Ski Holidays in Canada

rocky-peak Ski Holidays have just completed their U.K. ski site: SkiHolidaysCanada.co.uk. This site has all the details you need to help plan your perfect ski holiday in the magnificent Canadian Rockies and Western Canada.

Early bird ski package deals are the best they have ever been for the upcoming 2009/2010 winter ski season. Free ski days are available at almost all the ski resorts in Canada when you purchase a ski lift pass in advance. Minimum days do apply and lift passes must be purchased in advance as part of a ski package. Other ski deals for 2009-2010 winter season include kids ski free. This can save a family hundreds, even thousands of dollars.

Ski Package Specials include ski accommodation in Canada, Ski Lift Passes, Ski Snowboard Rentals, Ski Snowboard Tuition as well as other ski holiday package extras.

Ski resorts in Canada covered include Banff Norquay, Fernie, Jasper Marmot Basin, Kicking Horse, Kimberley, Lake Louise, Nakiska, Panorama, Sunshine Village and Whistler Blackcomb.

Make sure you check out this updated ski site!

Canada Ski Resort Information

Introducing the new look Canada-Ski.com website!  Canada-Ski continues to provide up-to-date ski information on the main, and most popular Ski Resorts in Canada.  The following Canada Ski Areas in Western Canada are featured:

• Banff Norquay Ski Resort


• Sunshine Village Banff Ski Resort


• Lake Louise Mountain Ski Resort


• Kicking Horse Mountain Ski Resort


• Jasper Marmot Basin Ski Resort


• Fernie Alpine Ski Resort


• Kimberley Alpine Ski Resort


• Whistler Blackcomb Ski Resort


• Panorama Mountain Ski Resort


• Nakiska Kananaskis Ski Resort

In addition to the above Canada-Ski.com also makes it easier to view the live Mountain Ski Cameras for each ski resort, view Snow Reports as well as provides Canada Ski Resources which include useful links to external sites.

We hope you like the new look Canada-Ski website and any comments or suggestions please post them here.

Thank you for reading the Canada Ski Blog!

Downhill at Dusk - Lake Louise

A belated Happy New Year from Canada-Ski.com. We have been busy this season enjoying the great conditions so sorry for the lack of posts! If you have some news, please send it to us and, if suitable, we will post it on this Canada Ski Blog for all to read!

Lake Louise Ski Resort has undergone some very positive changes since it's change in ownership in November 2008. The ski and board park is back this season, which is as fantastic as ever. They have also brought back the popular (formally know as) Torchlight descent. The new name for this event is the "Downhill at Dusk" with some slight changes made.

The next big event to happen at the Lake is the Cardboard Box Downhill Derby - be sure to check it out!

More details:

1) Downhill at Dusk: The Ultimate Après Ski Party!

Enjoy an après ski party, which includes appetizers, an escorted ski down a freshly groomed run, a full buffet dinner, and live entertainment!! What a way to cap off a wonderful day on the slopes of Lake Louise ski resort!

The fun starts right after skiing and runs through until late, with optional bus services back to your Lake Louise and Banff Hotels.

Sign up with rocky-peak Ski Holidays now for a unique mountain experience!

Downhill at Dusk Dates:

Tonight!! Not too late to get the booking in!
Friday February 13th, 2009
Friday February 20th, 2009
Friday February 27th, 2009

Friday March 6th, 2009
Friday March 13th, 2009
Friday March 20th, 2009
Friday March 27th, 2009

2) February 14, 2009: Cardboard Box Downhill Derby

Bring out the family and get creative!! It’s time for the annual Cardboard Box Downhill Derby at Lake Louise Ski Resort.

Using only cardboard, string, tape, and glue, prove your cardboard carpentry by building the fastest sled in town! Prizes will be given for top three times and three Best Designs!

Individuals or teams of no more than 4 people are encouraged to participate!

For more information, or to book your Ski Holiday in Canada, contact rocky-peak Ski Holidays!

Banff Lake Louise OPEN

Banff-Lake Louise Resorts will be First to Open in Canada - NOVEMBER 8 2008!

BANFF, Alberta, Canada

Mt. Norquay and Lake Louise Ski Area will be the first two ski resorts to open in Canada! Both openings on Saturday 8th November will see lifts start at 9am, benefitting from the recent snowfall on Canada’s Protected Playground, Banff National Park.

The high speed Glacier Express Quad Chair and the Wiwaxy run at Lake Louise, and the Cascade Lift and Speculation run at Mt. Norquay will be open for skiers and riders to hit the earliest snow in Canada. The three resorts of Banff-Lake Louise; Mt. Norquay, Lake Louise Ski Area and Sunshine Village, enjoyed another 11cms of snow in the last 48 hours. With more winter weather in the forecast, there will be extra terrain opening soon, and Sunshine Village is scheduled to open on 14th November.

“We’re very excited to have our world’s finest resorts opening! In Banff National Park we’re lucky to have such great snow and the teams at Mt. Norquay, Lake Louise and Sunshine Village have been working hard to ensure the mountains are ready”, said Dan Markham of Ski Banff-Lake Louise-Sunshine. “Being the first resorts to open in Canada, we hope the world will join us in shaking off the summer rust and kicking off a great season.”

Mt. Norquay’s opening, earlier than predicted, will enable skiers and riders to hit the snow for weekends only while staff prepare the resort for full opening on 5th December. Both resorts are offering discounted lift tickets to help skiers and riders get the first runs for less. Please see the rates below.

The dependable snow conditions from mid November to May are why Lake Louise hosts the first Men’s and Women’s World Cup races of the year – the only Canadian stop on the World Cup circuit. This years Men’s races will be held on 29th to 30th November, and the Women’s on 5th to 7th December. The International Ski Federation (FIS) last month recommended Lake Louise to host the races until at least 2011, showing confidence in the resort’s performance on the world stage.

Lake Louise is Canada’s largest single ski area with 4,200 acres of skiable terrain and over 3,000 feet of vertical. With unparalleled skiing and riding in an unsurpassed setting, Lake Louise’s beautiful terrain is both vast and varied. Its unique layout of beginner, intermediate and advanced runs down from every chair means groups of all abilities can ski or ride together and, combined with challenging and remote bowls, chutes and glades, Lake Louise is a favourite for snow-lovers across the world.

Family-friendly Mt. Norquay offers outstanding conditions to beginners, intermediate and advanced skiers and riders. Since its opening in 1926, Norquay is the local’s gem. Offering the only night skiing in Banff-Lake Louise, including a fully lit terrain park (starting January 2009), Mt. Norquay is just minutes from the Town of Banff.

More information on Sunshine Village’s opening will come soon. Subscribe to this Canada Ski blog to see the update!


Early Season Lift Ticket Prices:
Mt Norquay
$20 for adults, $10 for 6-12 year olds, free for 5 year olds and under.

Lake Louise Ski Area
Full day - $38.00 for adults, $26.40 for seniors and youth, $12.50 for children.
Half day - $30.75 for adults, $21.00 for seniors and youth, $10.00 for children.

About Ski Banff-Lake Louise-Sunshine

Ski Banff–Lake Louise–Sunshine is Canada’s largest ski destination, a joint venture of three of the world’s finest ski resorts; Mt. Norquay, Lake Louise Mountain Resort and Sunshine Village. Available on one tri-area lift ticket, these three resorts offer almost 8,000 acres of skiable terrain and one of the longest ski seasons in North America, from mid November to late May, all in the heart of a UNESCO World Heritage Site - Canada’s Protected Playground, Banff National Park.

Source: SkiBig3

For ski holidays in Canada, be sure to contact rocky-peak Ski Holidays for the best deals and personalised service! Their ski specials include kid's ski free at select ski resorts and get from the airport sooner with their efficient scheduled airport transfer services from Calgary International YYC and Vancouver YVR.

Banff Ski Rentals

Booking your Ski Rentals through Canada-Ski.com in Banff for Banff Norquay, Sunshine Village and Lake Louise is easy as 1, 2, 3!

Simply visit Canada-Ski and click on Banff ski rentals link and then you are just 3 steps away to securing your ski rentals in Banff. You will not only receive a discount when you book your rentals through rocky-peak Ski Holidays, you are also eligible for a free taxi to and from the Banff ski rentals shop.

Let's get started!

Link: Ski Rentals Banff

Step 1
Configure your Ski Group

1. Enter information about a skier/snowboarder
2. Add that skier to your group
3. Add additional skiers to your group.
4. Your package price is calculated automatically, taking into account all available discounts.
5. Click on the "Proceed to Step2" button.

Step 2
Secure your Reservation

1. Enter contact information.
2. Provide credit card information to secure your reservation (your credit card will not be charged).

Step 3
Confirmation

1. Your reservation has been sent! This screen displays a summary for your records.
2. You will receive an email confirmation of your reservation.

For more information on Ski Holidays in Canada, contact rocky-peak Ski Holidays!

Events: April 2008 - Banff-Lake Louise-Sunshine

Tuesday April 1st 2008
Greek Night – Balkan visit www.banffbalkan.ca for more info
Beer Factor - Hoodoo 18+ only 10pm - late
Red Hot Karaoke - Wild Bills 18+ only 10pm - late

Wednesday April 2nd 2008
Wild West Wednesdays – Wild Bills 18+ only 8pm – Late

Thursday April 3rd 2008
Greek Night – Balkan visit www.banffbalkan.ca for more info
Final Hockey Night: Ottawa vs. Toronto - Elk & Oarsman 5:30pm

Saturday April 5th 2008
Suds plays on the Kokanee Deck - Lake Louise Mountain Resort

Sunday April 6th 2008
TV Rock - Aurora's 18+ only 9pm - Late

Monday April 7th 2008
Get Wild (Bake your own calzone)– Wild Flour Bakery 5pm – 6:30pm

Tuesday April 8th 2008
Greek Night – Balkan visit www.banffbalkan.ca for more info
Beer Factor - Hoodoo 18+ only 10pm - late
Red Hot Karaoke - Wild Bills 18+ only 10pm - late

Wednesday April 9th 2008
Wild West Wednesdays – Wild Bills 18+ only 8pm – Late
Ski Norquay Closed for the Day

Thursday April 10th 2008
Greek Night – Balkan visit www.banffbalkan.ca for more info
Ski Norquay Closed for the Day

Saturday April 12th 2008
End of Year Beach Party - Ski Norquay

Sunday April 13th 2008
Projected closing of Ski Norquay

Monday April 14th 2008
Get Wild (Bake your own calzone)– Wild Flour Bakery 5pm – 6:30pm

Tuesday April 15th 2008
Greek Night – Balkan visit www.banffbalkan.ca for more info
Beer Factor - Hoodoo 18+ only 10pm - late
Red Hot Karaoke - Wild Bills 18+ only 10pm - late

Wednesday April 16th 2008
Wild West Wednesdays – Wild Bills 18+ only 8pm – Late

Thursday April 17th 2008
Greek Night – Balkan visit www.banffbalkan.ca for more info

Friday April 18th 2008
Rob Bosinger Memorial Weekend - Sunshine Village

Saturday April 19th 2008
Rob Bosinger Memorial Weekend - Sunshine Village
Suds plays on the Kokanee Deck - Lake Louise Mountain Resort
Aaron Pritchett playing at Sunshine Village 2pm

Sunday April 20th 2008
Rob Bosinger Memorial Weekend - Sunshine Village
Aaron Pritchett playing at Sunshine Village 2pm

Monday April 21st 2008
Get Wild (Bake your own calzone)– Wild Flour Bakery 5pm – 6:30pm

Tuesday April 22nd 2008
Greek Night – Balkan visit www.banffbalkan.ca for more info
Beer Factor - Hoodoo 18+ only 10pm - late
Red Hot Karaoke - Wild Bills 18+ only 10pm - late

Wednesday April 23rd 2008
Wild West Wednesdays – Wild Bills 18+ only 8pm – Late

Thursday April 24th 2008
Greek Night – Balkan visit www.banffbalkan.ca for more info

Friday April 25th 2008
ANZAC Day

Saturday April 26th 2008
Spring Episode '08 - Lake Louise Mountain Resort
Kokanee Freeride - Lake Louise Mountain Resort
Coors Light Peak Party illScarlett playing - Sunshine Village

Sunday April 27th 2008
Spring Episode '08 - Lake Louise Mountain Resort
Coors Light Peak Party illScarlett playing - Sunshine Village
Projected closing of Lake Louise Mountain Resort

Monday April 28th 2008
Get Wild (Bake your own calzone)– Wild Flour Bakery 5pm – 6:30pm

Tuesday April 29th 2008
Greek Night – Balkan visit www.banffbalkan.ca for more info
Beer Factor - Hoodoo 18+ only 10pm - late
Red Hot Karaoke - Wild Bills 18+ only 10pm - late

Friday April 30th 2008
Wild West Wednesdays – Wild Bills 18+ only 8pm – Late

Banff Heli-Skiing & Heli-Boarding

This is the ultimate experience for the high intermediate to expert skier or boarder. A true once in a lifetime experience - Heli-skiing and Heli-boarding.

The skiing and boarding takes place on alpine glaciers and open slopes, as well as in the trees and gladed areas of the subalpine forest with the backdrop of the fabulous mountain landscape.

Spectacular scenery, pristine snow, diversifed terrain - these tours do not disappoint!

The Heli-Ski area lies a few minutes flight away and covers over 2000 square km - west of Golden and North of the Bugaboos - in the Purcell Mountains. These mountains of Interior British Columbia are famous for their reliable amounts of fresh snow and exceptional powder.

There are close to 200 runs offering every conceivable type of mountain terrain and exposure. Multi-day tours are available - please contact rocky-peak Holidays direct for details or visit their website for more information on Banff Heli-Skiing tours.

Banff Snowmobile Tours

Do you love the adrenaline of skiing or boarding fast? If you do, then you will love snowmobiling in the Canadian Rockies! Tours depart from Banff, Lake Louise, Golden and Kicking Horse.

You will be shuttled through the majestic Rockies from Canmore, Banff, and Lake Louise. The closest snowmobile operation is 84 minutes from Banff and 50 minutes from Lake Louise - they are located just west of Yoho National Park outside of the National Parks.

All the trips provide all the necessary winter gear, a new well maintained skidoo, a highly qualified guide, and a memory that will last forever!

Want more power? You can upgrade your 380cc Skidoo to a 550cc Skidoo for just a small amount extra.

There are other tours such as the High Power Private trip and for more experienced riders - the Extreme Tour!

The price is CDN$250 for a full day of action including ALL TAX, some insurance, a BBQ lunch and return transportation from Banff.

Include this tour as part of a ski package and save 10% with rocky-peak Holidays, offering ski holidays in Western Canada.

Banff listed as top Ski Getaway on Trip Advisor

Trip Advisor rating of Banff as number one within top ten list for Ski Getaways!
Here is the list or check out the Trip Advisor site::

1. Banff, Banff National Park

2. Vail, Colorado, United States

3. Zermatt, Valais, Swiss Alps

4. Whistler, British Columbia, Canada

5. Stowe, Vermont, United States

6. Mont Tremblant, Quebec, Canada

7. Jackson, Wyoming, United States

8. Chamonix, Haute-Savoie, Rhone-Alpes

9. Sun Valley, Idaho, United States

10. Cortina D'Ampezzo, Belluno, Veneto
Source: Trip Advisor site

Kicking Horse Powder Express

The Kicking Horse Powder Express allows you to give Canada's newest ski resort a try in a day from Lake Louise and Banff. This resort has developed significantly over the last few years and has a lot to offer especially to those looking for something a little more challenging. When you get there, you can catch the main gondola to the top of the mountain. At the very top of the mountain, there is a world class restaurant (The Eagle's Eye) with impressive panoramic views. This is where the fun begins!

From the top of the mountain you have the greatest vertical in the Rockies to cruise down. Your ankles will burn if you try to go from top to bottom in one go! Kicking Horse's longest run is 10 km (6 miles) and there is a green run all the way down so that the more cautious of you can join in! With plenty of steep and deep, Kicking Horse offers some of the most challenging terrain in the Rockies as well as accommodating the beginner skier and rider's needs. You can view the full statistics on Kicking Horse Mountain Resort by visiting a Kicking Horse Mountain Resort statistic summary page (complied by rocky-peak Ski Holidays).

The price of just $90 per adult, and $80 per child/youth including ALL tax is comparable in price to that of a regular day pass in most ski resorts in Western Canada. The Kicking Horse Powder Express will operate 7 days a week from January 6 2008 until one week before the season end. From December 19 to January 6 2008, the Kicking Horse Powder Express will be only operating on Wednesdays and Fridays.

What are you waiting for??! All aboard the Powder Express!

Banff Winter Tours

Trying to think of what else to do besides skiing or boarding on your Ski Holiday in Banff, Canada? There are many Banff Tours to choose from. Visit the Banff Tours web page or check out the list below. You can click on any of the links for more information.

Banff gondola - Ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain to experience a bird's eye view of six mountain ranges.

Cross Country Skiing - With many backcountry trails to choose from and the Canmore Nordic Center just 20 minutes drive, you are spoilt for choice!

Banff Dog sled tours - Let the dogs show you a good time - they love what they do!

Banff Helicopter scenic flights - See the Canadian Rockies from a great height - plenty of photo opportunities!

Banff Heli skiing & Heli boarding - This is truly a once in a lifetime experience, one you will never forget!

Banff Ice Hockey Tours - One of the most popular winter tours. You don't have to be a sports fan to enjoy a NHL Ice hockey game!

Banff Ice walks - If you can walk, you can ice walk!

Jasper Experience Tour from Banff - An incredibly priced overnight tour package along the Icefields Parkway to stay at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge and ski or ice walk the next day.

Kicking Horse Ski Resort day bus - O.K., O.K., so I said there is more to do than just ski, but if you do ski or board, Canada's newest ski resort, Kicking Horse Ski Resort, is a must!


Lake Louise & icefields - Discover the spectacular Icefields Parkway - one of the most spectacular highways in the world!


Shopping - We can get you to Calgary so you can shop your socks off! Can be combined with Banff Ice Hockey Tour.

Banff Snowmobiling - Wizz through the winter woodlands at great speed, or just plod on at your own pace - a great way to see the backcountry.

Banff Snowshoeing Tours - Snowshoes sure make it easier for you to walk in the snow. These guided tours take you to the best areas!

Banff winter wildlife tour - Not all the wildlife hibernate in the winter time. Plenty of animals are still awake and you can learn about the area at the same time!

I hope I provided enough Banff Tours for you to choose from. If you still can't find what you are looking for, just contact the tour experts rocky-peak Ski Holidays.

Dog Sled Tours - Dog Sledding

There are other ways to get around in the winter besides skiing!



Banff dog sled tours , Lake Louise dog sled tours , Canmore dog sled tours and Panorama dog sled tours are great tours to fit in around your skiing time.

With the convenience of tours departing from or near the main ski areas, you can easily integrate a dog sled tour into your ski holiday in Canada.

The dog sled tours all have timings so that you don't have to take a full day off skiing or you can add another tour such as snowshoeing or snowmobiling to maximise your precious ski holiday time in one place.

Getting to the dog sled tour meeting point has never been easier with increased transfers for winter 2008.



For more information on
dog sled tours, visit rocky-peak Holidays and click on the dog sled tours link at the bottom of the page. The great thing about booking with rocky-peak Holidays is that you pay no booking fees!

Banff Ice Hockey Tours

Banff Ice Hockey Tours to see the Calgary Flames will not affect your ski time!

An NHL Ice Hockey Tour from Banff to Calgary to see the Calgary Flames is one tour out of Banff not to be missed! Ice Hockey is a real Canadian passion! The Banff Ice Hockey Tour departure times, mean that you can ski during the day and go to the hockey game at night!

Not a sports fan? Not a problem! The whole game is an awesome experience of pure entertainment with pumping music to get you in the mood and an incredible atmosphere. This is real fun for all the family! You really don't have to be a sports fan to enjoy a NHL Ice Hockey game!

If you want to learn more about the game rules of hockey, let the onboard hockey guide tell you as much as you need to know! From Banff, the time to the famed Saddledome in Calgary is about 1.5 hours away. Enough time to quiz the guide! Most games start at 8pm, so usually the departure time is about 4pm from Banff.

The Calgary Flames never disappoint! When they score, you can feel the heat of the flames from the fire which shoots up in the centre of the arena. Keep an eye out for the maskot who bangs his drum and gets the crowds going!

Support the Flames in the Calgary Saddledome and enjoy every action-packed moment! If you are not an ice hockey fan, after this tour you will certainly want to go back for more!

For more information or to book, visit rocky-peak Holidays.



GO FLAMES GO!

Renovations at the Banff Aspen Lodge

The Banff Aspen Lodge is continually working to improve their facilities.

Presently they are building two new outdoor hot tubs scheduled to open in December, 2007.  Unfortunately their outdoor hot tub, steam room and sauna will be out of order until renovations are complete in mid-December.
 
Please note that this courtyard area in the Banff Aspen Lodge will tentatively be closed from September 24th – December 15th, 2007.  Work will take place Monday to Friday from 9am to 6pm.

These are exciting renovations! The Banff Aspen Lodge is a great mid-range, downtown ski accommodation in Banff. Now you will have two hot tubs to choose from after a day on the slopes!

For ski holidays in Banff, the Canadian Rockies or Western Canada, contact rocky-peak Holidays.

Multiple ski bus pick-ups in Banff and Lake Louise!

As with previous years, there will be a ski bus from 11 Banff hotel pick-up locations for the upcoming 2007/2008 winter.

There was a concern that SkiBig3 were introducing one single stop in town, but due to new partnerships being made, multiple pick-ups will continue - great news for skiers and boarders!

Book your ski or snowboard vacation now!