Congratulations! Your little ones are finally big enough to strap on ski or snowboard boots and fit into those tiny goggles you bought before they were born. You also know they are pros at falling down without hurting themselves.

Yes, it’s finally time to plan your first family ski trip. Of course, you’re going to want to go big. Why? Because this trip isn’t just a first for them; it’s a first for you, too. So you’ll want to go somewhere parents love just as much as kids.

You’ll want to go to Banff Sunshine Ski Resort, located in beautiful Banff National Park.

Banff Sunshine has everything you need to make your kids fall in love with the mountains. For starters, to get to the main ski area, you’ll take a 30-minute gondola ride from the village where the lodge is located. It might sound like potential meltdown-in-the-sky material, but the views on the way up are breathtaking no matter how tall you are. And on the way down, 30 minutes is the perfect amount of time for a power nap before some family-friendly après-ski action.

Also important to note is that, whether you’re a parent to a gaggle of gourmands or hardened picky eaters, there are enough options at the resort to please all palates. Most of the dining options are located in the village, with a few tucked elsewhere on the mountain. Easy lunch options in the village include The Alpine Grill and there are four Sunshine original ramen flavors to choose from at Nikko Ramen (be sure to check out their appies too). There’s also ample access to seating, microwaves, and other amenities if you choose to BYO for lunch or snacks.

Now that we’ve covered the basics, here’s the real reason parents love Banff Sunshine: world-class ski lessons and an excellent on-resort daycare. Yes, moms and dads, those are the double blacks you hear calling your name. Or, you know, the day spa.

Let’s start with daycare. If you’re craving a full day on the slopes or your mini-me doesn’t yet share your affinity, Tiny Tigers Daycare for the 19-month-old to 6-year-old set is the place for you—er, them. Half-day and full-day care is available, with an add-on for lunch for full-day tigers. And even if they aren’t learning to ski or snowboard, you can rest assured they’ll still be getting a healthy dose of pow with a packed itinerary full of indoor and outdoor activities to keep them busy.

Next, let’s talk lessons. Slightly-less-tiny tigers (ages 3-6) can opt for “ski and play” days—also half or full-day experiences. This option is available for skiers only, so your aspiring Chloe Kim will have to wait until he or she is old enough for Kids Kampus lessons.

For the big kid skiers and snowboarders (ages 6–12), families can choose half, full, and multi-day lessons to help your little shredder perfect their technique. There are also first-timer lessons for kids who need to build basic skills and confidence on the slopes. This one’s a full-day experience and comes with all the bells and whistles (including the lift pass and equipment, but don’t forget the lunch add-on!). If you’ve got a wallflower or a budding Olympian, a private lesson might also be the right fit. There are quick 2-hour tune-up lessons or full-day excursions to match your kiddo’s needs.

Finally, and most importantly, Banff Sunshine is made for time together. If gentle blues and greens are your family's jam, the Strawberry Express chair is your happy place. You’ll find no shortage of crowd-pleasing runs for all skill levels. Local tip: no matter what part of the mountain you choose, you might consider avoiding the home trail toward the end of the day. It can get quite busy—and potentially dangerous for small skiers—so a peaceful gondola ride home to cap things off may be your best bet.

When it’s time to say goodbye to the day, you can’t miss a dip in the giant outdoor hot tub to soak it all in. Parent Pro Tip: BYOB. (You’re welcome). Dinner at the Mad Trapper, a Sunshine Village institution since 1928, will fill up hungry bellies with hearty smoked meats and other fare fit for mountain folk like you.

Does this sound like the perfect trip? Banff offers a range of cozy and convenient lodging options to suit every family’s needs. Get in touch with our team at The Lodging Company to get a jump-start on planning your perfect inaugural family ski trip. We can’t wait to be a part of it!