| Bob,
The ski season actually kicks off each year by November, but probably
the best time of year for skiing is February/March. And the absolute
best is April (spring skiing) if the snow remains good. But, even
by the end of December the conditions are usually prime. I hate
to make any sort of guarantees, because as was demonstrated during
the Olympics, the weather has become really, really inconsistent.
For the duration of most of the games, the temperature rarely dropped
below 10 degrees Celsius during the daytime, and for several of
those days, it peaked at a maximum of up to 28 degrees celsius.
It really was crazy. However, that's in the city. Fortunately,
the chinooks don't touch down until they've completely crossed over
the mountains.
Banff townsite is about a 1 and a half hour drive from the center
of Calgary, Lake Louise about 2 hours. To Jasper is about 4 or
5 hours. To Banff and Lake Louise, throughout the whole season,
Brewster operates a bus service up to the ski slopes. I'm not really
sure about the cost of that, I would estimate at around 30-40 dollars
round trip, but they always include the lift ticket in the price.
Lift tickets - the cheapest I've ever seen is Fortress ($17) and
the most expensive that I'm aware of is Nakiska ($26). Nakiska
is probably a little pricier because that's where all the Olympic
events were held. However, Fortress is located in the same valley
as Nakiska, and probably has more favorable snow conditions.
Concerning rentals, I really wouldn't have any idea about that.
And about what else there is to see other than skiing - up in the
mountains, there is still great hiking trails even in winter. As
a matter of fact, winter hiking is better, because everything is
so much more picturesque and there's usually nobody around for miles.
There's a canyon by Banff (Johnson's Canyon) which has a little
river flowing down. In the winter, huge ice formations form all
the way up the canyon. There's also very well developed cross-country
skiing facilities, in the Kananaskis Valley. And like I said before,
the weather is very unusual. I've been out suntanning in February
and late January for the past couple of years. And in Calgary itself,
there's practically no snow. But, once you're in the mountains,
there's much more snow, and it's quite a bit colder. I've already
forgotten what some of your other questions may have been, but if
you have anything specific, let me know. By the way, where is CHEFS?
I'm new to DEC, and it's actually my first time on the continent.
Chris/Hanover
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| I agree with Chris (.1) on all fronts. I don't think that you'll
have trouble finding snow in Dec. (Nov. is usually the start of
the ski season). I recommend that you base yourself in Banff (or
Canmore) instead of Calgary (you don't want to waste time and energy
on the road). In Banff, you can buy a weekly (or longer) pass from
a tour organization (Ski Banff??, the name escapes me) which is
honored at most resorts (at least Lake Louise, Sunshine Village
and Norquay). I believe that it also comes with the bus ride to
and from the slopes.
For an intermediate skier, the above ski areas will be enjoyable
(and, if you want, challenging). Norquay is good because it's VERY
close to the townsite. Louise is the furthest but has the best
variety of run (and longest). Sunshine is reknowned for it's abundance
of snow (first to open, last to close) and deep powder.
Piece of advice: Book you hotel room, air tix NOW!! Christmas
is always a full house.
Rentals: There are many ski shops in Banff where you can rent
equipment for the whole stay. I don't know the recent prices since
I left Banff in '82. If you're on a tight budget, bring your own
equipment.
Good Skiing!!
Eric
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| Hi Chris/Eric,
Thanks for the information ... looks like I will be there for
Christmas. I probably will be basing myself in Calgary as my sister
is on her way there for a one year exchange ( so accomodation is
no problem!). As she doesn't ski I don't expect to get more than
two or three days away at any one time ... but I take the advice
about booking early.
Thanks again for all the help.
Bob
PS. Chris, CHEFS is the Cluster alias for Queens House, Reading,
UK. If you are ever in town give me a call.
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| Hi Bob. On what type of exchange is your sister going? Is it a
student type exchange, or a work exchange, or what? I myself am
here in Hanover until September on an exchange type thing. The
purpose is to gain specific, hands-on work experience in one's field.
Back to the skiing topic, I've been trying to think of what other types
of activities we have during the winter. Like I had said previously,
there's always lots of outdoor/sport activities (hiking, cross country,
skating, winter camping, etc.). Skating is a personal favorite
of mine. I hadn't skated for years, since I was quite young, and
then about 3 years ago, I dug out an old pair of my father's skates,
and I'm continually progressing. But, if you're expecting lots
of deep snow and cold weather in Calgary in December (I'm not speaking
about the mountains now), then you won't find it. For 4 to 5 years
now, there hasn't been any snow on Christmas Day. Three years ago,
it was 17 degrees Celsius on CD. So, skating/skiing/what have you,
hasn't been too good in the past couple Decembers. But I'm digressing.
I just wouldn't want you to be disappointed, expecting a great
cosmopolitan city like Toronto or New York for example. Calgary
is fairly big, but hasn't aged yet. And up in the mountains, there's
always something fun to do, summer or winter. So, let us know if
you make any definite plans. For now, Chris.
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