September snow blankets Banff and Kananaskis; Calgary stays dry with above-normal temps ahead
Mountain peaks recorded early-season snow Monday morning as ski resorts capture winter landscapes. Calgary and major Alberta cities face warmer weather instead.
The day's top stories, food & events — every morning at 7. Unsubscribe anytime.
Snow arrived in the Alberta high country Monday morning, confined to mountain peaks above 2,100 metres while major cities stayed dry.
Nakiska Ridgetop, the coldest spot in Alberta overnight, hit minus 1°C at midnight with a wind chill of minus 7°C. Banff ski areas captured the early winter scene: Banff Sunshine Village posted to Facebook saying "Good morning to a September snow day here at Sunshine! Winter is ready to come back. Who's excited to get out here and ride!?" Lake Louise and Banff Sunshine Village webcams showed full winter landscapes Monday morning.
Snow levels in the high terrain are forecast to shift through the week. Banff's snow level is expected to rise from 2,100 metres to 2,800 metres this afternoon, then drop to 1,700 metres by Tuesday morning. Peter Lougheed Provincial Park and Kananaskis Village could see additional snow Tuesday, with levels dropping from 2,200 metres in the morning to 1,800 metres in the afternoon.
Calgary and other major Alberta cities — Edmonton, Red Deer, Lethbridge, and Medicine Hat — face above-normal temperatures instead. The Farmers' Almanac is forecasting the 2026–2027 winter will bring dramatic contrasts for Alberta, so the early mountain snow may not signal what's coming for the plains.
The facts
Where did snow fall on Monday, September 14, 2026?
Snow fell in the Alberta high country on Monday, September 14, 2026, confined to mountain peaks above 2,100 metres. Banff ski areas including Banff Sunshine Village and Lake Louise recorded early-season snow, while major cities stayed dry.
How cold was Nakiska Ridgetop overnight?
Nakiska Ridgetop, the coldest spot in Alberta overnight, hit minus 1°C at midnight with a wind chill of minus 7°C.
What snow levels are forecast for Banff this week?
Banff's snow level is expected to rise from 2,100 metres to 2,800 metres on Monday afternoon, then drop to 1,700 metres by Tuesday morning, September 16, 2026.
