Banff Sunshine Named No. 1 Ski Resort in the West by SKI Magazine
The skiers have spoken! For the first time, Banff Sunshine Village has been named the No. 1 Ski Resort in the West in SKI Magazine's 2027 Reader Resort Survey, climbing from third place in 2025 to second in 2026, and now taking the top spot. The annual rankings are determined by skiers and snowboarders who vote on their experiences across North American resorts, making this recognition especially meaningful.
Banff Sunshine has been voted No. 1 Ski Resort in the West | Photo credit: Reuben Krabbe
Elevated in Every Way Imaginable
With a summit nearing 9,000 feet, naturally abundant snow, and a ski season that regularly stretches into late May, winter has a way of sticking around a little longer here. The 25/26 season was one for the books, with Banff Sunshine receiving 1,025 cm (over 33 feet) of snowfall, making it the snowiest season on record since 2018. The exceptional snowpack even allowed the resort to reopen for summer skiing in June and July 2026, giving skiers and snowboarders a few extra weeks on the slopes.
At Banff Sunshine, much of the terrain sits above treeline, offering elevated alpine skiing, uninterrupted mountain views, and an experience shaped entirely by natural snowfall. Across three mountains and 3,358 acres of skiable terrain, there's plenty to explore.
“High elevation means great quality and plentiful snow throughout the very long season,” wrote one SKI Magazine Sunshine voter. “Always finding new fun spots even though I’ve been skiing here for years.”
From wide-open groomers and rolling alpine bowls to challenging steeps, Sunshine offers something for every kind of skier. From the comfort of the Super Angel LX Express heated bubble chair, to lively après at the GOAT Club, there's plenty to enjoy on the mountain, with downtown Banff only 15 minutes away.
Banff Sunshine's Heated Bubble Chair, Super Angel XL Express | Photo credit: Mirae Campbell
What's New at Banff Sunshine for 26/27?
The 2026/27 season brings even more ways to enjoy a day at Sunshine. The GOAT Club returns to Goat's Eye Lodge for its second season of live music, DJs, and on-mountain après, while the Coco Lounge opens for its first full winter with fireside seating, cocktails, and mountain views from the Centennial Day Lodge deck.
Guests can also warm up at the new Coco Lab Coffee & Hot Chocolate Bar at Goat's Eye Lodge, alongside expanded cocktail offerings. Beyond the après scene, Sunshine is refreshing key areas of the Centennial and Creekside Day Lodge and continuing to invest in its snowcat fleet to groom more terrain while maintaining the soft-packed snow conditions the mountain is known for.
The GOAT Club at Banff Sunshine | Photo credit: Jill Scarpato
A Recognition Worth Celebrating
SKI Magazine's Reader Resort Survey looks at 18 categories that contribute to the overall mountain experience, from snow quality, grooming and terrain to guest service, dining and après. The results are determined by skier and snowboarder feedback, making the recognition a genuine reflection of the experiences guests have on the mountain.
For Banff Sunshine, reaching the No. 1 spot is a milestone worth celebrating, particularly after three consecutive years of climbing the rankings.
Big congrats to Banff Sunshine Village!
