Banff Sunshine Village has officially been crowned the top ski resort in North America according to the 2026 Visitors' Choice Awards, hosted by OnTheSnow.com. The recognition is based on direct feedback from app users and website visitors, who evaluate resorts across several key categories, including terrain quality, family-friendly infrastructure, and the après-ski scene.
Reporting on the announcement, PlanetSKI noted that the resort's success is rooted in its massive footprint. Banff Sunshine spans three mountains, offering more than 3,300 acres of skiable terrain. With over 130 marked trails and a vertical drop exceeding 3,500 feet, the resort caters to a wide spectrum of skiers, from those just finding their footing on beginner chairs to experts tackling world-class off-piste chutes and powder bowls.
One of the most notable characteristics of the resort is its dedication to natural snow. According to the data, Banff Sunshine receives an average of more than 350 inches of snowfall annually. This reliance on natural precipitation, paired with a high-altitude location, allows the resort to maintain one of the longest non-glacial ski seasons on the continent.
PlanetSKI, which maintains a long-standing familiarity with the region, expressed agreement with the user-voted outcome. Having spent significant time at the resort over the last two decades, the publication highlighted that the "Sunshine Sparkles" reputation remains well-deserved. The awards also recognized several other North American destinations for their specific strengths, including Jackson Hole for all-mountain terrain and Telluride for its après-ski culture.
