Snow Holidays should be epic.. and not just on the slopes. Where you stay and what you do at the end of the ski day are just as important as the time you spend exploring the terrain.
It’s about choosing a ski resort that is right for you, accommodation that makes you want to stay longer, and activities that delight and thrill you.
As a snowboarding enthusiast, my job has been to check out ski resorts around the world and what they offer, so I can bring you the best first hand knowledge.
Contact Kim Mason to get ready for your next Ski & Snowboard Adventure, Snow Safaris Style
This is BC’s 3rd largest Ski Area located approximately an hour from Kelowna airport. With Champagne powder and varied terrain, it is the quaint colourful village Silver Star is best known for. This resort offers true ski in, ski out access with 4 mountain faces, and terrain for all levels. Our favourite is the backside of the mountain, an uncrowded paradise of Steep and Deep, black and double black diamond runs, with the 3 Wise Men being a firm favourite. There are loads of activities to enjoy such as sleigh rides, Evening Groomer rides to Paradise Camp for Dinner, Tubing and Ice Skating to name a few. Our choice for accommodation – Snowbird Lodge
Photo Courtesy of Revelstoke Ski Resort
Affectionately known as Revy, this is a resort that caters more to the Intermediate – advanced Skier. With the highest vertical in North America, the terrain and scenery is inspiring to say the least. Often you will find yourself skiing above the clouds. Terrain on offer includes groomers, glades and hikes for fresh powder. Our favourite run is the Tally Ho Glades but Sssh it’s a secret! With only one Ski In/ski out accommodation option, Sutton Place definitely will not disappoint. The main town of Revelstoke is a short bus ride away, where you will find retail therapy, Cinemas, supermarkets and, lots of dining choices, with the Village Idiot being one of the firm favourites. Our choice for accommodation Sutton Place, or if you are travelling with a group, Bison Lodge
You would be forgiven in thinking you had taken a wrong turn and ended up in Austria! This is Canada’s Second largest Ski area made up of 3 mountains with deep steeps, long cruisers, gladed areas, powder stashes and corduroy groomers, but it is the European-style, ski-through village filled with quaint shops, cafes and eateries that makes this resort a favourite. The action does not stop there with fun activities off the slopes to enjoy from sleigh rides, Ice skating, tubing and the highlight a Fondue Dinner atop of the mountain complete with torchlight descent. Our favourite runs would be Three Bears, and a visit to Gils! Our choice for accommodation
For a White Christmas, Lake Louise will not disappoint. With a stay at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise you are indulged in elegant old world luxury and charm, surrounded by the most impressive scenery. With so much to do around the hotel itself from Ice Skating, Cross Country Skiing and Sleigh Rides, along with the exceptional dining, you will be pushed to find time to hit the slopes. Lake Louise Ski resort is only a short bus ride away and is in fact spread across 4 mountain faces. It is one of the largest ski resorts in North America, and definitely one of the most scenic. It is very much a family friendly resort with lots of terrain for Beginners and intermediates and for the more experienced some impressive Glades, chutes and wide open bowls, all set to an amazing backdrop.
Banff is a few hours drive from Lake Louise and is a lively village in both Summer and Winter. From here, you can choose to ski at the local resort of Mt. Norquay or head further afield to Sunshine Village, with both resorts serviced by the ski shuttle. Norquay is definitely a locals mountain. In past times it has been famous as the training ground for many Olympic Athletes. Whilst it may be small, its challenging runs make it worth the visit. And at the end of the day, head to the tubing area for some thrilling action.
Sunshine Ski Resort, whilst much further away is still worth taking the trip. The resort itself is spread over 3 mountains and 2 provinces ( Alberta and BC). Due to its location Sunshine receives more snow than the neighbouring resorts with up to 9m. Add to that it is one of the first resorts to operate a heated chair lift! Whilst there are lots of great runs to enjoy for every ability, our favourite run for the family is the 5km ski out all the way to the base.
Our choice for accommodation – Fairmont Lake Louise, Moose hotel and suites
Whilst the village life at Panorama does not compare to the bigger resorts, the mountain more than makes up for it. With wide open runs for the beginners and intermediates, and for the more advanced the steeps and chutes of the Dream Zone. But it is the ultimate hike out to the Taynton Bowl, a former Heli ski area that is the draw card. If the terrain leaves you wanting more, Panorama offers Heli Ski directly from their base as well.
And if that is not enough terrain for you, Panorama also offer day tours to Kicking Horse, a mountain previously only accessible by Heli Ski and guaranteed to take your breath away. This mountain terrain is definitely for the hard core with over 45% double black. The view from the Gondola alone over the mountain ridges, is enough to take your breath away. It is not as ideal for the beginner or intermediate, but great for those up for a challenge.
