Canada

Overview

Skiers and boarders from all around the world rate Canada's mountain resorts in the provinces of British Columbia and Alberta, as some of the best ski destinations they have ever experienced. Boasting majestic scenery, ski-in ski-out villages, cosmopolitan townships, an abundance of snow and high-class developments, skiing in Canada will ensure satisfaction and enjoyment.

The Canadian mountain resorts pride themselves on maintaining the highest level of customer service attainable, both on and off the slopes. Choose from the spectacular resorts of Whistler, Big White, Kicking Horse, Apex Mountain, Silver Star, Sun Peaks, Red, Panorama Mountain Village, Fernie Alpine Resort, Kimberley Alpine Resort, Ski Banff/Lake Louise/Sunshine and Marmot Basin.

Snow sports media and travel media have awarded Canadian ski destinations numerous accolades year after year, including Best Overall Ski Destination, Most Romantic Mountain Resorts, Number One for Powder, Best Value for Money, Most Scenic and Most Accommodating. Not a bad wrap!

Resorts are developed on mountain ranges that offer a variety of vertical, wide open trails, adrenaline-pumping terrain parks, and long ski runs that keep going and going, so you spend more time on the mountain and less time on the lifts.

Best Time to Visit

Canada's ski season starts in late November and runs through to mid-April, with some mountains staying open well into May.

Canada's winter season offers many different experiences depending on when you travel. 

If travelling in late December, expect a stunning White Christmas! You'll need to book early for this one.

Get set for some serious fun if you're going to be in Canada in early January. New Year's celebrations abound, and great specials are available for family fun mid-month.

By February there'll be loads of snow falling from the heavens, so if you're after those powder days, this is a good time to visit. Just be sure to avoid North American public holidays.

Travelling in March has some fantastic benefits - great snow, great fun and no crowds. The mountain is all yours! What more could you ask for?

Easter cheer lights up the resorts during April, and most resorts are still open during the Australian Easter holidays.

Things To See & Do

Hit the slopes! The snow in Canada is light, dry and abundant, with an average annual snowfall in the mountain resorts ranging between 7 and 9 metres. For the deepest of powder, Canada also offers heli skiing tours, with many operators basing themselves in or nearby the mountain resorts.

The grooming in Canada is impeccable. Snow cats work through the night for skiers and boarders to awake to a perfect corduroy cover that will make anyone glide like a pro.

Off the mountain, Canada's ski townships and villages feature high quality accommodation at very affordable prices. Choose from backpackers, B&Bs, condominium apartments, hotels or private homes - Canada caters for all tastes and budgets.

The ski townships and villages offer a variety of activities off the mountain. Try cross country skiing, dog sledding, snow-mobiling, horse sleigh rides, snow tubing, ice skating or snowshoeing - all of which are available from within each ski area. All resorts also feature a variety of retail outlets where you can pick up the latest technology in ski equipment and outerwear.

Winter in Canada is a time of celebration! The following is a list of some of the events taking place across the ski fields this winter. Contact your travel consultant for more details.

Fernie

January 7, 2006:   Scots Fernie Interschools Cup

The Scots Fernie Cup event is an annual fun race for all the family with special emphasis on the cultural link between the youth of Canada and Australia (though skiers & boarders of any age from any country are welcome!). Divisions are open from 4 years to adult.

Whistler

December 31, 2005: First Night 2005

The Whistler community is proud to present First Night, an annual celebration ringing in the New Year with live music, interactive arts and street entertainment throughout the Village. Certain areas of the Village will be fenced off to host this family fun celebration and several large temporary tent structures house all the fun. You must buy a ticket to enter. First Night is a celebration that promotes a family friendly atmosphere; a zero tolerance policy toward alcohol is in effect.

Mid-April, 2006: TELUS World Ski & Snowboard Festival

This festival celebrates the end of the ski season with a free outdoor concert series, DJs, bands, filmmaker showdowns and ski and snowboard competitions.

Big White

February 4 to 5: Honda Nor Am Tour of Champions

Honda Tour of Champions Slope Style and Super Pipe is coming to Big White. Canada's best riders compete in a national series - don't miss a chance to watch Slope Style and Super Pipe at its best.

December 28 to 29, January 14 to 15, February 22 to 23, March 18 to 19: Cruz the Blues

This is a fun event for everyone. All you have to do is ski/snowboard all the 'blue' runs at Big White, get your Cruz the Blues passport stamped, and you'll be eligible to win great prizes. All participants get a passport and an 'I Cruzed the Blues at Big White' t-shirt. Register on mountain at the Activities Desk or email.

Banff

December 10: A Whyte Christmas

1 to 4pm: Ring in the Christmas season with carols, music, activities, cookies and hot chocolate. This year you can go back in time and celebrate Christmas as they did in 1905! Take the whole family and launch the festive season in style!

Apex Mountain Resort

December 31: New Year's Eve

Celebrations in the Apex Mountain Village - Torchlight Parade and fireworks start at 6pm, followed by fireworks at midnight and festivities in the Gunbarrel Saloon.

January 1: Family Skating Party

Held at the HSBC Adventure Skating Loop - bring your family and join in the fun. Enjoy a complimentary Tim Horton's hot chocolate and bonfire from 6 til 8pm.

Getting Around

Planes, trains, automobiles, and even helicopters, are available to get you to your resort of choice in British Columbia or Alberta. Once at your ski field of choice, shuttles, buses and taxis are all readily available.

Airports

Each resort in Canada is accessed from its own domestic airport; Air Canada offers daily connections to all.

Whistler - Vancouver

Sun Peaks - Kamloops

Silver Star - Kelowna

Big White - Kelowna

Apex - Penticton

Red Mountain - Castlegar

Fernie - Cranbrook

Kimberley - Cranbrook

Banff/Lake Louise/Sunshine - Calgary

Kicking Horse - Calgary

Jasper/Marmot Basin - Calgary

Contact your Flight Centre consultant to find out when Air Canada travels from your city of departure into Canada's closest international port.