Vintage Photos of Mount Norquay in Banff

Mount Norquay was named in honour of Manitoba’s Premier, John Norquay, who held office from 1878 to 1887. The first ski runs on the mountain can be traced back to 1926, with the ski lodge opening three years later. In 1942 rope tows were installed and then in 1948 the mountain became the second resort in Canada to install a chairlift, behind only Red Mountain. The mountain is famous for being the training ground of both Olympic and World Cup athletes.

Today, the resort remains a favourite among locals and with quality beginner terrain is a desirable family-friendly destination. It is one of the Big 3 resorts within Banff National Park and boasts the only night skiing in the entirety of the Bow Valley. As ski and snowboard season gets underway in Western Canada, enjoy this stroll down memory lane to one of the hidden gems of the winter resort world.

Ski lodge on Mount Norquay near Banff, Alberta, 1930-1949
Skiing on Mount Norquay near Banff, Alberta, 1930-1949
Skiing on Mount Norquay near Banff, Alberta, 1930-1949
Mount Norquay, Banff National Park, Alberta, 1938
Mount Norquay, Banff National Park, Alberta, 1938
Skiers on Mount Norquay, Banff National Park, Alberta, 1936
Ski lodge at Mount Norquay, Banff National Park, Alberta, 1930s
Ski clubhouse, Mount Norquay, Banff National Park, Alberta, 1930s
Skiing at Mount Norquay, Banff National Park, Alberta, 1944
Shuttle bus for Mount Norquay ski hill, Banff, Alberta, 1944
Skiers on Mount Norquay near Banff, Alberta, 1948
Skiers on Mount Norquay near Banff, Alberta, 1948
Skiers on Mount Norquay near Banff, Alberta, 1948
Mount Norquay ski lodge, Banff National Park, Alberta, n.d.
Skiing at Mount Norquay, Banff National Park, Alberta, n.d.
Mount Norquay ski camp, Banff, Alberta, n.d.
University of Alberta ski team, Mount Norquay, Banff, Alberta, 1952
Mount Norquay ski hill, Banff National Park, Alberta, 1944

If you’re interested you can read more of my skiing (and snowboarding) related posts, including profiles of a Snow GroomerSnow School InstructorMountain Safety Manager, and Avalanche Rescue Dogs, as well as a story about the legendary underwear trees. If it’s more classic photos you’re after, please take a look at this post featuring Vintage Photos of Skiing Across Alberta.

The photos above were collected from the Glenbow Archives. Additional information can be found for each photograph on the Glenbow website by searching the identification number that is printed on each photo. There is also the option to purchase a high resolution copy. Stay tuned for additional posts featuring historical photos from Alberta. We’d love to know what you think in the comment section below.

About Tyler Dixon 227 Articles
Tyler is originally from Saskatchewan, and yes he cheers for the Roughriders, but don’t hold that against him as Calgary has been his home for the past eight years. He is a teacher working at a wilderness- based treatment program for youth working to overcome addiction. Tyler is also a volunteer with the GOT Parks initiative, which aims at reconnecting Canada’s youth with our national, provincial, and territorial parks. During his time away from work, Tyler enjoys outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, and snowboarding, team sports, travelling, photography, spending time with good friends, and being at home with his wife and German Shepherd, Rome.