Catch the final season of Nightrise
When: On now until March 25, 2026
Nightrise, the light show at the top of Sulphur Mountain created by Moment Factory in partnership with the Stoney Nakoda Nation and Banff Gondola, is running for a final season until March 25, 2026. Learn about stories inspired by the lunar cycle by experiencing the four stations of light, sound and projection: Cosmic Rays (Apenene Garharhagach), Diamond Dust (Wiyapta Ptach), Alpenglow (Aîthîya Eya) and Frosted Waves (Yowatha).
Banff Gondola, 1 Mountain Ave., Banff, 1-866-756-1904, banffjaspercollection.com
Try a new area of ski and snowboard runs at Lake Louise Ski Resort
The new Richardson’s Ridge Express detachable high-speed quad has opened, creating access to five new beginner and intermediate runs in the newly opened Richardson’s Ridge area at the Lake Louise Ski Resort. Skiers and snowboarders will also enjoy views of Pika Valley, Mt. Temple and beyond.
Lake Louise Ski Resort, 1 Whitehorn Road, Lake Louise, 1-877-956-8473, skilouise.com
Visit the new Analog Coffee location in Banff
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Calgary café chain Analog has come a long way since its flagship store opened on 17th Avenue S.W. in 2012. Now, Analog’s first Banff location has officially opened inside the Kenrick Hotel, marking its 14th location across Western Canada. Coffee fans can get their java fix at the new café, which has spacious seating in earth-toned colours for a relaxing place to hang out in the mountain town.
419 Banff Ave., Banff, analogcoffee.ca
Watch a skijoring performance in Banff
When: January 17 to 18
Skijoring is a winter sport where horses with riders pull skiers and snowboarders that perform incredible stunts for the audience. Teams of athletes and horses from Skijor Canada will perform during this year’s skijoring event in Banff with horse-riding, trick-riding and ski stunts. In addition to the incredible feats of athleticism on display, Skijoring events have also become known for an array of amazing winter- and western-inspired attire from both performers and audience members. This event is part of the annual SnowDays festival in Banff and Lake Louise that runs from January 16 to February 8.
Banff High School Field, Banff Recreation Grounds, 102 Birch Ave., Banff, banfflakelouise.com
Try Castle Mountain Resort’s new chairlift
Castle Mountain Resort is celebrating its 60th season with the debut of its first-ever high-speed chairlift, the Stagecoach Express. The refurbished quad chair makes more than 21 new runs accessible to skiers and snowboarders across almost 3,600 acres of terrain (for more than 115 runs total at the resort).
Castle Mountain Resort, HWY 774, Pincher Creek, 403-627-5101, skicastle.ca
Check out a winter culinary celebration in Banff
When: January 30 to 31
Tribute is a two-day craft food and drink festival that’s part of the annual SnowDays festival in Banff and Lake Louise. The ticketed, outdoor event on Bear Street showcases distilleries, breweries, restaurants and bars via tasting stations. Participating businesses include Añejo, Sudden Sally, Confluence Distilling and more. The festival also features live music and entertainment like flame throwing, ice sculptures and outdoor bonfire pits. Each ticket comes with tasting coupons and a collectible Tribute festival glass, with additional tasting coupons available for purchase.
214 Bear St., Banff, tributebanff.com