Estimated opening dates may change, please check with the ski resort in advance.
Banff Sunshine Village Ski & Snowboard Resort
Opening Date: November 2
What’s New: Banff Sunshine Village was the first Canadian ski resort to open this year, potentially marking its earliest opening date ever, and this isn’t the only Sunshine-related national headline. Sunshine ranked as the top Canadian resort and second overall resort in the west by SKI Magazine for 2026. Plus, Condé Nast Traveller’s readers voted Banff Sunshine Village as the number two ski resort in the country.
New this year, Banff Sunshine Village has additional snowcats for better terrain grooming and an improved on-the-hill experience. Off the hill, it will offer a new retail store for more gear options, and the mountain lodge has undergone a refresh, so guests can enjoy updated rooms, conference facilities and common areas for an enhanced slopeside stay.
1 Sunshine Village Access Rd., Banff, 403-705-4000, skibanff.com
Lake Louise Ski Resort
Opening Date: November 4
What’s New: The first phase of Lake Louise Ski Resort’s new ski area, Richardson’s Ridge, is slated to open in early spring 2026 and will bring an additional 200 acres of terrain. With the new Richardson’s Ridge Express Chair, skiers and snowboarders will have access to five new beginner and intermediate runs as well as gladed terrain.
1 Whitehorn Rd., Lake Louise, 1-877-956-8473, skilouise.com
Mt. Norquay Ski Resort
Estimated Opening Date: November 8
What’s New: The 2025/26 ski season marks Mt. Norquay’s 100th anniversary, and the resort will be holding some special events to highlight its centennial. Kicking off the season is a special short film documentary, The Mighty ‘Quay, about the resort’s history and evolution, available later in November on the Banff Centre Mountain Film & Book Festival website. Norquay will also host an exciting anniversary celebration in the spring, with more details to come.
On the hill, a new magic carpet makes its debut this season. This addition triples the size of the previous learning terrain and offers access to the tube park from the main lodge.
2 Mt Norquay Rd., Banff, 403-762-4421, banffnorquay.com
Nakiska Ski Area
Estimated Opening Date: Preview weekend on November 8
What’s New: As you shred down the hills at Nakiska, you can expect even better powder this year as the ski area invests in improved snowmaking and grooming. Nakiska also has a new Prinoth Snow Grooming machine — the most powerful and productive in its class. And, it has new snow lances for more direct and targeted snow production.
2 Mt Allan Dr., Kananaskis, 1-800-258-7669, skinakiska.com
Marmot Basin Ski Resort
Estimated Opening Date: November 14
What’s New: Marmot Basin is amplifying its family-friendly atmosphere with new early-season deals for youth and families. Until December 19, youth skiers under 12 get free rentals and a free lift pass. Plus, they get a free breakfast in the Caribou Cafeteria to get their day started right.
The Family Package also returns this season with new early-bird prices at $289 for two adults and two kids 17 or under, before December 19.
1 Marmot Rd., Jasper, 780-852-3816, skimarmot.com
Castle Mountain Resort
Estimated Opening Date: December 5
What’s New: Castle Mountain Resort is entering an exciting season with a new chairlift opening this year — its first lift addition in nearly 20 years. Stagecoach Express Chairlift, which was previously the Angel Express at Banff Sunshine Village before Castle Mountain purchased and refurbished it, is the resort’s first high-speed lift. The new addition will grant skiers and snowboarders access to 22 new and exciting runs, so all the more terrain to shred.
Hwy 774, Pincher Creek No. 9, 403-627-5101, skicastle.ca
