Sunshine Village is the highest-altitude ski resort in the Canadian Rockies and one of the three resorts that make up Banff's famous SkiBig3. Straddling the Continental Divide at the border of Alberta and British Columbia, Sunshine is famous for its deep natural snow, long season, and vast alpine terrain. Here's everything you need to know to plan your visit.
Resort Overview
- Location: 20 minutes west of Banff town, accessed via a gondola from the base parking lot
- Base elevation: 2,160 metres (the highest in the Canadian Rockies)
- Summit elevation: 2,730 metres
- Vertical drop: 1,070 metres
- Skiable terrain: 3,358 acres across three mountains (Lookout, Standish, Goat's Eye)
- Season: November to late May (the longest in Canada)
- Average snowfall: Over 900 cm annually
The Three Mountains
Mount Standish
The heart of the resort with wide-open bowls and alpine meadows. Perfect for intermediate cruising with stunning views in every direction. The Continental Divide runs through here — ski on the Alberta side, then the BC side.
Lookout Mountain
Home to the famous Delirium Dive — a 50-degree expert-only freeride zone that's regularly ranked among the best in-bounds extreme terrain in North America. Access requires avalanche safety equipment (transceiver, probe, shovel). Beyond Delirium, Lookout has excellent advanced terrain and tree skiing.
Goat's Eye Mountain
The largest of the three mountains with a mix of terrain for all levels. The Goat's Eye Express quad accesses long, varied runs from open bowls to tight trees. Great for intermediates and advanced skiers looking for variety.
Getting There
Drive to the Sunshine Village parking lot (20 minutes from Banff on Highway 1, then 9 km up the Sunshine access road). From the parking lot, a free gondola (15 minutes) takes you to the village base area at 2,160m. Shuttle buses also run from Banff town hotels. The parking lot is large but fills on powder days — arrive early.
Lift Tickets & Passes
Single-day adult lift tickets are approximately $140-170 CAD depending on the date. Multi-day SkiBig3 passes that include Sunshine, Lake Louise, and Mt. Norquay offer better value. Early-season and spring passes are typically discounted. Purchase online in advance for the best rates.
Where to Stay
Sunshine Mountain Lodge
The only ski-in/ski-out accommodation in Banff National Park. Located in the village at 2,160m, you wake up on the slopes with first tracks before the gondola opens. Rooms range from standard to premium with hot tub and lounge access. It's a unique experience — staying overnight above the clouds.
For more accommodation options in the Banff area, check Expedia for ski & stay deals.
Summer at Sunshine Village
Sunshine Village operates a gondola and chairlift in summer (July-September) for access to Sunshine Meadows — some of the most spectacular alpine wildflower meadows in the Rockies. Several well-maintained trails wind through meadows carpeted in wildflowers (peak bloom mid-July to early August) with views of the surrounding peaks. Popular routes include Rock Isle Lake, Grizzly Lake, and the Healy Pass trail. This is a must-do summer experience.
Dining & Facilities
The village base area has several restaurants and cafes:
- Chimney Corner Lounge: Cozy après-ski spot with a fireplace, cocktails, and mountain views
- Creekside Bar & Grill: Casual dining with burgers, pizza, and beer
- Eagle's Nest: On-mountain dining at the top of Standish with panoramic views
- Mad Trapper's Saloon: Legendary après spot at the base — live music, good beer, loud energy
Tips for Visiting Sunshine Village
- Arrive early on powder days — the parking lot and gondola queue fill fast
- Rent gear in Banff town for cheaper rates than at the resort
- Bring sunscreen and goggles — at 2,160m+, the UV is intense even on cloudy days
- The gondola ride is free with a lift ticket
- Check the avalanche conditions before venturing into Delirium Dive or any backcountry-adjacent terrain