Hi am wondering if I could get some tips from anybody, we are heading to Banff at the start of Feb there are 6 of us and no one has ever skied before. Does anybody know if there are any good ski schools? We are staying in The Inns of Banff and I think they have a ski shop but if anyone knows any better ones, and if anyone could think of things we need to bring that could be useful that arn't the usual waterproofs, base layers etc. Last could anyone recommend any good pubs, bars, restaurants and activities..
Thanks.....
First Time Skiers
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Started by Le_shark in Canada 23-Jan-2008 - 5 Replies
Le_shark posted Jan-2008
Edited 1 time. Last update at 23-Jan-2008
Twoshortplanks
reply to 'First Time Skiers' posted Jan-2008
Hi
Banff is a great place to learn, better than scotland where I had to - no ice!
There is a fantastic programme you can sign up to called club ski or club snowboard you can book online http://www.skibig3.com/ under snow school.
Inns of Banff is right on the edge of town but you should be able to walk to the centre in about 20 mins. As there are so many of you I would book taxis they are not too expensive. Most of the busier and best bars/restaurants are in town, try the sunday brunch at the Banff Springs if you like a feast (you have to book, but you can do it online).
There are plenty of shops and other rental outlets, if you are going on a package the tour operator will have a preferred supplier.
There are other things to do like dog sleds and trips to other ski areas like Nakisika (great for beginners) and Kicking Horse, worth the trip for the scenery en-route but not really a beginner resort.
Again the tour operator will no doubt be trying to flog you these excursions while you are on the transfer coach from the airport. If you are travelling independently the hotel concierge will arrange things for you, he might expect a tip though... and I wasn't thinking of Lightning Boy in the 3.30 at Haydock.
Lastly don't waste your money on booking a lift pass for 9 days (if you are going for 10) or 13 days (for 14 days holidays). I think you can add extra days to a shorter pass for the same discount as if you bought the longer pass at the outset, and you will probably want to take a day or two off snowsports if only to give your muscles a rest.
Enjoy - hope it isn't too cold.
Rgds
Harry
Banff is a great place to learn, better than scotland where I had to - no ice!
There is a fantastic programme you can sign up to called club ski or club snowboard you can book online http://www.skibig3.com/ under snow school.
Inns of Banff is right on the edge of town but you should be able to walk to the centre in about 20 mins. As there are so many of you I would book taxis they are not too expensive. Most of the busier and best bars/restaurants are in town, try the sunday brunch at the Banff Springs if you like a feast (you have to book, but you can do it online).
There are plenty of shops and other rental outlets, if you are going on a package the tour operator will have a preferred supplier.
There are other things to do like dog sleds and trips to other ski areas like Nakisika (great for beginners) and Kicking Horse, worth the trip for the scenery en-route but not really a beginner resort.
Again the tour operator will no doubt be trying to flog you these excursions while you are on the transfer coach from the airport. If you are travelling independently the hotel concierge will arrange things for you, he might expect a tip though... and I wasn't thinking of Lightning Boy in the 3.30 at Haydock.
Lastly don't waste your money on booking a lift pass for 9 days (if you are going for 10) or 13 days (for 14 days holidays). I think you can add extra days to a shorter pass for the same discount as if you bought the longer pass at the outset, and you will probably want to take a day or two off snowsports if only to give your muscles a rest.
Enjoy - hope it isn't too cold.
Rgds
Harry
Boardbiker
reply to 'First Time Skiers' posted Jan-2008
Have to agree with Twoshortplanks - Banff is great place to go! We went in 05 and stayed at Inns Of Banff, and would advise as follows 1) it has a small outdoor pool on the roof - use it! great view and great for the body. 2) try the breakfasts, loads to eat and great price, 3) the bus stops first at this hotel so your first on! 4) sign up for the 3 resorts course (Club Ski), you start the first day in Sunshine, the 2nd in Lake Louise and the 3rd in Norquay. NB VERY IMPORTANT!!! make sure that the first day of the course that you take the earliest bus to Sunshine as it can take a while to get there and if you miss the first day... thats it. 5) IF you do the club ski, do take advantage of the meal at the Banff Springs Hotel (after the course finishes in the evening) - fantastic Hotel with masses of different things to eat. 6) the Ski Club will put a video together usually at Lake Louise - worth it just for the memories - you wont see much of you on it, but i still look at mine!! As for eating, loads of places, plenty of STEAK! There is a place opposite the Hotel, did nice food but loads of others. If you want something dif to steak there is a pasta place (cheap) in town. If walk into town in evening, wrap up, it can be very very cold (was -30 our first night).
Tip of the week from me..... vasalene! Take a big tub and coat your feet (upto where your boots will be) before putting on your socks - will help hold back blisters. hope this helps and enjoy Canada (the people are so friendly. :D
Tip of the week from me..... vasalene! Take a big tub and coat your feet (upto where your boots will be) before putting on your socks - will help hold back blisters. hope this helps and enjoy Canada (the people are so friendly. :D
Not ALL boarders sit in the middle of pistes.....
Pavelski
reply to 'First Time Skiers' posted Jan-2008
Le Shark,
Al the information is right on,
Here is some more.
Sunside unlike many ski resorts is high in the bowl of the mountains, thus you must take a long long lift yto get to base! Bring along lots of water and food since there is but one small resto at base!
Play with sun. Taake runs that have been exposed to early morning sun first!
You must go to the public huge natural hot water pools! I dare you all to stay in more than 30 minutes!
If you can rent a car a drive to Lake Louise Ski Resort.It is a must! You will not regret it!
Finish all sentences with ..."he" pronounced "hey" and they will love you!
Many many workers at Sunshine and Banff are from Quebec. If you ask, "tu est québecois" you will get great smile, greater service and perhaps a kiss!
As far foot sores do not put vasaline! Go to pharmacy and get a roll of "elastopast" bandage which you can cut into desired sections. Apply to area which causes friction,,typically under ankle and behinf ankle!
Oh,,,,drink lots of water during skiing and DO NOT drink "spirits" on first night there!
Record snow there now!
Pavel
Al the information is right on,
Here is some more.
Sunside unlike many ski resorts is high in the bowl of the mountains, thus you must take a long long lift yto get to base! Bring along lots of water and food since there is but one small resto at base!
Play with sun. Taake runs that have been exposed to early morning sun first!
You must go to the public huge natural hot water pools! I dare you all to stay in more than 30 minutes!
If you can rent a car a drive to Lake Louise Ski Resort.It is a must! You will not regret it!
Finish all sentences with ..."he" pronounced "hey" and they will love you!
Many many workers at Sunshine and Banff are from Quebec. If you ask, "tu est québecois" you will get great smile, greater service and perhaps a kiss!
As far foot sores do not put vasaline! Go to pharmacy and get a roll of "elastopast" bandage which you can cut into desired sections. Apply to area which causes friction,,typically under ankle and behinf ankle!
Oh,,,,drink lots of water during skiing and DO NOT drink "spirits" on first night there!
Record snow there now!
Pavel
Le_shark
reply to 'First Time Skiers' posted Jan-2008
Thanks for the help guys I am heading off tomorrow so will let ya know how it goes....
Llew
reply to 'First Time Skiers' posted Jan-2008
Just noticed this, may be of use:
http://www.itv.com/Watchnow/CatchUp/default.html
wish you were here on Banff
Just started watching; its not really skiing, looks wrong time of year.
http://www.itv.com/Watchnow/CatchUp/default.html
wish you were here on Banff
Just started watching; its not really skiing, looks wrong time of year.
Edited 1 time. Last update at 31-Jan-2008
Topic last updated on 31-January-2008 at 14:17