Sunshine Village’s Delirium Dive has a well deserved reputation as one of North America’s most formidable ski runs. Skiing Delirium Dive requires passing through a gate that acts as checkpoint to ensure those who access it are wearing an avalanche beacon (full avalanche gear and a partner a mandatory).
Sunshine Village does avalanche mitigation on Delirium Dive but recognizes the avalanche hazards inherent to the steep terrain and has enacted a policy that allows guests to ski the experts-only freeride zone with the understanding that risks may exist.
“To ski or ride the expert terrain, skiers and snowboarders are required to have avalanche and snow knowledge, to ride with a buddy, to wear an avalanche-beacon, and to carry a shovel and a probe in a backpack. Delirium Dive is not suitable for beginner or intermediate skiers and snowboarders. At Banff Sunshine Village, Delirium Dive is reserved for advanced skiers and snowboarders who are comfortable riding double blacks runs. Helmets are strongly recommended.” –Sunshine Village
Once skiers have confirmed they are wearing a working avalanche beacon and have passed the gate they are greeted with an incredible variety of options including chutes boasting 2,500 feet of steep vertical, open bowls and acres of wild mountain terrain to explore.
Here is DSV (German Ski Association) certified ski instructor Marius Quast exploring Delirium Dive: