Small But Mighty: Why Norquay Deserves a Spot on Your Banff Ski Itinerary

What Ski Moms need to know about Mount Norquay: lessons, terrain, and laid-back vibes.

Promises made, promises kept. This season, I set an intention to look beyond the big players and seek out ski mountains where families truly come first. I’ve shared some wonderful finds across the U.S. (Cochran's & Little Ski Hill), on a recent trip to Banff, Alberta, I discovered a gem tucked just outside town: Mount Norquay. And yes, I’m still smiling about it.

A Little Norquay History

Mount Norquay may not be the biggest mountain in Banff National Park, but it’s rich in heritage and local pride. Named after Manitoba's Premier, John Norquay, the resort opened in 1926 and has built a solid reputation as both a training ground for Olympic athletes and a warm, welcoming place for new skiers.

The ownership has changed hands a few times over the years, but Norquay’s mission has remained steady: make skiing accessible, keep it fun, and never lose sight of the mountain’s community roots. (Big things are coming too—a gondola is in the works for the 100th anniversary in 2026.)

It’s the smallest of the SkiBig3 resorts (Sunshine and Lake Louise are the giants), and yes, one of my ski mom friends actually told me, “don’t bother with Norquay” before I left. (Sorry, Jen, I had to include that.)

Fast forward to last week, when I ran into her at the grocery store and gave her the full download: We were completely charmed. Because for our crew, skiing isn’t about logging vert from bell to bell—it’s about discovering places where families can thrive, laugh, and maybe even sneak in a little magic.

Mother/daughter bonding at Mt.Norquay