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1st time planning canada trip- options?



 
 
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  #1  
Old September 20th 04, 07:08 PM
Jorg
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Default 1st time planning canada trip- options?

Hi,

Thinking of a skiing holiday in Canada for the first time (with an
European party), I'd be happy with some starting points and timing
ideas.

In Europe, we tend to choose februari, to have some sun but still be
sure of snow- the latter might not be a problem in Canada though.

Being intermediate, we would take also a couple of beginners that
would need some nice stretch of the Canadian equivalent of European
'blue' slopes- but I have some problems in judging the difficulty
rating when looking at the internet sites of the most popular resorts-
what should I look at?

Any help appriciated,

Jorg
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  #2  
Old September 21st 04, 07:52 AM
Peter Riley-Jordan
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Jorg -

You'll have a great time in Canada, Feb should not be too cold but do keep
an eye on the temperatures via the web. It did hit -35c last year! but not
for long.

I have been very happy with my visits to Banff and Lake Louise, they have a
vast area between them, great for all levels and excellent ski schools.

Stay in the Banff area and do the hop to L.L. as the night life is better in
Banff. If you purchase a Tri-area pass transportation is free. Lots of other
things to do if you want a day off skiing. As to the difficulty rating I
have not experienced Europe, but I expect you will have some replies to
cover that.

If you do get to Lake Louise, make sure you try the "Back Bowls", as it does
not get busy at all and it opens up a whole area to ski.

I went for a honeymoon, and have been back 2 more times. Accommodation to
suit all ranges, The ski bus stops close to all the majors hotels.

Peter


"Jorg" wrote in message
...
Hi,

Thinking of a skiing holiday in Canada for the first time (with an
European party), I'd be happy with some starting points and timing
ideas.

In Europe, we tend to choose februari, to have some sun but still be
sure of snow- the latter might not be a problem in Canada though.

Being intermediate, we would take also a couple of beginners that
would need some nice stretch of the Canadian equivalent of European
'blue' slopes- but I have some problems in judging the difficulty
rating when looking at the internet sites of the most popular resorts-
what should I look at?

Any help appriciated,

Jorg



  #3  
Old September 21st 04, 05:35 PM
stuart
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Default


"Jorg" wrote in message
...
Hi,

Thinking of a skiing holiday in Canada for the first time (with an
European party), I'd be happy with some starting points and timing
ideas.

In Europe, we tend to choose februari, to have some sun but still be
sure of snow- the latter might not be a problem in Canada though.

Being intermediate, we would take also a couple of beginners that
would need some nice stretch of the Canadian equivalent of European
'blue' slopes- but I have some problems in judging the difficulty
rating when looking at the internet sites of the most popular resorts-
what should I look at?

Any help appriciated,

Jorg


You can get good hotels in Banff/Canmore for 50-80 Cdn per night, if you
book them yourself. Search the net. Most places have email and you can
reserve online.
Enquire about transportation, which is plentiful to all the hills.


  #4  
Old September 21st 04, 06:24 PM
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Jorg wrote in message . ..
In Europe, we tend to choose februari, to have some sun but still be
sure of snow- the latter might not be a problem in Canada though.


I'd recommend Whistler, if you go for February then you'll have great
conditions

Being intermediate, we would take also a couple of beginners that
would need some nice stretch of the Canadian equivalent of European
'blue' slopes- but I have some problems in judging the difficulty
rating when looking at the internet sites of the most popular resorts-
what should I look at?


I was in Whistler this Easter and there's a load of really good
beginner runs (greens), especially ExpressWay onto EasyOut
(Blackcomb), part of our group (2 beginners, 2 intermediates) spent
hours there. On Whistler, Lower Whiskey Jack onto the Upper Olympic is
good as well, and if they're real beginners, the Olympic Chair area on
Whistler is perfect, one of our beginners spent days there just
perfecting his turns.

Canada's a good choice, especially for Europeans, not least because of
the exchange rate! Whistler's a great place, much nicer than the
French resorts I've been to, although not as picturesque as some of
the the Austrian ones (Kaprun, Zell am See). Everything's
pedestrianised and there's lots of great bars and restaurants.

I must admit to a slight bias, since I've just bought a 2bed condo in
the village, if you decide to go for Whistler and would like details,
drop me a line

Wherever you go, you'll have a great time in Canada! Good luck!

Dan
(PS the website isn't up yet)
  #5  
Old September 22nd 04, 08:08 PM
Jorg
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On Mon, 20 Sep 2004 21:08:26 +0200, Jorg wrote:

Thanks for the info all, I hope we can get it arranged!

So do I understand:

green US trial = blue European trial? (as for difficulty?)

  #6  
Old September 23rd 04, 06:07 PM
Clint
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Skiing in Canada should be great in February. For Whistler, it tends to
catch rain early in the winter until about mid January so you will avoid
most of the rain if you go there February and on. Other places like
interior BC and Alberta should be great even from January and on although it
is the coldest during January. Same for eastern Canada in Quebec. January
can have serious wind chills. February to even beginning of April would
produce good conditions.

Most resorts will have plenty of blue rated runs for you although the blues
out in Quebec and Ontario tend to be a bit easier than the blues out west.

If you go out west, many resorts have guided tours where local ski guides
can tell you which are the best runs for you as there's some variance among
even the blue runs.

Have fun over here.

Clint

Free Spirit Gallery
http://www.FreeSpiritGallery.ca
Exquisite Inuit (Eskimo) & Native American Art



"Jorg" wrote in message
...
Hi,

Thinking of a skiing holiday in Canada for the first time (with an
European party), I'd be happy with some starting points and timing
ideas.



  #7  
Old September 24th 04, 03:45 PM
Janice
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"Jorg" wrote in message
...
On Mon, 20 Sep 2004 21:08:26 +0200, Jorg wrote:

Thanks for the info all, I hope we can get it arranged!

So do I understand:

green US trial = blue European trial? (as for difficulty?)


Yes you're correct more or less.

Green US - green & blue European
Blue US - red European

It's difficult to compare accurately. Some US blues are like Euro blues.


  #8  
Old September 24th 04, 09:50 PM
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Jorg wrote in message . ..
On Mon, 20 Sep 2004 21:08:26 +0200, Jorg wrote:

Thanks for the info all, I hope we can get it arranged!

So do I understand:

green US trial = blue European trial? (as for difficulty?)


If I remember correctly, Whistler/Blackcomb has the following types of
runs:

green & white - easiest
green
blue & white
blue
Black diamond
Double black diamond - hardest

Good luck with organising it, I organised our DIY trip at Easter (12
adults), so I know what its like :-)

Drop me a line if you need any more info

Dan
 




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