Skiworld’s two Canadian ski destinations have confirmed several changes ahead of Winter 2026/27. In Banff, the most significant developments are at Lake Louise, where work around Richardson’s Ridge is adding new terrain connections, expanded snowmaking and an upgrade to the Top of the World Chair. At Whistler Blackcomb, the main changes are operational: a planned 20 November opening and later lift hours during the first part of winter.
What’s new in Banff and Whistler for Winter 2026/27?
For Winter 2026/27, Lake Louise is adding new terrain connections around Richardson’s Ridge, expanding snowmaking and upgrading the Top of the World Chair. Whistler Blackcomb plans to open on 20 November 2026 and will operate most lifts later through 15 January because British Columbia is moving to permanent daylight saving time.
Banff and Whistler 2026/27: what’s changing at a glance?
| Destination | 2026/27 change | What it means for skiers |
|---|---|---|
| Lake Louise | More terrain and connections around Richardson’s Ridge | More skiing options and easier movement between parts of the mountain |
| Lake Louise | Expanded snowmaking | Greater ability to prepare and maintain terrain, including during the early season |
| Lake Louise | Top of the World Chair upgrade | Increased loading capacity and improved reliability |
| Banff / SkiBig3 | Further après, accommodation and wellness additions | More options away from the slopes |
| Whistler | Planned opening on 20 November 2026 | A useful target date for early season planning, subject to weather and conditions |
| Whistler | Later lift hours through 15 January 2027 | Most valley and alpine lifts shift to 9:00am–3:30pm during the darkest part of winter |
What’s new at Lake Louise for Winter 2026/27?
Lake Louise is continuing the development of Richardson’s Ridge, following the opening of the first phase during Winter 2025/26.
That first phase added approximately 200 acres of terrain and the Richardson’s Ridge Express, a high-speed quad chairlift. For 2026/27, the emphasis moves towards expanding the terrain around the ridge and making it easier to connect with other parts of the mountain.
New routes identified by SkiBig3 include Grove Glade, a groomed green run connecting Merlin’s with the Richardson’s Ridge chairlift. Additional intermediate and advanced glades are also being developed.
The Pikaboo run is due to be completed as another connection between the bases of Paradise and Richardson’s Ridge, while Prunepicker will connect Marmot with the base of Richardson’s Ridge.
For skiers, the important point is not simply that Lake Louise is adding more terrain. The new routes should make Richardson’s Ridge better connected to the rest of the ski area and provide more options for different ability levels.
Grove Glade is particularly relevant for less confident skiers and mixed-ability groups. Adding a groomed green route gives easier access to an area that might otherwise be associated primarily with more challenging terrain.
What is new at Lake Louise for 2026/27?
Lake Louise is expanding the Richardson’s Ridge area with new connections for different ability levels, including a groomed green run and additional intermediate and advanced glades. The resort is also installing new snowmaking around the ridge and upgrading the Top of the World Chair to improve loading capacity and reliability.
Lake Louise is also expanding snowmaking
A new snowmaking system is under construction around Richardson’s Ridge, with Lake Louise saying the investment is intended to strengthen early season coverage and help improve conditions throughout winter.
That distinction matters. Snowmaking cannot guarantee snow conditions or remove the effect of weather, but it gives the resort greater control over preparing and maintaining key terrain when temperatures allow.
For anyone considering an early season Banff ski holiday, this is arguably as important as the new runs themselves. Developing additional terrain is most useful when the resort also has the infrastructure needed to bring that terrain into operation and maintain coverage through variable periods.
The Top of the World Chair is being upgraded
Lake Louise is also carrying out a major upgrade to the Top of the World Chair ahead of Winter 2026/27.
Rather than replacing the lift entirely, the work is designed to increase loading capacity while improving reliability and energy efficiency.
The practical benefit for skiers should be smoother access and fewer operational bottlenecks. It also shows that the current investment programme is not limited to expanding Lake Louise’s footprint: the resort is working on how efficiently skiers can access existing terrain as well.
What else is changing around Banff for 2026/27?
The largest skier facing changes are at Lake Louise, but there are smaller additions elsewhere across the SkiBig3 destination.
At Banff Sunshine, the GOAT Club at Goat’s Eye Lodge returns for a second winter, while the Coco Lounge will have its first full winter season. Further food and drink additions are also planned at Goat’s Eye Lodge.
Away from the slopes, several accommodation and wellness developments have opened or been updated around Banff, Lake Louise and Canmore. These include the renovated Rimrock Banff and new wellness facilities such as BASIN Glacial Waters at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.
None of these changes should determine where you ski, but they do broaden the options available after the lifts close, particularly for groups combining skiing with spa, dining or other non-ski activities.
When will Banff’s ski areas open for 2026/27?
SkiBig3 currently says that Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise and Mt Norquay are all planning to open in early November 2026, weather permitting.
That makes Banff a potential option for an early season Canadian ski trip, but opening plans should not be treated as guaranteed dates. Early season operations depend on snowfall, temperatures, snowmaking and the amount of terrain each mountain can safely open.
If you’re travelling near the beginning of the season, check the individual mountain’s latest opening information and operating terrain before departure.
What’s changing at Whistler Blackcomb for Winter 2026/27?
Whistler’s most important confirmed changes for 2026/27 are less about new terrain and more about how the ski day will work.
There are two dates worth knowing: the resort’s planned 20 November 2026 opening and 15 January 2027, the end of its initial later hours operating period.
Whistler Blackcomb plans to open on 20 November 2026
Whistler Blackcomb currently plans to begin its 2026/27 ski season on 20 November 2026.
The date was announced on 18 August by Vail Resorts and is a target rather than a guarantee. As with other North American resort opening dates, it remains subject to weather and mountain conditions.
When does Whistler open for Winter 2026/27?
Whistler Blackcomb currently plans to open on 20 November 2026, although the date remains dependent on weather and mountain conditions.
That distinction is particularly important if you’re considering a holiday close to opening day. A resort may open as planned without all terrain and lifts being available immediately, so early season skiers should look beyond the opening date and check how much of the mountain is operating.
Whistler’s lift hours are changing because of permanent daylight saving time
One of the more unusual changes for Winter 2026/27 has nothing to do with lifts or snowmaking.
British Columbia is moving to permanent daylight saving time. During the darkest part of winter, this means sunrise will occur later by the clock than skiers and resort operators have historically been used to.
Whistler Blackcomb is therefore shifting its operating day later.
From opening day through 15 January 2027, most valley and alpine lifts are planned to operate from 9:00am to 3:30pm.
Historically, many of these lifts opened around 30 minutes earlier.
Why are Whistler’s lift hours changing?
Whistler Blackcomb is changing its early winter lift timetable because British Columbia’s move to permanent daylight saving time means later sunrises during the darkest months. Most valley and alpine lifts will therefore open later, allowing mountain operations to align more closely with available daylight.
Does this mean less skiing time?
Not in the simple sense of losing 30 minutes from the ski day.
Whistler Blackcomb is shifting both ends of the operating window later. Most affected lifts will open 30 minutes later, but closing times will also move later, to 3:30pm.
The people most likely to notice the difference are skiers who normally organise their morning around being at the lift for an 8:30am opening.
For most holidaymakers, the practical change is therefore one of routine rather than substantially reduced mountain time: breakfast, ski school meeting times and the start and finish of the ski day may all move slightly later.
As daylight increases later in winter, Whistler Blackcomb plans to adjust its operating hours again. The resort says lifts are expected to return to their traditional schedule around the BC Family Day and Presidents’ Day holiday period, while spring hours are expected to remain unchanged.
What are Whistler’s lift hours in early Winter 2026/27?
Most Whistler Blackcomb valley and alpine lifts are planned to operate from 9:00am to 3:30pm from opening day through 15 January 2027.
Snow School is affected too. Most lessons are expected to begin and finish 30 minutes later until the resort moves back towards an 8:30am opening in mid-February.
Whistler Blackcomb has also said that some seasonal, specialty and early access programmes will change, with programme specific information being communicated separately.
If you’ve booked one of these products, check the timings attached to your individual programme rather than assuming the standard 2025/26 schedule still applies.
Do the 2026/27 changes make Banff or Whistler a better choice?
Not by themselves.
The developments reinforce some of the existing differences between the two destinations rather than fundamentally changing the choice.
Banff has the more substantial on-mountain development for 2026/27. The work at Lake Louise adds terrain, improves connections between parts of the mountain and supports those additions with expanded snowmaking and lift upgrades.
Whistler’s main confirmed changes are operational. Its enormous interconnected ski area remains the fundamental attraction, but anyone travelling during the first half of the season should be aware that the mountain day will start and finish later than in previous winters.
If you’re deciding between the two destinations, these changes are one factor rather than the whole decision. Our Banff vs Whistler guide compares the skiing, snow, accommodation, families, convenience, value and overall holiday experience in much greater detail.
Should the 2026/27 changes affect when you book?
For most skiers, these announcements do not provide a reason to radically change their holiday dates.
They do, however, give anyone considering Canada for Winter 2026/27 a clearer picture of what to expect.
Lake Louise’s investment is particularly relevant to skiers who value terrain variety and to mixed-ability groups, with the new Richardson’s Ridge connections broadening access around this part of the mountain.
At Whistler, the later operating timetable is primarily something to factor into your daily routine rather than a reason to avoid early winter. Ski school guests and anyone using early access or specialist programmes should pay particular attention to the revised timings.
The greatest uncertainty remains at the very beginning of the season. Both Banff’s early November opening plans and Whistler’s 20 November target depend on weather and mountain conditions, and the amount of terrain available can vary considerably during the opening weeks.
For trips close to opening day, check the latest resort operations before travelling.
For the rest of Winter 2026/27, the bigger question remains which Canadian ski experience suits you: Banff’s three separate Rocky Mountain ski areas or Whistler’s vast, integrated mountain resort.
Explore Skiworld’s Canada ski holidays, including holidays to Banff and Whistler for Winter 2026/27.