Year of the Snake Slithers onto Ski Slopes at Banff Sunshine Village, AB

Skiers and snowboarders at Banff Sunshine Village, Alberta, are in for a treat this weekend as the resort celebrates the Lunar New Year with a unique blend of tradition and winter sports. The Year of the Snake slithered onto the slopes on January 29, 2025, marking the start of a 15-day celebration based on the Chinese lunisolar calendar.

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Visitors to this “island in the sky” can hunt for hidden red envelopes scattered throughout the resort, each containing a lucky surprise. These hóngbāo, as they’re traditionally called, symbolize luck, prosperity, and good fortune in Chinese culture.

For those looking to embrace the full spirit of the holiday, Nikko Ramen in the village offers a perfect opportunity. Eating noodles during the Lunar New Year is believed to bring longevity, making it an ideal way to kick off the celebration with a dash of good fortune.

The resort’s creative take on the Year of the Snake theme encourages guests to focus on “shedding”–or perhaps more appropriately, “shredding”–as they carve their way down the mountainside.

This fusion of cultural celebration and winter sports provides a unique experience for regular visitors and those new to Lunar New Year traditions. Sunshine Village transforms into a vibrant hub of cultural exchange and outdoor adventure as the festivities unfold over the next two weeks.

Banff Sunshine Village has seen 337 centimeters (133 inches) of snow this season and has a base of 125 centimeters (49 inches).