Craig Charley

Skier but would love to try snowboarding one day.

I'm a rarity in that I joined Ski Safari with no ski experience. Nine years later I've skied in the USA, Canada, Norway, Switzerland and Japan and can't imagine a winter off the slopes!

It has to be proposing to my partner on the Icefields Parkway, the incredibly scenic drive between Banff and Jasper. We took a whole day for the drive and stopped at almost every viewpoint, which helped me pick the perfect one - the Saskatchewan River Crossing. Some people find the drive along the Icefields Parkway nerve-wracking due to snow and ice, it was nerve-wracking for me for an entirely different reason!

Partly for the reason above, but also due to the unparalleled scenery, skiing and service, our Alberta Rockies Ski Safari tops my list. Two cool and friendly mountain towns, four varied ski areas and more activities than you could ever try on one trip. Conditions were perfect when I visited, including on the drive along the Icefields Parkway, and we managed to squeeze in plenty of sightseeing alongside the skiing.

Banff (Mt Norquay, Sunshine Village and Lake Louise) and Jasper (Marmot Basin) on an Alberta Rockies Ski Safari in March 2024.

Having visited Gausta in summer 2023, I'll be heading there to ski in April 2024 and I can't wait!

I started skiing later in life than most, but active holidays have always been a passion. My summer holidays involve more hiking, climbing and surfing than sitting by a pool.

Ski with an instructor/guide as often as possible, no matter how experienced you are. Not only will your skiing improve, but you'll find the best spots on the mountain.