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Escape To Winter: Six Easy Ways - Alberta’s Resorts Offer Top Terrain
Ski the Canadian Rockies at Six Areas It's high time you answered the siren call of the ultimate winter destination and took a ski vacation in the Canadian Rockies. Last year, Robin Williams, Alec Baldwin and Meg Ryan were among the Hollywood stars who visited the slopes near Banff. But the true glitter is in the white gold that's fallen in the Canadian Rockies during autumn, snow that already promises an outstanding winter. Each of Alberta's six alpine all-star areas are within easy reach of each other for a great Alberta vacation, giving you remarkable terrain variety at each mountain. And each area has its own unique character, so when you visit, you do more than conquer a mountain. At each distinct area, you can shake hands (with award-winning spas nearby, you can even get an apr??s ski manicure) with new friends. Then again, if you like to make fresh tracks by your self with no one near, there is plenty of territory to claim as yours alone. Sunshine Village Gets All Natural Snow Sunshine Village in Banff National Park is a 90-minute drive west of Calgary, followed by the world's fastest high-speed, 8-passenger gondola ride. Bragging rights include the fact that Sunshine Village gets more snow than any other Alberta resort and has one of the longest seasons, through May. Among what's new for the resort, there's fresh terrain expansion. And if you want to discover the secrets of where the locals hang, there are hideaways like the Mad Trapper in the old Sunshine Day Lodge. Local wisdom holds that the ultimate time to ski Sunshine's steeps is two days after a big dump; the day after is usually spent on avalanche control and blasting. Lake Louise Goes High Speed Lake Louise in Banff National Park has been an icon in the Canadian Rockies for decades, but you'll find a new look and lots of new terrain to explore. The big picture includes last February's addition of a high-speed six-passenger gondola, called The Grizzly; now as it's only six minutes to the backside. Bragging rights include being ranked by Ski Magazine as the most scenic resort in North America, and Ski Louise has once again been chosen to host World Cup men's downhill and Super-G races from Nov. 26-27, and the women's races, Dec. 2-4. They'll also be hosting Hollywood celebs in January 2006 at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. You can discover where the locals hang by trying hideouts such as the beautiful log Lodge of the Ten Peaks, which is a popular spot to rest up and refuel, or to wind up the day. There's something wonderfully unglitzy about the town of Lake Louise, so for flat-out glamour and a huge variety you'll have to go to Banff. However, don't be duped by the tiny size of Lake Louise in your search for the hottest bars and nightclubs. Marmot Basin Promises Wide Open Spaces Marmot Basin in Jasper National Park provides you with incredible scenery, wide open spaces and awesome terrain, along with a real mountain ski town in Jasper. The town is only minutes from Marmot Basin Ski resort. What's new at the resort includes a massive makeover and increased ski shuttles running between Jasper and the ski resort, so you're there in a flash. Warren Miller wannabes should note that some of last year's film was shot on the fall lines off Cornice. And for the non-skier, you'll find superb facilities for lounging and fun, including sleigh rides, ice skating, snowshoeing and more. Castle Mountain Powder Bound Castle Mountain in southern Alberta near Pincher Creek is home to steep and deep powder. Bragging rights include cheaper lift tickets and uncrowned terrain. This ski area, just more than two hours south of Calgary, has secret powder stashes where the locals hang and a great pizza to chow done when you've finished laying down fresh tracks. This is a ski area where skiers seek new downhill experiences that are outside the boundaries of Banff National Park and Jasper National Park, making for a great Alberta vacation. Norquay Steeped In History Ski Banff @ Norquay in Banff National Park is a ski area favored by locals, providing the opportunity for Alberta travel at one of oldest ski resorts in the Canadian Rockies. Bragging rights include its proximity to Banff and super steep runs, along with silky, corduroy runs created by nightly grooming. A Norquay Night Pass is among what's new at the mountain and there is Friday night skiing. For the non skier, the town of Banff is loaded with options, such as a day at the spa, shopping, cooking classes, museum and gallery hopping, and more. Nakiska Built For Winter Olympics Nakiska in Kananaskis Country was built by the Alberta government to host the XV Olympic Winter Games and remains the closest ski mountain to Calgary at less than an hour's drive away. The snow making facilities are top-notch and it's a ski area focused on the family with mostly intermediate and cruiser runs, though you can certainly challenge yourself on steep pitches near the mountain top. The bragging rights include the fact that the Canadian Alpine ski team trains here. -------------------- E-mail this article to your friend! HotelDirectory.ws presents direct links to hotels, apartments, hostels, motels, guesthouses,
self-catering accommodation and more. |
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