First snow at Western Canada ski resorts starts countdown to season
Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise, Kicking Horse, Panorama reporting snowfall
above: Eagle's Eye Restaurant, Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, Aug 30, 2026
It’s official, the first snowfall of the season graced ski resorts in Alberta and BC this past weekend! Resorts including Sunshine Village, Lake Louise, Kicking Horse and Panorama all saw fresh snow.
And with that the countdown to ski and snowboard season in Western Canada is on! Those first snows at Alberta and BC ski resorts always bring a mix of feelings: excitement, anticipation, urgency.
If you’re a skier or snowboarder, you’re starting to think about winter plans. If you’re working at a resort, building lifts, clearing trails or doing lift maintenance, there might be a little more pep in your step.
Either way, winter is coming.
First snowfalls at Western Canada resorts
Have a look, and start dreaming. The season is closer than you think. And we're here to help you kick off the season right—read on for a chance to win lift tickets.
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Off season is pre-season
Don’t sleep now, time is conversely going to move both faster and slower as we wait for the rope drop. Before we know it, the season will be here. Time to start getting ready.
You can start by filling out our ZenSeekers' readers survey, to be entered to win lift tickets here.
Here are four quick FAQs to help you prep.
1. What’s happening around resorts? New chairlifts and additions are on their way for 2026-27. Read more here.
2. Where are your best ski lift pass deals? As always, we keep a tally of where to find lift pass deals here. Early birds get the discounts!
3. When will ski resorts in Alberta and BC open? We’re keeping tabs here.
4. How to stay up on ski season 2026-27? Join our SnowSeekers community, a hardy band of snow stoked people who love to ski and ride, by signing up for our free, weekly winter newsletter.
Who is a snow seeker? Anyone who loves to get out and ski or ride can be a snow seeker. All are welcome here, but our community is filled with core riders who travel for snow more than three times a year and shred more than 10 days in a season—so you know you're riding with a dialled in crew.
