Alberta, BC ski resorts add new chairlifts, terrain expansions and events for 2025-26

Castle adds new high-speed quad

Castle Mountain is installing their first high-speed quad lift called the Stagecoach Express, which they obtained from Banff Sunshine. This new lift will be installed on Mt. Haig, above the Huckleberry chair, on the resort's existing cat skiing area and will open up 25% more lift-assisted skiable terrain.

Translation: more WOOOO!! 

Find all the details about this exciting announcement right here.

Big changes at Big White 

Big White announced a $9.4-million-dollar investment in infrastructure and operations for the upcoming season. A key component is improvements to the electrical infrastructure for future lift expansion. 

They will also be adding new parking spots in the Black Forest area, a new PistonBully 400 winch cat to improve grooming operations on steeper slopes, a new daycare and expanded Kids' Centre, and the beloved Kettle Valley Steakhouse in Happy Valley is returning in mid-December.   

Kinosoo Ridge adds new high speed quad, welcomes Alberta winter games  

Kinosoo Ridge is excited to announce they will have a new high-speed quad chairlift for their Green Chair. They are also selling their old Green Chairs to the public, if you're interested in owning a piece of Kinosoo history. 

The resort will also be hosting the 2026 Alberta Winter Games from February 13-16 in conjunction with the cities of Cold Lake and Bonnyville in the Lakeland Region. 

Lake Louise Richardson's Ridge terrain expansion

Lake Louise shared a brief terrain update via their Instagram account regarding the new Richardson's Ridge area that's currently being developed.

Richardson's Ridge is located on the backside of the resort and will be accessible from the Pika run. This area will include a new chairlift and new terrain for a variety of ability levels. 

Official opening dates haven't been released just yet, but stay tuned for more exciting updates.

Ski Town 2025, Summit Lake  

If you hadn't heard, Summit Lake was named Ski Town 2025 by CSIA British Columbia.

Why Summit Lake, and what does Ski Town 2025 look like? We'll let Chester tell you.

This not-for-profit, volunteer-run ski hill was awarded $5000, some of which has helped with a full exterior renovation of the lodge, including all new siding and windows, plus the addition of a bigger deck, which will help with better access for bands and events and includes a fantastic view of the hill.

The kitchen is also getting a brand new ventilation system. They've also launched a new YouTube channel that will showcase behind the scenes action of what it takes to keep a non-profit local hill going.

Banff Sunshine doubles down on events 

Sunshine piloted several new events this past season. Owing to their success it looks like they'll be staples moving forward, including the Sunshine Stampede and The Leg Burner Banked Slalom. The latter is a fundraiser hosted in collaboration with former Paralympian Tyler Turner, with all proceeds going towards supporting the Paralympic Snowboard Team. 

Lastly, Freestyle Fridays will return with a 6-week course with an experienced instructor in the terrain parks for both skiers and snowboarders. 

Whitewater celebrates 50

As they head into their 50th anniversary season this year, Whitewater Ski Resort has rebranded to Whitewater Mountain Resort to better reflect the full mountain experience that is now offered year-round. 

There will be plenty more exciting events and announcements in the coming weeks/months about how you can partake in their 50th anniversary celebrations. Stay tuned!

All of this means there's even more to look forward to this season, as we count down to opening days. Are you ready?