Should Sunshine Village Modify Terrain for Safer Ski Access at Goat's Eye?
Official title: Sunshine Village South Side Chutes Entrance Project
Sunshine Village ski resort wants to level a steep drop-off near the Goat's Eye lift in Banff National Park. The work would create a 50-meter by 5-meter flat area above the treeline. This would make it safer for snowcats to groom the South Side Chutes and help snow stick better at the entrance.
Why This Matters
Ski at Sunshine Village? This project could make accessing the South Side Chutes terrain safer. It's also a test of how Parks Canada balances ski resort development with protecting alpine ecosystems in Banff.
What Could Change
If approved, the resort could permanently modify alpine terrain above the treeline using a specialized excavator. Parks Canada would set conditions for minimizing environmental impact during construction.
Key Issues
- Should terrain modification be allowed above the treeline in a national park for ski resort operations?
- Are the proposed low-impact construction methods sufficient to protect the alpine environment?
Indigenous Consultation
This consultation requires engagement with Indigenous communities under the Crown's duty to consult.