Quick Facts
- Lake Louise Expansion: Opening for the 2025-2026 season, Richardson’s Ridge adds 200 acres of beginner and intermediate terrain served by a new high-speed quad lift.
- The Centenary Vision: Mt. Norquay celebrates its 100th anniversary with the "Norquay 100 Vision," featuring a wheelchair-accessible mountain walkway and an Indigenous heritage center.
- Wellness Revolution: Three major new spa openings, including the Basin Glacial Waters Spa at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and an $11 million transformation at the Kenrick Hotel.
- Extended Season: Thanks to high-altitude geography, Banff’s winter season now comfortably extends into late May, offering "spring skiing" in deep powder conditions.
The New Winter Era: Why 2025 is Different
For decades, Banff National Park was viewed through a binary lens: the turquoise-drenched hiking haven of summer and the adrenaline-fueled ski destination of winter. However, as we approach the 2025 season, that boundary is dissolving. Banff is being "reimagined" as a holistic, year-round sanctuary where the thrill of the descent is balanced by sophisticated wellness rituals and a deep, respectful nod to the region's Indigenous roots.
The transition from the vibrant greenery of summer to the shimmering white of winter is no longer just a change in weather; it is an invitation to experience an extended season that now stretches into late May. This year, the focus shifts away from mere throughput—how many skiers can fit on a lift—toward the quality of the "mountain moment." Whether it is a quiet morning on a ridgetop or a meditative soak in glacial-fed waters, the 2025 season is about intentionality.
What is new at Lake Louise Ski Resort for 2026? Lake Louise is opening Richardson's Ridge, a 200-acre expansion featuring five new beginner and intermediate runs. This area will be served by the Richardson’s Ridge Express, a state-of-the-art high-speed quad chairlift designed to improve flow and accessibility for families and progressing skiers.
Skiing Evolution: The Richardson's Ridge Expansion
The most significant physical change to the Banff landscape this year occurs at the Lake Louise Ski Resort. For years, the resort has been celebrated for its challenging back bowls and steep chutes, but the 2025-2026 season marks a pivotal shift toward inclusivity. The Richardson's Ridge expansion adds 200 acres of new skiable terrain, specifically curated for those who find the "black diamond" runs a bit too daunting but have outgrown the bunny hills.
The technical specifications are impressive. The centerpiece is the Richardson’s Ridge Express, a high-speed quad that whisks skiers to the top of five brand-new runs. These trails have been meticulously cut to follow the natural fall line of the ridge, offering panoramic views of the Victoria Glacier that were previously only accessible to expert hikers or backcountry enthusiasts. By focusing on intermediate-grade terrain, the resort is effectively doubling down on its reputation as a premier family destination while reducing congestion on the traditional front-side slopes.
To help you decide where to spend your powder days, here is a comparison of the legendary "SkiBig3" resorts:
| Feature | Lake Louise Ski Resort | Sunshine Village | Mt. Norquay |
|---|---|---|---|
| New for 2025/26 | Richardson's Ridge (200 acres) | Enhanced high-speed heated lifts | 100th Anniversary Walkway |
| Best For | Scenic variety & Intermediate cruising | Deep snowpack & High-altitude terrain | Night skiing & Family-friendly proximity |
| Acreage | 4,200+ | 3,300+ | 190 |
| Unique Highlight | Views of the Victoria Glacier | Canada’s only heated chairlift (Teepee Town) | The famous "Norquay 100 Vision" |
Centenary Celebrations: Mt. Norquay’s 100th Anniversary
While Lake Louise expands its borders, Mt. Norquay is deepening its legacy. As the first ski resort in the Canadian Rockies, Norquay has always been the "locals' mountain," but its 100th anniversary—the "Norquay 100 Vision"—aims to make it a global beacon for mountain culture. This is not just a celebration of the past; it is a blueprint for the next century of alpine tourism.
How is Mt. Norquay celebrating its centenary? Mt. Norquay is launching the 'Norquay 100 Vision,' which includes a new wheelchair-accessible mountain walkway, an Indigenous heritage center to honor the Stoney Nakoda people, and plans for a new summit gondola scheduled for completion in 2027.
The new walkway is a masterclass in inclusive design, allowing visitors of all mobility levels to experience the breathtaking ridgetop views that were once reserved for the most agile hikers. Furthermore, the Indigenous heritage center represents a long-overdue partnership with the original stewards of this land, offering storytelling sessions and historical exhibits that provide a vital cultural context to the majestic peaks surrounding the resort.
Après-Ski Reimagined: Glacial-Fed Spas & Wellness
The 2025 season marks the official arrival of "Thermotherapy" as a cornerstone of the Banff experience. No longer is the post-ski activity limited to a pint at the pub; it has evolved into a sophisticated sensory journey designed to heal the body and quiet the mind.
Which hotels in Banff have new spas? Three major luxury properties have unveiled new facilities: the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise recently opened the Basin Glacial Waters Spa; the Banff Park Lodge debuted the Mountain Whisper Spa in January 2025; and the Kenrick Hotel completed an $11 million transformation of its spa and saltwater pool facilities.
The Basin Glacial Waters Spa at the Fairmont is perhaps the most ambitious of these projects. Taking inspiration from the surrounding environment, the spa utilizes water sourced from glacial runoff (filtered and heated, of course) to create a "fire and ice" experience. Guests move between intense steam rituals and exhilarating cold plunges, a practice proven to reduce inflammation and boost circulation after a day on the slopes.
Meanwhile, the Kenrick Hotel has poured $11 million into a complete transformation. Their new saltwater pool and outdoor cabanas offer a more social, boutique-style wellness experience. The use of saltwater—a rarity in the Rockies—provides a buoyancy and skin-softening quality that traditional chlorine pools lack.
Beyond the Slopes: Nightrise and Winter Wildlife
The reimagined Banff recognizes that many visitors come for the mountains but don't necessarily want to spend eight hours on skis. For the "non-skier," 2025 offers more immersive activities than ever before.
- Nightrise at Sulphur Mountain: This multi-sensory experience transforms the Banff Gondola summit into a world of light and sound after dark. Created in partnership with the Stoney Nakoda Nation, it features Indigenous storytelling, digital art installations, and stargazing opportunities that connect the earth to the sky.
- Winter Wildlife Safaris: Companies like Radventures have expanded their winter offerings, using heated luxury vans to take guests into the deeper reaches of the park to spot elk, bighorn sheep, and the elusive lynx against the stark white snow.
- Night Skating on Lake Louise: Imagine gliding across a natural rink under the glow of Orion’s Belt, with the illuminated Chateau in the background. It remains one of the world's most iconic winter experiences, now enhanced with better ice maintenance and fireside warming huts.
Essential Planning for Winter 2025
Visiting Banff in the winter requires a different level of logistical preparation than a summer road trip. The beauty of the Rockies comes with a wild, unpredictable edge that demands respect and planning.
Weather Reality and the "Cold Snap" While many days in Banff are a crisp -5°C to -10°C, "Cold Snaps" are a seasonal reality. Temperatures can plummet to -30°C for several days at a time. During these periods, layering is not just a suggestion—it’s a safety requirement. Ensure you have high-quality wool base layers and wind-proof outer shells.
The Icefields Parkway and Winter Driving If you plan on driving between Banff and Jasper, be aware that winter tires are mandatory by law from November 1st to April 1st. The Icefields Parkway is one of the world’s most beautiful drives, but it is also one of the most hazardous in winter, with no cell service and frequent closures for avalanche control.
Park Pass Essentials Every visitor to Banff National Park requires a pass.
- Daily Pass: Ideal for short trips (approx. $11/adult).
- Discovery Pass: If you are staying longer than 7 days or visiting multiple parks, this annual pass ($151 for a family/group) is the most cost-effective option.
FAQ
When is the best time to visit Banff for skiing in 2025? While the season opens in November, February and March offer the best balance of deep snow bases and slightly warmer temperatures. If you prefer quiet slopes and "hero snow," late April is a hidden gem.
Do I need a car in Banff, or can I use shuttles? Banff has an excellent transit system called Roam Public Transit, and the SkiBig3 resorts offer free shuttles from most major hotels. You can easily enjoy a full vacation without a rental car.
Are the new spas open to the public or only hotel guests? Most hotel spas, including the Basin Glacial Waters Spa and Mountain Whisper, allow outside guests to book treatments, though hotel guests often receive priority for pool and thermal circuit access.
Plan Your Reimagined Escape
Banff is no longer just a destination; it is an evolving experience of luxury, heritage, and untamed nature. Whether you are carving through the 200 acres of Richardson's Ridge or finding stillness in a glacial-fed pool, the 2025 season invites you to see the Rockies in a new light.
