Find a Ski Resort in North America & Worldwide
# 1Beginner Terrain in North America
# 1Family Friendly in Canada
# 1Beginner Terrain in Alberta
All Reviews

Overview

Banff Sunshine, set at a base-area altitude of 7,200 feet, sits high on the Continental Divide in the heart of Banff National Park, and just a 15-minute drive from the town of Banff. Sunshine’s seven-month season stretches from early November until late May, making it the longest non-glacial ski season in Canada. Sunshine boasts 3,300 of skiable terrain, covered in light, dry snow, and offers everything from gentle beginner runs to big-mountain runs for advanced skiers and riders. Sunshine can receive up to nine meters (30 feet) of snow in a season.

Where Is Sunshine Village Ski Resort Located?

Banff Sunshine Village is located 80 miles west of Calgary International Airport and 5 miles from Banff off the Trans-Canada Highway. Calgary International Airport is serviced by many different airlines, including non-stop flights from many American cities. Once there, you can rent a car or take one of the Banff shuttle buses. From Banff, there are daily shuttle buses between the town and the ski resort, which are free if you have a Sunshine Village or SkiBig3 season pass or lift ticket.

Inside Scoop

Head up the Continental Divide Express chairlift to Lookout Mountain and ski in two provinces on one run. Sunshine Village is Canada’s highest elevated resort with guaranteed snow conditions from December to May and an average annual snowfall of over 30 feet.

During the summer, you can catch the shuttle bus to the mountain to access its many hiking trails and alpine meadows. This resort features the only ski-in, ski-out lodge in the Banff-Lake Louise area: Sunshine Mountain Lodge.

Purchase the Marmot Card to get discounts on lift tickets at both Marmot Basin in Jasper and Banff Sunshine. You can also get free ski days as an additional amenity for buying the card.

Restaurants

Breakfast Places

  • Just as the name indicates, you can get your caffeine fix and breakfast at the Java Lift Coffee Bar before heading up the mountain. Improvement District No. 9, AB, Canada

Our Favorite Lunch Spots

  • Stop by the Juniper Hotel Bistro for brunch while overlooking the amazing countryside. The menu even offers vegetarian and gluten-free options. 1 Juniper Way, Banff, AB T1L 1E1, Canada

Dinner

  • Eagle’s Nest Canadian Bistro offers an upscale dining experience with views of Lookout Mountain. Peruse their wine list to find the perfect pairing for your meal. 1 Sunshine Access Road, Banff, AB T1L 1J5, Canada

Après/Nightlife

  • With their house-made, small-batch craft spirits and campfire-inspired cooking, you’ll love the smells and tastes of Park Distillery Restaurant and Bar. 219 Banff Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1A7, Canada

Best Time for Snow

Average Snowfall

56"
35"
23"
12"
8"
37"
Nov
45"
Dec
37"
Jan
42"
Feb
46"
Mar
27"
Apr
8"
May
Beginners Runs
18%
Intermediate Runs
26%
Advanced Runs
48%
Expert Runs
8%
Runs in Total
145
Longest Run
5 mi
Skiable Terrain
3358 ac

Total Lifts: 12

Gondolas & Trams
1
High Speed Quads
7
Quad Chairs
2
Surface Lifts
2

Elevation

Base
5446'
Summit
8957'
Vertical Drop
3510'

Important Dates

November 08, 20242024/11/08
Projected Opening
May 19, 20252025/05/19
Projected Closing
194
Projected Days Open
202
Days Open Last Year
96
Years Open
360"
Average Snowfall
Copyright © 1995-2024 Mountain News LLC. All rights reserved.