J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by steverandomno

Le Tour is a surprisingly good area all round. Although it has mostly easy runs, what it lacks in challenging terrain, it makes up for in character. It's probably one of the best for novices as there are some nice long wide easy runs. The scenery at that end of the Valley is interesting. It's probably one of the few places you can ski with a view of a dam (the Aosta I think). It will be much quieter than the other Chamonix areas and the quality of the pistes is likely to be good. There are also some nice, easy, wide open and lightly tree areas to ski. From what you say about your ability, I think you will love Le Tour, especially for the unusually large variety of moderate terrain.

I can't comment on Les Houches since I have never skied it. It is the lowest of the Chamonix areas, so it suffers first when temperatures rise in the spring. As Bandit points out, they are at opposite ends of the valley.

That's some useful information. Thanks SwingBeep.

Or Revelstoke - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OR5dAz7JkU4

But don't just take my word for it:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQf_njA02jY

Sounds like a plan!

You just need to find 200 litres of 22.999% beer now. One a day at 6,000 ft should last the season. We will also be there during 13th-16th Dec. A beer or two would definitely be in order. Hopefully, some powder 8's too.

That's easy - Kicking Horse (Golden) or Revelstoke. Both great towns, away from the hoards of Banff, with amazing skiing.

For night life, WB or Banff.

Late May might be pushing it a bit for North America. However, we skied a great powder day at Sunshine Village in Banff, Canada on May 21 a few years back. However, for all runs to be fully open at that time of year, as they were that year, is hit or miss depending on conditions. They usually close around the 23rd May.

You will not find luxury log cabins on mountain at Sunshine, but they have a decent on mountain hotel. There are loads of good quality options in Banff itself (20 min, very scenic drive away). One of the best luxury cabin like options would be Buffalo mountain lodge ( http://www.crmr.com/buffalo-mountain-lodge.php) It's a great time to visit the area, as most of the package tours have stopped and so it's extremely quiet. Definitely worth considering.