When winter died across much of North America, it thrived in the Canadian Rockies. Banff Sunshine officially recorded its second snowiest season on record. 404 inches (1,025 centimeters) of snow fell on the resort during the 2025-26 season, pounding its average snowfall of 242 inches (614 centimeters). The resort closed on May 18, but thanks to the record-breaking year, it will be reopening for a period of summer skiing.
Banff Sunshine got off to a hot (cold, I suppose) start with a record-breaking December. 106 inches (268 centimeters) fell, making it the fifth-snowiest December in the resort’s nearly 100-year history. The resort opened with a bang and never looked back.
Like December, March boosted Banff Sunshine to its record-breaking year. Typically the snowiest month of the resort’s season, it held in 2026, dropping 82 inches (208 centimeters) of “Banff Brut” powder. It was during March that the resort marked its snowiest season in over a decade.
Banff’s high elevation and intense storms helped propel Sunshine’s memorable season. With an exceptionally deep snowpack high in the resort, the resort will open for a summer ski period in mid-June.
Starting on June 20, Banff Sunshine will reopen for 16 days of summer skiing, closing July 5. It plans to run its Strawberry Express chairlift and groom multiple runs. It also plans to build a terrain park. Summer skiing will be free for 2026-27 Sunshine Season Pass holders, SkiBig3 Season Pass Holders, and guests staying at the Sunshine Mountain Lodge.
While Banff was enjoying its incredible season, much of the rest of North America was struggling with one of its worst snow years ever. Utah and Colorado, states that typically receive plenty of snow, recorded their worst snowpacks ever. Resorts across the Rocky Mountains were forced to start seasons late and end seasons early. Powder days were few and far between, and conditions were less than ideal throughout the year. Unusually high temperatures, combined with periods of rain and drought, left resorts struggling and visitation down. Ski towns felt the brunt of the poor season, with local businesses struggling to hold on.
When resorts across North America were closing, Banff was still receiving snow. In just the past week, Sunshine Village’s upper mountain received a foot (31 centimeters) of snow. With a current seven-foot base at the upper mountain, summer conditions look to be perfect for warm, soft turns at the resort.
After the conclusion of its summer ski period, Banff Sunshine will begin its summer sightseeing and hiking operations on June 6, 2026.
