Great Learning Area and Numerous Beginner Slopes
Families covering all levels will feel right at home at Banff Sunshine. Beginners and first-time skiers will appreciate the variety of easy, designated green runs. A team of kid-specific instructors will help them to graduate from first-timers to the masters of Strawberry Express, whose trails are great to practice first curves. There are two options to choose from: Banff Sunshine Daycare (6 & under) and Kids Kampus (12 & under). Banff Sunshine is popular among families for a reason: easy and wide slopes make for great fun. Everyone who is not joining a class should head to Angel Express or Wolverine Chair which both service one if the best beginner areas on either mountain.
However, we'd recommend to not do the Goat's Eye area, as there is a blue run leading down into the valley, yet it is not suitable for families with beginner skiers. With that said, as a family you better ignore the slopes at Goat's Eye. Apart from that, Banff Sunshine offers tons of slopes which are perfect for families. Endless green and blue runs allow for great downhill skiing for every level. Dell Valley or Rock Isle Road are where you find your ski legs.
Ripe for Infrastructure Investment
Taking only the variety of runs intro account, there could totally be an award for Sunshine Village. However, all things considered, improvement is needed in terms of suitable lifts for children and families, family-friendly accommodation and refreshment facilities. As much as we appreciate Sunshine's wide-open, easy descents, they do not make up for the things missing. Even though the TeePee Express is Canada's first and only heated chairlift, the only thing ensuring a safe transportation up the mountain is a bar, which is why parents should always keep an eye on their children.
If you're into a ski-in/ski-out experience, there is only one hotel that caters your needs. Sunshine Lodge is located at the top station of the Gondola, it is well-provided with everything and offers rooms at different rates. What's more is that the ski resort lacks family rates or family discounts. After all, children (age 6-12) pay 42 CAD (28€) for a single-day lift ticket, their parents are charged 109 CAD (73€), which would be over 200€ (tax not included) for a family with two adults and two children.