Jasmine Stone asked:


Many people have different opinions about the relationship between skiing and snowboarding. Some hardcore enthusiasts in these sports maintain that these two are distinct and different from each other. Nonetheless, skiing and snowboarding share the same platforms and manner of execution, namely snowy slopes and downward acceleration. This results to almost the same approach in the preparation and equipment perspectives of the two.

Whether you are a first timer or a veteran at skiing and snowboarding, you must learn how to prepare physically and mentally before subjecting yourself to the unforgettable adrenaline rush that these two sports offer. And that includes protecting yourself against possible injuries that can happen while you are speeding down the slope.

Besides training hard to improve performance level and overall skills, you must completely comply with the safety requirements to become a confident participant in these two sports. As over one hundred thousand people are unnecessarily injured in skiing and skateboarding every year, a serious effort to prepare against injury in these two sports is imperative.

In skiing and snowboarding, the key to an accident-free slide is in the preparation. Before you even take the wild ride down a snowy mountain cap, be sure to do all necessary preparations. The following tips could spell the difference between an enjoyable skiing or snowboarding vacation and a visit to the hospital.

Take skiing and snowboarding lessons. There is no such thing as a born skier or snowboarder. You need guidance from experts who have been into these sports for years so that you will improve your performance and safety in skiing and snowboarding.

With regard to your skiing or snowboarding outfit, wear clothing that is dependable against water and wind. Make sure that your apparel has enough protective features like wide collars that can be enfolded to cover your face against wind and zippers and strings that enable you to adjust your outfit easily and comfortably.

Acquire the proper equipment for skiing and for snowboarding. If you own the equipment, like skis and snowboards, have them custom-fitted to your preferences. If you are renting them, be sure to choose the ones that you will most likely be comfortable in. Having the right equipment will drastically improve your performance and lessen the chances of accidents.

Also, the temperature in the snowy caps rapidly changes. Sometimes the coldness in the slopes can be unbearable and you may find yourself losing much needed heat which could lead to other complication like loss of consciousness and tiredness. To prevent this wear head covering like helmet or headbands and gloves.

The snowy slopes in which you slide down your skis and snowboards have very low temperatures. Dress up in layers of clothing to keep the chill out. But also make sure that the fabric you are wearing on the inside is comfortable on your skin and absorbent of the sweat that is sure to come out of you because of the excitement skiing or snowboarding offers.

Do not forget to wear eye protection devices like goggles and sunglasses. Without eye protection, you are most likely to close your eyes due to cold winds as you speed down on your ski or snowboard. Sliding in closed eyes, you will certainly bump on anything and could even wake up in the infirmary the next day.

Get enough sleep the night before the big day. You need to be alert and sportive on the skiing or snowboarding slopes. A tired mind and body can cause accidents and injuries.



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Rc Rougeux asked:


Skiing in Aspen is a skiers heaven for every skill level. From beginners to intermediate to professional… you’ll love the skiing here. Check out the skiing in any one of four mountains depending on your skill level and spirit of adventure. Aspen has a free shuttle service to get you between the four mountains. You’ll can also get a skiing equipment transfer between all four mountains. You can pay your attendant to have your equipment at the designated mountain the next day.

The four mountains are: Buttermilk…suitable for beginners. The Aspen highlands… suitable for intermediate skiers. Professionals (black diamond types) can have fantastic skiing on the Aspen Mountains or the Highlands. Snowmass is the fourth mountain.

Just a beginner? Buttermilk Mountain will give you what you need. Novices can have a run on the Reds Rover, Then progress to Blue Grouse and other slopes for increased difficulty. They can also try certain stretches of the highlands…like Exhibition and Red onion. Skiers who are better than beginners are but not experts (intermediate), can ride the cable car to the top of Aspen Mountain and can go down smooth slopes in areas like Dipsy Doodle and Pussy Foot.

Another alternative for where to ski in Aspen for the intermediate level is at the Copper Bowl. This is a popular skiing route and tends to get overcrowded. Buttermilk also holds some interesting twists and turns for the intermediate skilled skier. The good slopes here are Cliff House and Tiehack chair. Tiehack chair is not easy as it looks and can give you great practice for the more difficult slopes.

The highlands area also offers great skiing for the intermediate level skiers. Cloud Nine and Thunder Bowl are the better slopes in that area. The Highlands have tough slopes for experts like Loge Peak…where you can ski down a series of slopes on both sides of the ridge. These areas require good balance and attempt them only if you are confident and black diamond ski level or higher.

So, that gives you an idea what what type of slopes Aspen has available. But what about the company who operates the skiing in Aspen? Actually…it’s the Aspen Skiing Company. There are many skiing resorts in the world but many people say no one can beat the Aspen/Snowmass ski areas operated by the Aspen Skiing Company. It is not so much the great snow and skiing experience and the accompanying nightlife and off slope activities. No, it’s more the endeavor of the Aspen Skiing Company to bring down greenhouse gas emissions as part of its climate change policy that has brought this company in the limelight.

The fundamental principle from this company is not so much the profitability aspect, but more the concern in maintaining the environment of the Aspen area mountains. The Aspen Skiing Company is guided by the desire to eliminate pollution and create a stable climate to ensure people in the area stay healthy. These efforts have earned them the Cleaner and Greener Certificate.

In keeping with their objective, this company has implemented energy efficiency and renewable energy programs. It uses bio-diesel fuel. Also, as part of its electricity requirement, much is met through renewable sources. Protecting the environment is at the core of its business policy.

Energy-efficient alternatives are being provided by Aspen Skiing Company for all items requiring electricity…such as refrigerators and computers. Fuel usage is being minimized by providing free shuttles for transporting people to the ski sites. Using wind power and recycling fluorescent bulbs are some other measures being undertaken. Global warming has taken its toll on ski resorts by melting the snow resulting in huge losses to the industry. Aspen Skiing Company uses 45 million gallons of water for snowmaking. To reduce consumption of water they have resorted to better systems for snowmaking. This at an expense of over $10 million dollars.



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Skiing in the French Alps

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Jasmine Stone asked:


Ok folks so we have all been on some vacation to somewhere hot, but going on holiday in search of snow is something that only a certain type of person does. That person is probably into skiing. A skiing vacation does not have to be something that a professional and seasoned skier does, and in fact I learned to ski when I was on the mountains of France. If you are considering going on a skiing holiday, then I suppose it is better to learn how to Ski before you go away, and that way you can really benefit from enjoying the more challenging slopes.

My first skiing holiday, happened because my wife said that she was bored of going on holiday in search of sun and I could hardly blame her! Year, after year we ago away to some place hot and sit on the beach all day, I don’t know about you but it is not our idea of fun. The year before we had went on a safari holiday, and this was something that we found a lot more entertaining, it gave us a chance to actually do something different: that we couldn’t do back home.

Going on a skiing holiday, was also ideal because we had family out in France. It meant that we could go and see them when we first arrived and then hit the slopes for the rest of our stay. When we first arrived at our skiing destination the first thing that struck me was how warm the place is. Being surrounded by snow, you expect to experience cold weather, but in actual fact the weather was rather pleasant. The fact is that snow is deep and compressed, and that leads to ideal conditions for hitting the slopes. My wife and I started out by booking some lessons. My wife had skied before, but she explained that because she hadn’t skied for a while, she felt like she would rather do the lessons as well. The instructor was great, and really helped to give me an understanding of what was involved. I felt like I knew how to start, and stop and I felt like that gave me the necessary confidence to get started. The instructor seemed to really understand how to teach us, and I suppose that would come with his experience. He explained to us the importance of safety on the slopes, and how you have to be aware of what the people are doing around you.

During our holiday, we had a really great time. We woke up early and hit the slopes everyday. My wife and I both had really sore legs on the first few days, but that is because we both sit behind a desk five days a week. At night time, we were able to go out for dinner, and we soon became temporary locals at a nice restaurant that overlooked the slopes. It really was great, especially the food. Their were also lots of nice pubs and clubs, however we very rarely went out after our dinner: being on the slopes all day takes all the energy out of you.

If you are planning a skiing vacation then I do have a few words of warning before you decide to actually go away. Firstly, you should make sure that you are going to be in the correct physical condition to hit the slopes when you are over their. My uncle and auntie are well into their fifties and they decided to go on a skiing vacation. I never had the heart to say to them before they went, but as you can imagine it hardly the best idea, especially when my auntie suffers from heart problems. They went away and came back telling the relatives: “There is nothing to do if you don’t want to ski”. I found this hilarious, however they seemed to think it was perfectly reasonable.



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Gen Wright asked:


here should be enough space for every skier in the world. There is a total of 80 miles of ski runs and trails that are distributed in the wide fourteen hundred acre area of the ski resort. But the size is not the only reason why Les Menuires can provide the most exciting winter skiing adventure, there are, in fact, a variety of reasons. First, the new ski resort in Les Menuires is located at the Belleville Valley, a famous region of the Les Trois Vallees or The Three Valleys in France. The popularity of the nearby ski resorts unavoidably brought fame to Les Menuires. There are many instances when skiers in the Three Valleys would seek and try ski resorts other than the one they have already conquered. And there are also many instances when visitors of the new ski resort in Les Menuires remained loyal to the area. Second, the new ski resort in Les Menuires has world-class facilities. The facilities today are far better than in previous years when the ski resort was established in 1964. The 45 ski lifts are efficient and catered to the thousands of skiers. Specifically, the lift system can carry about 50,000 skiers every hour. And, at an altitude of more than one mile above sea level, the 62 trails of the new ski resort enjoy excellent snow coverage. But the one aspect that is considered as the crowning moment for this new ski resort was its selection as the venue of several games during the 1992 Winter Olympics. Third, the new ski resort in Les Menuires enjoys the reputation of being “The Smile of the Alps.” There are many ways that this new ski resort can coax a smile from a skier. The area is rarely crowded, the facilities are modern and, most important of all, even to non-skiers, is the presence of 48 restaurants from which, the skiers can experience a variety of cuisines and other gustatory delights. Fourth, the new ski resort in Les Menuires has a fascinating international community. Spreading across the valley of Belleville, observant skiers will find that there are several dominant groups. One, which is the favorite of shoppers, is found in the La Croisette. The La Croisette in the new ski resort of Les Menuires was built in the 1970s and it is the location of the main offices of various skiing companies. Another is the rural village of the Reberry-Les Bruyeres where warm hospitality envelops each visitor. And still another is the area of modern skiers whose passion for technology is just as fiery as their love for skiing. And fifth, the new ski resort in Les Menuires is ideal for people who are on a budget. Most ski resorts in the Three Valleys are considered expensive due their popularity but with the Les Menuires, where the area is dedicated to skiing, the prices are significantly and relatively lower. It is also interesting to note that the accommodations are built on the slopes, which provides a unique view of the valley.

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Winter Skiing In Deer Valley Resort

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Chris Chew asked:


Deer Valley Ski Resort is a top class vacation resort for skiing enthusiasts of all levels of expertise. It is situated in Utah’s portion of the majestic Rocky Mountain Range.

The resort is just about 37 miles from Salt Lake International Airport, in the ancient mining town of Park City. The management team that runs Deer Valley Ski Resort prides itself on providing superb customer service, consistent good quality and attention to details of each and every customer. Skiers on vacation in Deer Valley have consistently voted the resort as one of the best, if not the best ski resort in the world especially in the department of customer service.

Deer Valley Ski Resort is huge and sprawls over four spectacular mountains. This means that skiers of every level from the beginner to the expert skier can find their own ski trails and runs.

Towering at 8,400 ft (2,560 m) is the Bald Eagle Mountain. This mountain offers exhilarating skiing terrain for the novice and experienced skiers alike. Beginners will appreciate the separate protected beginners’ ski area known as the Wide West which is made accessible by two chairlifts called Burns and Snowflake.

Another Deer Valley mountain, the Bald Mountain, looms at 9,400 feet (2,865 m) and this area provides more challenging skiing terrain for the more experienced skiers. The view and scenery at Bald Mountain is simply spectacular. The skiing areas at The Sultan and Mayflower are filled with numerous runs and exhilarating trails. This area is a favorite for the more experienced skiers.

At the Flagstaff Mountain which peaks at 9,100 ft (2,775 m) are a variety of experienced and novice ski trails. Flagstaff Mountain skiing areas are also very suitable for family skiing because of several gentle gladed skiing areas. Skiers can glide into the Ontario Bowl which boasts of scintillating views of Park City and the Rocky Mountains.

The last mountain on Deer Valley ski resort is the Empire Canyon which stands at 9,570 ft (2,920 m). Empire Canyon offers intermediate and expert skiing terrain. It offers some of the most advanced skiing experience at Deer Valley which includes three bowls and eight chutes.

Deer Valley ski resorts not only offer varying terrain for different grade of skiers, it is also a ski resort built with family fun as its focus. Deer Valley ski school offers several coaching programs for children, teenagers as well as adults. It even have a licensed childcare center for non-skiing children when their parents are out there navigating the ski trails.

With so many fabulous features at Deer Valley Ski Resort, is it any wonder why this resort is often voted as one of the world’s best ski vacation resorts?



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How To Shop For Ski Equipment Online

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Frank McGoldrick asked:


As we all know, it is easy to buy pretty much anything online: cars, books and computers.  However, for an avid skier, what about shopping for skis, ski Boots, helmets and equipment?  Is it possible to skip your local ski store and buy your equipment online?  Simple answer, yes. Why limit yourself to a few ski stores in your neighborhood when you can search for the best deals online.  One of the biggest advantages of buying your ski equipment online can be the cost savings and finding the best selection of equipment you need. 

Obviously, one of the biggest concerns with purchasing ski equipment online is getting the correct fitting for your size and weight.  A simple solution to this problem is to visit your local ski store and get fitted for your equipment (skis, ski boots and ski poles).  Plus, take this opportunity to get all the free advice from the sales staff on their favorite brands and models.  The sales staff can also advise you on the right ski equipment for your profile (beginner, intermediate or expert).

Once you have the information on size and fit, it’s time to do a little bit of research.  So grab some coffee and get comfortable because there is a lot of information out there.  For example, if you are looking for skis, I would begin with a website called Ski-Review.com .  They are an independent source of current reviews on skis and they can steer you in the right direction before you make any purchase.  If you can’t decide on the type of skis you want to buy (all mountain, powder, twin tip or racing), there is another website called Skis.com, which can provide information on the differences between each type of ski.

Finally, after you have completed your research you can start shopping.  It is easy to find deals by searching through some of the major online ski stores.  Websites like Altrec.com or evogear.com to name a few, have a great selection of ski equipment.  One website, SkiHeart.com searches multiple websites for sales on ski equipment.  They then post all of the deals on their website.  For example, if you were looking for a ski sale or ski boot sale you can visit the site and find multiple deals on each product.

I hope this article can help you on your next purchase.  Your local ski shop doesn’t have to be your only option to buy ski equipment.  And don’t get me wrong, there is no reason that you have to buy your ski equipment online.  There are plenty of local ski shops that will offer competitive deals.  However, if you do the research first you can make an educated decision before you buy.  Ski equipment can be an expensive investment so just take some time to look online before you buy.  See you on the slopes!



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The Meaning of a Family Ski Resort

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Scott English asked:


Skiing is considered one of the most popular vacations. If your family is all into ski resorts, you may want to purchase a family ski resort package. But purchasing family ski resort vacation is quite crucial. Family ski resorts are quite different from the ones which are for couples and singles. If you are a family person, and expect to have other families live there for a holiday, you may want to purchase a family ski resort built specially for this.

What features in a resort make it a family friendly resort?

It is just not a family ski resort; it should rather be a family friendly one. It looks towards the needs of all members of the family be it children, ladies or older people and is not just for professional skiers.

The family ski resort will provide all types of education on how to ski down the hill as the people who want to ski may be first timers. The family ski resort will also have certain provisions for handling the babies or babysitting while the parents have gone for skiing. There are also alot of activities that you can do as a family.

These will keep the non skiing children safe and occupied in the resort while the parents have gone. The family ski resort also has activities such as dancing and other social activities.

The area or location of the resort matters when deciding its family friendliness.

The area where the family ski resort is present makes it warm or non family friendly. Even if the family ski resort is in a famous location, it might not be what your family is looking for. Even though you would meet a celebrity while you have gone skiing but the calm which you would have preferred will not be there even after your paying a fortune for your stay.

Also along with the famous place where the family ski resort is supposed to be located, you may be interested in the town near it. It should be more of a quiet place with minimal crime and no violence. Also, the family ski resort should also have a town which is fun to live in and has many quality food joints and places where you can shop and hang out.

Even though it requires some effort, it is worth to find out whether it is a family ski resort or not.



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Ski Holiday Prices On A Hike

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Roger Munns asked:


Research in the ski industry shows a surprise rise in the typical price of a skiing holiday this year.

The surprise report shows that the price of a typical ski holiday for the 2008 ski season rose everywhere in both Europe and Noth America - except for Germany and the United States - with Canadian ski holidays rising in price fastest as a direct result of the strong Canadian dollar against the Euro and British sterling.

Pushing prices up for the 2008 skiing season were not just higher aviation fuel costs and government levied flight taxes, but lift passes, equipment hire and ski instructor lessons all rose faster than inflation.

Comparing different ski resorts striking differences emerge with ski lift passes costing 90 sterling in Bulgaria and Romania - but over 240 sterling in Banff, Canada - nearly treble the cost.

And private ski lessons also showed great price differentials. Some ski resorts in Romania were offering lessons for 11 sterling this year, in Switzerland 35, but in Banff it went up to 65 sterling, nearly six times the cost of their Romanian counterparts.

Once the skiing is over for the day the price differences were still as sharp for skiiers this year. While a cup of coffee in Italy is around one Euro, in Norway it is nearer to three, and for those who prefer alcohol a beer in Bulgaria is a pound, but astonishingly over five pounds in Norway - and the cost of a meal shows similar price differentials.

Commenting upon the report, an Andorra travel guide who include ski holidays information comments that ‘The difference in prices between different resorts is surprising. We would expect some regional and local variance but not to the extent we saw for the 2008 ski season in Europe and North America.’

The lower priced ski countries could see an upswing in visitors in 2009 - much needed after a poor 2007 season in countries like Austria and Andorra, both of which recovered well this year but could do with a good second year in a row. Both countries are investing in their ski infrastructure and benefitting too from low cost airlines offering more flights to skiiers.

Several airlines recently announced a plan to encourage more trips to ski resorts by opening up additional routes for travel to European ski resorts.

These fly passengers directly to the airports that are closest to several of the major skiing destinations for many individuals and families on holiday. For example, the UK’s biggest low cost airline flies passengers on holiday into Barcelona, which is the nearest airport to the Andorra skiing resorts.

In addition to the flights taking passengers to ski at Andorra, there are several more flights connecting skiiers to their favourite ski destinations. Flights from London, Glasgow, Bristol, Liverpool, Blackpool and Newscastle all connect UK ski holidaymakers to their favourite ski resorts.

The reason airlines have chosen to increase the number of direct routes they provide to ski resorts for the 2008 and 2009 winter holiday periods is due to the fact business is booming. As of the end of October last year for example, one airline had over 2.5 million bookings for individuals and families wanting their flying services to travel to skiing destinations in Europe during this winter, and 2009 could see even more people taking a ski holiday.



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Ski Resorts in the French Alps

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Roger Munns asked:


The French Alps are home to some of the most well-known and well-travelled ski resorts in Europe.

Throughout the winter months, France’s more than 100 ski resorts are often filled to near capacity with skiers from around the globe.

The French Alps, Pyrenees Mountains and Vosges offer a wide range of ski possibilities for beginners to advanced skiers. Adrenaline junkies from near and far enjoy the thrill of downhill skiing in the mountains of France.

The most famous ski resort in France is located in the French Alps - Chamonix is the oldest and largest resort in the area.

It was home to the very first Winter Olympic Games in 1924. There, the world’s highest cable car lifts passengers up nearly 12,000 feet to offer amazing views of the almost 16,000 foot peak of Mont Blanc.

Mont Blanc is Europe’s highest peak. In addition to skiing and other winter sports, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc offers great summertime holiday packages. Attractions include folk festivals, a fair, a museum, wooden sculptures, golf, movies, clubs, casinos, bowling, fishing and hunting.

More athletic or adventurous summertime guests can enjoy horseback riding, cycling or mountain bike riding, hiking, river rafting, rock climbing, tennis, swimming and other water sports.

Some of the more ritzy and fashionable resorts include Courchevel, Megeve and Meribel. Courchevel consists of five villages, all at varying altitudes. During the winter ski season it offers snowboarding parks, half-pipe, terrain and cross-country skiing, as well as various downhill skiing options.

All resorts offer great ski instruction for beginners and intermediate skiers looking to improve their skill. During the summer holiday months Courchevel maintains its popularity as a summertime holiday getaway. Some of the more popular summertime activities include golf, rock climbing, mountain biking, hiking and swimming. Part of Courchevel’s summertime allure is the relaxing atmosphere and amazing scenery.

Winter’s End

Most ski resorts have closed their ski operations in lieu of summertime activities. Many resorts maintain a near-capacity booking, even during the summer.

Throughout the summer, many families enjoy a relaxing summer holiday at various ski resorts. Even during the summer months, Courchevel, Megeve, Meribel and Chamonix often report yearly increases in summertime guests. Ski resorts are available for more than skiers; they’re often considered to be very posh and relaxing summertime holiday spots.

Summertime Skiing in the Alps

Just because it is summer doesn’t mean ski season is over entirely. Ski options still exist during the summer, only not as abundantly as winter time ski options.

Don’t put your skis away until you’ve examined all available summertime ski options. Glacier skiing in the Alps is very popular among die-hard ski enthusiasts. Glacier skiing is available in Australia, New Zealand, Chile, Argentina and Whistler-Blackcomb near Vancouver, Canada.

Glacier skiing tends to provide less challenging skiing conditions, but is an opportunity every skier should take advantage of at least once. The snow and ice on glaciers tends to be flat and mushy, not exactly perfect conditions for the adrenaline junkie, but good for those who just love to ski.

Chile’s La Parva and Portillo resorts are popular off-season training areas for many ski teams. New Zealand’s Whakapapa resort offers a ski adventure of a lifetime. It is one of the few resorts in the world that offers the ability to ski down the side of an active volcano.



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Chris Braisby asked:


Mount Norquay, Sunshine Village and Lake Louise make up the three ski areas of Banff. All three resorts are unique in their own way with Mount Norquay being the closest to town, a quick 15 minute drive from downtown.

Mount Norquay is particularly popular with ski racers and locals who like steep fall line skiing; this is what the resort is really all about. Although the ski area is relatively quiet with a spacious and charming lodge, the skiing is not really suited to beginner and novice skiers. Unless you are a competent parallel skier, the trails at Norquay will seem daunting. My advice as a former ski instructor in the area would be to recommend this resort to “seasoned’ skiers” who like the challenge of steeps, bumps and hard pack conditions.

Sunshine Village is the next resort closest to town and can be found by driving West on Highway 1 towards Lake Louise. The drive takes approximately 30 minutes but can take longer on stormy days. Once you arrive at the car park you must ride the gondola to reach the ski area. This takes about twenty two minutes normally. Sometimes on very cold days (Often in December and January) the gondola will not run first thing probably for safety reasons. There are also occasions when windy conditions affect the time duration of the gondola ride.

he skiing conditions at Sunshine Village are generally excellent from early December (and often earlier) until late May. This is primarily due to its location and relatively high altitude which is comparable to high elevation European resorts.

Most British tourists who visit Sunshine Village fall in love with the scenery, light snow and skiing. The resort is of average size (compared to European and US resorts) and the trails are suitable for all levels except experts. If you are a “die hard” skier who has skied some of the serious resorts of the world you may find Sunshine unimpressive. This is because the trails are relatively short and not particularly steep. Delirium Dive is the one exception but this area is often closed for much of the season for safety reasons.

If you are a beginner skier you may find the learning area small and often crowded on weekends and holidays. However once you graduate away from this area you will find many enjoyable “green trails” to keep you happy.

For Intermediate skiers who make parallel turns or semi parallel turns Sunshine Village is a perfect place to ski. The vast majority of trails here are ideally suited for this level of skier who will love the wide open slopes and great conditions.

Sunshine Village is a truly beautiful resort to see and ski at. Most people who come here have a positive skiing experience and except for the cold weather (December and January particularly) it is hard to fault Sunshine.

The last area that makes up the ski areas of Banff is Lake Louise. Lake Louise is particularly good for intermediate to advanced skiers. Although the ski area is relatively big most of the trails are not particularly suited for beginner and novice skiers. The initial learning area however is very good (with the exception of the T-bar lift which most beginners and novices dislike). However once this area is mastered (usually between one and three days) the next step is relatively large.

Although there are many “green trails” on the front side and backside of the mountain, most of them are not particularly easy. What compounds this problem is that the front side is often hard packed and scraped due to the artificial snow that is made here. The backside does not suffer with this problem however the only trail down the mountain is a narrow path which is often intimidating for novice skiers.

For most intermediate skier’s Lake Louise is normally a wonderful experience with an abundance of long trails. In my opinion the better skiing is to be found on the backside particularly the Larch Area. Advanced skiers will also love the backside particularly on a “powder day”.

To sum up my analysis of the three areas and where one should ski when visiting Banff this is my recommendation.

Mount Norquay

Mount Norquay is ideally suited to competent parallel skiers and not beginner or novices.

Lake Louise

If you are a first time skier Lake Louise has the best learning area of all three mountains. Except for the T-bar lift, most beginner and early novice skiers make good progress here. Lake Louise is not so good for the same skiers after two days of learning as the next step up the mountain is quite challenging for most. Many of the Lake Louise “green trails” are steep, narrow or hard pack. The front side of the mountain (especially lower down nearer the bottom) is often icy and hard packed due to man made snow. The backside of the mountain is usually much better for most levels of skier.

Sunshine Village

Sunshine Village is ideal for most skiers except experts. The resort has a small beginner area that gets busy on weekends and holidays. The scenery and snow at Sunshine Village are breathtaking and except for the early season (December and January when it can be very cold) Sunshine skiing is hard to fault.

If you are a competent parallel skier I would suggest you try all three resorts and decide for yourself which is your favourite. Happy skiing this winter.



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