Earliest ski season openings ever: a look back at Alberta, BC ski history

Nakiska's record-setting year  

Younger than most Alberta resorts, Nakiska only started operating in 1988 as a venue for the Olympics. It was chosen in part for its proximity to Calgary in the Rocky Mountains where consistent temperatures and snowfall traditionally make for dependable ski conditions. 

Add to that, a legacy of ‘88 was Nakiska’s state-of-the-art snowmaking system.

But even with those favourable traits, few expected it to open as early as it did in 2019, on Oct 26 of that year.

At the time, that date was a record for all Banff resorts. Unfortunately for Nakiska, Norquay bested the record just one year later.

Mount Norquay steals Nakiska's record

One of Canada’s oldest ski hills gives us insight into the history of winter in Western Canada. With 95+ years of season history to draw on, it’s remarkable to imagine that Mount Norquay’s earliest opening ever was Oct 24, 2020!

Of course, early season preparations have changed since 1926. 

Technological advances in snowmaking have enabled resorts to start building a base sooner than in the past, but colder temperatures and natural snow are still key to making it happen.

Read more about the conditions that made it happen for Norquay that October, in this story from 2020-21.

Lake Louise joins the October club

That 2020-21 season was a banner start for several resorts, with Lake Louise following suit after Norquay just a few days later on October 29, 2020.

With a resort history that goes back to 1954, Louise has a special place in many skiers’ and snowboarders' hearts. And it is surprisingly consistent with opening dates, which for many years now have landed somewhere between the first and second weekend of November.

As for BC ski resorts, a warmer climate in BC has traditionally meant longer fall seasons and later winter opening dates.

So what to expect for 2024-25 ski resort opening dates?

As soon as the temperatures dip below that freezing threshold and stay there, ski resorts will be rallying their teams for the 2024-25 ski season. It’s doubtful that we will see any October openings this year, but not impossible—and early November is certainly likely.

Our first look at when that seasonal change will come will be with our winter season forecast, which you can expect to come in September. You can be among the first to know, by signing up to SnowSeekers newsletter.