Ski hills across Alberta and British Columbia are experiencing a winter for the record books, with an avalanche of early-season snow creating what industry insiders are calling "insane" conditions. Resorts are crossing their fingers, hoping the phenomenal start is a sign of things to come for the entire 2025-2026 season.
An Unprecedented Start to the Season
Banff's Sunshine Village marked its earliest opening in memory on November 2, 2025, setting the tone for a remarkable pre-winter. Close neighbours Lake Louise and Mount Norquay quickly followed suit, kicking off their seasons far earlier than typical schedules. The snow didn't stop there, with relentless storms throughout November blanketing the slopes in deep, skiable powder long before the busy holiday rush.
"Nobody can remember a start to the winter like this one in Banff," echoed the sentiment from the slopes. The bounty extended beyond the national park, with recent Calgary snowfall setting up Winsport's Canada Olympic Park for a December 5 opening. Resorts like Castle Mountain and Nakiska have also been beneficiaries of the powerful storm cycles.
Resort Optimism Tempered by Superstition
Despite the fantastic conditions, resort officials are cautiously optimistic, wary of jinxing their good fortune. "I’m superstitious, so I’ll say I’m very hopeful for a very snowy winter," said Kendra Scurfield, Sunshine Village’s vice-president of brand and communication. She noted traditional seven-year cycles in snowfall and revealed she has her "'Pray for Pow' candle burning."
The early snow is a critical economic driver, allowing resorts to build a strong base and offer premium skiing before the lucrative Christmas and New Year period. Sam Hamilton, sales and marketing content supervisor at Lake Louise, couldn't hide his enthusiasm for the "absolutely unbelievable" and "insane November conditions."
Canada Olympic Park: Updates and Olympic Preview
In Calgary, skiers and snowboarders heading to Canada Olympic Park will find an adult lift ticket priced at $82. Visitors should note significant ongoing renovations at the Winsport Day Lodge. While initially hoped to be ready for this winter, the lodge will open in phases as areas are completed. For the start of the season, the second floor will offer warming areas, washrooms, and food vendors.
Rentals will be housed in a separate building at the north end of the parking lot, with a guest relations trailer on site. Patience and attention to signage are advised, especially on busy weekends.
The park also offers a thrilling preview of the upcoming Winter Olympics. From December 31 to January 2, the FIS Snowboard Snow Rodeo will take place, followed by the FIS Freestyle Ski World Cup from January 1 to 3. This is a prime opportunity to see potential Olympic podium contenders, like local Calgarian Amy Fraser, compete on home snow before they head to Italy in February.
As the season gets into full swing, the entire mountain community in Western Canada is watching the skies, hoping the 'mountain mayhem' of snow continues to deliver powder days through to spring.
