Sunshine Village ski resort is nestled 10 miles outside the town of Banff in Alberta, situated on the edges of Banff National Park and Assinbone Provincial Park.  Driving to Banff from Calgary takes around two hours along Highway #1 then roughly twenty mins up the valley to Sunshine Village.  This is a substantial resort with twelve lifts spread over 3 mountains.  It's a pretty funky set up with access to the skiing via a 8 man highspeed gondola whisking riders up and round a valley into the goods.  The terrain here suits most riders with a good mix of mega steep classics and lots of cruisy groomers.

The goods are spread over three mountains, Goat's Eye Mountain has some steep routes up top accessed by an express chair, which like all the chairs here are pretty speedy but lack footrests which are probably good for boarders but a bit of a pain for the skiers, and a lower section with some nice smooth groomers through the trees. Lookout Mountain has a similar mix of tougher lines up top with a great terrain park midsection and an easier section at the bottom for those looking for some mellow turns.  Mount Standish on the other side of the valley is not quite so steep but has some good tree skiing and plenty of groomers down to keep everyone happy.

Sunshine has three freeride areas for those who like it steep and gnarly, Delerium Dive being the best known.  Backcountry equipment and the knowhow are required to enter these areas but if the snow is in good condition they are all worth a look. Check with Ski Patrol for info as these areas are serious and in avalanche country.

Riders who like their turns on the safer side will also have a great time at Sunshine Village making this resort ideal for a mix of abilities.  When we visited the long blue and green runs were great fun for all, well groomed and interesting with plenty of milage to keep you happy exploring the area. 

The daylodge situated centrally in the resort has a great wee cafe and shop to warm up and get a brew with reasonable prices and a friendly atmosphere.  Sunshine Village also has the usual mix of eateries and bars found in most Canadian resorts. This resort is a great place for families and groups of mixed ability to come and have some fun together on the pistes with the terrain to keep everyone happy. Boarders will have a wicked time here with things set up to suit them perfectly, the number of boarders here rivaled skiers when we visited.

Overall Sunshine Village has it all and if it dumps the white stuff here then you are in for a treat whatever your ability.  The town of Banff is a great base to stay in with a real party town feel with shops,bars and clubs to keep you entertained and even the odd fur and fashion type shop to keep the bourgouisee content... there is also good skiing in the nearby Mt Norquay, but the goods are definitely in Sunshine itself.