Lifestyle and Leisure
Springing into ski action
Fresh from hitting the slopes of Whistler, BC, for Emigrate magazine, Hanna Lindon picks out three more late season skiing opportunities in Canada
Lake Louise
Where: Alberta
What: The ski season in Lake Louise runs for six months of the year, from mid-November all the way through to mid-May. With 139 runs, nine lifts and 4,200 acres of skiable terrain, this resort benefits from huge variety and great scenic diversity.
Why: Incredible views of Banff national park, miles of contrasting slopes, hot springs to relax tired muscles after a day's skiing and plenty of other winter sports like skating and sledging available, too.
Who: Everybody, from beginners to advanced, but experienced skiers will really be able to get the most out of the varied terrain.
Tremblant
Where: Quebec
What: While the ski season in Tremblant doesn't last as long as in some of Canada's higher altitude resort, powder junkies can take advantage of great conditions all the way through to late April. The resort has 13 lifts, 94 runs and 631 acres of skiable terrain.
Why: Tremblant is all about the nightlife. A recent cash injection of CDN$500 million has turned the base village into a chic destination favoured by the jetset, with the French feel enhanced by a number of Parisian-style restaurants and patisseries. Clubs and bars abound - but, compared to BC and Alberta resorts, still offer reasonably priced food and drink.
Who: Almost 50 per cent of slopes in Tremblant cater for advanced skiers, and those with a good deal of experience will certainly get more out of late season skiing than beginners.
Sunshine Village
Where: Banff, Alberta
What: Banff's only slopeside resort offers skiing for all levels in the Sunshine Village bowl and on nearby Goat's Eye Mountain. Enjoy 3,358 acres of skiable terrain, and a ski season extending as late as June.
Why: Sunshine Village is one of Canada's most pristine ski spots. Cars aren't allowed in the village, and visitors must reach their lodgings via gondola from the parking lot. The scenery is spectacular, and adrenaline junkies will enjoy riding on the world's fastest high-speed chairlift up the challenging slopes of Goat's Eye Mountain.
Who: This is a great resort for families, since kids love with fun and easy skiing offered by Sunshine Bowl. Advanced skiers can head up to Goat's Eye Mountain for some much harder terrain.
And for those who can't resist Whistler, but want to do more than just ski...
- Ziptreck Ecotours offers a selection of zip-trekking tours, with prices starting at CDN$98 for three hours. You can also take a tree-top canopy walk for CDN$38
- A quiet round of golf at Whistler's Arnold Palmer-designed golf course is a great way to pass the day
- Keen hikers should note that the resort's hiking trails are usually free of snow from mid-May onwards.
- If the weather isn't too great, then you can always enjoy a climbing lessons at Great Wall Underground (CDN$50 for one-and-a-half hours), or relax and unwind at Westin Resort and Spa
- Mountain bike enthusiasts can try out an eight-day bike camp for approximately CDN$1,500, while beginners may want to take a few lessons (usually around CDN$50 per hour) as a taster. You can bring your own kit or rent a bike from one of Whistler's many rental outlets
Find out more information on skiing and ski passes here
The April 2009 issue of Emigrate magazine features Hanna Lindon's brilliant Whistler travel story
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