Alberta Ski and Snowboarding: Lifts You Up Where You Belong
Alberta’s dry and fluffy snow has fallen early and lifts are already carrying stoked skiers and snowboarders up to where they belong: skiing and snowboarding heaven.
The math is simple: skiing and snowboarding equals pure pleasure. If you’ve never tried, now’s the time! You’ve got this to play in: 9 m (30 ft) of annual snowfall, 5,357 m (17,856 ft) of vertical and 3,868 m (12,893 ft) of skiable powder.
You’ve got plenty of opportunity to hit the slopes. Choose from 32 ski hills throughout the province that offer varying terrain for all skill levels.
Get out there and feel the wind in your face! People come to Alberta from around the world to ski. And wherever you live in Western Canada, it’s practically in your backyard.
While we can’t fit all the ski hills into this one story, here’s a sneak peek at what’s new at the six biggest resorts.
Ski Banff @ Norquay
PHONE: 403.762.4421
This family oriented ski area was the first out of the gate this season, opening one of its chairs November 1 to snow hungry skiers and boarders. While the official full opening date is December 8, the resort has already opened with restricted days and runs. Anyone wishing to ski here prior to December 8 should phone for updated information.
Ski Banff @ Norquay is under new ownership this year, and Ken Read—skiing superstar and Crazy Canuck, and now president of Alpine Canada—is among the owners.
The resort is only 10 minutes from the town of Banff and less than 90 minutes from Calgary. By day, you can cruise over all 28 runs or stick to groomed runs, moguls or the terrain park. Take advantage of the only night skiing in the Bow Valley and experience the magic of the mountains by moonlight.
Check out the new ‘snow sports centre’ and be sure to get the new weekday ‘Me and My Friends’ Weekday pass that groups of four can buy for $99 before November 30.
Castle Mountain Resort
PHONE: 403-627-5101
Castle has undergone huge improvements to be showcased this year. Two and a half hours south of Calgary near Pincher Creek, this resort has long been a diamond in the rough for talented adventurers seeking ‘steep and deep’ powder.
It has now incorporated a whole new mountain—Mount Haig—into its terrain, which will mean nine new runs accessible from a new triple chair called the Huckleberry. The new terrain is geared toward beginner and intermediate level skiiers, offering great cruiser runs—but the Huckleberry lift will also take adventurous skiers and boarders nearer the extreme terrain and backcountry.
More improvements this year include a terrain park with rails and ramps, a restaurant and 22 new condos. Beginning in January Sno Sports S'Cool offers weekend lessons for beginner to intermediate level skiiers and boarders. Before you know it you'll be ready to tackle all 70 runs!
Given the early snowfalls this season, Castle may be open full time as early as November 25. Check the website for updates.
Lake Louise Mountain Resort
PHONE: 403-522-3555
New snowmaking capabilities will make Lake Louise Mountain Resort an even better early season skiing and snowboarding experience this year – there is an additional $3 million worth of snowmaking equipment. This massive resort renowned worldwide for its awesome scenery has also added new equipment to better groom its terrain. Friendly to all skill levels, Louise is less than a two hour drive west of Calgary. Instruction is available at their ski and snowboard school, and 139 runs await your arrival. The resort opened on November 11.
Lake Louise Mountain Resort hosts the World Cup ski races annually. If you're thinking about a ski trip late November/early December, plan to catch the Men’s World Cup Downhill races and Super G races November 25 and 26, followed by the Women’s World Cup Downhill races December 1 and 2, with the Super G races the next day. If you've got the time, stick around for the Louise Nor-Am, December 4 through 8.
From November 24 through December 3, join the town of Banff in welcoming the ski and racing season with the Winterstart Festival. Festivities include amateur and pro rail jam competitions, street parties, a Santa Claus Parade, special gallery events, Christmas bake sales and more—fun for the whole family.
For more information on the races visit Lake Louise Winterstart World Cup. And for more info on the local scene, check out BanffLakeLouiseLive.
Marmot Basin
PHONE: 780-852-3816
Marmot Basin is scheduled to open November 17 this year—its earliest opening date ever. Early season snow and machined snow (they have a new $2 million snowmaking system) have combined to give this scenic resort in Jasper National Park an excellent start to the season.
Marmot is an ideal resort for beginners and intermediate skiers and boarders, as most of its terrain is geared to those skill levels. You can have fun all day on the 84 runs and get valuable help from experts at their snow sport school. Only four hours from Calgary or Edmonton—it’s time to bask in the Basin!
Nakiska
PHONE: 403-591-7777
Nakiska, “Canada’s Olympic Mountain”, is often a favourite for Calgarians because it is less than a 50 minute drive from Calgary. It offers great intermediate, cruiser runs—but there is terrain for every skill level.
Whether you’re a ‘Mountain Monster’ (age 3 to 5), ‘Kananaskis Kruiser’ (age 6 to 12), ‘Nakiska Ninja’ Snowboarders (age 6 to 12), or part of the Discover Series (age 13 and up), ski and boarding lessons are affordable and feature professional instruction.
Check out the Discover Series passes to find a package that suits you. New this season is the Discover Learning Zone where those who prefer to learn on their own can spend a mere $39 for a full day in the Learning Terrain Zone, complete with full rental gear. And lots of full day fun can be had on 28 runs! The opening date is scheduled for December 9.
Sunshine Village
PHONE: 403-762-6500
Blessed with a snowbase of more than 60 cm before opening on Nov.10, Sunshine offers all natural snow and high altitude fun!
The slope-side Sunshine Inn is the only ski-in, ski-out accommodation in Banff National Park. Visitors can look forward to new renovations including an expanded check-in area. Outdoor improvements include more terrain to tackle at Rogers Terrain Park —with more opportunities for snowboarding racing—and two new shuttle buses that transport guests from the parking lot to the gondola base.
When it comes to lessons, Sunshine guarantees 100% satisfaction! Less than a 90 minute drive from Calgary, it also guarantees 107 great runs that are pretty much on your doorstep.
More ....
Viist the following useful sites for more information on skiing, boarding and other winter activities in Alberta.
banfflakelouiselive
travelalbertalive.com/skiing
watch for the new skialbertalive.com – coming soon!
