Sunshine Village, Canada - Alberta

Visitor reviews for Sunshine Village

• March 15, 2008
  Ryan from CANADA
  

  Obviously this Joe character doesn't know much about Sunshine Village. Snow that fell 2 weeks ago DOES matter at Sunshine, but probably not at most other hills. The reasons being... 1) best snow quality in Canada, dry & light, does not settle down fast or much 2) 90% of the people at SV ride 20% of the terrain so you can ALWAYS find fresh pow lines and get away from the punters.
  Remember, their vertical drop numbers include the gondola/ski-out so expect more like 800-1600 ft descents. Great terrain though. You can make each mountain your own snow-park and really get away from the crowds. 150+ days ridden at SV and I still find new stuff every week.
  They get more snow than Lake Louise, but not as much as their BC counterparts. At least it NEVER rains at SV... okay... maybe 1 day out of their whole season which is Nov.10-May.20.
  For a visitor, or beginner, Sunshine can be a very frustrating day due to the layout of the terrain (spread over a few mountains) with lots of hidden flat spots. If you know where everything is it may be one of the best resorts in Western Canada... if you don't, you might have the worst day of your life.
  On weekends you are guaranteed to see massive crowds (Whistler style) but on the plus side, the other 4-5 days of the week are COMPLETELY dead with 0 people in the lift lines. Can be flat light or white out sometimes, but is often snowing lightly above treeline making the name SV a little bit of a fib. That's ok though, many choices for lifts here to get into different weather systems. Snow over here, sun over there, pow here, crowds not here.
  The people that reviewed that Sunshine is flat obviously don't ride the challenging terrain. It's hilarious these "reviewers" even bother. Go check out The Garbage Chutes of a variety (about 100) mid-sized pow drops. Delirium Dive may be the most challenging inbounds lift accessed terrain in North America. Flat? Maybe between certain areas, but you can go hang out there while I rip the fresh pow all day long!
  Closer, super easy to get a ride, and consistent conditions. That bus pass is a joke that someone mentioned... they expect locals to pay $700 per season JUST FOR THE BUS on top of our $1000 pass. What a joke.

• February 25, 2008
  joe from CANADA
  

  I love sunshines snow report. Past 24hrs 0cm. Past 15 days 73cm.
  Because snow that fell two weeks ago matters.

• February 20, 2008
  Markark from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  Just returned from a great weekend at Sunshine. This was supposed to be a busy weekend but I didn't wait more than 2 mins in line. Goats Eye has great snow, fantastic and challenging skiing amongst the trees was a new experience and not one that you get in European resorts. The staff were so friendly and the food was great value (compared with France!). The runs into Sunshine village were a bit tame but provide something for everyone.
  In short - a great place to ski.

• February 18, 2008
  Bill Turgott from CANADA
  

  Sunshine Village is proposing blasting more of Banff National Park, one of UNESCO's world heritage sites, to make room for more parking.

  Sunshine Village is also trying to discontinue their bus service, wanting local hotels and government to foot the bill, stating that the ski hill brings guests to town so the town and hotels should pay for this. Sunshine Village has forgotten to mention the millions the government of Canada gives them to advertise all over the world.

  This is disgusting, Sunshine Village should be encouraging more guests to use the bus to alleviate the parking congestion, keeping the National Park in it's current condition.

• February 15, 2008
  Glen from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  I don't think I've ever read so much rubbish in my life! Sunshine is excellently varied, with something for everyone, just seems some people are very hard to please! Sure, there are some flatter sections, but you find me a mountain that hasn't got that! The general bowl shape of the place collects a huge amount of snow, and even a relatively small snowfall makes it a superb place to ride. There are nice gentle warm-up runs, to the truly heart-stopping Delirium Dive! I didn't queue for a single lift at Sunshine for the 5 days I rode there, and I personally find Banff Avenue (the ski-out run for those who don't know) an excellent way to end the day. I'm a snowboarder, and didn't have to stop once on the way down. Anyone that heads to Banff MUST make sure they visit Sunshine.

• February 14, 2008
  Joe from CANADA
  

  Sunshine should be renamed. I propose Sunshine Cross Country Ski Area. The good hard runs are short and the "huge vertical" is not big at all. I have never seen a ski hill warp the truth and down right lie so much. The real vert is no more then 588 meters off of goats eye. They include the ski out in their stats which is certainly not a run. A bill-board on the way from Calgary proclaims " Closer, only 8km west of Banff" The turn off is 8km west of Banff, then another 6km down a twisty, poorly maintained road. Ya! your at the ski hill! O wait, five or ten minute walk to "the worlds fastest gondola" wait in line, then twenty more minutes stuffed in the gondola cabin with 7 other people till you're finally at the ski lifts.
  Sure, the snow is often better then other hills, but is it really worth it for tiny vertical, awful fall lines and huge line ups? I think not. Check out Louise or Norquay.

• January 18, 2008
  Janet Evans from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  My family (2 adults, one 16 year old and one 14 year old) went skiing from 22nd December to 2nd January 2007/8 and just had the best time. There are runs for all abilities. Yes, the lifts were busy at weekends and during the New Year holidays - but where isn't! As we are all good intermediates it was possible to ski away from the crowds. We got off at Goats Eye at Sunshine and that area was really quiet until about 11am and then it was not overly busy. We prefered Sunshine to Lake Louise - more options at Sunshine. All lift attendants very friendly and helpful. We all had a fantastic holiday. Stayed at the Banff Park Lodge - again brilliant. Canadian people are so polite and helpful - nothing ever too much trouble. Will be back one day.

• January 04, 2008
  GibbersSUCK! from CANADA
  

  Sunshine really, really sucks if you're a snowboarder. Snowboarders should go ride at the Lake or anywhere else - in fact PLEASE go somewhere (anywhere) else ya freaks!

• December 21, 2007
  Thiago from BRAZIL
  

  Very Good Resort, one of the best snow in the world, soft, abundant and dry!!!
  It's not as beautiful as Lake Louise, but it gets twice the snow.
  Its really interesting, Banff, Lake Louise and Sunshine are quite close each other,
  but Sunshine ALWAYS GET MUCH MORE SNOW then the other two...
  There is something for everyone, steeps, beginners...
  And Banff National Park is one of the most beautiful places in the world, it's certainly worth the experience!!!!

• December 07, 2007
  John from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  Yes, Sunshine does have some flat spots but after a couple of runs you should have figured out how to avoid them. If you are riding any of the challenging terrain you shouldn't have to worry about the flats anyway.

  As for the lift lines, on the weekdays you will never have to wait and on the weekends you might have to wait 5 or 10 minutes. If you don't want to wait at all on the weekends just go in the singles line or go to Goat's Eye.

• December 02, 2007
  Rider from CANADA
  

  Ya. The place sucks. Go somewhere else, especially on weekends. On powder days it's so flat that you get stuck, even boarding at 20km/hr, right Lee. As for it going back to the drawing-board... Yes National Parks are still on a no bulldozer policy as far as I know. I hear there's some sick lines at COP.

• January 12, 2007
  Derek from CANADA
  

  I couldn't disagree more with Lee and his review below. I've skied Sunshine for 25 years. It consistantly has the best snow in the Rockies (Fernie gets more, but it gets rain, so conditions are more variable; Louise gets less and pours ice all over the front faces; Kicking Horse gets lots but is a much smaller resort). There's lots of terrain at Sunshine, with awsome blacks and double blacks off Goats Eye and TP Town, and a sweet blue collection. Yes, the greens are flat, but they're supposed to be (they're green).
  Us locals wish the Government would permit a spruce up of the Village, but it's a National Park, and they are all heritage buildings. For instance, Mad Trappers has been there since the 1920's, and was the first ski cabin in the Rockies. Lee is also incorrect in that Sunshine isn't busier; skier visits are less than Louise each year, and Louise is 45 minutes down the road. Only once in 25 years I have seen the queue back to Hwy 1 (due to a road closure for avalanche control); get there at 9 and it's drive right into the main parking lot, and the Gondola line with the new high speed is non existant. Ski Goats Eye till noon, and even on the busiest days, it's step right on the lift with no lines.
  Tourists I meet from Britan love Banff and its surrounds; Sunshine's stunning views and great snow are a big favourite. Folks complain about the Gondola, but what goes up is a great ski out at the end of the day. It can get very cold here at all the Rockies resorts, but normally only in January, and only for a few days at a time.
  The combination of Louise, Sunshine, Norquay, with out-trips to Panorama and Kicking Horse means there's more incredible skiiing in the Banff area than you can imagine.

• November 23, 2006
  Lee from CANADA
  

  The fact is Sunshine is over-hyped rubbish. As the closest big hill to Calgary you can expect it to be busier than other resorts further down the road. I have witnessed traffic queuing on the access road all the way back to Highway 1. Once you have negotiated the traffic, parking and gondola you are greeted with a desolate, almost post-apocolyptic world. It must be the ugliest resort in the Canadian Rockies and it certainly lacks the atmosphere of smaller resorts.

  Yes Sunshine does get snow and there is little need for snowmaking and listening to some people bang on about this you'd think it was the only resort in the WORLD where this happens. I can think of two others just in the Rockies that don't make snow. What's the point in all this snow when the runs are boring and lifeless? The Delirium Dive and Goats Eye Mountain are obvious exceptions but that's what Sunshine lacks - consistently good runs. There is a real lack of the steep and the challenging and fun cruising runs. On a snowboard? Be prepared to clip off and walk uphill every 200 metres on the green runs. Lifts are arranged poorly and the whole place could do with going back to the drawing board.

  Save your time and money and check out the rest of the Rockies.

• November 01, 2006
  Wanda Burnrooter from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  I too think my Dad who drives the snowcat is very handsome.

• May 14, 2006
  graeham douglas from CANADA
  

  Sunshine is a good resort, but I prefer Lake Louise and the nearby resorts in British Columbia. Sunshine usually has great snow quality and gets more snow than anywhere nearby (except Fernie). However, they have added snowmaking to the ski out and places that get thin. It is no longer 100% natural, but the coverage is better in places that get rocky. On the actual skiing runs, there is still nearly all natual snow, so it hardly ever is icy except on mornings of Spring re-freeze.
  Terrain is somewhat lacking though. It is more rolly than sustained, steep mountains. For beginners and intermediates, it is a great place because the snow is good and there are few places that you can really get into trouble in. Generally, even the hardest runs are short and should be managable for less experienced skiers who get lost. From an expert's perspective, the best skiing is Delerium Dive, and the Wild Side chutes on Goat's Eye.
  Both offer steep, alpine-style chute skiing, but Goat's eye does not get as good snow as the rest of the mountain, and Delerium is difficult to access. First, avalanche gear is required to access Delerium. Second, a short hike is required into the Dive, and a skate/walk out. Thirdly, it takes three lifts to do a lap on the dive, and much of the vertical of the lifts is wasted.
  I do not like the lift arrangement of Sunshine. It is often busy, and Standish Chair, especially, can have bad lineups. The Angel Chair should have been extended higher by about three towers, instead of needing the Devide chair to get that last vertical.
  One thing to remember is that while Sunshine is closer than Lake Louise, you must take the gondola to reach the ski lifts. If you want first tracks at 9am, plan an extra 20 minutes or so for the gondola.

• March 19, 2006
  edna bumrooter from CANADA
  

  Sunshine has by far the best grooming in Canada. The bald old guy who drives the snowcat is very handsome.

• March 06, 2006
  Nick Russill from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  Sunshine is a fantastic resort, and for my first visit to Canada was a completely pleasant surprise after many years of visiting European resorts. I stayed at the Sunshine Inn which is one of about nine buildings in the "village" and can only be reached via the gondola. We were lucky enough to have a day where the gondola was closed for maintenance. Half a metre fell the night before and the ensuing day was sunny, so with less than 150 people in the resort, it was a dream day for boarding.
  So, plus points:
  - easy to get to; 2 hours from Calgary in an easy drive through stunning scenery
  - it is true, they get much more snow than neighbouring resorts
  - very friendly and excellent value
  - remarkable terrain
  - excellent ski school and instructors/guides
  - no drag lifts or t's
  The only real downside I can think of is that most of the lifts are quite short, although saying that, there were no queues to speak of and plenty of fun to be had in the gullies and trees.
  If you want a real challenge, see how fast you can get down the narrow, twisty Eagle Creek run on the Goat's Eye mountain - including jumping the waterfall!

• February 06, 2006
  Boarder from AUSTRALIA
  

  Yeah, you really can't bag Sunshine. I did a season out of Banff and have a soft spot for it.
  Firstly it's pretty rare for the snow to be icy there. The natural snow is alway easy to hold an edge on and if it hasn't snowed in a few weeks Lake Louise will DEFINATELY be more icey.
  Sunshine always has a park (unless there's no snow) but it isn't as big as the one at Lake Louise. Sunshine in general is a pretty flat resort but that doesn't matter if it's snowed less than 15cm as there is heaps of stuff to jump off and some steeps if you know where to go.
  In my opion if you're on holidays from Europe and an intermediate skier, go to Sunshine (especially if it snows lightly), and Lake Louise if it dumps. But if you're in Banff you must go to Lake Louise for at least one sunny day, it's got a wicked view.

• January 31, 2006
  Matt from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  Anyone worried about post number 5 can simply ignore ALL those comments!
  I have been to Sunshine 5 times, and it consistently has better snow than Louise, as it's all natural (actually I saw a snow gun firing on the webcam in early November, but I think it was only to fill in the road used in Summer). Very often it dumps up at Sunshine when Banff townsite gets nill. It doesn't get as much as Whitsler but lets face it, it NEVER rains in the village either (at least from Dec to Mar).
  Banff itself is a wonderful little town, only lacking in some serious nightlife. Loads of shops and restaurants and Calgary is only 1hr 30mins or so away. The scenary doesn't get much better, and you're very likely to see deer, eld, caribou etc outside your hotel, especialy if you're out of the centre.
  Like previously mentioned, there are only 2 negative points worth mentioning.
  1. It can get very cold. 3 out of the 4 times I've been around early January and have seen daytimes highs around -25. But for me this only adds to the experience.
  2. And granted it is busy over holidays i.e Xmas, but only the holidays. But rest assured its not near as bad as places I have been in Europe. You may have to queue for 10mins for a lift. Louise gets busier, but only at the base. Maybe the new gondola has fixed that though, I'll just have to go and find out :)
  In conclusion: My favourite place to ski with by far the most consistent snow conditions I have ever witnessed (including the Colorado Rockies).

• January 23, 2006
  Matt Galley from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  I have been here twice and this place is great! Plenty of REAL snow (none of its man made), lifts not busy and fast, all chair, no drag lifts. My wife and I are intermediate level and by the end of the holiday had managed runs from every lift there. The scenery is spectacular from where ever you look, it's the Rockies after all!
  We stayed in Banff, the busses (there are loads) pick you up outside the hotels and drop you at the gondola, dead easy. All the staff are very friendly and really seem pleased to see you there, having fun. There are two or three places to eat (trappers inn was best) and the food/drink is fairly priced with good Canadian sized portions! Drink of the holiday was hot choc & Baileys.
  Get yourself there...p.s your ski area pass also includes buses and entry to Mount Norquay and Lake Louise. Lake Louise is more of the same and is even bigger than Sunshine. I could go on, but I wont!!!

• January 19, 2006
  Rafe Saunders from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  I don't know what the guy is whining at either! I live in the UK and if you think the queues are bad at Sunshine then you have not been to France! I prefer Sunshine to the Lake because the snow quality is much better then the man made ice in the Lake.

• December 19, 2005
  Mike from CANADA
  

  I have lived in Banff the last 11 winters, and love both Sunshine and Louise. But I have no idea what that person is complaining about. Fact: Sunshine gets more snow than Louise. Fact: Sunshine has a terrain park (how can he says it doesn't?) Fact: Sunshine does not close in mid-April (where did he get that; I have never heard of the resort EVER closing in April), rather during the Queen Victoria holiday in May; this year that is May, 22, 2006.
  Sunshine has some of the best spring skiing anywhere; I challege you to find better skiing in May.

• December 12, 2005
  Michael from CANADA
  

  We ski Sunshine very regularly and prefer it to Lake Louise because it is closer, the snow is usually much better, the season is longer, and the family season pass is much more affordable. Strong points of Sunshine are some good powder days, and a large selection of runs ranging from way too flat to some very good steeps and glade skiing (mostly on Goat's Eye Mt., but the Teepee Town and Standish areas are good too). Have had some wonderful days in April and May, but March is the safest bet for good coverage and weather.
  Drawbacks include windy days and days with poor visibility above tree line (which includes a lot of the resort), and some days where the slopes are just too busy (lift lines are usually not too horrible on those days, since most of the old lifts have been replaced by quads, many high speed). It can also get cold, for those not used to Canadian winters. Parking lot gets full very quickly on good/busy days so it is worth leaving Calgary by 7:30.
  Early season skiing can be good, but they tend to open some areas far too soon, and conditions on a lot of the black runs are still pretty marginal in December some years. Lots of rocks, and they often don't get covered until the snow base is well over 100 cm.
  Still the best skiing close to Calgary. And there is a terrain park, contrary to what the previous poster says.

• November 14, 2005
  matt white from CANADA
  

  Sunshine is a crappy resort thats only good run is The Dive and has a flat and icy run-out from all upper mountain runs. Closes in mid april usually and u need to wait for hours to get to the bottom. Lake Louise on the other hand has way better terrian and awsome big mountain and park skiing. Sunshine village also has no park and lies to all saying they get more or same amout of snow as Whistler (my lawn had more snow than Whistler last year, but I take your point - ed.) Lake Louise all the way.

• April 28, 2005
  Donna Bell from CANADA
  

  Sunshine is a great resort with a very long season lasting from mid-November until late-May with my favourite time to ski being late-March and early-April. This time is after the spring break crowds and there is typically some good powder days. Sunshine does NOT make snow but relies on Mother Nature to provide and she rarely disappoints! Sunshine has varied terrain for all - from beginner to extreme. The only time the lift lines get long are during peak days (Christmas, Easter and Alberta's Family Day in mid-February) and even then they move fairly quickly because the lifts are mostly quads. Also, the lift attendants direct "traffic" so that the lines move equitably. The staff are friendly, helpful and courteous. All in all - a great place to ski!