Opening Day & Early Season 26/27
It is almost time to head back to Sunshine. We are planning to welcome you to Banff Sunshine Village on Saturday, November 7, 2026, for the start of the 2026/27 winter season.
Our opening day plans include the gondola, magic carpet and a hike rail park on lower Strawberry, plus select restaurants, shopping, rentals and guest services. Come up for rail park laps, pick up your season pass or meet friends for a bite at Trappers.
Resort operations
The following operations are planned to open on November 7.
| Operation | Hours of operation |
|---|---|
| Gondola | 8:30 am to 6:00 pm |
| Mitey Mite Conveyor | 9:30 am to 4:30 pm |
| Hike Rail Park | Opening time to be confirmed |
| Sunshine Sports in Centennial Daylodge | 9:00 am to 5:00 pm |
| Bourgeau Rental Shop | 8:30 am to 6:00 pm |
| Creekside Guest Services | 8:30 am to 5:30 pm |
| Snow School Desk at Creekside | 8:30 am to 1:00 pm |
| Snow School Desk at Old Sunshine Lodge | 8:30 am to 5:00 pm |
| Tiny Tigers Daycare | 8:30 am to 5:00 pm |
Early Season Discounted Lift Tickets
Full day and afternoon tickets are for the surface lift and hike park. Tickets only available the day of your visit from the Ticket Windows. All prices exclude GST.
| Ticket | Full Day | Afternoon | Sightseeing | Sunshine Mountain Lodge Guests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult | $49.00 | $36.00 | $30.00 | Free |
| Senior | $35.00 | $27.00 | $20.00 | Free |
| Youth | $35.00 | $27.00 | $20.00 | Free |
| Child | $19.00 | $13.00 | $10.00 | Free |
Lift ticket prices subject to change without notice. At this time we do not recommend using your Sunshine Super Card free day until tickets are full price. Sunshine Super Card discount days are not available during Early Season.
Daily Bus Schedule
Early Season | Winter 2026/27 | November 2026
Banff to Sunshine Village Departures
| Banff pickup location | Bus #1 | Bus #2 | Bus #3 | Bus #4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canalta Lodge | 8:20 AM | 9:40 AM | 11:00 AM | 12:25 PM |
| Banff Caribou Lodge | 8:25 AM | 9:45 AM | 11:05 AM | 12:28 PM |
| Fox Hotel and Suites | 8:33 AM | 9:53 AM | 11:13 AM | 12:30 PM |
| The Kenrick | 8:38 AM | 9:58 AM | 11:18 AM | 12:35 PM |
| Ptarmigan Inn | 8:45 AM | 10:05 AM | 11:25 AM | 12:40 PM |
| Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel | 8:30 AM | 9:50 AM | 11:10 AM | 12:25 PM |
| Town Parking Lot (located directly behind Mt. Royal Hotel) |
8:40 AM | 10:00 AM | 11:20 AM | 12:35 PM |
| Banff Park Lodge | 8:48 AM | 10:08 AM | 11:28 AM | 12:43 PM |
| Brewster Bus Depot | 8:50 AM | 10:10 AM | 11:30 AM | 12:45 PM |
Afternoon pickups from Brewster Bus Depot
2:00 PM | 3:15 PM | 4:30 PM
Sunshine Village to Banff Departures
| Departure location | Bus #1 | Bus #2 | Bus #3 | Bus #4 | Bus #5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunshine Village | 1:30 PM | 2:45 PM | 4:00 PM | 5:15 PM | 7:00 PM |
Restaurants & Cafés
Take a break from the rail park or settle in for a mountain catch up. These dining locations are planned to open on November 7.
| Restaurants & Cafés | Hours of operation |
|---|---|
| Mad Trappers | 10:30 am to 11:00 pm Last call at 10:30 pm |
| Alpine Grill in Centennial Daylodge | 10:30 am to 4:00 pm |
| Java Lift at Sunshine Mountain Lodge | 7:30 am to 5:30 pm |
| Java Station at Creekside | 8:00 am to 4:30 pm |
Snow School Lessons & Daycare
Please note, our Snow School will be open for lessons at a reduced capacity due to terrain limitations.
To inquire, please call 403-762-6560
Sunshine Mountain Lodge
Start your opening weekend with a night in the mountains! Sunshine Mountain Lodge welcomes guests back for the season on Friday night, November 6, with the Base Area Check-in at Creekside Lodge and Chimney Corner also opening that evening. Settle into your mountain getaway, enjoy a cozy evening at the lodge and wake up at Sunshine ready to welcome a new winter season.
Before you visit
Check the latest mountain report and operating hours before heading out, as available terrain and services may change with conditions. We look forward to welcoming you back for the first days of winter at Sunshine.