Season recap: Epic moments that made us smile in 21/22
And just like that, another fantastic winter season is almost over. With Mt. Norquay closed as of April 24 and Lake Louise Ski Resort scheduled to close on May 8, we thought it was time to look back on a season recap. From snorkel-worthy powder days to riding a brand new lift - here are just a few of the epic moments that made us smile during the 2021/2022 winter season.
But the winter isn’t over yet! Banff Sunshine has yet to close (not until May 23) boasting the longest non-glacial ski season in North America. Plus, you can keep your winter stoke going with an unbeatable SkiBig3 Season Pass renewal price available until May 15. Plus, until April 30 you can score the lowest early bird rates you’ll find for a ski holiday next season - with lift tickets and lodging up to 45% off, no cancellation fees and free itinerary changes until 14 days before arrival.
Grab our lowest SkiBig3 Season Pass Renewal rate until May 15!
SkiBig3 Season Recap
Waking up to a winter wonderland, Town of Banff, November 15
It wasn’t your average Monday when we woke up to more than 54cm of fresh snow with 24hrs. The Town of Banff was absolutely covered in the first heavy snowfall of the season - and we weren’t complaining!
That time Banff got 54cm of snow in 24hrs...
Flying down freshies at Mystic Chair Opening Day, Mt. Norquay, November 26
This season has been known for its deeper than average snow base all thanks to heavy snowfall early season. Just before guests started arriving for Christmas, November turned it ON with powder days that were too good to be true. With all that fresh champagne powder building up over time, the Friday Mystic Chair opened at Mt. Norquay you could hear the hoots and hollers in Banff.
The snow turned ON in November! With all that powder collecting over time, Mystic Chair Opening at Mt. Norquay was something only dreams are made of. | Photo at Mt. Norquay by Dan Evans
Cancelling World Cup because of too much snow, Lake Louise Ski Resort, November 26
Turns out, you can have too much of a good thing when it comes to snowfall. On the first day of the World Cup Weekend, everyone watching the Lake Louise Audi FIS Ski World Cup woke up to see the Men’s Downhill coated in more than 25cm of snow with over 10cm expected to fall later that day. This heavy snowfall resulted in the cancellation of Friday’s Men’s Downhill competition and a frenzy of shovelling from the operations team. And, if that wasn’t enough, Sunday’s Men’s Super-G was also cancelled due to heavy snowfall, proving that no matter how much we plan, we are always at the whim of Mother Nature.
Mother Nature got a bit too excited about the Lake Louise Audi FIS Ski World Cup. | Photo at Lake Louise Ski Resort courtesy of Global News
Supporting Community Ski Days, December 10-12
This winter we were so excited to bring back Community Ski Days - a deeply discounted weekend for Bow Valley locals, with all proceeds going towards local charities and organizations. This year, locals could ski or ride one, two, or all three mountains for as little as $50 per day (only $15 per day for kids). Lift ticket proceeds this year helped support Rocky Mountain Adaptive, Mineral Springs Hospital, KidSport Bow Valley and the Canadian Rockies Public School.
Community Ski Days took place at all three resorts from December 10-12, 2021. | Photo at Lake Louise Ski Resort
Doing a Tik Tok dance with Santa, Lake Louise Ski Resort, December 23
If you happened to be sliding at Lake Louise Ski Resort last December, you may have seen Santa breaking out his best Tik Tok dance at the bottom of Ptarmigan. Not to mention, hitting a few features and surprising little ones with free stickers. Santa is a regular visitor of the slopes - we welcome him back every December to get sendy before his big trip around the world!
Did you see Santa trying to go viral on the backside of Lake Louise? | Photo by Jillian Tester at Lake Louise Ski Resort
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Choosing our favourite SnowDays snow sculpture, Town of Banff, January 19-30
It’s hard to put into words, but SnowDays is simply one of the most magical winter events you could ever experience. Over one week, huge, elaborate and awesome snow sculptures are built by hand throughout Banff. From two oversized river otters playing and intertwined to an enormous (and glutenous) squirrel - it was too hard to choose our favourite.
This snowy squirrel living his best life at SnowDays in Banff. Which snow sculpture was your favourite? | Photo by Josh Segeleski
Winning the World Ski Awards, Lake Louise Ski Resort, January 20
Champagne was popped when Lake Louise Ski Resort won “Canada’s Best Ski Resort” in the World Ski Awards for the 7th time in 9 years. With over a million votes cast worldwide, this win speaks to the hard work and passion that the Lake Louise Ski Resort team dedicates to offering an exceptional guest experience.
This winter, Lake Louise Ski Resort won Canada's Best Ski Resort in the World Ski Awards for the 7th time in 9 years. | Photo by Josh Segeleski at Lake Louise Ski Resort
Helping Alberta win 2nd in the Winterlude National Ice-Carving Championship, Lake Louise Ski Resort, February 4-6
After the pandemic postponed in-person events, we were so excited that Lake Louise Ski Resort was chosen to host the 44th Annual Winterlude National Ice Carving Championship. For two days, ice carving teams from coast to coast to coast across Canada battled to build the most beautiful ice carvings. Alberta’s piece was called Pinnacle, and thanks to voters like you, Alberta won second place!
Way to go Team Alberta for taking home 2nd place in the 44th Annual Winterlude National Ice Carving Championship! | Photo by Roam Creative
Opening a brand new chairlift - Juniper Express Chair, Lake Louise Ski Resort, February 7
It’s not every day you get to ride a brand new chairlift, but for guests visiting Lake Louise Ski Resort during the first weekend of February - it was their lucky day! The new high-speed quad, Juniper Express Chair, opened along with five new berry-themed blue runs. Beginners and park enthusiasts both rejoiced at the arrival of this chair as it offers more progression terrain and improved access to Lake Louise’s famous terrain park
This February, Lake Louise Ski resort opened a brand new chair and 5 new runs. | Photo by Philip Forsey at Lake Louise Ski Resort
Competing in contests again, All Resorts, All Season
Can we just say - it felt so good to be back together again; skiing and riding in competitions once again. The volume of cheering said everything about how excited crowds and competitors were to be back together competing in events like this year’s Big Mountain Challenge (Lake Louise Ski Resort), What the Huck (Banff Sunshine), and the Bruno Engler Memorial Ski Race (Mt. Norquay), to name a few.
We were so stoked to see in-person competitions return, like the Big Mountain Challenge (pictured). | Photo by Shannon Martin at Lake Louise Ski Resort
Celebrating International Women’s Day at Rude Girls Ride-Days, Banff Sunshine, March 8
Remember that time more than 50 all-female and LGBTQ2+ riders showed up to share their love of riding at Banff Sunshine? The Wolverine Park offered the ideal safe space for riders from learners to long-time pros to share their tricks and learn from one another - supporting more representation in the snowboarding industry.
Rude Girls is a local snowboard shop on a mission to make snowboarding more inclusive through their Rude Girls Ride Days. | Photo by Ali Greene at Banff Sunshine
Getting really retro, Mt. Norquay, March 12
The thrift shops never knew what hit them as skiers and riders descended on the best vintage sports in town to get a retro kit for Mt. Norquay’s Retro Day and VJ Dance Party. At these apres vibes, neon was encouraged and best dressed took home covetable White Claw swag.
Adding four-legged rentals to our fleet, Adventure Hub, April 1
This winter we were very excited to announce that starting next season we will be adding more inventory to serve our canine customers at the SkiBig3 Adventure Hub. Who knew there was a guest we had overlooked, looking up at us this whole time?
Helping newcomers get on the slopes, Banff Sunshine & Mt. Norquay, March 29 & April 7
There’s nothing more special than helping someone new to winter sports try them for the first time, and this winter we were able to do just that. Partnering with the Town of Banff’s Community Connections program we were so excited to get 12 skiers out on the slopes for the first time for a free full-day lesson with rentals, lift tickets, and shuttles included at Mt. Norquay (March 29) and Banff Sunshine (April 7). This partnership is part of our commitment to helping the community of Banff become a place where permanent and temporary residents can live, work, play and thrive.
This spring, SkiBig3 partnered with the Town of Banff's Community Connections program to offer two free Learn-to-Ski events for new immigrants to Canada. | Photo by Pixel Pumas Pro at Banff Sunshine
Breaking snowfall records, Banff Sunshine, April 13
Powder days in April? Yup, that’s the Rockies. Snow much snow keeps falling at Banff Sunshine that we need to run and get our powder skis out of storage! Banff Sunshine kicked off its season with heavy snowfall in December which built a deep base, opening up Banff Sunshine’s famous free ride terrain. Now, well into spring, the snow won’t stop dumping and Banff Sunshine is tracking well above snowfall levels compared to last year!
Banff Sunshine has been breaking snowfall records all season! | Photo by Banff Sunshine
Building the most insane park you’ve ever seen, Banff Sunshine, April 25-May 1
Banff Sunshine still has lots of season left (more than four weeks!) and their spring events calendar is busier than ever. This month, both Snowboys Productions It Came From The Village and Holy Bowly rolled into Sunshine Village - building some of the most heart-dropping terrain park features you’ve ever seen. Snowboard enthusiasts flocked to the resort to watch talented local riders and famous names, while some even hit the park themselves when it was opened to the public.
Winter’s not over yet
With spring vibes sizzling at both Banff Sunshine and Lake Louise Ski Resort until their closing days (May 8 and May 23, respectively), the party is still happening on the slopes. Mark your calendars because Mount Sushmore (Lake Louise Ski Resort) and Slush Cup (Banff Sunshine) are two pond-skimming spring parties you don't want to miss.
If you’re out of town and already missing the slopes, Early Bird package prices are still available until April 30. Our reservations team will be happy to help you book your next winter adventure anytime throughout the year. Give them a call at 1-844-754-2443 or go online to access some exceptional Ski & Stay Package deals.