Located just minutes from the town of Banff in Alberta, Canada, Mount Norquay is a premier destination for skiers and snowboarders seeking a challenging and exciting winter adventure. With its diverse terrain, stunning mountain views, and convenient location, Mount Norquay is the perfect place to experience the thrill of winter sports.
History and Development of Mount Norquay
Mount Norquay has a rich history that dates back to the early 1900s. In 1926, a group of adventurous Banff locals began skiing on the slopes of the mountain, which they named after John Norquay, a former Premier of Manitoba. Over the years, Mount Norquay continued to grow in popularity, and in 1948, the ski resort officially opened to the public.
Since then, it has undergone significant development, with new lifts, runs, and facilities added to improve the skiing experience. In recent years, the resort has become known for its terrain parks, which feature a range of jumps, rails, and other features for freestyle skiing and snowboarding.
The first ski runs on Mount Norquay date back to 1926, and the ski lodge was opened in 1929. It was the second mountain in Canada to have a chairlift, which was installed in 1948. Rope tows were also installed in 1942.
Vertical Drop: Mount Norquay has a vertical drop of 1,400 feet (425 meters).
Vertical Daily Awards: Norquay used to offer three regular big vertical daily awards in the form of pins. Skiers could earn a bronze pin for skiing 25,000 feet, a silver pin for 30,000 feet, and a gold pin for 35,000 feet.
Platinum Pin: In the 1978-79 season, Norquay created 50 copies of the platinum pin, which could be earned by skiing 50,000 feet. This was done to celebrate 50 years of the clubhouse at Norquay.
Partnership with Ski Banff, Lake Louise, Sunshine: Since 1978, Ski Norquay has partnered with Ski Banff, Lake Louise, and Sunshine to promote its activities. This partnership allows for a tri-area lift pass system, including shuttle bus transport to and from the resort.
1991 Winter Deaflympics: In 1991, Norquay hosted the giant slalom and slalom events for the 1991 Winter Deaflympics.
Ownership: From October 2006 to February 2018, the Mount Norquay ski resort was owned by a group of Alberta-based investors, including Ken Read (a former Olympic and World Cup alpine ski racer), the Sudermann family of Fortune Resorts, and Stephen Ross of Devonian Properties.
Current Ownership: Since March 2018, the Mount Norquay ski resort has been operating under the legal name Norquay Mystic Ridge Ltd., which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Liricon Capital Ltd. Adam and Janet Waterous of Banff, Alberta own 100% of the shares of Liricon Capital Ltd.
Terrain and Trails of Mount Norquay
Mount Norquay boasts over 190 acres of skiable terrain, with a variety of runs suitable for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels. The mountain features 60 runs, including 20% beginner, 36% intermediate, and 44% advanced/expert, with a vertical drop of 503 meters (1650 feet).
One of the unique features of Mount Norquay is its night skiing, with the mountain open for skiing and snowboarding until 9 p.m. This provides a great opportunity for skiers and snowboarders to experience the thrill of night skiing and enjoy the mountain views under the stars.
Terrain Parks Mount Norquay
Mount Norquay is also home to four terrain parks, which cater to skiers and snowboarders of all abilities. The beginner park is perfect for those who are just starting out, with small jumps and rails. The intermediate park offers larger features, including jumps and boxes, while the advanced park features some of the biggest jumps and most challenging features on the mountain.
For those who are looking to take their skills to the next level, the Mount Norquay Freestyle Ski and Snowboard Club offers training and coaching programs for athletes of all ages and abilities.
Facilities and Services in Mount Norquay
Mount Norquay offers a range of facilities and services to ensure that visitors have a comfortable and enjoyable experience. The base area features a full-service rental shop, where visitors can rent skis, snowboards, and other equipment. The resort also offers a variety of dining options, including a cafeteria-style restaurant and a lounge bar.
For those who are looking to stay in Banff, Norquay offers a complimentary shuttle service to and from town, making it easy for visitors to access the mountain.
Mount Norquay is a winter wonderland that offers a unique and exciting skiing and snowboarding experience. With its diverse terrain, stunning mountain views, and convenient location, Mount Norquay is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves winter sports. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, Norquay has something to offer everyone, making it the perfect place to spend a day, a weekend, or a full ski vacation.
