The Late-Season Legend of the Snow Snake Under Divide

For as long as skiers have been skiing, Snow Snake folklore has persisted. The legend of the Snow Snake claims that a species of elusive white snakes nests on various ski slopes. While impossible to find, Snow Snakes are often blamed for the slips, trips, and falls of skiers and snowboarders.

According to the myth, skiers can protect themselves from the peril of Snow Snakes by creating a large Wiggle Run for all to ski through. Legend has it, the act of riding a Snow Snake appeases the nefarious creatures.

At Sunshine Village, our skiers go a step further. It’s a common belief that skiing the Banff Sunshine Snow Snake is a (fun) sacrifice necessary to promise a day full of Sunshine on Slush Cup Monday, May 19^th, 2025. The day of our internationally known end-of-season pond skimming event and party.

The Snow Snake at Sunshine Village

Every May, as soon as possible - a curvy Snow Snake forms on South Divide. The fun run typically slithers its way into existence beneath the Divide Chair: the elusive, crowd-favourite Snow Snake.

If you’ve ever lapped the Great Divide Express Quad in May, chances are you’ve seen the giant Snow Snake — or better yet, ridden it. Winding, banked, and brimming with personality, the Snow Snake, or Wiggle Run is a natural feature that carves itself into the terrain with a little help from thousands of skis and snowboards. It’s not marked on any trail map, and you won’t find signs pointing you there. Instead, it’s a mythical creature brough to life, with the intent of spreading joy.

What starts as a shallow track becomes more pronounced with each rider, eventually morphing into a well-defined, curvy path that resembles a slithering rollercoaster ripe with bumps, banks, and bowl like turns. As the Snow Snake comes to life, the terrain feature develops its own rhythm — think tight turns & roller-style dips.

Unique to the Snow Snake, the fun run comes to life organically. It is created by skiers and snowboarders, for skiers and snowboarders. At Sunshine Village, the Snow Snakes location under the Great Divide is the perfect spot for the a wiggly course. The slope’s moderate pitch, wide run-out, and visible proximity to the lift make it the ideal canvas. Riders watching from above often spot others having a blast on the Snow Snake — and immediately get inspired to drop-in and try it for themselves.

Pro Tips for Riding the Snake

If you’re planning to take on the Snow Snake this spring, here are a few tips to help you make the most of it:

• Stay low and fluid. Think like a surfer. Let your knees absorb the bumps, and keep your weight centered as you ride the banks.
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• Scout your line. Watch a few people ride it before dropping in. Every season — and even every day — it changes shape depending on traffic and snow conditions.
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• Avoid the midday mash. Late morning tends to be prime time. By midday, the snow can get overly slushy and rutted, making the Snow Snake a bit more challenging.
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• Don’t cut the line. The Snow Snake works best when people follow the same groove. If everyone starts darting across it, the banks flatten and the fun disappears.
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• Bring your crew. Riding the Snake solo is fun. Riding it with friends? Unbeatable.
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• Make Sound Effects. Squeal with delight as you cruise through the big, banked turns. It’s hard not to let out a giggle or two as you ride the course.
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Why Locals Love It

Ask any Sunshine regular what their favourite late-season treat is, and chances are the Snow Snake will be high on the list. For starters, it’s a ride like no other on the mountain. There’s no signage or fencing, no rails or jumps — just a fluid, constantly evolving snake run that brings out your inner child.

Ride the Banff Sunshine Snow Snake while you can! With a week left in our 24/25 ski and snowboard season, be sure to head up the Great Divide Express to ski the giant Snow Snake for yourself.