Banff Sunshine Village Ski Resort

The basics

Winter sports enthusiasts flock to the resort for skiing, snowboarding, and cozy rooms overlooking glorious mountain views. Luckily, everyone can join in on the fun; with equipment rentals, lessons for all ages, and runs for every experience level, Banff Sunshine Village Resort gives visitors the chance to boost their confidence or learn a new skill. In the summer, the area transforms as wildflowers spring to life and hikers wander through alpine meadows.

Things to know before you go

• Make sure you put on sunscreen before you hit the slopes—sun reflecting off of snow makes for a bad burn.
• Don’t forget: As the resort is located within a national park, you’ll need a Discovery Pass, which you can purchase online or when you enter the park.
• Pack lots of layers so you can keep warm on the mountain, and always check conditions before setting out.
• For the non-skiers, don’t miss the resort’s day spa and outdoor hot tub, where you can unwind with mountain views.

How to get there

For those driving, Banff Sunshine Village Ski Resort is 50 miles from Calgary and 5 miles from Banff along the Trans-Canada Highway. The resort has a large parking lot plus charging options for electric vehicles. Otherwise, there are shuttle buses that can take you from Calgary International Airport to Banff, as well as a free daily shuttle that runs between Banff and the resort; the transit schedule for the latter can be found on the resort’s website.

When to get there

The ski season typically opens in early November and closes in late May, offering the longest season in North America at a non-glacial resort. Aim for February for perfect, powdery snow and weather that is starting to warm. If you’re not into skiing, the area is an unbeatable destination come summer, when nature slowly begins to wake and the mountains are particularly inviting to hikers and wildlife enthusiasts.

Inside Banff Sunshine Village’s Slush Cup

Banff Sunshine Village Ski Resort celebrates the end of the ski season with the annual Slush Cup, a riotous event filled with neon ski gear and fearless competitors. Participants ski or snowboard down a short run before trying to skim their way across a freezing pool of slushy water. Whether you brave the icy water or cheer on the sidelines, it’s a joyful farewell to winter.