Banff/Sunshine Village (BSV) is the only ski resort currently in operation in the Canada Rockies. In a wider scope, it is one of only two ski resorts currently open in all of Canada (Whistler/Blackcomb the other). Both resorts are reported to close on Monday, May 22 (Victoria Day). 

The forecast below is for Banff/Sunshine Village. Relating to surface conditions at BSV, accelerated snowmelt has begun to affect the amount of open terrain available. Goats Eye, Wolverine, and Jackrabbit chairs and terrain are now closed for the season. The Ski Out is also closed. That said, the coverage remains excellent on most of the terrain around and above the Village. All the chairlifts and more than 50% of the terrain around and above the Village are open and skiing well.  

Now for the forecasts… 

Friday - Monday: A gigantic upper ridge of high-pressure has begun to plant itself over Western Canada and will expand well into the prairies over this weekend. Besides the obvious clear skies that will be with us for the next 4 days, well above average temperatures, with the apex occurring Sunday and Monday with alpine highs approaching 20C. Light E/SE winds, with gusty SW winds developing Monday afternoon on the ridges. Alpine high temperatures (at 2200m) 12C on Friday, rising to around 16C Saturday, then 19C on Sunday and Monday. Morning freeze levels: 3300m Friday, 3500m Saturday, then skyrocket to 4000m Sunday and Monday mornings. Afternoon freeze levels 3500m Friday, and above 4000m Saturday through Monday. Get out early at BSV but avoid any backcountry forays as wet snow avalanches will likely be active. 

Below: As you can see from this shot overlooking the Village base area at Sunshine Village, the coverage is excellent. Yes, there are some bare patches at the bottom of Wawa chair but these are easily avoided. Most steep terrain will likely be closed as the temperatures rise this weekend. 

Below: This is what we're dealing with. The red and pink hues indicate the impressive upper level ridge of high-pressure building over the western half of Canada. 

The high-pressure ridge will begin to weaken slightly by late Tuesday next week but well above average temps will continue through the work week. There will be a very slight chance of afternoon cloud cover and rain showers late on Tuesday as a SW flow develops. These chances for afternoon showers look to increase to 70% by Wednesday. Thursday and Friday will also see a mix of sun and cloud with slightly less chances of afternoon showers.  Alpine highs through next Friday remain in the middle to upper teens.  

Next update, Monday May 15th, with my last forecast of the season next Friday, May 19th. I will also post a 22/23 season recap next week. Thanks so much for reading this season.  

Powder Out, 

Bob 

May 14/15 BSV – Untracked Concert series ft Matt Blais, https://www.skibanff.com/play/events-calendar/2022-2023/spring-concert-series-april-2nd-3rd-3

May 14, BSV Mothers Day, Mothers ski and board for FREE https://www.skibanff.com/play/events-calendar/2022-2023/mothers-day

May 22 BSV – Slush Cup! This year’s theme is “Under the sea” https://www.skibanff.com/play/events-calendar/2022-2023/slush-cup-may-23rd

 

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