In an annual tradition that highlights the best of the North American ski landscape, OnTheSnow.com has announced the winners of its 2025-2026 Visitors' Choice Awards. According to Spencer Spellman, the top honor for 'Best Overall Resort' has been awarded to Banff Sunshine, a cornerstone of the Canadian Rockies.

The rankings are determined by direct feedback from app users and website visitors who rate resorts based on specific metrics, including terrain quality, family-friendliness, terrain parks, and the post-skiing scene. Banff Sunshine stood out among the competition, earning high praise from guests who noted the consistency of the snow and the sheer variety of the mountain's 3,300 acres of terrain.

Why Banff Sunshine Stands Out

Located within the iconic Banff National Park, the resort offers more than 130 marked trails and a vertical drop exceeding 3,500 feet. One of the unique selling points noted by the OnTheSnow community is the resort's commitment to natural snowfall. By eschewing artificial snowmaking and capitalizing on its high-elevation geography, Banff Sunshine maintains one of the longest non-glacial ski seasons in North America, with over 350 inches of annual snowfall.

The resort is a key member of the SkiBig3 alliance. Travelers visiting the region also have access to the nearby Mt. Norquay, famous for its night skiing and Olympic training history, as well as the Lake Louise Ski Resort, which offers an additional 4,400 acres of terrain spanning four distinct mountains.

User Sentiment

A beautiful winter ski resort featuring snowy mountains, skiers, and chair lifts under a clear blue sky.
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Panoramic view of a snowy alpine ski resort with mountain peaks and ski slopes under a clear blue sky.
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Stunning aerial view of a snowy mountain ski resort during winter.
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Skiers enjoy a sunny day on the snowy slopes of the Austrian Alps.
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Video by Stephan Leuzinger on Pexels

The positive feedback from visitors underscores why the resort earned its top ranking. One reviewer, identified as V, noted the quality of the mountain during fresh powder days, while another user, Irene, described it as one of the most underrated destinations, citing the reliable coverage and diverse run options. Families, such as that of reviewer Matthew, frequently cite the variety of terrain as a primary reason for their repeat visits.

2025-2026 Visitors' Choice Award Highlights

While Banff Sunshine claimed the overall title, other resorts were recognized for specific strengths:

  • Best All-Mountain Terrain: Jackson Hole
  • Most Family Friendly: Winter Park
  • Best Terrain Park: Copper Mountain
  • Best Après-Ski: Telluride
  • Best Ski Area for Beginners: Purgatory
  • Best Small Ski Area: Wolf Creek