Freeride Zones

Delirium Dive & Wild West

For expert skiers and snowboarders looking for some of the most challenging terrain at Banff Sunshine Village, Delirium Dive and Wild West offer a very different mountain experience.

These designated Freeride Zones feature steep, technical and largely natural terrain where route finding, snow conditions and mountain hazards require a high level of ability, preparation and awareness.

Both areas are subject to special access requirements and may open or close throughout the season based on snow conditions, weather and the assessment of our Snow Safety team.

Snow-covered rocky mountain slopes beneath a clear blue sky.

Delirium Dive

Accessed from the top of Lookout Mountain near the Great Divide Express, Delirium Dive takes expert skiers and snowboarders into steep alpine terrain with numerous possible routes and natural features.

Terrain within Delirium Dive is not maintained like a traditional ski run. Guests should expect changing snow conditions, steep pitches, rocks, cliffs and other natural mountain hazards.

Delirium Dive is intended for expert skiers and snowboarders who are comfortable navigating double black diamond terrain and understand the additional responsibilities that come with travelling through avalanche terrain.

Skier in an orange jacket carving down a steep snowy mountain chute.

Wild West

Located on Goat's Eye Mountain, Wild West provides another step into technical big mountain terrain.

The zone combines steep terrain with narrow chutes, natural features and complex route choices. Conditions and terrain can change quickly, and some lines may lead into significantly more technical terrain than they initially appear to.

Wild West is intended for expert skiers and snowboarders with strong route finding skills and experience in steep, technical terrain.

Required Avalanche Safety Equipment

Special equipment is required to enter Sunshine Village's Freeride Zones.

Carrying avalanche rescue equipment is only part of being prepared. Guests should understand how to use their equipment and be familiar with safe travel practices in avalanche terrain before entering a Freeride Zone.

Gloved hand holding a blue circuit board against a blurred gray background.

Avalanche Transceiver

Carry a functioning 457 kHz avalanche transceiver. Your transceiver must be turned on and transmitting before entering the zone.

Person in blue winter gear holds a snow-covered boot beside a snowy road.

Rescue Equipment

Carry an avalanche shovel and avalanche probe in a suitable backpack.

Two skiers climb a snowy mountain slope beneath a blue sky.

Travel With a Partner

Guests must enter with a similarly equipped partner.

Increased Avalanche Mitigation

Delirium Dive and Wild West are located within the Sunshine Village ski area, but they are different from our regularly maintained ski runs.

Because of the complexity of the terrain, these areas receive increased avalanche mitigation work from our Snow Safety and Ski Patrol teams before and during the operating season.

This work may include snowpack assessment, ongoing monitoring and active avalanche mitigation when conditions require it.

Avalanche mitigation reduces risk. It does not eliminate it.

Avalanches can occur within ski area boundaries, and guests entering Delirium Dive and Wild West share responsibility for managing the additional risks associated with these areas.

Skier in red jacket climbs a snowy ridge carrying skis under a blue sky.

Shared Responsibility in the Mountains

Our Snow Safety and Ski Patrol teams work throughout the season to assess conditions and reduce avalanche risk across Banff Sunshine Village.

In our Freeride Zones, that work is paired with an increased level of guest responsibility.

If you choose to enter Delirium Dive or Wild West, you should be prepared for extreme terrain, understand the risks associated with avalanche terrain, carry the required rescue equipment and know how to use it.

Check current mountain conditions and Freeride Zone status before heading out.

Check Current Conditions