Snow-covered mountain range under a cloudy blue sky.

Our Commitment

We work and play in the heart of Banff National Park, an area so special, it is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sunshine and Parks Canada work together to ensure snow sports and our resort operations have minimal impact on this special place.

Snow-covered mountain with ridged foreground and cloudy sky.

Why make snow when you can farm it?

Don't bother looking for snow guns at Sunshine, you'll be hard pressed to find them.

Sitting atop the Continental Divide provides Sunshine with an average of nine metres (30 feet) of Canada's Best Snow annually which reduces the need for snowmaking. At the beginning of the season, our two snow guns build up a base in the lower ski-out and the ski and snowboard school beginner area.

Generally, instead of making snow, we harvest it. Our trail crew strings more than 24 kilometres of snow-fencing which captures the stuff that nature sends us.

Environmental Awards

2006

Silver Eagle Award for Excellence in Water Conservation

2006

Responsible Tourism Award

The first resort in North America to be awarded this recognition, presented by Neilson Active Holidays.

2008

Heritage Tourism Award

Presented by Banff Heritage Tourism for our unprecedented efforts to teach workers about the environmental uniqueness of Banff National Park.

Smart Practices to Reduce Impact

Two women enjoying a meal in a cozy cafe, one wearing ski goggles.

Recycling

Sunshine recycles all beverage containers, paper, cardboard, metal and many other items. Butt-out containers are also available around the mountain to reduce cigarette litter.

Lake with distant mountains, framed by tree branches under a clear blue sky.

Water & Power

Sunshine Village is a leader in water management and conservation. Since 2002, water use per-skier visit has been reduced 29%. On peak days, per-skier water use is down 38%. And, in the West Wing, water use has been reduced by 44% over the building it replaced. Electrical consumption is down by more than 20%.