In 2026, Mt. Norquay Ski Resort in Banff will celebrate its 100’th anniversary, making it one of the most historic ski resorts in Canada. With this milestone approaching in the next four years, Mt. Norquay has announced its future plans. Called Norquay 100 Vision, some of the proposed projects include a new gondola, the expansion of the Cliff House, the addition of an accessible Via Ferrata, and more. The following improvements are planned:
- New Gondola To Replace The North America Double Chairlift: The North America Chairlift is a double chairlift that was built in 1948 and upgraded in 1974, making it in desperate need of a replacement. Their plan is to add a two-station gondola that starts at Norquay’s base lodge and ends at the Cliff House. Mt. Norquay only has one high-speed lift, so this is a needed capacity upgrade for both winter and summer operations.
- Cliff House Expansion: The Cliff House is a lodge that’s located right next to the top of the North American chairlift. With a higher capacity lift planned for the North American terrain pod, they need to add more space to the Cliff House. They are describing the Cliff House expansion and gondola as mutually exclusive. This is because the gondola and lodge will need to accommodate the “increased number of visitors required to financially justify the new lift and ensure resort balance.” Additionally, this will help them grow their visitor services and educational opportunities.
- Removal Of Some High Alpine Buildings: The North American Lodge, along with other buildings. will be removed due to its impact on the high-alpine environment.
- Norquay Bus Enhancements: To reduce the single-vehicle traffic on the access road leading up to the ski resort, they will be increasing the shuttle system from Banff to the Cascade Lodge.
- Other Improvements: Some of their other projects include the world’s first wheelchair accessible Via Ferrata, the relocation of their tubing park, the addition of self-guided alpine hikes, and the relocation and restoration of the Ski Jump Judging building.
In order to get these projects approved, Mt. Norquay will be entering an extensive public regulatory process, with the ultimate goal being approval from Parks Canada. With some of their plans including the removal of buildings in high alpine environments, I see these ideas coming to fruition. Click here to read Mt. Norquays official press release on the planned improvements.
