Alberta is heading into the 2026/27 ski season with a host of new developments across Banff, Lake Louise, Canmore and Jasper, strengthening its position as one of North America’s most compelling winter destinations.
With reliable snowfall, vast ski terrain and an increasing number of luxury accommodation and wellness experiences, the Canadian Rockies offer travel advisors plenty of reasons to put Alberta firmly on clients’ winter wish lists.
Home to the renowned SkiBig3 resorts, Banff Sunshine Village, Lake Louise Ski Resort and Mt Norquay, Alberta delivers more than 8,000 acres of skiable terrain, complemented by some of the longest ski seasons in North America.
Add in uncrowded slopes, breathtaking Rocky Mountain scenery and authentic Canadian hospitality, and it’s easy to see why more UK skiers are looking beyond Europe’s traditional resorts.
One of the standout family-friendly offers this season can be found at Marmot Basin, near Jasper. Returning for a second year, children aged 12 and under can ski free Monday to Friday throughout the season, excluding December 21, 2026 to January 1, 2027. The initiative provides an attractive value-added proposition for families looking to experience the Canadian Rockies.
Located just 20 minutes from Jasper in Jasper National Park, Marmot Basin is known for its relaxed atmosphere, varied terrain and exceptional snow conditions. The resort boasts the highest base elevation of any Canadian ski area and receives an average of 450cm of natural snowfall each year, creating the dry, light powder conditions that Canadian skiing is famed for.
Offering 1,720 acres of skiable terrain across four mountain faces, Marmot Basin caters to all abilities, from first timers to experienced skiers and snowboarders. With skiing available from November through to early May, the resort is also an excellent option for clients looking to extend their season.
Accessibility has been enhanced further by the return of SunDog Tours’ Jasper-Marmot Basin shuttle service, operating daily from mid-December to mid-April with convenient pick-ups from locations around Jasper.
Meanwhile, Alberta’s flagship SkiBig3 resorts continue to invest in the guest experience. Lake Louise Ski Resort is progressing terrain and lift enhancements, making it easier for visitors to explore one of North America’s most spectacular ski areas.
At Mt Norquay, a new surface lift, expanded learning area and improvements to snowmaking infrastructure are helping to improve the experience for beginners and families. The resort is also moving forward with plans to replace its historic North American Chair with a new gondola, further modernising the mountain while preserving its iconic status.
However, Alberta’s appeal extends far beyond the slopes. Increasingly, visitors are seeking winter holidays that combine skiing with wellness, dining and unique mountain experiences, and Alberta is responding with a growing range of new offerings.
Following a major renovation, Rimrock Banff, Emblems Collection has reopened, bringing a refreshed luxury option to Banff’s accommodation scene.
Wellness tourism is another area seeing significant growth. At Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, guests can enjoy the new BASIN Glacial Waters thermal bathing experience. These additions provide excellent opportunities for advisors to create premium ski-and-spa itineraries that appeal to both skiers and non-skiers alike.
The après-ski scene continues to evolve too, with new restaurants and social spaces opening throughout the region. Combined with Alberta’s vibrant mountain towns, these additions are helping to attract travellers seeking a more rounded winter holiday experience.
Sustainability also remains high on the agenda. Mt Norquay’s commitment to operating on 100% renewable energy highlights Alberta’s wider focus on responsible tourism, a factor that is becoming increasingly important for many travellers when choosing where to holiday.
For travel advisors looking to offer clients an alternative to the Alps, Alberta presents a compelling proposition. Reliable snow conditions, expansive terrain, family-friendly offers, premium accommodation and a growing wellness scene combine to create a destination that delivers both on and off the mountain.
As investment continues across the region and new experiences come to market, Alberta is entering the 2026/27 season with more reasons than ever for UK travellers to discover the magic of the Canadian Rockies.
Ski Independence offers tailor-made holidays to Alberta to suit a range of budgets and abilities.
