Meet The Team Vo.3

Our Meet the Team series was kickstarted to highlight the incredible people who power our mountaintop resort. From seamless daily operations to consistently delivering outstanding guest experiences, the series shines a spotlight on the individuals who make world-class skiing, family fun, and signature mountain memories possible.

In Volume 3, we’re introducing someone who has been at the helm of our day-to-day for more than 30 years: Vice President of Mountain Operations and Maintenance, Kristian Haagaard.

Kristian’s Sunshine story began in 1994, when he joined the team as a Gondola Operator. He quickly moved into Gondola Maintenance, a role he dedicated himself to for eight years before being promoted to Lift Maintenance Supervisor in 2002. Continuing to build his expertise and leadership across the mountain, he stepped into the role of Lift Manager in 2012.

Kristian has served in his current role for the past five years, working behind the scenes to keep everything running smoothly, from gondolas and chairlifts to snowcats and so much more. His dedication helps ensure we can deliver quality mountain experiences day in and day out. Read on to learn more about Kristian!

Kristian Haagaard

What first drew you to Banff Sunshine Village, and what keeps you passionate about it today?

A friend of mine was coming to work and asked if I wanted to come. Once here I was awed by the scale and complexity of the operation—there aren’t many places where you’re balancing mountain safety, infrastructure, weather, and guest experience at this level. What keeps me passionate today is the people and continuous learning. The teams here take real pride in what they do, and every day brings a new challenge that matters.

How has working at Banff Sunshine Village helped you grow personally?

Working here has made me a better leader and a more measured decision‑maker. Operating in a mountain environment forces you to think ahead, stay calm under pressure, and rely on strong teams. That’s translated well beyond work.

What’s something unique about your position that most people wouldn’t expect?

Most people don’t realize how much planning and coordination happens long before guests ever arrive. A lot of the job is about anticipating risk, aligning departments, and making sure systems and people are ready ahead of time.

What’s a fun fact about you most people wouldn’t guess?

During high school I did an occupation alignment test and the result was I best aligned as a bus driver. At first, I thought that was not my path. However, I have ended up in a role that is exactly that: I’m responsible for moving and taking care of people safely.  

What’s your go to ski song?

No listening to music while I ski or ride. I prefer to be in the moment and listening to my surroundings.