IPALMER

iTrader: (5)

my wife and i had our honeymoon in Banff in April this year, we stayed in the Banff Springs Hotel, which was absolutely out of this world..



this is the entrance . .



Banff itself is relatively small, but had a large variety of bars / restaurants and good night life



the snowboarding was great, i've only been once before to France , so i'm not the best person to make a comparison





We went right at the end of ther season , it wasn't cold, and we had fresh powder every day.The only drawback was the journey from the hotel to the slopes and back, on a bus , it was a bit tiresome at the end of a long day.


It's a long way to go , especially if it's your first time, but if you can put up with the journey and the cost to Canada, then go for it !!

davegtt

Banff Springs Hotel, very nice place. Didnt stay there though, we only popped in and had lunch there

a_little_feisty

I've been out to Fernie a couple of times ... if the snow is good it is heaven on earth ... pow pow central ... however if the snow is not so good it can be quite brutal ... it is not the easiest mountain to ride, especially for beginners ... The town (although it is known as the "city") is a strange mix of hardware stores, bars and convenience stores but the overall vibe in Fernie is very chilled and friendly - once the locals realise you are English and not Aussie (they will work for a pittance, therefore taking jobs from locals). It is not super-lively or at all sophisticated (see Whistler), but IMHO a wicked place to stay and ride.

I've also been to Whistler too which is the complete opposite to Fernie - very commercialised, but also much more geared up to the tourist ... Loads of accommodation, shops and bars and mountains to die for ... Whistler and Blackcomb have runs to suit every level (couloirs for the brave, bunny runs for the newbies).

Both were really cold -25 to -30 in jan and early feb, but it makes no difference if you are kitted out ... just don't stand still for too long or frostbite will come a knockin' ...

Bottom line is it all comes down to choice and taste ... I would choose Fernie anyday as it has a much more laid back, chilled vibe ...

One thing I would say though is if you have never boarded before - if you can get to and Xscape or the snowdome and learn before ... DO IT!!! ... otherwise you will spend all that money and travel all that distance to only experience a tiny amount of the mountain ... you don't want to spend the whole time doing bunny runs ...

... and lastly (essay almost over!) ... if you go to Canada, go for 10 days min, 2 weeks if possible, as you will lose a couple of days to travelling and jet-lag!

Hope this helps!

Nic

Leslie

I reckon that Skiddoos are much more fun.

Les

Bash0rz

random question - is there snow in march? canada?

a_little_feisty

random reply ... yes!

Sleazy Badger

Just my tuppence worth...

If it's your first time I personally think you'd have just a good time in the French Alps. But at half the cost. As stated elsewhere normal 'ski-wear' probably wouldn't cut it in Canada and serious kit has a serious price tag.

Do what we do - get the Eurostar snow train down to Bourg St. Maurice and travel on from there. Most of the Three Valleys and Killy-Espace ski areas are recommended and have everything required for the first timer.

Spending that much money on something you've never done is a little silly - especially as you may not get on with it!!! (Although I'm sure you will - most people do!)

Whatever you do, enjoy - you'll probably be going every year from now on...

*shudders at cost of val d'isere trip in March*

Leslie

Who cares about "cutting it" ? All you need is to be comfortable,warm and dry surely!

Les

51st state

hi , i've been to whistler in 04 for 10days, nice place well set up snow in march wasn't good??, eating and drinking were cheapish, ski pass was £280 for 9days!!, that holiday cost nearly£2k!!
been 3 times earlier this year to meribel, val di fassa, soll, for the same amount!!, paid less than £300 for half board each week!!, i use igluski, they snow reports ,webcams, all i do is watch for good deals and check snow conditions, book about 2/3weeks before going,
i've been to a lot of europe,
for learning , bulgaria is cheap, and good, check the site bulgariaski, they have snow already
another place is www.yllas.fi, in finland, for learning very good, and you can hire skidoo's like cars in spain? whole road system for them
soll in austria is cheap, 1hour transfer, and 250km piste, great place, another lovely place is livigno italy, fantastic for learning and designer shops at discount, long transfer!
canada was a long way, dear, and nothing i couldn't get in europe