Canada's other resorts

Hi,

James's A daughter thanks very much that is some really helpful advice especially as you have been there and done it. I have to say the whole emergency kit etc does make it sound a little full on! Therefore I have been doing some research to see if any companies do this type of trip that you can join as someone on your own as this makes me feel a little more comfortable.

I have come across two that seem to offer a road trip they are http://www.skisafari.com/ and http://www.nonstopski.com/

They both seem to offer road trips around the similar areas that you have been talking about. Does anyone know anything about these guys or if there is anyone I should be talking to as well?

Thanks so much.

NonStop ski looks like a good bet if you want to be in a group.
It looks like skisafari only offer self drive tours so you might as well book the 4x4 yourself and drive where you want.

Driving in snow and ice is not that bad in a 4x4. All you have to do is take it slow and steady, be prepared in case you are stuck for a while, have a working mobile, and be flexible. Ultimately if there is a major storm comming down and you don't want to drive in it then stay an extra night wherever you are and take advantage of the fresh powder. This is why it might be better to go late Jan early Feb when there is ample accommodation available and so you can book as you go. If you book an organised self drive ski safari then you will have to be at a certain place at a certain time and the temptation to press on through poor conditions will be too much.

They normally have the major routes, like the ones you would be travelling on, well cleared within hours of the major snowfall. Remember that Canada is well geared for this weather. It is not like it is in the UK where the whole country can be paralysed by 10cm of snow. That's just a small snow storm in the rockies.

What ever way you decide, you should definately give it a go, you will love it.

In response to the last post, it may have changed but a couple of years ago on a drive from Banff to Jasper we had no mobile phone reception for almost 90% of the trip.
It may sound daft but take some cd's for the car too, we had no FM radio reception either, unless you have one of those i pod to car radio transmitters and a car charger for the ipod.
Not previously mentioned is the resort where they held the downhill skiing at the Calgary Olympics - Nakiska, which is the closest hill to Calgary and just perfect to get the ski legs going if you start your trip :Pfrom Calgary.

True, you do need to be carefull not to assume cell reception.
The icefields parkway (Highway 93 north) between Lake Louise and Jasper has no cell reception at all.