J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by steverandomno

Merry Christmas and a happy new year to you too.

76cm in 7 days, 50cm in 24 hours! Reports of chest deep powder!

Please tell us you didn't cancel or transfer!

Sorry to be so predictable but... Have you thought about Banff? April is a great time to ski the Banff area. We once skied one of the best powder days we have experienced on May 21st 2007 at Sunshine Village.

Just depends on whether you want to put up with the extra few hours flying time.

hmmm... beer.

Welcome!

:P

Hope he is skiing. He's a good chap.

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.

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.

Sounds like great advice from JamesA's daughter.