Latest posts for the topic "Now then, America (and possibly Canada)"

Now then, America (and possibly Canada)

Tue, 23 Mar 2010 20:29:45 GMT

It seems that the budget for next seasonr has gone up slightly :D

I've skied in Tremblant before, but nowhere else in the USA or Canada. We'd need to go in the school Easter holidays, and we consist of an advanced snowboarder, an intermediate skier, and a 10 year old skier who has bags of confidence and will pretty much try anything. Ideally we want to go for 10 days as we get jetlagged going out rather than coming back (yes I know, we're weird....), so it would be good to go somewhere we can chill for a couple of days first. Me, jetagged, on a pair of skis is probably more than human flesh and blood could bear.

So, where do you guys recommend?

Re:Now then, America (and possibly Canada)

Tue, 23 Mar 2010 20:33:12 GMT

Depends if you want ski in/ski out (that really restricts you are far as NA is concerned), what you want in the way of nightlife and how far you are willing to travel. You can be where you want to be in 10 hours if you pick the right place but others can take closer to 24.

Re:Now then, America (and possibly Canada)

Tue, 23 Mar 2010 20:36:34 GMT

We're not so bothered about ski in ski out - if we go for 10 days we can be slightly more relaxed. We'll have my 10 year old with us so rocking nightlife isn't an issue - restaurants and bars are pretty much going to be our limit.

And I guess with a 10 year old then not taking 24 hours would be good :D He's pretty good, but not *that* good!

(PS Pablo can you believe I am back in Glasgow for the week and won't be able to go skiing!!)

Re:Now then, America (and possibly Canada)

Tue, 23 Mar 2010 22:37:34 GMT

After careful consideration of over the pond, if it was me going I would choose either Lake Louise or Winter Park.

Re:Now then, America (and possibly Canada)

Tue, 23 Mar 2010 22:57:48 GMT

I suggest Keystone and Vail, but, base youself in Breckenridge. Breckenridge is set at 9000ft, so you can acclimatise and get over the jet lag at the same time. Breck offers a lot of skiing.

Fly Heathrow to Denver, hire a car, drive to Breckenridge.
Hire a condo, on line.
Your lift pass covers you for 5 resorts.
Keystone is only 20 min away, and is beautifully groomed.
Vail is a one hour drive, and offers lovely runs through tree glades.

Alternatively, book with a T/O, but be careful of distance from slopes.
Within Breck, there is a great ski bus service, covered by the lift pass.

Re:Now then, America (and possibly Canada)

Wed, 24 Mar 2010 08:47:40 GMT

Thanks guys, I'll look into all of those. We always DIY so Breckenridge might work well

Re:Now then, America (and possibly Canada)

Wed, 24 Mar 2010 09:06:13 GMT

Meant to say that Easter is very late next year, so we're going to be going mid to end of April - we'll need to be fairly high up I think!

Re:Now then, America (and possibly Canada)

Wed, 24 Mar 2010 11:39:29 GMT

I would have replied earlier but the website went funny again.

You could do Banff. It has one of the shortest flights for a 'Western' resort in North America (7-8 hours depending on where you fly from in the UK and what the wind is doing). It is also one of the cheapest in terms of getting there, there are always great deals to be had.

Whilst there is a bus ride if you pick your hotel wisely it runs from the front door (most places have pick ups actually) and it means you get to ski 3 different 'local' resorts. Discover Banff do day trips to Nakiska, Panorama, Kicking Horse and maybe Fernie (not totally sure on that one) so you can really make the most of your 10 days.

Someone once told me that winter was the 'off' season for Banff and originally it wasn't even a ski town so there is plenty to do on your down days. Snowmobiling, dog sledding and glacier walks are a few options. I have been countless times and I don't think I have tried every restaurant and bar, there must be close to 100.

As far as terrain is concerned (at the local hills) you just won't get bored and it is a great place for advancing your skiing. Great confidence building runs (there is at least a blue from the top of every chairlift and as the skiing extends in to late April at Lake Louise and late May at Sunshine snow is pretty a certainty. The Rockies are pretty dry through the year and Spring is traditionally 'powder season'. If you need a break the views are fantastic, sometimes it really does feel like you are at the Top of the World. (The view is over to Sunshine Village from the top of Lake Louise, the pointy mountain about 1/5th in from the left hand side is Mount Assiniboine - the highest in the area).

Let me know if you have any more questions...

Re:Now then, America (and possibly Canada)

Wed, 24 Mar 2010 18:40:27 GMT

Fantastic pic! Thanks for that, very useful info. Looks like it might suit us very well due to the lateness of the season, and slightly shorter flight. My son hasn't yet managed to sit still for more than 3 seconds in his entire life - I may sit on the other side of the plane from him....

Can you recommend any accommodation that's good for the ski bus? And any restaurants of course!

Re:Now then, America (and possibly Canada)

Wed, 24 Mar 2010 18:46:15 GMT

Most places are, you are better short listing hotels then deciding where you want to be in terms of the town and use the ski bus stop as the deciding factor. I have stayed at the Inns of Banff, the Caribou and the Banff International. As far as location is concerned the Banff International is the closest to town, however, the Caribou is earlier on the bus stop line. I would probably go back to the Caribou. There are loads of other hotels in town though and Trip Advisor has a decent amount of reviews. By all accounts, the Fox Suites is your best bet (as it is new), the others are comfortable but getting a little dated.

Check my Trip Report for restaurant recommendations and other info. You won't be able to eat in Wild Bills or drink in the Pump and Tap with your son but neither are really a great loss although the Pump and Tap does show UK sport.

Re:Now then, America (and possibly Canada)

Wed, 24 Mar 2010 18:51:17 GMT

It's ok, the 6 nations will be finished by then )

Re:Now then, America (and possibly Canada)

Wed, 24 Mar 2010 18:52:34 GMT

As a thank you for my help you can leave your card behind the bar for me in the Brunswick :lol:

Re:Now then, America (and possibly Canada)

Wed, 24 Mar 2010 19:08:42 GMT

I'll be in there on Friday night - come down and I'll buy you a beer :D

Re:Now then, America (and possibly Canada)

Wed, 24 Mar 2010 19:45:34 GMT

If you see someone in a festive-looking jumper passed out in the corner it will definitely be me.

Re:Now then, America (and possibly Canada)

Wed, 24 Mar 2010 20:18:44 GMT

I knew you'd be the festive pullie type.... :lol:

Re:Now then, America (and possibly Canada)

Thu, 25 Mar 2010 10:29:20 GMT

:lol:

Keep in mind that in April the chances are that Norquay may not be open. I like it but unless you like steep runs it isn't really for you... even the blues are pretty steep.

Re:Now then, America (and possibly Canada)

Thu, 25 Mar 2010 13:33:41 GMT

Nope, husband and son like steep....I don't!

Re:Now then, America (and possibly Canada)

Thu, 25 Mar 2010 16:05:23 GMT

As we can all see Pablo has actually been recruited by skibig3.com! :P

Winter park was nice when i went there but it was my first week of skiing so i didn't really do it justice! I do remember a hell of a lot of moguls though!!