Big Thrills on Snowy Hills, Part lll
Bend those knees, square those shoulders and be prepared to get swept out of your boots this winter in Canada’s Rocky Mountain Playground.In Part I of this series, we gave you the inside edge on Sunshine Village and Lake Louise. In Part II, we covered Marmot Basin in Jasper National Park and Castle Mountain in southern Alberta. In Part lll, our final chapter, we dip into Ski Banff @ Norquay in Banff National Park and Nakiska in Kananaskis Country.
Ski Banff @ Norquay - Banff National Park
Big Picture: One of Alberta’s oldest ski resorts, "Norquay" as the locals call it, has been around since 1926. Located right on the skirts of Banff townsite, it hasn’t lost its loyal local following despite the nearby competition of Sunshine and Lake Louise. For hardcore regulars the double black diamond duo known as Upper Lone Pine and Gun Run are as tough as any other runs in the Rockies.Bragging Rights: Its proximity to Banff. Plus, its super steep runs like Memorial Bowl (with an average 34 degree pitch) and the North American plus its all-star grooming machines. With 40 machine hours of nightly grooming, Norquay actually guarantees the quality of its silky corduroy. If you aren’t satisfied with the groomed conditions, the resort will give you a snow check for another day or your money back.
What’s New: The Norquay Night Pass. With this purchase, you can ski most Friday nights from 5 to 11 p.m. between January and March. What's new about this Friday night program is the hill will close from 4-5 p.m. for grooming. Then the lifts will start up again and stay open to 11 p.m. Also new is live entertainment on Friday nights at the Lone Pine.
Toughest Runs: Upper Lone Pine, Gun Run, Memorial Bowl, the North American. Easiest Run: Shenanigan.
Where the Locals Hang: You’ll find them in the Lone Pine Pub on the hill quaffing down a pint while noshing on their famous peppercorn chicken dip. After that the party moves to Banff (a five minute drive away) where the locals typically will scatter between favourite haunts such as the James Gate Pub, Barberry Coast, Wild Bill's, the Rose ’n Crown and Melissa’s.
Cost of a Lift Ticket: which includes GST: Find details on lift tickets and season passes as well as other cost saving programs.
For the Non-skier: The town of Banff is loaded with options for the non-skier. Spend a day at a spa (there are several in town) or
spend it shopping, eating, attending a cooking class at the Fuze. Check out the museums, gallery hop, take in a concert or festival at the Banff Centre, join a heritage homes tour. Skate on a frozen lake (Vermilion and Minnewanka are close by), cross country ski or snowshoe along the Spray Lakes loop or the Cascade fire road or take a guided ice walk through the frozen chimneys and spires of Johnston Canyon.Freebies: Friday night skiing from 5-11 p.m. for those with a Norquay Night Pass. Night skiing runs Fridays from January to the end of March. Without a pass you'll pay upwards of $25 for Friday night skiing.
Local Wisdom: About 85 per cent of Norquay’s terrain is groomed every night so if you get here first thing in the morning (9 a.m.) you’re guaranteed first tracks down perfectly groomed runs. To maximize these ideal early morning conditions, shoot straight up Mystic Chair and take any of the long, fall-line runs right down to the daylodge.
Opening Date: Usually mid December
Nakiska - Kananaskis Country
Big Picture: Built by the Alberta government to specifically host the XV Olympic Winter Games, Nakiska was acquired by the Resorts of the Canadian Rockies in the early ’90s. It remains Calgary’s closest ski mountain and is often used by downtown professionals who might peel away from the office for an afternoon on the slopes (it’s just an hour’s drive west from Calgary). It’s also been developed as a family-friendly resort with ideal bunny slopes for beginners, two superb terrain parks for the boarder in your family, as well as terrific fall-line skiing for those who love to cruise.Bragging Rights: The Canadian Alpine Ski Team trains here and Nakiska is a prime stop on the training circuit for many other international alpine teams, whose presence is especially evident during November. The resort is also noted for its snowmaking equipment which leaves it exceptionally groomed.
What’s New: Nakiska continues to upgrade its snowmaking facilities with new snowmaking nozzles that increase output in a more energy efficient manner. Nakiska has also upped the offerings of gourmet foods in the Lounge and Food Court.
Toughest Run: Just off the Gold chair, down Bull’s Head or Eagle Trail.
Easiest Run: The No. 1 family cruiser is Homesteader.
Where Locals Hang: Last winter saw a resurgence of skiers who flocked to the mid mountain lodge for a cold one, but most still head to the Olympic Bar at the day lodge. There are also several lounges, bars and excellent restaurants in nearby Kananaskis Village (a five minute drive). Nearby accommodations include the newly renovated 90 room Executive Resort at Kananaskis, the Delta Lodge and the Ribbon Creek Hostel.
Cost of a Lift Ticket: Find details on lift tickets, season passes, an RCR Super Pass, as well as other cost-saving programs such as early bird rates.
For the Non-skier: Dozens of track-set cross country trails zigzag through the pretty woods between Nakiska and Kananaskis
village. There are also fantastic snowshoe trails that fan out from the resort plus nearby ice fishing on the Kananaskis River and ponds. For a dog sledding adventure, check out the operators between Canmore and Exshaw (a 40 minute drive). Evening skating parties on the pond in Kananaskis Village are also popular activities for families and couples.Freebies: Join a guided tour with Nakiska’s Ski Friends at 9 and 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m., daily. Also check for special ski and lodging deals with Kananaskis properties. They roll out all the time, depending on availability.
Local Wisdom: Says Matt Mosteller of the RCR group: “Go up mid week and stay at a village property and then have first tracks at Nakiska the next morning when there’s not a soul around. In 24 hours you could ski, have a great dip in the outdoor pool at the village, listen to a wonderful piano player, enjoy a great meal, some good wine...and be back at work in Calgary the next day.”
Opening Date: December 9.
