Canada Day on Ice: Banff Sunshine Village Announces Rare 16-Day Summer Ski Encore

In a move that proves Mother Nature still has a few tricks up her sleeve, Banff Sunshine Village has announced an ambitious return to summer operations. Thanks to a winter that can only be described as legendary, the resort will reopen for a 16-day summer ski season from June 20 to July 5, 2026.

While the regular winter season is set to wrap up on May 18, the "Island in the Sky" isn't ready to call it quits just yet. This rare summer session will allow skiers and snowboarders to carve through the Rockies right through the Canada Day long weekend.

Record-Breaking Snowfall

The decision to extend the season wasn't just a whim; it was dictated by the sheer volume of "Canada’s Best Snow." The resort recorded nearly 1,000 cm (approx. 33 feet) of snowfall over the 2025-2026 winter season. This massive accumulation, combined with Sunshine’s high elevation on the Continental Divide, created a snowpack deep enough to withstand the late spring melt.

"Our decision to host summer skiing is thanks to record snowfall," the resort shared via social media. "Our plan is to open Strawberry Express and maybe another lift starting June 20th, and offer summer skiing until July 5th."

What to Expect: Slush, Sun, and Shorts

This marks only the second time since the early 1990s that the resort has been able to host a Canada Day celebration on the slopes. The last occurrence was in 2022, an event that drew thousands of enthusiasts—many of whom famously swapped their Gore-Tex for Hawaiian shirts and denim.

Key details for the summer session:

• Dates: June 20 – July 5, 2026.

• Lifts: Strawberry Express (with the possibility of a second lift depending on conditions).

• Terrain: Several trails will be groomed and maintained for the duration of the encore.

• Lodging: For those looking for the full experience, the Sunshine Mountain Lodge will remain open for guests, offering the rare novelty of summer ski-in, ski-out access.

A "Fairy Tale" Season

Resort officials have characterized the 2025-2026 season as a "fairy tale," starting with an exceptionally early opening in November and culminating in this historic July closure. For locals and visitors alike, the current view from the top of the Standish Express—overlooking the frozen Rock Isle, Laryx, and Grizzly Lakes—serves as a stark reminder of just how much winter is still clinging to the peaks.

Whether you're a die-hard local looking for one last lap or a tourist hoping for a "quintessentially Canadian" July 1st, Banff Sunshine is promising high vibes and slushy turns. Just don't forget the sunscreen—at this altitude, the July sun is as potent as the snowpack.