December too early in Panorama or Whistler?

Hi, we're looking at heading to Canada from 12th to 26th December this year before the little one turns 2 (and we have to pay for him).

Have looked at a number of resorts from Whistler to Big White and Banff. Think that we have decided on Panorama as has a good selection of runs (wife is low intermediate and I am more advanced intermediate).

Only real concern aside from the village being quiet is whether 12th December is a little early for snow. If any of you kind folk have experience at this time of year in these resorts or others it would be appreciated.

Ski in/out is near essential as can't be doing with a drive back to resort if the kid needs picking up early...

Whistler might well be awesome next season as it had a fairly average season the one just gone. On a normal season, December isn't too early but as with anywhere there can be the odd exeption!

DazUltra wrote:Hi, we're looking at heading to Canada from 12th to 26th December this year before the little one turns 2 (and we have to pay for him).

Have looked at a number of resorts from Whistler to Big White and Banff. Think that we have decided on Panorama as has a good selection of runs (wife is low intermediate and I am more advanced intermediate).

Only real concern aside from the village being quiet is whether 12th December is a little early for snow. If any of you kind folk have experience at this time of year in these resorts or others it would be appreciated.

Ski in/out is near essential as can't be doing with a drive back to resort if the kid needs picking up early...

There isn't a lot in Panorama Village at all. I would go somewhere else at that time of year. Just my opinion, haven't skied Panorama (just stopped by the 'village' but skied pretty extensively in the Banff area.

Panorama is nice, but I agree with Pablo; it is a bit early to be sure of snow.

Panorama only opens around the 12th Dec. Big White, on the other hand, opens around the 5th in a normal year.

There are loads of ski-in/out options and there is more of a resort base than Panorama.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_White_Ski_Resort

The skiing is well suited to intermediate skiers. Big White probably has the most varied and interesting terrain for intermediate skiers in the region.

There is a wide range of accomodation from budget to expensive. We have stayed at the Inn at Big White (budget-mid range) and the Sundance (top of the range). Both were good. The Sundance has fantastic (new for 07-08 season) units and a great ski-in/out position.