Sunshine Village

Sunshine Village encompasses 3 mountains, Goat's Eye, Standish and Lookout,  decently sized with 12 lifts. Situated in the pristine Banff National Park in the Canadian Rockies, the resort is one of the oldest in Alberta. The ski-area is actually situated a 20 minute bus ride form nearby Banff and its hotels and nightlife, so if you're into 'ride in ride out' type boarding this isn't the place for you (there's only 1 hotel on the actual mountain!). The bonus is however, that being tucked away in the heavens at 8,954 feet = some of the most delicious light champagne powder found anywhere in Canada without having to battle with the crowds at mega resorts such as Whistler. 

From the car park, the high-speed 8-man Gondola rises sheerly above the tree line. From the moment you're jolted sharply round a 90 degree bend you know you're in for a fun ride! Sunshine Village isn't vast by any means, but in terms of fun, plenty is on offer in the form of endless natural hits, rollers and drops. Alas, here is no half pipe at any of the Rockies' 3 main resorts.  Nearby Lake Louise is a spectacular 45 minute drive up the highway and is accessible if you've purchased the 'Tri-Area Ski Lift Pass' which includes baby Mount Norquay.