Celebrating 100 Years of Mt. Norquay
2026 marks a historic milestone for Mt. Norquay as it celebrates 100 years of operation. As the Canadian Rockies’ first ski resort and the oldest in the SkiBig3 collective, Mt. Norquay has introduced generations of Albertans to skiing and snowboarding.
To commemorate this remarkable anniversary, Mt. Norquay will host a ‘Day of Nostalgia’ on Saturday, March 28, 2026. The resort has played a foundational role in establishing winter tourism in Banff and Lake Louise, while also contributing significantly to the development of alpine ski racing in Canada.
"Mt. Norquay has always been more than a ski hill, it's a place where generations of families have discovered their love for the mountains," says Pete Woods, President of SkiBig3. Woods also shares, "The magic of Norquay lies in its community; the mountain brings people together in ways that are truly special to the Canadian Rockies."
For those planning an extended stay, the Canadian Rockies offer a unique experience that goes beyond the typical ski vacation. Long stay visitors have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the vibrant local culture, forge lasting connections with the mountain community, and witness the changing beauty of the landscape throughout the season. Whether exploring hidden trails, participating in local events, or simply enjoying the serenity of the snow-capped peaks, each day brings new discoveries and unforgettable memories.
Skiing on Cascade Run at Mt Norquay. Photo provided by the Whyte Museum
Historical Background
Following the arrival of the Canadian Pacific Railway in Banff in the 1870s, Swiss and Austrian mountain guides introduced downhill skiing to the region. Mt. Norquay was established in 1926 when Gus Johnson cut the first ski runs to teach local children to ski. Key milestones include:
• 1928: Construction of the first ski cabin by Cliff White and Cyril Paris
•1929: First slalom course set
• 1935: Road access established between Banff and Mt. Norquay and first official ski jumps constructed
• 1941: First rope tow installed, charging 25 cents for four runs
• 1948: Installation of the North American Chair, Canada’s second chairlift at the time
• 1952: Opening of the Cliffhouse Bistro at 7,000 feet
• 1959: Construction of iconic ski jump judging towers
• 1966: Replacement of the original single North American chair with a double chairlift
Read more on Mt. Norquay's iconic North American Chairlift, locally beloved as Big Chair, here.
Mt. Norquay’s legacy is deeply tied to alpine racing. After setting its first slalom courses in 1929, the resort hosted European and American teams throughout the 1930s and later the Dominion Championships in 1937, 1940, and 1948.
Today, that legacy continues through the Banff Alpine Racers, founded in 1970. The program has developed athletes who have competed at national and international levels, including Olympians and World Cup racers such as Thomas Grandi, Jan Heduc, Trevor Philp, Paul Stutz and Erik Read. BAR alumni Jeff Read and Britt Richardson were members of Team Canada at the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympic Games.
Read more on Mt. Norquay's racing legacy here.
Ski jumping also played a significant role in Norquay’s early years. First constructed in 1935, the jumps helped establish Banff as a winter destination before being removed in 1992 as the sport declined in popularity.
Skiers relaxing outside at Mt. Norquay in 1980. Photo by Neal Weisenberg and supplied by Mt. Norquay
100-Year Celebration Details
Mt. Norquay’s ‘Day of Nostalgia’ on March 28 will feature a full day of on-mountain and après-ski celebrations, including:
• Sightseeing rides on the North American Chair (9:00 AM – 3:30 PM)
• Fireside chats with owners Adam and Jan Waterous (10:00 AM)
• Screenings of The Mighty Quay in the lower lodge
• Guided tours led by local legends
• Live music throughout the day
• Complimentary s’mores and outdoor BBQ
• Beverage tastings from regional partners
The day will also host the 58th Bruno Engler Memorial Race, Canada’s longest-running ski race, featuring a two-run giant slalom on Cascade and the Bruno Engler Family Race for the Berchtold Trophy. Awards and a reception will follow in the afternoon.
Celebrations will conclude with a public reception at the Lone Pine Pub from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM, featuring refreshments and remarks reflecting on a century of community and mountain culture.
Read more on Mt. Norquay's centennial celebrations here.
Special Projects & Collaborations
Produced in partnership with Sherpas Cinema and Travel Alberta, Mt. Norquay has released The Mighty Quay, a short film directed by Patrick Hoffman that celebrates the resort’s storied past while looking toward its future.
This season saw the opening of Mt. Norquay’s newest terrain, the ‘100 Glades’ off the Mystic Chair. This new gladed terrain adds to their advanced and expert ski and snowboard offerings.
In collaboration with Banff Ave Brewing Co., the resort has also launched a commemorative Kölsch beer, The Mighty Quay, alongside a limited-edition line of centennial merchandise.
Powder skiing at Mt. Norquay on December 19, 2025. Photo by Jill Scarpato
Looking Ahead – Future Plans
As Mt. Norquay celebrates its centennial, it is also looking towards the future. The Norquay 100 Vision outlines a long-range plan that includes replacing the North American Chair with a new Cliff House Gondola, enhancing access for skiers, snowboarders, and sightseers alike. The new state-of-the-art gondola will include two stations from the Base Lodge to the expanded Cliffhouse Bistro.
The plan includes the introduction of a high alpine education and heritage center through the restoration of alpine judging towers, an expansion of the Cliffhouse Bistro and a new wheelchair accessible walkway.
For more on Mt. Norquay, visit banffnorquay.com.