Sunshine Village in Banff, Alberta, is opening for a limited summer ski season starting June 20 [1].
The rare opening highlights the impact of an exceptionally snowy winter that left enough snow volume to extend operations into the summer months [1, 2].
The resort will operate from June 20 to July 5, 2026, providing 16 days of skiing [1, 3]. This marks only the second time in nearly 35 years that the resort has offered summer skiing [2].
Located within Banff National Park, the resort is opening several ski runs to the public [1, 2]. There are conflicting reports regarding the number of lifts available for the season. One report said the resort plans to operate one lift [2], while another indicates that skiers can ride both the Standish and Strawberry Express lifts [4].
Visitors can access the slopes during this brief window before the remaining snowpack melts. The decision to open was driven by the sheer volume of snow remaining on the mountain following the winter season [1, 2].
“Second time in nearly 35 years the resort has offered summer skiing”
The ability to maintain skiable terrain into late June and early July is a rare occurrence for the region. This event underscores the volatility of annual snowfall patterns and the specific environmental conditions required to sustain high-altitude snowpacks against summer temperatures.
