Whistler Blackcomb Ranked No.1

ANNUAL MAGAZINE RANKINGS ARE OUT AND WHISTLER BLACKCOMB TOPS LISTS AGAIN – 13 YEARS AND COUNTING

Resort Takes No. 1 in SKIING for 13th year, No. 1 in FREESKIER and No. 2 in SKI

WHISTLER, BC, September 18, 2009 – For the 13th year in a row, readers at one of North America’s premier ski magazines, SKIING, have ranked Whistler Blackcomb their choice for No. 1 resort and the resort they want to ski more than anywhere else. FREESKIER Magazine has also ranked Whistler Blackcomb No. 1, and in SKI Magazine, the resort has moved up one spot to the No. 2 position.

“We are thrilled to be on top again this year. These rankings reflect an appreciation of the unwavering commitment from our staff and the community to deliver the most incredible mountain resort experience on the planet,” says Dave Brownlie, president and chief operating officer at Whistler Blackcomb. “We are extremely fortunate to be blessed with the incredible physical attributes that our mountains offer – their size, scope and variety of terrain tops the rankings every year. Add to that a dedicated and passionate group of employees providing an exceptional guest experience, as well as the innovation of the record-breaking PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola, and it obviously all has an impact on our guests and those who aspire to ski here.”

The annual magazine rankings rate resorts on a variety of set criteria, and Whistler Blackcomb consistently scores high in what the results cite as the resort’s greatest attributes. Terrain quality and variety always top the charts, referring to Whistler Blackcomb’s 8,171 acres of glaciers, alpine bowls, steeps and cliffs, plenty of tree skiing, and long, wide-open runs snaking down a vertical mile on both mountains.

“It’s a poll of our readers, not the editors. And the readers overwhelmingly chose Whistler,” says Jake Bogoch, editor of SKIING Magazine. “When our readers think of Whistler, they think of dark storms, granite-lined bowls, blocky cliffs, and long, long runs. That’s why they want to go there more than anywhere else.”

In addition to the terrain variety, nightlife and après ski activities always rank high. The après and nightlife scenes in Whistler Village are legendary, and it all takes place only steps from the base of the mountains. “Whistler exudes an energy that is difficult to replicate anywhere else, and guests love it, citing it as one of the key reasons they come back year after year,” continues Brownlie.

With the resort on the cusp of hosting the world as a proud venue for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, this could be the beginning of the most defining year yet. Whistler Blackcomb is open throughout the winter, with 90 per cent of its 8,171 acres of terrain available throughout the Games, accessed from three of the four base areas. Early booking offers provide opportunities to save up to 39 per cent on a vacation package this winter, and includes a best price guarantee for those concerned about committing early. If guests find a better deal later in the season, Whistler Blackcomb will take care of the difference.

Whistler Blackcomb’s official opening day is November 26, 2009. Book your Whistler Ski Holiday before November 15 2009 for excellent early-bird ski package deals!

Kimberley Ski Holiday Package 2010

The perfect family ski property in Kimberley Ski Resort, the Timberstone. The Timberstone is a brand new ski-in/ski-out accommodation, located at the top top of the T-Bar at Kimberley Ski Resort with a private hot tub, hardwood floors, granite countertops, heated floors etc. This is a very nice ski property and we have provided some photos below. It is a condo (or apartment) style 2-bedroom unit with 2-bathrooms.

Details:

Arrive: Thu 11-Feb-2010

Depart: Sun, 21-Feb-2010

Nights: 10 nights

Pax: 2 Adults / 2 Children

Your ski package includes:

- 9 or 10 nights accommodation in the 2-bedroom Timberstone unit (generic pictures below)

- Two 8, 9 or 10-day adult lift passes (can be used at Fernie for the day - approx 1 hour, 20 mins away)

- Two 8, 9 or 10-day child lift passes (can be used at Fernie for the day)

- Two 10 days mid-performance ski rentals (skis/boots/poles) - Adult

- Two 10 days ski rentals (skis/boots/poles) - Child

Total Discounted Package Price including EARLY-BIRD Discounts, promotions and all taxes: CDN$4,497 (approx ~£2,518) No further discounts permitted.

Payable on location:

- 10-day car rental (Jeep Liberty or similar). 1400 Kilometers free / $0.25 / extra Kilometer. Note: Calgary Airport to Kimberley BC is just over 400 km each way. Car seats available for rental at $12.00 per day each.

Estimated Grand Total CDN$1,203 (~£674)

Total for car rental and ski package = CDN$5,700 (~£3,192)

Rates are subject to change and confirmed at time of booking.

For more information on this ski package, or to book, contact Ski Holidays Canada.

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!

Kicking Horse Ski Accommodation Special

rocky-peak Ski Holidays has a sale on at the Vagabond Lodge at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort for March and April 2009. April 12 2009 is the final day of operation for Kicking Horse. 

• stay 5 nights, pay for 4


• stay 6 nights, pay for 5


• stay 7 nights, pay for 6


• stay 10 nights, pay for 8

The above ski specials only apply if space is available based on double occupancy.  Breakfast and lunch is included with your stay. Lunch is not included on check-in or check-out days.

In addition to the above rocky-peak Ski Holidays can also help you with your lift passes (save a minimum of 10%) and with your transfers to get to Kicking Horse Mountain Resort.

Alternatively, if you are staying in Banff, give the Kicking Horse Powder Express a try and experience Kicking Horse in a day!

Panorama 49 Hour Sale - FEB 8 to FEB 10

Panorama Mountain Resort is having the best sale ever for just 49 hours from 8 pm February 8 to 9 pm February 10 2009. Please note these times are Mountain Standard time (GMT-7 hours)

What is on offer??! Any condo, any day $49 per person per night! Some restrictions apply (but not many!).

Contact rocky-peak Ski Holidays to book.

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!

RCR Sells Part Ownership In Lake Louise

RCR Sells Part Ownership In Lake Louise; Locke Buys Back In
By Becky Lomax
Source: Mountain News Corporation - Industry Report

Resorts of the Canadian Rockies (RCR) has sold part of the Lake Louise Ski Resort in Alberta back to former owner Charlie Locke, The Industry Report has learned.

Papers were signed in late October, Matt Mosteller, Vice President of Business Development for RCR, told the IR today. The agreement transferred 50 percent of the ownership from RCR to Locke, who will assume the role of managing partner for Lake Louise.

“For me, this is not so much a business decision as a return to a fundamental passion,” said Locke in a written statement. “My family and I are very excited about getting back to the mountains and reinvesting our energies to ensure Lake Louise continues to be Canada’s favorite ski resort.”

Locke originally invested in Lake Louise Resort in 1974 and helped finance many of its first lifts. He bought into full ownership in 1981, running the resort as its sole owner for 20 years. Locke, who gained a legendary reputation for pioneering climbing routes in the Canadian Rockies, built his fortune through gas and oil leases and added Fernie, Kimberley, Mont Saint Anne, and Stoneham to his portfolio under the RCR umbrella.

RCR shifted ownership in 2001. Murray Edwards, RCR chairman, purchased a 50 percent interest in the company and paid off the balance in 2003, which transferred sole ownership of Lake Louise to RCR. Locke retired from the ski business, but continued ranching, real estate, resources, and recreation investments in The Locke Stock & Barrel Company, his holding company.

The new partnership between Locke and RCR will operate Lake Louise under a new company—The Lake Louise Ski Area Ltd. The resort will operate independently of, but associated with, RCR.

"Charlie will handle the day-to-day operations of the resort," Mosteller told the IR. "The partnership was the right thing for us to do and the right thing for Charlie."

Locke intends to invest additional resources in the resort. Initiatives high on Locke's to-do list include a focus on customer service, full dedication to snowmaking and high-quality grooming, and enhanced après ski options.

“We understand that it’s about the whole experience, and we’re committed to making sure skiers and snowboarders, kids, families, and young adults have the best time possible on the snow and after,” said Locke. “In addition to reintroducing a quality terrain park with all varieties of features, we’re also looking at more dining options, events, and entertainment.”

The shift in ownership will have no impact on 2008-09 ski products or rates. All multi-resort passes will have the same skiing and boarding privileges as before.

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.

Ski Mountain Cameras

Great early snowfall bodes well for early November opening of Sunshine Village! To check how the resorts are doing, see for yourself by visiting rocky-peak Ski Holidays. They have live mountain ski cameras as well as information and ski specials.

Hurry as most early-bird ski specials end November 15 2008!

Sunshine Village Powder - May 09 2008

Snow Report - Sunshine Viilage
Friday, May 09, 2008

Conditions:
With 50 cm of new snow in the past 36 hours they are currently sitting at 55 cm in the past 4 days! Goats Eye Express chair will re-open today for your skiing and riding pleasure. Visit their website at Skibanff.com to see the line-up of their weekend outdoor concerts happening every weekend until May 19th!

Past 36 hours: 50 cms
Past 4 days: 55 cms
Base: 206 cms

Today's Forecast:
Snow Showers
High 0 °C
Low -10 °C

Tomorrow’s forecast:
Light Snow
High -1°C
Low -7°C

Mountain Status:
12 of 12 lifts open
64 of 107 trails open

Winter Storms Leave Plenty of the White Stuff at WHISTLER BLACKCOMB

Consistent snowfall spoils skiers and riders

WHISTLER, BC, February 07, 2008 – Whistler Blackcomb receives an average of 33.5 feet of snow each year but this season is shaping up to surpass that mark once again. Since the beginning of the winter season Whistler Blackcomb has received 734cm/24 feet of snow and more than 20 days with over 10cm of new snow.

Over the past seven days Whistler Blackcomb has received 51cm/20 inches of new snow. The five day forecast is calling for a possible 85+cm by Sunday as a strong frontal system hits the coast. The long-range forecast is calling a series of disturbances to pass over the area bringing even more snow to the Coastal Mountains by the end of the week. The snow base is currently sitting at 289cm at mid mountain on Whistler and there is more snow on the way.

“The freezing level has stayed consistently low and with all this snow it means great conditions all the way to the village,” says Ryan Proctor Whistler Blackcomb Public Relations Coordinator. “I’m not sure when the last time that I had to look for powder was, it feels like we’ve been getting fresh snow almost everyday.”

Incredible snow conditions and great events mean February is shaping up to be one for the books. February 12 is the two year countdown mark for the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. Also, make sure to check out the Canadian National Snow Sculpting Team showcasing their work on Whistler Mountain, February 27-29.

Book your ski holiday now with rocky-peak Holidays!

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!

Ski Resort Opening Dates 2008

With just 12 days to go until 2008 season opening, we have put together a list of the proposed opening dates (Mother Nature dependent!) for the ski resorts in Canada to visit in 2008! Just click on any of the links below for additional information.

Banff Norquay Friday, December 7, 2007

Fernie Saturday, December 8, 2007

Jasper Marmot Basin Saturday, December 08, 2007 (Estimate)

Kicking Horse, Golden Saturday, December 15, 2007 (Estimate)

Kimberley Saturday, December 15, 2007

Lake Louise Friday, November 9, 2007

Nakiska Saturday, December 08, 2007

Panorama Saturday, November 22, 2007 (Estimate)

Sunshine Village Thursday, November 8, 2007)

Whistler Blackcomb Saturday, November 22, 2007

For Ski Holidays 2008 in Canada please visit your Canadian ski and summer vacation specialists rocky-peak Holidays.

Fernie Alpine Resort in top 5 Ski Resorts in North America

Fernie Alpine Resort took the Number 5 spot in Skiing Magazine’s “Top 25 Resorts in North America”. The Resort was one of only two Canadian resorts in the Top 10. Whistler Blackcomb was rated Number 1. The magazine compiled the results after readers submitted their favourite resort picks based on quality of snow, terrain, affordability and nightlife.

Fernie Alpine Resort has gained a reputation for its powder, but is now becoming famous for so much more. With a fun and friendly ski town atmosphere, great dining, adventure activities, a mountain village and a number of new real estate developments, Fernie caters to a variety of skiers and riders from around the globe.

The Resort has also received a number of other accolades in the past year, including:

- One of the Top 6 Powder Destinations on the Planet (Fall Line Skiing Magazine, 2007)
- "Best Powder" (Ski Canada Magazine, 2007)
- "Best New On-Mountain Restaurant" – Lost Boys Café (Ski Canada Magazine, 2007)
- "Best Thank You to the Locals" (Ski Canada Magazine, 2007)
- "Best Places to Powder Your Nose" - Fernie’s White Room Sessions (Ski Canada Magazine, 2007)
- Ranked 8th out of the Top 25 Resorts in North America (Skiing Magazine, 2006)
- "Best Deck Party in Canada", "Best Ski Town", "Best Powder" (Ski Canada Magazine, 2006)

Fernie Alpine Resort is gearing up for the 2007/2008 winter season with a number of resort enhancements, including snowmaking improvements, additional heated washroom facilities at the new mountaintop Lost Boys Café, improved cat track and terrain access, added tree skiing and more. Fernie Alpine Resort is scheduled to open December 8, 2007.

Book early for great savings at Fernie Alpine Resort! Ski Holidays and Vacations in Fernie available from rocky-peak Holidays.