4* Sunshine Mountain Lodge

At Sunshine Mountain Lodge you’re guaranteed to be one of the first people on the mountain. Located in the Sunshine Village ski area, it is the only ski in, ski out hotel in Banff National Park and as such, check-in is actually at the base of the gondola, which then takes you up to the hotel.

The hotel is decorated in a rustic style with modern touches, complementing its forested surroundings. Because it is the only hotel on the mountain, you have everything you need in one place with amenities including a massive outdoor hot tub (we're talking 35 people), sauna, gym, games room with arcade games and a pool table as well as a family room with sofas, board games and a cosy fireplace.

Evenings tend to be quiet but there is still plenty to keep you occupied with two restaurants (fine dining and casual) as well as a sports bar and Mad Trappers Smokehouse (saloon style bar - originally built in 1920 as a ranger's lodge). After the ski lifts close, the hotel offers complimentary activities for guests including snowshoeing, tobogganing evenings and movie nights (every night).

Banff in Canada is a stunning destination for a superb ski holiday and Sunshine Mountain Lodge is the only ski in, ski out accommodation.

Nb. Should you arrive outside gondola opening hours (Saturday – Thursday: 08:00 – 17:00 and Friday: 08:00 – 22:00), you will need to take the shuttle ‘Sunshine Suzy’ to the hotel - Suzy is a 4x4 with caterpillar tracks, so an experience in itself. This needs to be arranged in advance and will be an additional cost (around 150$). The hotel will liaise with the transfer company so they'll know if you are delayed or arriving early.

*Sunshine Mountain Lodge include a Sunshine lift pass for all paying guests for each day after a night spent at the hotel.

What we like

• Only ski in, ski out hotel in Banff national park, with lift tickets included in your room rates
• Secluded, prime position once the lifts close with plenty of activities to occupy you - tobogganing, snow shoe head lamp lit tours, bonfire nights, movie nights and Mad Trappers Smokehouse open till 12/1am
• Fantastic mountain views from all rooms and even the outdoor mega hot tub

Worth knowing

• The Lodge is up the mountain, you have clear star-filled skies and like-minded guests to entertain you
• If you arrive late you should let the hotel know as soon as possible as the only way up the mountain after the lifts close is their cat truck (which will set you back $150) to bring you to the lodge. Make sure you get there before 5:30pm for the last gondola up.
• If you arrive early you can leave your baggage at the bottom of the gondola and go ski, staff will take your bags up to the lodge for you