As the snow begins to melt in many parts of the world, Banff Sunshine Village in Alberta, Canada, is defying the trend by extending its spring skiing and snowboarding season until Monday, May 19, 2025. This extension offers winter sports enthusiasts two additional weeks to enjoy the resort’s renowned spring conditions.
A Legacy of Excellence
Established in 1928, Banff Sunshine Village has long been a cornerstone of Canadian skiing. Situated within Banff National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the resort boasts over 3,300 acres of skiable terrain across three mountains: Goat’s Eye, Lookout, and Mount Standish. With elevations ranging from 1,660 to 2,730 meters, the resort offers a vertical rise of 1,070 meters, catering to skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels.
The resort’s diverse terrain includes 130 runs, with 25% designated for beginners, 55% for intermediates, and 20% for advanced and expert skiers. Notably, the Delirium Dive has been recognized as one of the top off-piste destinations globally, offering thrilling challenges for seasoned adventurers.
Spring Skiing at Its Finest
Banff Sunshine Village is renowned for its extended ski season, often running from early November to late May, thanks to its high elevation and abundant snowfall—averaging up to nine meters (30 feet) annually. The resort’s unique location on the Continental Divide ensures consistent snow quality, making it a prime destination for spring skiing.
“Spring shines at Banff Sunshine,” remarked Kendra Scurfield, VP of Brand and Communications at Banff Sunshine Village. “Spring at Sunshine Village is my personal favorite time of year. The snow is superb, the weather is warm, and the village is a vibe.”
Upcoming Spring Events
To celebrate the extended season, Banff Sunshine Village has planned a series of exciting events:
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Leg Burner Banked Slalom (Saturday, May 17): In collaboration with Snowboard Canada and Paralympic medalist Tyler Turner, this inaugural all-ages charity event invites snowboarders of all levels to participate. Proceeds will support Canadian Paralympic Snowboard Athletes.
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Slush Cup Long Weekend (May 17–19): Celebrating its 95th year, the Slush Cup festival includes:
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SlushShine Rail Jam (May 17): A showcase of freestyle skiing and snowboarding talents.
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Watergate Banked Slalom (May 18): A thrilling race challenging participants’ agility and speed.
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Slush Cup (May 19): North America’s longest-running pond-skimming event, where 100 participants attempt to glide across a 110-foot pool of meltwater, judged on execution, style, costume, and attitude. Esteemed judges include Canadian Winter Olympians Mikaël Kingsbury, Rachael Karker, Tyler Turner, and Brendan Mackay.
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Access to all events is complimentary with a valid lift ticket or Sunshine Season Pass.
Accommodations and Amenities
For those looking to stay close to the action, the Sunshine Mountain Lodge offers the only ski-in, ski-out accommodations within Banff National Park. Guests can enjoy amenities such as one of Canada’s largest outdoor hot tubs, a cedar-lined dry sauna, fitness facilities, and various dining options.
Evening activities at the lodge include snowshoe tours, tobogganing, and après-ski entertainment at the historic Mad Trapper’s Saloon, providing a complete mountain experience. sunshinemountainlodge.com
For more information on lift tickets, accommodations, and event schedules, visit skibanff.com.
Spring Skiing Guide
