On Nov 2, 5:54*am, wrote:
Am planning a *nordic ski trip in December in the Banff/Lake Louise/
Canmore area and have a few questions as I'm on a slim travel budget
and need some pointers on places to stay and getting around.

So basically i'm looking for suggestions on cheap accommodations in
these areas (such as b&b's or hostels etc) and would like to know if
there are *shuttle buses (or the like) to get around to the various
trails and if there is an airport shuttle from Calgary to any of these
areas. *Also interested in hearing about any good *ski trails in the
areas *that you can recommend. Its the *first time out skiing in this
area for me *so any info/advice (good websites) would be appreciated.

Many thanks,
Cal

The Canmore-Banff-Lake Lousie is a great area for Nordic skiing but
like much of North America getting to trail heads is largely private
car oriented. Here's a link to the area's transportation options:
http://www.banfflakelouise.com/plan-...getting-around

My recollection is that the shuttle from YYC to Canmore or Banff is
rather expensive. But the bigger problem is getting the the trail
sites once you get to the area. The Lake Lousie hostel being the
exception where you could walk to the Tramline trail, but you would
still be somewhat constrained without transportation. You can also
walk to the Goat Creek Trailhead from Banff town, but Banff is
relatively low (elevation) and snow may be less reliable.

The Mt. Shark and Kananaskis Country trail heads are some distance
from Canmore and other than busses accomodating senior citizen ski
outings, its pretty much private cars in those two areas. Canmore
Nordic is on the outskirts of town and a good uphill walk to the
Centre.

My recollection is that Canmore Nordic, Mt. Shark and some Banff and
Lake Louise (e.g Moraine Lake Road) trails are groomed for skating.
Kananaskis is trackset for classic.

If you do rent a car, take note that the snow is usually cold and
dry. Many of the locals do well with just 2-WD cars.

In terms of accomodations, Canmore is cheaper than Banff/Lake Louise
in general. Xmas-New Year pricing is an added cost.

BTW, In December think Winter solstice. My first trip to Canmore was
during the first half of December. Sunlight started around 8:30 and
it was pretty dark by 4 or 4:30.