Banff ski resort Sunshine Village Lift Ticket Guide – Prices, Passes & Money-Saving Tips
- vamos39
- Sep 24
- 3 min read
Banff skiing current lift ticket prices 2025—2026 season
1. Introduction
Sunshine Village, located in Banff National Park, Alberta, is one of Canada’s premier ski resorts. With more than 3,300 acres of skiable terrain, a long season from November to May, and spectacular summer hiking access, lift tickets are your key to enjoying the mountain. Prices can vary greatly depending on the season, how you buy, and what kind of pass you choose. This guide explains every option, provides historical context, and shows you how to save money.
Table of Contents
2. Types of Tickets and Passes
Ticket / Pass Type | Validity | What’s Included | Ideal For |
Day / Full-Day | 1 full day | Gondola + all chairlifts | One-day visitors |
Afternoon-Only | Noon–closing | Gondola + lifts from midday | Late arrivals |
Multi-Day (2–7 days) | Consecutive days | Gondola + lifts each day | Multi-night stays |
Season Passes | Full winter (or restricted options) | Unlimited access + perks | Frequent skiers |
Sunshine Super Card | Discount program | Free days + $ discounts | Repeat visitors |
SkiBig3 Tickets | Valid at Sunshine, Lake Louise, Norquay | Multi-resort flexibility | Visitors wanting variety |
3. Current Ticket Prices (2025/26 Season)
Winter Lift Tickets (2025/26)
Category | 1 Day | 2 Days | 7 Days |
Adult (18–64) | CAD 184.30 | CAD 368.60 | CAD 950.60 |
Senior (65+) | CAD 133.00 | CAD 266.00 | CAD 686.00 |
Youth (13–17) | CAD 133.00 | CAD 266.00 | — |
Child (6–12) | CAD 74.10 | CAD 148.20 | — |
Prices exclude GST and can vary depending on demand and promotions.
Summer Sightseeing Tickets (2025)
Adult: CAD 70
Senior: CAD 65
Youth (13–17): CAD 36
Child (6–12): CAD 20
Family (2 adults + up to 2 children): CAD 180
4. Historical Price Trends
Sunshine Village lift tickets have steadily increased over the last decade.
Season | Adult Full-Day Window Price | Notes |
2014/15 | CAD 89 | Mountainside Villas brochure |
2015/16 | CAD 105 (CAD 95 online advance) | Blog data |
2020/21 | CAD 79 (promo midweek early-season) | Reddit / promo pricing |
2023/24 | CAD 165 + GST | Community reports |
2025/26 | CAD 184.30 | Official listing |
Trend: Prices have roughly doubled since 2014. Promotions exist, but window rates consistently rise year over year.
5. What Tickets Include (and Don’t Include)
✅ Included:
Gondola ride from base to village
All chairlifts in operation
Access to terrain, trails, and ski areas
❌ Not Included:
Equipment rental
Lessons or guided tours
Lockers, storage, or insurance
GST (5% tax added on purchase)
Certain discount cards may have blackout dates
6. How and Where to Buy Tickets
Online (official website or SkiBig3.com) – Cheapest, allows mobile ticketing.
At the resort base – Always available, but most expensive.
Travel packages – Bundled with lodging or transportation.
Discount cards – Sunshine Super Card provides free days + ongoing discounts.
7. Best Ways to Save Money
Strategy | How It Works | Potential Savings |
Buy Online Early | Lock in lower rates vs window | 5–15% |
Sunshine Super Card | Discounts + free days | Free 1st, 4th, 7th day |
Ski Midweek | Weekday rates & less crowd | Varies |
Multi-Day Passes | Lower per-day cost | ~10–20% per day |
Lodging Bundles | Combine hotel + lift pass | Can save CAD 20–40/day |
Spring Pass | Unlimited late-season skiing | Break-even in 4–6 days |
8. Season Pass vs Day Tickets – Break-Even Point
Day Ticket (2025/26): ~CAD 184
Season Pass: ~CAD 1,760 (adult)
Break-even: about 10–12 ski days
Frequent skiers (every weekend or multiple holidays) benefit most.
9. Summer Sightseeing Tickets
From late June to early October, Sunshine opens for gondola and alpine hiking. A sightseeing ticket includes:
Gondola ride up to Sunshine Village
Standish Chairlift to 2,385 m elevation
Access to Sunshine Meadows trails, Rock Isle Lake, and alpine viewpoints
This is ideal for non-ski visitors who want high-alpine access without hiking from the valley.
10. Final Recommendations
If skiing just 1–2 days: Buy online in advance.
If skiing 3–6 days: Consider multi-day bundles or SkiBig3 passes.
If skiing 7+ days: Sunshine Super Card or spring pass may pay off.
If skiing 10+ days: Season pass is the best long-term value.
For summer: Sightseeing tickets give easy access to alpine meadows at a fraction of winter costs.
Conclusion
Sunshine Village offers world-class skiing and hiking, but lift tickets are a major part of the budget. By planning ahead, buying online, and using discount programs, you can significantly reduce costs. Whether you’re visiting for a day, a week, or the entire season, there’s a ticket option that fits your adventure.
