BANFF, ALBERTA -- (Marketwire) -- 11/22/12 --

Editor's Note: There is a photo associated with this release.

Sunshine Village Ski and Snowboard Resort is poised to open one of the most recognized freeride zones around the globe on one of the earliest dates on record, with the launch of Delirium Dive.

The widely expansive Dive, which is set to open at noon on Thursday, November 22, will mark the terrain's second earliest opening in history. Thursday's unveiling of the massive alpine terrain is a direct result of abundant early season snowfalls, coupled with the hard work of the Sunshine Village mountain operations team.

"Through the excellent work of both our ski patrol and snow safety teams, we are pleased to announce to guests this early opening of our internationally recognized advanced terrain," begins Dave Riley, Chief Operating Officer, Sunshine Village Ski and Snowboard Resort. "The early season opening of Delirium Dive is a glowing testament to Sunshine's emphasis in providing guests an exceptional big mountain experience."

"The champagne powder we have received to date has resulted in an impressive one metre (39 inches) settled snowpack and we are excited to see what the rest of the season has to come."

Delirium Dive is a shining example of Sunshine Village's commitment to providing the best extreme terrain possible within a ski and snowboard resort's boundary. The Dive features over 2,000 feet of vertical, a 40 degree average pitch and over 600 acres of terrain.

"This past snow cycle, which resulted in over 60 centimetres (24 inches) of snow fall on Sunshine over the past week, coupled with nearly two metres (79 inches) of snowfall prior, has enabled our snow safety crews to perform early season stabilization. This has resulted in our ability to open the terrain at such an exceptionally early date," says Al Matheson, Mountain Operations Manager at Sunshine Village Ski and Snowboard Resort.

Delirium Dive is located off the summit of Lookout Mountain and is home to the best snow conditions in the Canadian Rockies.

Like all of Sunshine's freeride zones, the following safety requirements are mandatory for access: You must carry an avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe and must have a partner with you who is also competent in using the above-mentioned equipment.

Delirium Dive is subject to weather and snow closures, including avalanche control work.

The resort also provides guided programs for expert skiers and snowboarders through Sunshine Village Ski and Snowboard School.

Sunshine Village Ski and Snowboard Resort

Sunshine Village, close to the town of Banff, provides skiers and boarders with 12-lifts including seven modern high speed quad chairs, the most in the Canadian Rockies. Ski or ride 3,300 acres and three mountains in the provinces of Alberta and British Columbia along the Continental Divide during Canada's longest season from November to late May. For more information visit www.skibanff.com.

To view the photo associated with this release, taken by Sean Hannah, please visit the following link: http://www.marketwire.com/library/20121121-1121sun_800.jpg.