Driving to Resorts in BC & Alberta

We are heading to Canada Jan. 2008, with 4 days firstly in Vancouver, then 2 weeks at SunPeaks (organised group tour, 6th Jan. to 20th Jan.). After this we were thinking of heading to another resort for 7-10 days, but it has been suggested to us that if we really want to see the sights then we should look at driving to some other resorts by renting a 4WD.

I spoke it over with my wife and she thought it would be a great idea to have a look at some other areas of Canada (big place, but you can only do so much in one trip). I?ve had a look at the map and thought this may fit in:

Day 1: Leave SunPeaks, travel to Jasper
Days 2-4: Ski Marmot Basin / Sightsee around Jasper
Day 5: Travel to Lake Louise (may get an afternoon ski)
Day 6: Ski Lake Louise
Day 7: Travel to Banff and have a look around
Day 8 & 9: Ski surrounding resorts (still to work out which ones, but possibly 1 day Sunshine Village & another day back at Lake Louise)
Day 10: Travel to Panorama (may get an afternoon ski)
Day 11 & 12: Ski Panorama
Day 13: Travel to Kimberley or Fernie (may get an afternoon ski)
Day 14 & 15: Ski Kimberley or Fernie
Day 16: Fly back to Australia (leave from Cranbrook or Clagary)

This may drop back to 14 days, but we?ll decide this later (originally was only looking at 7-10 days at another resort), but we think that if we are going to do it then the extra days will allow us to enjoy it so much more (rather than rushing). The extra days will also allow a little leeway if the weather slows us down. My wife?s still a wee bit worried about driving during late January, but as long as we take our time it shouldn?t be to bad (Canada doesn?t shutdown because it?s winter, so we shouldn?t either). Also the weather will be a lot colder in Jasper / Banff regions, but again it may be a great opportunity to see another part of the country during our trip, and a couple more layers underneath should see us through (hopefully).

It?s going to cost us a bl__dy fortune this holiday, but no doubt we?ll have memories to last us a life time. Presently the itinerary is leave Perth (Oz) 20th Jan., 12 days in Scotland to see family (kids get to see Gran & Grandad), leave Scotland 2nd Jan., 4 days Vancouver, 2 weeks SunPeaks, 16 days driving around as above, 2 days Auckland, then back to Perth (Oz).

Any thoughts/tips/suggestions would be most appreciated.

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On a side note;

We realise that most people think we are crazy doing 2 weeks at SunPeaks, but my wife has only now started to enjoy skiing after the 3rd year (hated it the first 2 years), and that she is only a mid-to-high beginner level then these 2 weeks would allow her to really get comfortable/confident when we start to travel around the other resorts (only ever skied in Oz at FallsCreek, 3 times x 8 days).

The 2 weeks will include all day hosted adult skiing throughout SunPeaks (kids, 10 & 8, will get full-time lessons), which will really help her confidence. Also by that stage myself and the kids will have moved up as well (we're low to mid-intermediate at the moment) and during our time there we will do all the other touristy bits (night at the ice hockey, dog-sleigh, snow-mobile, etc., etc.). One of the days will also include a trip to SilverStar for the day, so that will give us a chance to have a look there.

While at SunPeaks we're looking at getting some good boots for my wife & me (first time, but we do realise that a good pair of properly fitted boots will really help), but may also get skis for us and skis/boots for the kids (4 weeks hiring equipment would be similar cost to buying mid-level equipment).

Yes, we may be crazy doing the 2 weeks at SunPeaks, but I still feel that it will help us get to the next level before we start travelling around (I know lots will disagree).

I still appreciate any advise or if necessary criticism (constructive) :D

Sounds Awesome,

All I have to offer is Heart fel Jealousy.

Have a grate time, I know it is a while away but let us know how you get on. I don't know how far all of that driving is but I know that when I drove to The South of france from the UK that I was Shattered the next day, so If your going to do all of that driving and skiing I'd advise that everyone gets pretty fit first.

i am sure you have already thought of that, but anyway.

Good luck, sounds great

Cheers

Max

Celts88 wrote: One of the days will also include a trip to SilverStar for the day, so that will give us a chance to have a look there.

I will be in Big White from beginning of Dec till March, so not so far away!!

Sounds like an awesome trip, Canada is such an amazing country and has some of the worlds best skiing. Have an awesome time!!!

You trip is very well planned.

One small point. Learn to drive that SUV in winter conditions since it can get very heavy! What I do on first heavy sno storm is visit a local shopping mart once it is closed and "spin around" braking as I turn. Spinning so that I get feel of car sliding.

Also remeber that in dawn and dusk the herd animals come out and......

Great holiday. Great choice!!!

Many memories await you!

pavelski wrote:Also remeber that in dawn and dusk the herd animals come out and......

Pav, are you refering to the vancouver rush hour ?



Trencher

Having made light of Pav's warning, it's a good point about driving in Canada/USA. When you see a deer run across the road in front of you, get ready for the rest of the posse that are hiding behind the trees. They will wait and run across the road at the last moment. A lot of people are killed and injured every year hitting deer. You definitely do not want to hit a moose.

Until recently, many US states charged a fee for people to take the deer that they had hit with a vehicle. Then a smart Wisconsin man reasoned that if he had to pay a fee, the deer must be the property of the state and therefor the state was responsible for the damage to his vehicle. A judge agreed in court and within days most states had dropped the fee.


Trencher

Thanks for the info everyone.

Here in OZ we?re used to Kangaroos jumping out in front of cars during low light (Dusk, Dawn) and these can be as big as a large dear, but you may only get them travelling in one?s or two?s, but certainly not a pack.

We would rather take our time and enjoy the views and get there safely rather than trying to go too fast and not getting there at all.

I have worked on a lot of overland pipelines, where the going has been really heavy, but getting used to different vehicles and conditions are never to be taken likely. If the weather looks as if it may be coming in then we will just stay another day where we are and leave the next day. The itinerary is very flexible and will probably be changed just as much due to liking a place as it will be due to bad weather (which is just not worth driving in, unless for a very short journey on very good roads). We may be happy to stay in the Banff region (after seeing Jasper) and travel to Lake louise & Sunshine for longer, then head to Panorama.

Changing the subject is it worth us buying boots AND Ski?s, rather than hiring for 4 weeks. We are going to get good boots for my wife & I at SunPeaks, but in regard to skis would 4 weeks hire cost about the same as a mid-level pair of skis to buy (also mid-level boots & skis for the kids ? 10 & 9).

8)

Celts88,

Your plan seems so well organized. May I suggest some "sights".

In Banff you must visit the natural hot spring pools about 2 km. above the town.


If you can meet some locals there are many "hidden" natural hot pools near roads to Panorama.


As far as buying skis and boots , there is no doubt that a purchase is the best option. Not at ski resort! If you can stop over for at least one day at major city you can get a fully equiped service with best prices. Since the winter was not too good, you will have many surplus ski material.

I am sure that the local Alberta guide would love to help you!


If you have chance at Panorama, they have a heli ski service and often on Thursdays there are "openings" since many skiers are not in shape for powder skiing. You pay per day! Just ask at desk!

Hope this helps you.

Pavel