Halfway to winter, the blizzard of aaahs returns

Sunshine's summer reopening reminds us that winter is never far away

Jun 18, 2026

Banff Sunshine Village, AB I look down at my feet and I’m amazed. My shoes may not be sparkly red, but somehow I've clicked my heels and wound up back in the blizzard of aaaahs.

I’m wearing ski boots, clicked into my skis, on snow, in the mountains, and it’s late June. Yes, Alberta, there is a summer Santa Claus, and the gift is a summer ski season at Sunshine Village, with both the Standish and Strawberry chairlifts spinning from June 20 to July 5, 2026.

Top of Strawberry chairlift.

And to top it off, for Father’s Day, June 21, skiing is free for dads! What better way to celebrate with your snow-loving papa?

For Andrew Longino, a Team Canada Olympic slopestyle skier, getting to ski during the summer at home truly felt like a golden moment: "We do lots of training in summertime but usually it's in Europe or the States. It's sweet to be able to ski in the summer so close."

Longino recommends being ready for the conditions, suggesting "It's pretty slushy so you don't have to worry about those icy runs, The snow is soft and very forgiving. I think maybe bring a wider ski to handle the slush. But it's super fun, you're not going to be cold."

Final thoughts? "It's unreal, it's like summertime it's 20 degrees and the snow is soft, slush and super fun!"

Here’s a look at what we’ve all been missing.

And what better reminder that winter is only a few short months away? Of course, let’s enjoy summer while we can, but remember that early bird passes are already on sale.

Time to start making your 2026-27 winter season plans.

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Ski resorts have long since started making theirs. What's ahead for winter 2026-27? RCR will start spinning new chairs at Kimberley, Fernie and Kicking Horse, and more.

And the best way to get the updates you need to be ready for winter 2026-27? Sign up for SnowSeekers’ free newsletter.

Why? For more of this, of course.