Sunshine Village Ski Resort in AB & Escape2ski provides info on; vertical drop 3514ft/1071m, total trails 115, closest airport 95mi/152km, lifts 12, & more.

The ski resort is southwest of the town of Banff, in Banff National Park. It shares the distinction of being one of three ski resorts (Lake Louise Ski Resort, Mt Norquay Ski Area, Sunshine Village Ski Resort) that are located within the Banff National Park and is part of what is known simply as, SkiBig3.

The origins of the ski area date back to 1934 when Jim and Pat Brewster started offering ski vacations on several trails and made use of a cabin leased from the Canadian Pacific Railroad. In 1941, the area began to change with the installation of its first rope tow.

Entry to the Sunshine Village Ski Resort is unique in that it is accessed via a gondola that opened in 1980, and leaves the parking area and makes the approximate 10-minute journey to the first stop on the ride – Goat’s Eye Mountain. From there, a short 8-minute ride will take you to the Upper Village.

The Scurfield family from Calgary purchased Sunshine Village Ski Resort in 1981 and put into place a plan to modernize the ski resort. New high-speed lifts and expanded terrain helped put the ski resort on the world’s stage, and today the ski resort is top-of-mind when skiers and snowboarders are planning their next destination in North America.

On the Slopes

• Sunshine Village Ski Resort is made up of three mountain faces. Mount Standish is a favourite with intermediate skiers and snowboarders, while Lookout Mountain and Goat’s Eye Mountain will test your abilities as these are advanced terrain areas.
• Sunshine Village Ski Resort offers over 3300 acres of skiable terrain, everything from gentle beginner runs to extreme big mountain options such as Delirium Dive and Wild West, which are extreme off-piste areas. You must meet all safety requirements before entering.
• When on Lookout Mountain you may want to take advantage of the fact that you can ski or ride in several provinces, Alberta and British Columbia on the same run.
• Sunshine Village Resort is home to a massive 12 acre Terrain Park with approximately 50 features to keep you challenged, no matter your ability level.
• First-time visitors to Sunshine Village Ski Resort can get an introduction to the mountains, from the free Snow Hosts service for intermediate skiers and riders. Tours gather outside the Old Sunshine Lodge, daily just before noon.

Off the Slopes

• Sunshine Village Ski Resort offers the only ski-in/ski-out accommodation of the three ski areas located in Banff National Park. The village is car-free and hosts breathtaking, picture-perfect views all set in a relaxed atmosphere.
• As an alternative, the town of Banff is located only a short distance away and has even more choices of accommodation and lots of shopping and dining options. Spend a day walking the main street of this quaint, authentic town surrounded by wonderful scenery.
• When your day on the slopes at the Sunshine Village Ski Resort is complete, you will discover many non-mountain activities to fill your evening, including various dining choices, shopping, restorative yoga and relaxing spa treatments.
• Have a day away from the slopes but still want to be outdoors, try a snowshoe tour and explore all the natural surroundings that make this area incredible.