June Snowstorm Slams Banff Sunshine, AB

Winter isn’t quite finished with the Canadian Rockies. Banff Sunshine, Alberta, which has already enjoyed a record-breaking season, is reporting a fresh infusion of snow as it prepares to transition into its rare summer ski window.

• Related: Alberta Man Completes Extreme Challenge With 18 Snowboard Laps at Banff Sunshine, 18 Holes of Golf, and 18 Beers

According to a June 1 update from the resort’s official social media, the mountain is currently tracking a late-season storm that is expected to drop an additional 18 centimeters of snow across the high alpine today and tonight. This follows a weekend of precipitation that saw snow accumulating on the resort’s high-elevation terrain, a phenomenon that is part of a broader weather system affecting higher elevations throughout Alberta.

While the resort has officially concluded its daily winter operations, the exceptionally deep base —a legacy of nearly 1,000 centimeters of snowfall this season— has allowed Sunshine to plan a unique 16-day summer ski experience. The resort is scheduled to fire up the Strawberry Express chairlift from June 20 through July 5, 2026, offering skiers and riders a chance to capitalize on the lingering winter bounty.

The upcoming summer session is a testament to what representatives have called a “fairytale season.” With the mountains currently seeing active accumulation, the resort is positioning itself for a distinct start to its summer ski window. Guests planning to visit can expect a mix of groomed runs and, pending final conditions, a summer terrain park.

For those looking to extend their season, the Sunshine Mountain Lodge will be open to accommodate visitors during the summer ski period. Following the final day of skiing on July 5, the resort will pause all mountain operations to reset the slopes before transitioning to its standard summer sightseeing and hiking season on July 6.

The resort’s ability to offer summer skiing is a rare occurrence, marking only the second time in nearly 35 years that Banff Sunshine has extended its operations so far into the summer, a feat made possible by the persistent, cool spring and the sheer volume of this year’s historic snowfall.