Trip Report: Two Girls, Five Resorts in the Canadian Rockies and Everything in Between
Hannah Williams and Natasha O'Mahony, part of our small (but, we think, perfectly formed) operations team were given special permission to leave the country at the same time to swap organising other people's trips for experiencing one of their own. To show you how much you can do in just one trip, they've compiled a handy photo blog of their five-resort Ski Safari to Banff, Lake Louise, Sunshine, Panorama and Fernie.
Welcome to Banff! How about a drink to help soothe the jetlag? Banff has a fantastic selection of bars and restaurants to suit everyone's needs, whether it’s on the main street or in your hotel. Hannah and Tash had a SMASHING (literally) night at the Balkan Greek restaurant on the main street!
Pancakes for breakfast: Our first morning we were greeted by a delicious array of breakfast goodies including the classic Canadian pancakes with maple syrup, to get us ready for our first ski day at Mt Norquay.
Tash at Mt Norquay: A great first day skiing with Gord and his team at Mt Norquay. I enjoyed listening to Gord’s stories of the local area and all the iconic local ski figures, like Eddie Hunter, local historian and ski legend for over 70 years.
Tubing: Another little bonus included on your lift pass is the tubing at Mt Norquay. Great for children and adults alike, you can really clock up some serious speed! It's open every day and you can visit as often as you like.
Gingerbread house: Yes this is gingerbread and yes both Tash and Hannah were seriously considering jumping the fence!
Hannah on Green Run (Sunshine): Whether you are visiting for the day or staying for longer at the Sunshine Mountain Lodge, you will never be short of terrain that suits everyone - and even beginners can reach the summit.
Blue skies, empty slopes and two very happy girls: What a fantastic day at Sunshine Village Resort.
Lake Selfie: Nervous smiles from the girls whilst standing on a FROZEN Lake Louise.
Fondue at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise: To keep our energy up for our next ski day. Yummy cheese, meat and chocolate three course fondue!
Panorama Mountain Friends: Great for those who want to see the best of the mountain but don’t want to ski it alone, plus you get to meet new people from the local area at the same time. The Mountain Friends are all volunteers and love to show off their mountain to visitors.
Panorama's new chair lift: New for season 14/15, the Discovery Quad chair gives beginners and novices access to confidence boosting, quiet green trails, perfect for those next runs after mastering the beginner tow.
Toby Creek Adventures: The girls had never experienced snowmobiling before. They enjoyed it so much this time definitely won’t be their last! There's so much to see on the way up and fantastic views when you reach the top for a well-deserved cookie and hot chocolate.
Downtown Fernie: After a short 15 minute drive from the mountain resort, you will reach the traditional, charming town of Fernie, steeped in local history and with a wide range of shops, cafes and restaurants. Great for picking up treats for everyone back home. For a special evening out, try the Livery Restaurant which offers delicious, locally sourced dishes.
Fernie – Lost Boys Café (top of Timber Bowl express quad): Last day skiing in the beautiful surroundings of Fernie. With five different areas to choose from, you are spoilt for choice in Fernie; whether you are new to the slopes or an expert. We loved it!
How Much?
A similar 14-night Ski Safari, at a combination of 3* properties in the Alberta Rockies, starts FROM £1695pp (based on 4 sharing). Request a quotation or call a Canada specialist on 01273 224 060 for more information.
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To learn more about any of the resorts above, or to book, enquire online or call our North America ski specialists on 01273 224060.
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