Sunshine Village Confirms Summer Skiing Window for 2026
It is a recurring theme in the Canadian Rockies: Banff Sunshine Village almost always runs out of skiers before it runs out of snow. While the resort typically wraps up its winter operations in late May, the 2025/26 season—which saw a staggering cumulative total of nearly 1,000 cm of snowfall—has provided enough of a buffer for a rare summer encore.
The resort has confirmed it will reopen for 16 days of summer skiing from June 20th through July 5th, 2026.
Historical Precedent
While the "Slush Cup" usually marks the end of the lift-access season, summer openings have occurred a handful of times in the resort’s history. Most recently, in 2022, a similar late-season snowpack allowed the resort to spin lifts from June 28th to July 3rd. These windows are entirely dependent on the depth of the spring snowpack and its ability to withstand the rising June temperatures.
Operational Details
For the 2026 summer session, the current plan focuses on the Strawberry Express quad. Depending on how the upper mountain holds up, there is a possibility of another lift opening, though operations will likely be limited to the core morning and early afternoon hours to preserve the snow surface.
"Our decision to host summer skiing is thanks to record snowfall," the resort noted in a recent update. "For those planning to join us for some summer turns, our hotel Sunshine Mountain Lodge will be open for guests."
Implications for the Backcountry
For the backcountry skiing community, this announcement serves as a useful benchmark for high-alpine conditions along the Continental Divide (which Sunshine straddles). A snowpack deep enough to support resort operations into July confirms that the higher-elevation lines on the Continental Divide and throughout the Bow Valley will likely remain filled and skiable well into the summer months.
Plan Ahead
Summer skiing is a novelty that requires a different approach than mid-winter laps. Expect "hero snow" early in the day followed by heavy, saturated conditions by the afternoon. Those making the trip should be prepared for typical summer mountain weather and high UV exposure.
