Snowboarding in Canada

[ofcorsa]

Looking for our first trip to canada in Jan, Done Bulgaria and few times and France last season, Any particular operators or websites i should be looking at?

Is Whistler better than Banff as the prices would suggest?

[gonzales]

Did Whistler this January and it was fantastic. Looking to book again for next season. The prices for Whistler this year seem to be artificially low as the hotels and tourism board are worried that with the winter olympics being staged there in Feb/March that no-one will come.

Banff has three main skiing areas and is quite spread out. On the other hand Whistler is a bit Disneyfied and is all within walking distance of the slopes and shops.

For me having only boarding before in Europe, Canada was a whole new world. The slopes were less crowded, wider and better groomed. Plus pretty much every slope can be accessed by chair lift, no drag lifts needed.

[Tuscan Rat]

Slightly smaller resort than Banff etc is Kimberley, went there a few years back and loved it, would recommend a look at the link as an alternative.

Not a fantastic night life, just a few bars etc which on one hand is nice as it’s not over crowded.

The runs though are fantastic and they have a " Play Park " thing for snow boarders.

The only down side is it is a long transfer from Calgary unless the local airport has been extended yet

http://www.skikimberley.com/index.aspx

[ofcorsa]

Thanks guys this is what im wanting to hear

FIrst season we did in bulgaria we were spoiled with tons of fresh powder, Found out the year after that the slopes in boravets dont hold the snow particulary well and had a poor time, Val Thorens had well groomed pistes but stilled lacked in powder.

[DeadMeat_UK]

You won't be disappointed with either, but it will cost a fortune in the long run as you'll find it tough returning to European style resorts.

Also look a N American resorts in Colorado, Utah or California. Apart from immigration pains, a very similar experience to Canada.

I've just booked Aspen, and not been there before so Veeeerrryyyy excited.

EDITED to add - I've used "Ski Independence" several times and not been let down.

Edited by DeadMeat_UK on Friday 23 October 13:22

[Streetrod]

ofcorsa said:

Thanks guys this is what im wanting to hear

FIrst season we did in bulgaria we were spoiled with tons of fresh powder, Found out the year after that the slopes in boravets dont hold the snow particulary well and had a poor time, Val Thorens had well groomed pistes but stilled lacked in powder.

OFcorsa, I know Whistler very well, so much so I now own a home there. As a resort I can’t recommend it highly enough. The mountains have more terrain than you will every see; I have been nine times now and find something new each year. The village is great with wonderful restaurants, nightlife and galleries etc. You would find it hard to get bored. In general lift lines are short and the pistes un-crowded.
The resort is low but the mountain is high and the snow record is very good, over 35 ft last year. It’s not the sunniest place in the world but they have great tree runs if the weather closes in.

Avoid the Olympic period in 2010 as you could be restricted as to where you go.

Hope to see you there

[Fourmotion]

We're looking at going to Big White. How does this compare to Whistler? We've never skied before, so will be taking lessons.

I'm looking forward to seeing some of the Paralympics. It won't be as crowded, the tickets are considerably cheaper, and my wife reliably informs me that the ice sledge hockey will be carnage!

[Yee haa!]

If you head to Banff, my big tip is to make sure you hire a car, unlike whistler slopes are not within walking distance and the bus transfers from hotels to the slopes turn out to be quite expensive. Plus if you drive you can beat the masses and be the first on the slopes. Staying in Banff gives not only sunshine but also lake louise, nakiska (worth a day, the slopes are very well groomed), norqauy and even kicking horse (a couple of hours but worth the drive - massive views, interesting drive and huge powder at the top bowls) within range. Bonus of Lake Louise, even if the weather is poor, because the resort is on three sides there is always something boardable. Whistle is awesome too much more of a resort feel, can walk to the slopes but it can rain occasionally giving very nasty conditions. Just my 2p.

[Yee haa!]

Just to add, once you've been to north america/canada you won't go back to europe the slopes are so much quieter, snow almost guaranteed. I've never had to queue for more than a minute or two even at weekends.