Ski Season Warm-Up: Skiing Delirium Dive at Sunshine

Andre Quennville takes us on the ski adventure of our lives at Sunshine Village, Banff, Alberta.

If you’ve never heard of Delirium Dive and you’re a skier, then add a new destination on your list.

If you’re a local skier in Banff, then you’re used to hearing people ask, “When’s the Dive open?”

Daniel Wolf surveying the goods in Delirium Dive, @sunshinevillage Banff, AB. Probably thinking about how those preachers are going to shred the tight, steep chutes and gullies!

A post shared by Hugo Peckham (@hugopeckham) on May 12, 2018 at 8:16pm PDT

The ski run is often refereed to as one of the world’s most scary ski runs in a ski resort. It has something of a cult following among locals and visitors.

From the Continental Divide Chair, you head through a gate that only opens if you have an avalanche transceiver.

Ski Patrol watches carefully as you hike to the top of Lookout Mountain before dropping in.

Delirium Dive has complex terrain with steep sections, cliffs and narrow chutes. The easiest section requires a careful walk down to 45-degree chutes.

Many climber drop in from the cornice and navigate the big rocks down a 50-degree slope. The best part is the depth of snow, which builds as winds deliver more throughout the season.

If you go: Sunshine Villages Ski & Snowboard School guides groups of five into Delirium Dive ($420 for a half-day and $630 for a full day; avalanche gear rentals included). Instructors with Level III certification and additional guide training lead trips.

Follow @ssvsnowsafety on Twitter for updates on Delirium Dive conditions and openings. skibanff.com

Delirium Dive