Sunshine Village: Skiing in One of the Best Resorts Near Calgary and Banff

Hello adventurers,I’m Ernesto Lozano, founder of Dare and Explore, and today I want to tell you about one of my favorite places to enjoy winter in the Canadian Rockies: Sunshine Village.

After more than 15 years living, exploring, and skiing in the Rockies with my family and our guests, I can say that Sunshine is a destination that never stops amazing me. Its size, history, and unique mountain atmosphere make it one of the best ski experiences near Calgary and Banff.

Where is Sunshine Village and How to Get There?

Sunshine Village is located just 18 kilometers from Banff and about an hour and a half from Calgary.Getting there is easy — simply take the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) west, and follow the clearly marked signs to the resort.

One of Sunshine’s most unique features is that you must take a 20-minute gondola ride to reach the main base. From the moment you board, you’re surrounded by snowy forests, mountain views, and that crisp alpine air that reminds you an amazing adventure is about to begin.

Because the base is already at high elevation, the snow quality is excellent throughout the entire season.

A Bit of History: From 1941 to Today

Sunshine Village has deep roots in Canadian skiing. It all started in 1941, when the very first rope tow was installed — right where the beginner area stands today.

From those humble beginnings, Sunshine has grown into one of the largest ski resorts in Canada and the second largest in Alberta, only behind Lake Louise.

Generations of mountain lovers have made Sunshine a meeting place for adventure, family, and connection with nature.

The Size and Scale of Sunshine Village

When it comes to terrain, Sunshine is truly massive.The resort covers over 13 square kilometers of skiable terrain, with a vertical drop of 1,070 meters.

In total, there are more than 140 marked runs, divided as follows:

• 🟢 Beginner (Green): 18%

• 🔵 Intermediate (Blue): 26%

• ⚫ Advanced (Black): 48%

• ⛷️ Expert (Double Black): 8%

That means there’s something for everyone, no matter your skill level.Sunshine also has 14 chairlifts with a combined capacity of over 20,000 skiers per hour, so lift lines move fast and the mountain never feels too crowded.

Skiing Above the Tree Line

One of my favorite things about Sunshine is that most of its terrain is above the tree line.This gives you wide-open runs, incredible visibility, and a feeling of complete freedom.

On clear days, you can see the endless expanse of the Rockies — white peaks stretching in every direction.If you love photography or simply appreciate breathtaking mountain views, Sunshine will take your breath away.

Runs and Options for Every Level

Sunshine Village was designed for everyone.If you’re skiing with friends or family of different skill levels, this resort is perfect — green and blue runs often run parallel to black runs, and they all meet at the same point at the bottom.

This makes it easy for everyone to ski at their own pace while still enjoying the mountain together.

For beginners, Sunshine offers an excellent learning area with gentle slopes and skilled instructors.For the more advanced, there are natural bowls, steep chutes, and off-piste zones that challenge even the most experienced riders.

The Views Are Simply Unreal

Few ski resorts in Canada can rival the scenery at Sunshine Village.On sunny days, the light reflecting off the snow creates an almost magical glow. From the top lifts, you can admire Mount Assiniboine, Mount Standish, and Goat’s Eye Mountain, among others.

Every run feels like a postcard, and the higher you go, the more incredible it gets.Because of its altitude, Sunshine also tends to be one of the first resorts to open and the last to close, with skiing often available well into May.

Facilities and Services

Sunshine has two main lodges — one at the upper base and another mid-mountain.Both have restaurants, coffee shops, lounges, and everything you need to rest and recharge between runs.

There are also picnic areas with tables where you can enjoy your own meals while soaking up the alpine scenery.It’s the perfect blend of family comfort and mountain adventure.

Season and Snow Conditions

Thanks to its high elevation, Sunshine Village is one of the earliest resorts to open and one of the last to close in all of Canada.

The season typically runs from early November to late May, giving you over six months of high-quality snow.

In mid-winter, you’ll find dry powder and crisp air, while in spring the snow softens and the days grow longer — ideal for sunny, laid-back skiing.

Ernesto’s Tips for Enjoying Sunshine Village

After many years skiing here, I’ve learned a few tricks that can make your visit even better:

1. 🎿 Arrive early: the gondola ride takes about 20 minutes, so plan to arrive with plenty of time to enjoy a full day.

2. 📸 Bring your camera: the views from the top are some of the best in the Rockies.

3. 🍲 Try lunch at the main lodge: great food and even better scenery.

4. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Perfect for families: all ability levels can ski together and regroup easily.

5. ❄️ Plan at least two days: Sunshine is huge — one day simply isn’t enough to explore it all.

Experience Sunshine Village with Dare and Explore

At Dare and Explore, we love taking our guests to discover places like Sunshine Village.We design personalized mountain adventures, so you don’t just ski — you live the mountain.

From trip planning and logistics to safety and technique tips, we handle every detail so that all you have to do is enjoy.

Whether you come solo, as a couple, with friends, or with your whole family, we’ll make sure you have an unforgettable time in the Rockies.

Why Sunshine Village Is Truly Special

Sunshine isn’t just a ski resort — it’s a complete mountain experience. It’s where nature, adventure, and family time come together in one incredible place.

Every run, every view, every moment in the snow reminds you why the Canadian Rockies are one of the most breathtaking destinations in the world.

If you’re planning your next ski trip near Calgary or Banff, Sunshine Village absolutely deserves a spot on your list.And if you want to experience it safely, comfortably, and with expert guidance, Dare and Explore is here to make it happen.

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