new terrain expansion, is well underway and expected to open early spring 2026. Skiers and riders can look forward to exploring more than 200 acres of new terrain, featuring five new beginner and intermediate runs. The addition also includes beginner and intermediate tree-skiing zones, accessible via the Richardson’s Ridge Express, a high-speed quad chairlift located on the resort’s backside. This new terrain will branch off from the existing Pika Trail, adding even more variety to Lake Louise’s already expansive ski area.
The Mighty Quay Film Poster | Photo Credit: @mtnorquay on Instagram
Mt. Norquay celebrates its 100th anniversary this season, marking a century of ski history in Banff National Park. To kick off the centennial celebrations, Norquay will premiere a short film titled The Mighty Quay at the 50th annual Banff Mountain Film Festival, premiering November 3, 2025. Additional screenings will follow throughout the winter. On the slopes, a brand-new magic carpet will debut, doubling the size of the learning area and creating an even better first-time skier experience.
Sunshine Super Angel Chair on October 27th, 2025 | Photo Credit: Sunshine Village
Sunshine Mountain Lodge is undergoing a full redesign, with refreshed guest rooms, upgraded conference spaces, and revitalized common areas to enhance the slopeside stay experience. This season, guests will also enjoy expanded parking at Banff Sunshine, with 100 new spaces to ease congestion during peak times. SkiBig3 Lift Ticket holders can also take advantage of free shuttle service between Banff and all three resorts.
Banff Sunshine Heated Bubble Chairs | Photo Credit: Royce Sihlis
Last winter, SkiBig3 introduced two new six-seater heated bubble chairlifts at Banff Sunshine and Lake Louise Ski Resort. Combined with the existing Teepee Town LX at Banff Sunshine, SkiBig3 is now home to all three of Canada’s heated, weather-protected bubble lifts, setting a new standard for comfort on the slopes.
SkiBig3 In-Room Rental Fitting | Photo Credit: Jill Tester
New this season enjoy premium in-room fitting service thanks to the opening of the SkiBig3 Canmore Adventure Hub. With this new location, SkiBig3’s expert rental team delivers, fits, and tunes your equipment directly at your hotel or accommodation for guests staying in Canmore. Skip the rental lineups and gear hauling by choosing from a wide selection of high-performance skis and snowboards for all ages and ability levels.
Banff SnowDays Festival Snow Sculptures | Photo Credit: Shannon Martin
One of Banff’s most beloved winter events is getting even bigger. The SnowDays Festival will now run for four full weeks, from January 17 to February 8, 2026. This expanded celebration will transform downtown Banff into a winter wonderland, with larger-than-life snow and ice sculptures, the thrilling skijoring event on Banff Avenue, and plenty of interactive fun. The Play Zone, Bear Street Hub, and SnowNights will feature evening events that bring our mountain town to life.
Flying Canoë Volant Festival in Edmonton | Photo Credit: Explore Edmonton
New to Banff this season, the Flying Canoë Volant Festival will take place from February 26 to March 1, 2026. Rooted in Indigenous, Métis, and French-Canadian traditions, this immersive festival brings the legendary Flying Canoe story to life through light shows, live music, races, and interactive winter games. Originally from Edmonton, the Banff edition of this festival will feature local storytelling and highlight the region’s rich cultural heritage.
The Kenrick Hotel Pool | Photo Credit: The Kenrick Hotel
Banff’s hospitality scene continues to evolve with new places to stay, dine, and unwind. The Kenrick Hotel, formerly the High Country Inn, has been reimagined as a boutique property where luxury meets legacy. Located on Banff Avenue, it features a saltwater pool and a cozy fireplace library just steps from The Fat Ox, one of Banff’s newest culinary hot spots.
Opening in December 2025, The Dusty Boot Saloon & Dance Hall brings western charm to Banff’s nightlife. Expect a boot-scuffed dance floor, live bands, and private karaoke “singing sheds” for country music lovers to belt out their favourite tunes.
Sunshine Snow Conditions October 27th, 2025| Photo Credit: Banff Sunshine Village
From historic milestones and new lifts to expanded festivals and après adventures, Banff National Park and the SkiBig3 resorts are gearing up for an unforgettable 2025/26 winter season. Start planning your next mountain getaway at SkiBig3.com.
