Skiing and Activities in Banff & Alberta, Canada – March 23rd, 2002
Skiing and Activities in Banff & Alberta, Canada – March 23rd, 2002
Written by Todd Elliot and Jim Vatcher
There are three main skiing mountains in Banff…Norquay, Sunshine Village, and Lake Louise.
Norquay is the smallest of the three, but the steepest. It has terrain for all types of skiers but, for the most part, this mountain is a thrilling, adrenaline pumping, fun and exciting skiing experience that you won’t soon forget. Think you have to wait long before your next thrilling run down the mountain? Don’t even think about it. Even on the busiest days of the year you are guaranteed not to wait more than 10 minutes. More than likely you won’t wait more than about 1 or 2 minutes before you are once again flying down the great, extremely challenging in some parts, mountain. Norquay guarantees you the optimal skiing experience. If you are unsatisfied with your day of skiing there, they will refund your money! How’s that for confidence?! Don’t worry, as you are leaving Norquay you’ll have a smile on your face from ear to ear…guaranteed.
Sunshine Village, about 25 minutes out of Banff, has some of the softest, lightest powder in all of the Rockies. Take the brand new, worlds fastest, 8 person gondola from the parking lot to the top of the mountain. Enjoy the breathtaking views on the way up until you are dropped off 15 minutes later on one of the most spectacular, the newest at Goats Eye, you are sure to find any terrain you are looking for. There is a "kiddy park" where your kids can be taught the fundamentals of skiing or snowboarding in a safe, controlled, supervised environment. To the other extreme there is Delirium Dive, located on the North face of Lookout Mountain, which offers skiers or boarders a heart pounding 1900 ft. vertical drop. Three rules are strictly enforced for anyone attempting this hill. All skiers or boarders must wear an avalanche transceiver; all must carry a rescue shovel; and you must ski with a partner. Helmets definitely recommended! Looking for something a little more in-between? That’s not going to be a problem. This huge mountain (some of it is in British Colombia and some of it is in Alberta)! offers anything that you want. Long, winding beginner runs, wide open, fast intermediate runs, moguls, and spectacular tree skiing in knee high powder after a good snowfall, all with the backdrop of panoramic views of the jagged Canadian Rockies. You’re not going to want to leave. For those of you that don’t want to leave…stay at the Sunshine Inn. This quaint lodge is located right at the top of the mountain!
It’s the only place in the area where you can ski right from your door to a chair lift, none of this taking more than about 30 seconds! The Sunshine Inn serves delicious food in a relaxed setting with views of the mountain, so even if you are not staying there, come in, relax and enjoy yourself. Also, located right near the Sunshine Inn is the Dynastar Test Center. Come in and try out all of the best and latest high tech. equipment before heading out on the slopes. It will only make your day that much more enjoyable to be skiing or boarding with the best. You can take the worlds fastest gondola back to the parking lot after a great, full day of skiing or you can ski down. Cat tracks wind down the mountain, through the trees, all the way to the parking lot. There is no better way to end your day than with a relaxing glide all the way down to your car.
Lake Louise is Canada’s largest ski area. It offers over 100 named runs as well as thousands of acres of wide open bowls. It has been awarded 5 gold medals by ski magazine for terrain, dinning, value, challenge, and scenery. It also has Canada’s largest snow making system. Lake Louise is about 45 minutes outside of downtown Banff, but if you don’t want to drive it’s no problem. There are no shortage of shuttles that conveniently take you to and from the mountain from downtown Banff, so sit back, relax and enjoy the scenery and the wild elk and rams grazing in the snow. Lake Louise offers terrain for every type of skier as well. About 25% of the mountain is geared toward the novice, about 45% for the intermediate, and the remaining 30% is geared toward the expert skier. Great tree skiing and the back bowls offer some incredible runs that are sure to thrill any skier. Two nights a week there is a moonlight event at Whitehorn lodge which offers a buffet dinner, fun live entertainment and a chance to ski down the mountain at night! Don’t worry, it’s not as dangerous as it sounds. Everyone wears helmets with a light while the run is perfectly groomed as the instructors lead the way down with flares. What a cool sight to see the lights weaving down the mountain like fire flys. We highly recommend this unique experience for everyone. What a fun and enjoyable skiing experience at Lake Louise we had.
You can buy a tri-area ski ticket that gives you unlimited use of lifts at each of these three resorts for $119 for 3 days. This also gives you free shuttle service. What an incredible deal. Not to mention how powerful the U. S dollar is at the moment. Your dollar goes a lot further in Canada, so charge away on your credit card and enjoy the discounted rates when it’s time to pay your bill!
Downtown Banff is charming and has plenty of accommodations. The Travelers Inn is a great place to stay with the shuttle picking you up right out in front. What a convenience. There was also plenty of terrific restaurants in town. You will be surprised how good you will be eating when staying in Banff. A must visit is the Sukiyaki House. It’s a relaxing Japanese restaurant which has an amazing variety of sushi, tempura, noodles and soups. Be sure not to miss this place as it is absolutely delicious.
On the way back to Calgary, stop and ski at Nakiska. Thrill yourself at flying down the same mountain where the 1988 Olympic ski events were held. Just outside of downtown Calgary is Calgary Olympic Park which features a big museum, some small ski runs, the ski jumps from the ’88 Olympics and an exhilarating bobsled ride open to the public. The same bobsled track used in the Olympics which travelers can reach speeds close to 100 m.p.h.! The Canadians are some of the most friendly and accommodating people you will ever have the pleasure of meeting and dealing with. Down to earth and fun spirited people make this place a skiers dream destination.
To book a package or for more information please call