Family Fame  

Families enjoy the only ski-in, ski-out accommodations in Banff National Park, so kids can schuss right to their rooms at Sunshine Mountain Lodge, reached by gondola from the village base, just a 20-minute drive from the town of Banff. For non-skiers, a half-day snowshoeing trip into Sunshine Meadows is a cool option.

Top Runs

Boasting 1,359 ha (3,358 ac) of terrain and a vertical drop of 1,071 m (3,514 ft.), this resort offers 108 named runs, from gentle cruisers to extreme off-piste skiing such as Delirium Dive. Best for beginners (up to seven years): Meadow Park off the Wawa Quad Chair, or lines off the new Strawberry Express High Speed Quad. For ages eight to 12 (or intermediates): try the World Cup Downhill from the summit of Lookout Mountain. For keen teens (or experts): head to the top of Standish, skip over and down Sidewall, a steep and relatively short run. Or, try Bushwacker, a steep and technically challenging run loaded with moguls and sinks of powder.

Family Dining  

Photo by Ian Snow

Affordable: The Lookout Lounge in the day lodge has a great buffet that’s always a hit with kids. Creekside at the base (main building) is often less busy, so you can grab a burger and be on the slopes quickly. Splurge: Eagle’s Nest, the lodge’s fine dining restaurant, features regional cuisine and a comprehensive wine list. The roasted bison is a house favourite.

Ski School

Aside from private and group lessons, the Sunshine Village Ski School offers multi-weekend programs collectively referred to as Mountain Freeriders. On weekends, the whole family can learn to ski in appropriate programs, and then share their newfound skiing or riding skills.

Real Deals

Photo by Josh Robertson.

The newpremier loft suites at Sunshine Mountain Lodge are perfect for families, with stunning views of Lookout Mountain, in-floor heating, natural gas fireplaces and flat-screen televisions. Throughout the season, families can book four nights and stay a fifth for free.

Après-ski, Family-style

Besides offering you a chance to soak in one of the largest outdoor hot tubs in the Rockies, Sunshine also offers firepit evenings where local storytellers recount historical tales dished up with free hot chocolate and marshmallows. Parents can indulge in hot stone, Swedish and couples’ massages. On Friday nights, the gondola runs until 10:30 p.m., so people can go into Banff for dinner and shopping if they wish.

 

This month, WestJet flies to Calgary 79 times daily from 34 Canadian, U.S. and international cities.

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