AB: Banff, Canada

Banff is home to my favorite place in the whole wide world- Banff Sunshine Village. As a Calgarian, I am no stranger to the Rocky Mountain Town. In fact, I grew up there.

Banff is a magical place, that is easy to get to. If you’re visiting from afar, fly into Calgary International Airport and hop on Highway One. Banff is only an hour and 15-minute drive from Calgary.

Banff is a something of a fairytale town with unparalleled beauty. There is a severity to the Canadian Rockies, which produces a dramatic sky-scape. The mountains have regal grander. That adds classic charm to the mountain town.

In reference to the Canadian Rockies, of Banff National Park, Marilyn Monroe said it best “The beautiful scenery of the Canadian Rockies, is a beauty no beauty can compete with.”

For me, Banff is a weekend escape. It’s a place to visit where you can just relax and have fun recreating in the Rockies. Although Banff, is famed for being a summer destination my preference is to visit the town in the winter. As an avid snowboarder, the slopes of Banff Sunshine Village drive me to visit and play in the mountain town.

Sunshine Village is a ski and snowboard resort like no other. The resort lies on the continental divide 7,200 ft. High in the Canadian Rockies on the border of Alberta and British Columbia. The unique resorts location makes it a star attraction for natural, smoke, dry snow.

As a bit of a snow snob, I live for the smoke dry powder that graces the slopes of the resort. As Sunshine doesn’t make snow, when riding the resort you will “ski” the difference. What I love most about Sunshine, is the mountain itself. The resort is a natural terrain park. A true shred playground.

When it comes to riding terrain, Sunshine has it all. From undulating pitches, to open bowls, to rolling tree runs, steeps, gentle groomers, terrain parks and everything in between. I love the diversity in ski and snowboard terrain at Sunshine.

As a snowboarder, my go-to shred zones are Teepee Town, Divide, Angel, and Goat’s Eye.  For added comfort, Teepee is the only chairlift in Canada that has heated seats. It’s a dream come true on chilly days.

When in Banff, there are two places I love to stay. The Banff Springs Hotel, and Sunshine Mountain Lodge (the only ski in, ski out accommodation in Banff). Cheers, a great day in the mountains with a perfect mezcal margarita at the Magpie and Stump, a local’s favorite.

When in Banff, you have to: 

• Ski or Ride Banff Sunshine Village
• Grab a margarita and some Mexican Food at the Magpie and Stump
• Relax at the Banff Springs Hotel and the Willow Stream Spa
• Stay slope side  at Sunshine Mountain Lodge
• Challenge your friends to a round of 10 pin bowling at High Rollers
• Take a trek to Johnson’s Canyon
• Watch the sunset over Rundle Mountain by the Vermillion Lakes