Hot Tips, Cool Moves - Alberta’s Skiing & Boarding Best

By Travel Alberta,

travelalberta [at] raremethod . com
www1.travelalberta.com

You're a skier. You're a boarder. Or you'd like to be...

So sometime this winter, you'll hear them calling your name v the snow-clad slopes, the bright blue sky, the postcard-perfect scene. You'll feel that irresistible urge to go down hill, you'll clear your schedule, you'll plan your getaway...

But wait! Don't leave home without reading this article first!

We've talked to folks in the know, we've gathered hints, tips and news, we've even sussed out the odd bargain. Just so we could give you the low-down on making the most of your Alberta skiing/boarding experience.

If you're new to the sport or you've been away from it for awhile, your must-have package will likely involve a lesson. 'Lessons are the best way to learn the skills that boost your confidence and keep you safe on the hill,' says Marmot Basin's Rob Ellen. 'Put the kids into a lesson and Mom and Dad, take yours. Then you can practice as a family using the same lift, if not the same run.'

Every mountain resort has a learn to/return to skiing or boarding package v group lessons, equipment rental and lift ticket rolled into one reasonable price.

When you book accommodation, look for inclusives v you'll save on a room and lift ticket combo, for example. Add in breakfast, a shuttle bus to and from the hill or a free stay for kids under 17 and watch your dollar schuss a lot farther. Skiing families often find that the extra dollars they dish out for a kitchenette translate into big savings at mealtimes. Preferred rates for ski and snowboard rentals from local shops are another perk to watch for.

The range of accommodation in mountain resort areas runs the gamut from B&Bs to luxury resorts, so there's room for every taste and budget. You'll find a wealth of lodging info at Banff Lake Louise and at Jasper Tourism. The Jasper site also provides a daily vacancy report, so you can book a spur of the moment getaway, secure in the knowledge you'll have somewhere to lay your ski-weary head.

If you're visiting Edmonton or Calgary and only a few of your group want to head for the hills, ski buses can take you there in family-focused, leave-the-driving-to-us style. Early morning departures get you to the slopes by opening, while snacks and videos entertain you on the way. The price usually includes your lift ticket and overnights can be arranged. Visit these sites for more information: Magic Bus and Sunshine Coach.

Virtually every skiing/boarding resort offers some kind of deal on multi-day and multi-area passes which allow you the flexibility to follow the sun and snow as you choose. When you're hooked on the sport, a season's pass is worth considering. Buying a club or discount card can also help you save on lifts, on-hill food and beverages and more. Best Kept Secrets?

Well, these probably aren't exactly secrets. But we've rounded up some suggestions you may not have thought about that will make your day(s) on the hill even more enjoyable.

Ever wondered if gearing up a notch could have you skiing/boarding at a whole new level? 'Equipment has gone through a revolution,' says Castle Mountain 's Andrew Rusynyk. 'Boarding has pushed ski designers to rethink their designs so that now, especially at the beginner and intermediate level, people are getting a whole variety of new experiences thanks to their equipment.' But before you commit to buy the last word in downhill technology, why not test drive it first? You can rent the latest high performance skis and boards at most on-hill rental shops.

Next to taking lessons, the best way to boost your comfort and confidence on the hill is to take advantage of the widely available snow host program. Join a knowledgeable volunteer for a free group tour of the mountain and find out which runs best match your skill and enthusiasm.

Lunch is a welcome break from a morning of Rocky Mountain skiing. From pizza to poutine, there's a range of great goodies available in the cafeterias, dining rooms and lounges at every hill. And here's one twist you may not have tried: the tailgate barbeque. 'We used to haul along the hibachi,' says Ellen. 'My folks would make great burgers right in the parking lot, out of the back of the car.'

Wherever you're skiing/boarding, this winter there are plenty of ways to carve into the very best that Alberta has to offer v not the least of which is the opportunity for good times in good company.

'Skiing and boarding get you outside in the winter,' says Ellen. 'Besides, regardless of what everybody's skill level is, it's a sport families and friends can actually enjoy together.'

Those in the know go......

• Skiing/boarding in January when the post Christmas slow-down brings out bargains across the board, as well as special events at many resorts.
• Up to the hill for breakfast, where pre-opening buffets and combos make an inexpensive way to fuel up for the day and beat the crowds.
• South to Castle Mountain for dry powder and elbow room. Plus, says Rusynyk, 'Down here, you can ski and sleep for less than you can ski pretty well anywhere else.'
• For the guarantee. For example, Lake Louise promises no base area lift line or you get a refund or the chance to ski again on another day. Banff Mt. Norquay guarantees their grooming. If you don't like what you're skiing on, return your ticket within an hour for a refund.
• Sometimes, for the warmth. Temperature inversions can make it much warmer at the top of a ski hill than in the townsite.

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Travel Alberta (http://www.travelalberta.com) is the destination marketing organization for the Province of Alberta. Guided by the Strategic Tourism Marketing Council, Travel Alberta is the steward for the effective delivery of tourism marketing programs. For information about our organization, please visit our Travel Alberta industry web site at http://industry.travelalberta.com