Alberta ski resort named one of the best in the world for beginners
If you’re looking for a beginner-friendly place to start skiing, you won’t have to travel far.
Banff’s Sunshine Village has been recognized as one of the world’s best ski resorts for beginners, earning third place in the 2025 Snomad Ski Resort Awards.
Big White Ski Resort in British Columbia took first place, followed by France’s La Plagne in second.Â
The rankings are based on over 140,000 ski resort ratings submitted by skiers and snowboarders across the globe during the 2024 and 2025 ski season.
Snomad pointed out Sunshine Village’s 26 dedicated beginner runs spread across multiple areas of the resort, as well as the supportive environment it provides.
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“The resort truly excels at creating confidence-building progression, with thoughtfully designed terrain that gradually increases in challenge as skills develop,” the report said.
“The combination of gentle terrain, expert instruction, and a welcoming atmosphere makes Sunshine Village truly the perfect place to start your snowsports journey.”
Banff’s Sunshine Village is no stranger to the spotlight. It was also named one of North America’s top ski destinations by the CondĂ© Nast Traveller UK Readers’ Choice Awards in 2024.
Lake Louise also made the rankings. In the North America-specific category, Lake Louise earned third place for best ski resorts for beginners, while Sunshine Village moved up to second, proving that Alberta is a prime destination for first-time skiers and snowboarders.
Sunshine Village is known for its breathtaking mountain views, scenic gondola rides, and diverse trails that cater to both beginner and experienced skiers and snowboarders, right in the heart of the Rocky Mountains.
Sunshine Village has set a tentative opening date of Nov. 8, 2025, for the season.
If you’re excited to hit the slopes this year, we compiled a list of when all of Alberta’s top ski resorts are set to open this year.
You can view the full 2025 Snomad Ski Resort Awards online.