Why Winter Lasts Longer at Sunshine Village!

Why Winter Lasts Longer at Sunshine: Canada’s Longest Non-Glacial Ski & Snowbaord Season 

When it comes to skiing and snowboarding in Canada, few places can match the legendary status of Banff Sunshine Village—especially when it comes to snow longevity. Nestled high in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Sunshine isn’t just famous for its breathtaking alpine views and deep powder days—it also proudly boasts the longest non-glacial ski season in Canada, running from early November to late May. 

That’s over seven months of skiing and riding—without the need for glaciers or traditional snowmaking. But what makes Sunshine’s season so special? It all comes down to elevation, snow quality, and a little mountain magic. 

The Power of Elevation 

Sunshine Village’s secret weapon is its elevation. The base area sits at 7,200 feet (2,195 metres) above sea level, making it one of the highest ski resorts in Canada. The highest lift-accessed point, the top of Lookout Mountain, climbs to 8,960 feet (2,731 metres), offering not only panoramic views but also consistently cold temperatures and dry, fluffy snow. 

At this altitude, winter arrives earlier and stays later than almost anywhere else in the country. Snowfall typically begins in October, allowing Sunshine to open as early as the first week of November—often weeks before most other resorts. 

And thanks to that same high elevation and a naturally colder microclimate, snow conditions stay preserved well into spring. While other resorts start winding down operations in April, Sunshine is still firing on all cylinders—grooming fresh corduroy, opening terrain, and even receiving snowstorms in May. 

Real Snow, No Glaciers 

What sets Sunshine’s season apart isn’t just its length—it’s the fact that it’s 100% natural snow. Unlike most resorts, which rely on centuries-old ice fields or artificial snowmaking to maintain snow throughout the season, Sunshine operates almost entirely on natural snowfall and careful mountain management. 

The resort receives an average of nine metres (30 feet) of snow per season, all of it naturally accumulated. This means no man-made glaciers, no artificial snow—just real snow on real terrain, all winter and spring long. This, of course, wouldn’t be possible without our Trail Crew, whose year-round snow farming process contributes massively to the depth and quality of our snowpack. 

It also makes Sunshine one of the best places to experience authentic, untouched Canadian Rockies skiing. Whether you're dropping into Goat’s Eye’s steeps, carving down World Cup Downhill, or floating through soft powder in Delirium Dive, the snow under your feet is fresh, natural, and plentiful. 

The Legendary Slush Cup 

Sunshine’s marathon season wouldn’t be complete without a proper send-off—and that’s where Slush Cup comes in. Every year on May long weekend, Sunshine Village celebrates the final day of the ski season with one of the most iconic spring events in North American skiing. 

Slush Cup isn’t just a pond skim—it’s a full-blown mountain festival, complete with costumes, DJs, sunshine, and a lot of laughs. Brave (and often hilariously dressed) competitors launch themselves down a slope and attempt to skim across a slushy pond of melted snow. Some make it across. Many don’t. All have a blast. 

The event marks the end of the ski season and the beginning of summer in the Rockies, drawing a huge crowd of locals, tourists, and spring skiing fanatics. 

Spring Skiing Done Right 

There’s something magical about skiing at Sunshine in April and May. The sun is shining, the skies are blue, and the temperatures are milder—but the snow is still in top form. Thanks to the altitude and aspect of the terrain, you can ski fresh corduroy or even powder in the morning, then enjoy a beer garden or patio après-ski in the afternoon. 

Sunshine Village also keeps nearly all of its terrain open deep into spring, including the expert-only Delirium Dive and South Side Chutes freeride areas. The lifts run right until closing weekend, giving skiers and snowboarders full access to more than 3,300 acres of terrain until the very end. 

And with fewer crowds, longer days, and discounted spring passes, April and May might just be the best-kept secrets for an epic mountain getaway. 

A Season Worth Celebrating 

Sunshine Village’s unique ski season is more than just a statistic—it’s a tradition. For generations of skiers and snowboarders, Sunshine has been the place to start the season early and end it late, to celebrate the first snowflakes of fall and the last turns of spring. 

It’s a season shaped by nature, not machines—by deep snowfall, high peaks, and a team that knows how to care for the snowpack like no one else. Whether you’re a powder hunter, park rider, or bluebird cruiser, Sunshine Village offers an unmatched season length without compromising on snow quality or mountain experience. 

So, when you're planning your next ski trip and looking to maximize your time on snow, remember: Sunshine’s got you covered—from early November to late May, all on natural snow. 

Because at Sunshine Village, winter doesn’t just visit—it lingers. 

Want to be part of the legend? 

Book your spring trip today and experience firsthand why Sunshine Village is home to Canada’s longest and most beloved non-glacial ski season.