Industry News
Banff’s ski season isn’t winding down quietly — it’s heading into May with lightsabers, costumes, and one of its strongest late-season showings in years. At Banff Sunshine, Alberta, May the 4th has become more than a novelty date on the calendar. It’s a full-on mountain celebration, where skiers and riders swap standard kit for Jedi robes, stormtrooper helmets, and the occasional Wookiee suit, turning the slopes into a moving tribute to Star Wars.
Related: Banff Sunshine, AB, 1 Storm Away from Historic Snowfall Record
This year’s event lands against the backdrop of a notably strong season. With a near-record snowfall of 990 cm (390 inches) the base across the mountain still has a 2-meter base depth. In addition, a colder-than-average spring have allowed Banff Sunshine to maintain excellent coverage deep into May — something that’s far from guaranteed in most North American ski regions. While many resorts in North America have shut down, Sunshine continues to offer top-to-bottom skiing, reinforcing its reputation as one of Canada’s most reliable late-season destinations. All lifts and runs are still open across the resort.
The May the 4th celebration itself leans into that longevity. Over the past few seasons, the event has grown organically, drawing locals and destination skiers alike. Costumes aren’t just encouraged — they’re part of the culture. Expect to see entire groups skiing in coordinated outfits, themed laps down the mountain, and plenty of on-slope moments that blur the line between ski day and fan convention.
What makes it work isn’t just the theme — it’s the timing. By early May, the pressure of peak season is gone. The crowds are lighter, the vibe is looser, and spring skiing is in full swing. Soft snow, longer days, and patio après create the perfect setting for something a little less serious and a lot more fun.
And that’s really the point. Events like this don’t try to compete with mid-winter powder days — they celebrate something different. A season that’s still going when most others have ended. A mountain that leans into its personality. And a community that shows up, costumes and all.
The season at Banff Sunshine keeps going strong — so bring your skis/boards and light saber.
