Sunshine Village Ski and Snowboard Resort is located in Banff National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site offering skiers and riders more than 3,300 acres (1,335 hectares) of skiable terrain with 12 high-speed lifts and 111 runs. The ski season runs from early November through late May and features hiking at Sunshine Meadows between June and October. New for the 2015-16 ski season is Canada’s first heated chairlift complete with heated seats, orange bubble covers and footrests.
Sunshine Village features Banff’s only ski-in, ski-out hotel, the Sunshine Mountain Lodge, meaning overnight guests can be the first ones on the ski lift in the morning. Many visitors also choose to make the daytrip from Banff or Calgary. Sunshine Village is a 20-minute drive from the town of Banff and 90 minutes from Calgary. Regular bus services operate from Banff and Calgary to the resort every day. Enjoy nine restaurants, various retail shops and ski rental facilities at Sunshine Village.
The resort typically receives about 30 feet (9 metres) of snow in a season and because of its unique location on the continental divide, the snow that Sunshine receives stays dry and powdery all season long.
The resort encompasses three mountains: Mount Standish, Goat’s Eye Mountain and Lookout Mountain. At the highest point, the range is 8,954 feet (2,730 metres) above sea level.
Ski runs cater to beginner, intermediate and advanced skiers and snowboarders. If you’re new to the sport, or are looking for a refresh, lessons can be booked in advance or on the day of arrival. Experienced skiers can rent a guide and hit the off-piste areas, Delirium Dive and the Wild West freeride zone.
The mountains are easily navigated using maps at each lift and clearly marked runs. Stop for a break at one of the restaurants across the resort that range from casual to fine dining.
In the summer months, all three mountains are covered with wildflowers and offer hiking trails for all fitness levels. Guided walks and special events are available daily.
During the ski season, lifts are open every day. Day, multi-day, or season passes can be purchased online or from offices in Calgary, Banff and Sunshine Village.
If you're in the mood for adventure, hit the slopes on high performance rentals and ski in the province of Alberta and British Columbia in one run. You’ll be mesmerized by the beauty of the Banff National Park and the majestic Rocky Mountains surrounding you.
