New chairlifts, upgrades for Alberta, BC ski resorts for 2026-27
Fernie, Kimberley, Kicking Horse, Whistler and more upgrade resorts for upcoming winter
Top Western Canada ski destinations are gearing up for 2026–27 with some big new additions! New chairlifts, terrain expansions and lodge upgrades are coming your way for the 2026-27 ski season in Alberta and BC.
All the more reason to visit ski resorts including Fernie, Kicking Horse, Panorama, Grouse Mountain, Revy, Kimberley, Troll, Whistler and your local community ski hills too.
Beyond major infrastructure, regional ski areas and local community hills across Western Canada are enhancing amenities and snow making, and celebrating some big milestones in 2027.
Get a look at what’s new at ski resorts in Alberta and BC for 2026-27.
Three RCR resorts get four new lifts
That’s right, three Resorts of the Canadian Rockies resorts—Fernie, Kimberley and Kicking Horse—are all getting new lifts for this 2026-27 season!
View of Kimberley Alpine Resort from above the village.
Here’s the breakdown:
Kimberley’s new Tamarack Chair doubles the lift capacity of the existing Tamarack double, which is being retired. This will be the first RCR chair to spin, with a targeted date of December 2026.
Fernie’s new Elk Express replaces the current quad chair, and with its increased speed and efficiency it will reduce lift times by 50 per cent. Slated to spin in 2027.
Fernie’s Cedar Bowl Express will replace a three-chair journey with one chair going straight from the bottom of Cedar Bowl up to the Bear Chair, making the alpine bowl easier and faster to access in 2027.
Kicking Horse’s new Pioneer Express high speed quad gives skiers and riders new options to get from the base into the alpine, a welcome addition to the existing base gondola, long dreamed of by KHMR devotees. Online for 2027 as well.
Here’s the complete RCR lift announcement, for more details.
Panorama-Nipika alpine x nordic pass
Few activities complement our downhill passions like a good Nordic glide.
Panorama resort and Nipika cross-country ski area have partnered to give you access to both downhill and cross-country options on one pass. Let’s see more resorts lean into this.
Troll Resort adds new run
With the continued expansion of its new Pinegrove area, Troll Resort will add at least one new run “before the Wendy’s in Quesnel finishes the sidewalk” out front of their restaurant. Gotta love the local colour from Scott.
Other Western Canada ski resort updates
Cheers to 100 years at Grouse
Few resorts have this much history, and to celebrate the centennial, Grouse is releasing a special 100th anniversary edition beer… frothy times for this local Vancouver fav snow destination.
Brush cuts are back baby
We love to celebrate the unsung work of the ski hill. Cypress Mountain’s brush clearing team gets the kudos this year for smoothing out the terrain that is under the snow. It makes a bigger different than you might realize.
Revy local artist stoke
Revelstoke is adding a splash of colour by inviting artists to paint their park. If you’re in Revy and inspired to create, you can submit your application now. Cool concept, hope it carries on.
Marmot clean as a whistle
Like many resorts, Marmot Basin gets a spruce up over the off season, and this includes garbage pick up. That’s right—litterbugs still exist in 2026. But also, occasionally stuff gets lost and buried under the snow accidentally, so we’re not shaming anyone but here’s your reminder to keep your shit tight this winter.
And if you dropped a phone in deep pow, maybe your chance to be reunited!
Eastlink Park gets new guns
As the industry evolves, more and more we are seeing equipment get recycled or finding new life at new resorts. This season, new snow guns from Valley Ski Club (cool industry community piece) have made their way to Whitecourt. Plus, the resort is updating its magic carpet.
Off season is pre-season
It may be the off season but your favourite Alberta and BC ski resorts are hard at work getting ready for another winter. We’re stoked for 2026-27 ski season and we hope you are too!
To kick things off, we’re giving away lift tickets to your choice of resort in Alberta and BC.
Tell us what you want to see more and where you want to shred more this winter—fill out our reader survey here to be entered for a chance to win lift tickets.
Thank you, we're truly grateful to all who respond and help us get to know you better. But don't just enter the giveaway, join our community. Sign up for our SnowSeekers newsletter for more winter stoke and local connections all winter long.