Timeline
07:40
Drive up to Sunshine Village. The resort is 20 minutes west of the Banff townsite. Arrive early to secure parking and prepare for the cold at this higher elevation.
08:10
Head to the lodge at the bottom of the gondola. This is the only spot with on-hill accommodation and services before you go up. Grab a coffee or a quick bite if the kitchen is open, though options are limited until lunchtime.
08:40
Watch the sunrise. On 15 January, the sun rises at 08:40 local time, setting toward the WSW. The golden light starts about 16:08, but for a sunrise plan, the key moment is the dawn break. Take in the fantastic scenery and the natural snow conditions.
09:25
Enjoy the golden light and explore the base area. Wait for breakfast or lunch service to begin properly, as there is not much else to eat until lunchtime once you get to the top.
Local tip
Sunshine Village receives more snow than the other two resorts and has a generally longer ski season. All snow is natural with no snow-making.
Check before you go
- Check the route to Sunshine Village, which is 20 minutes west of the Banff townsite.
- The buffet breakfast is served in the lodge at the bottom of the gondola. Food options are limited until lunchtime.
- Full-day adult tickets cost $85.
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Banff (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).