Sunshine Village Ski & Snowboard Resort in Alberta is a popular destination for skiers and snowboarders. As part of a series on ski resorts, Huffington Post Travel offers our guide to Sunshine Village Ski & Snowboard Resort, featuring all the key information snow lovers need to know before they hit the slopes.
The Basics
rests within the heart of Banff National Park in the Canadian Rockies, just 90 minutes from Calgary. Because of Sunshine Village's location on the Continental Divide, visitors can ski in two provinces, Alberta and British Columbia, in one run. The snow sports season stretches seven months, from November through late May, providing a longer window to enjoy the slopes than other ski resort in the area.
is plentiful from
, with many buses and other options leading to Sunshine Village.
The Mountain
The Village consists of three mountains: Mount Standish, Lookout Mountain and Goat's Eye Mountain. Collectively, the area features more than 3,350 skiable acres.
range from beginner to advanced with a variety of natural drops to suit both skiers and snowboarders. In a season, the Village can receive up to 30 feet of snow that remains dry all year due to the high altitude of 7,082 feet.
Trails And Lifts
The Canadian ski resort features 12 lifts, which include two magic carpets, four chairs, five quads and one eight-passenger gondola. The mountains are equipped with
. Composed of a diverse terrain, 20 percent of the area is suitable for beginners, 55 percent for intermediate riders and 25 percent for the more advanced snow-sport participants. One of the more advanced and extreme zones,
, was named one of the top off-piste destinations in the world by
.
In The News
Sunshine Village was in the spotlight during the season-ending episode of the fifth installment of the popular CBS reality show,
. The Village served as a task destination where the finalists rode the gondola to the base of Lookout Mountain, then hiked to the top ridge of the Great Divide. The ski destination also regularly hosts Marjoe Gortner Celebrity Sports Invitational charity ski events.
Cost
range from $29.95 for children, ages 6 to 9, to $79.95 for adults, 18 and older. A variety of
at many price points are also available, including a family pass for $1,999. Sunshine Village also offers value options including
for only $84.95. Kid's lessons start at $79.95 for a half-day, and adult full-day lessons start at $109.95. Basic rental packages that include skis or a snowboard, boots, poles and a helmet run $39.95.
Apres-Ski
Within the resort, guests can enjoy drinks and bites at
ranging from fast fuel to fine dining. The Eagle's Nest restaurant, located at the Sunshine Mountain Lodge, provides an upscale atmosphere for a warm dinner after a cold day in the snow. Skiers looking for a simple drink can visit the Mad Trapper's Saloon, a popular pub located at the base of the Strawberry Lift. Guests can relax at the Sunshine Mountain Lodge, Banff's only ski-in, ski-out accommodation.
WATCH: Sunshine Village Ski & Snowboard Resort
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Sunshine Village Ski and Snowboard Resort offers something for nearly every snow lover.