First Timer's Guide
Never Skied Sunshine Before? Perfect.
Forget everything you've heard about skiing being hard. At Sunshine, we've helped thousands of first-timers go from nervous to hooked in a single day. This guide will show you exactly what to expect — no surprises, no stress, just your best day on the mountain.
- 50,000+ first-timers taught since 2010
- 95% learn to ski on day one
- Dedicated beginner terrain
- Patient, certified instructors
Your First Day
From the parking lot to your first turns, here’s what a day at Sunshine can look like.
Arrive & Check In
Park at the base and head to the Ski & Snowboard School Sales Desk in Creekside Lodge on the 2nd floor. If your package includes a lift ticket and rentals, pick up your ticket and rental voucher here before heading up the mountain.
Ride The Gondola
Hop aboard for the approximately 20-minute ride from the base area to Village. This is where the skiing, riding and lessons take place.
Gear Up
Pick up your rental equipment, get your boots on and get ready for the mountain.
Meet Your Instructor
Taking a lesson? Head to the lesson meeting area in the Village and meet the instructor who’ll help get you started.
Make Your First Turns
Time for the good part. Learn the basics, find your balance and start putting those new skills into practice.
Take a Lunch Break
Stop for lunch, warm up and give those ski legs a rest before heading back out.
Explore a Little More
Feeling good? Keep practicing or venture a little farther around the mountain. Beginner terrain is accessible from Strawberry, Standish, Wawa, Angel, Jackrabbit and Wolverine.
Celebrate Your First Day
You did it. Trade the ski boots for something more comfortable and celebrate your first day on snow with an après snack or drink before heading back down.
Gear Checklist
Clothing (Available for Purchase)
Equipment
Day-of Essentials
Beginner Terrain — Where You'll Be
Mitey Mite Learning Area
This is where the magic happens. A dedicated beginner area with gentle slopes, a conveyor lift (like an outdoor escalator!), and patient instructors. It's completely separate from the main mountain — no experts will be flying past you here.
What you'll find:
Conveyor lift, very gentle grade, snow school meeting point.
Mount Standish
A great place to build confidence and explore more of the mountain. Mount Standish has a mix of gentle greens, easy blues and playful terrain.
What you'll find:
Strawberry Express, Standish Express, Wawa Quad and wide runs perfect for progressing skiers and boraders.
Lower Goat’s Eye Mountain
A quiet spot near the base of Goat’s Eye you will find Wolverine Express and Jackrabbit Quad, where beginners can take their first turns. Gentle slopes and wide-open space make it a comfortable place to practice and build confidence.
What you'll find:
Easy terrain, ski school meeting spots and beginner-friendly practice runs, all in the cover of the trees.
Lookout Mountain
Ready for longer runs and bigger views. Lookout Mountain has wide open terrain where progressing skiers can explore gentle blues and take in the alpine scenery.
What you'll find:
Wide groomed runs scenic alpine views off of our heated bubbled chairlifts Super Angel LX, and Teepee Town LX
Photo gallery
FAQ’s
First Timer
What happens if I get tired?
Take a break. Learning to ski or snowboard is physical, and there’s no need to push through tired legs. Sunshine specifically recommends resting when you’re fatigued.
Is there beginner terrain at Sunshine?
Lots. Brand-new skiers and riders can start on the Mitey Mite conveyor lift before progressing to green runs like Dell Valley and Rock Isle Road. When you’re ready to explore farther, you’ll find additional beginner terrain from Standish, Wawa, Super Angel, Jackrabbit and Wolverine.
Where do beginner lessons meet?
Group and private lessons, excluding Tiny Tigers, meet in front of Mad Trapper’s Bar & Grill in the Village at the top of the Gondola. Plan to arrive at the meeting area 15 minutes before your lesson.
What do I need to bring?
Come dressed in warm, waterproof layers and bring gloves or mittens and goggles. If you’re renting as an adult, remember that helmets are not included in lesson rental add-ons but can be rented separately when you arrive.
Do I need to buy my own equipment?
No. In fact, Sunshine recommends renting before you buy. Beginner rental equipment is available at the resort, and no advance reservation is required for standard rentals.
Should I ski or snowboard?
Either is a great place to start. Sunshine offers beginner instruction and rental equipment for both skiing and snowboarding, so choose whichever appeals to you most.
Do I need to take a lesson?
You don’t have to, but it’s the quickest and safest way to get comfortable on snow. Sunshine’s certified instructors will teach you the basics, help you build confidence and introduce you to terrain that’s right for your ability.
What if I’ve never skied or snowboarded before?
Perfect. Sunshine offers beginner lessons specifically for guests who have never skied or snowboarded before. You’ll start with the basics in a beginner-friendly area and progress at your own pace.
Getting Here
How Sunshine Works (It's Unique!)
Unlike most ski resorts, you don't drive to the slopes. You park at the base (or take our free shuttle), then ride an enclosed gondola 18 minutes up to the village at 7,200 feet. That's where everything happens — rentals, lessons, restaurants, skiing. It sounds complicated, but it's actually easier — one gondola, then you're there.
Free Shuttle (Recommended)
Free bus from Banff town. No parking stress, no driving mountain roads.
Pickup: Multiple Banff hotels + Transit Hub
Drive Yourself
20 mins from Banff. Free parking at base. Note: Mountain road can be snowy — check conditions.
Parking: Free · Opens 7:30am
First-Timer Tip
Take the shuttle your first time. You'll be tired at the end of the day (in a good way!) and not having to drive home is a gift to yourself. Plus, you can enjoy a well-earned drink at après.
I put off learning to ski for 20 years because I was convinced I'd be terrible. My instructor was so patient, and by 2pm I was actually skiing! I've already booked my next trip.
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