Sara DobsonThe Canadian Rockies
August 18th 2008 02:13
I was full of excitement at visiting Banff National Park; everybody had told me that it is the most spectacular scenery in the world. People have said that about many other places in the world but after spending time in New Zealand’s South Island my standards were very high. I had never experienced anything that compared, until now.
I cannot be disloyal to my home country, but this is some of the most magnificent scenery I have ever had the pleasure of being surrounded by.
There are three ski areas within the Banff National Park, Lake Louise, Ski Norquay and Sunshine Village. On our first morning, we had to make the big decision, where will we ski today. We decided to take the shuttle bus to Sunshine Village located just 15 minutes drive from our hotel in Banff.
When we arrived at Sunshine Village, we hopped aboard the high-speed gondola and 13 minutes later, we disembarked at some of the most magical mountain terrain I had seen.
It was one of those beautiful clear days where you can see for miles, and makes skiing the most enjoyable experience in the world. The snow was the perfect powder that you can sometimes hear squeaking under your skis. With 12 lifts including the high speed Gondola and 107 runs, we never had to queue for a lift all day. Sunshine Village spans the border of Alberta and British Columbia, which means you can boast to all your friends you skied in two proivinces in one day.
After dinner that evening, we enjoyed a horse drawn sleigh ride along the Bow River in Banff. The sleighs run every 45 minutes, from the Warner Stables on Sundance Road. There are also romantic sleigh rides that include liqueurs and chocolates for the lovers out there.
What I loved about walking around the beautiful town of Banff was seeing the wildlife just hanging around the streets, particularly caribou that we walked past in touching distance. Although we were warned not to touch them as, they can be dangerous.
The next morning we were ready to tackle Lake Louise located 60kms southwest of Banff. We were blessed with fantastic weather again as we approached Canada’s largest single ski area. As I looked around, I could see why this is named one of the most scenic resorts. The snow is pristine and you are surrounded my stunning wilderness.
The good thing about Lake Louise is that every lift has several runs catering for beginners to more expeerienced skiers, which means you can ski with your group regardless of differing levels of ability.
A highlight was the powder bowls where my skiing ability was challenged, as I made my way down The Wall. It is something I tried only twice that day before I was worn out and decided to take it easy.
With 4200 skiable areas and 139 runs, even if you spent a week at Lake Louise alone you would not get a chance to ski all of them.
The next morning we were off to Norquay. The first thing I noticed when we arrived was the was the steep moguls field and free falls in front of us. I thought this might be a challenging day, and it was! Later I discovered the Lone Pine and Gun Run, which are challenging black diamond runs even for the most hard out skiers.
However, beginners and intermediate level skiers need not be put off there are plenty of gentler slopes to.
For those that want to avoid the crowds Norquay also offers night skiing from 5pm – 9pm on Fridays.
Skiing in the Canadian Rockies is one of the most magical experiences for skiers of all levels, not only is the snow like squeaky powder under your skis, you are surrounded by some of the most stunning scenery.
After a hard days skiing there are some there is plenty to do in the beautiful town of Banff.
I cannot be disloyal to my home country, but this is some of the most magnificent scenery I have ever had the pleasure of being surrounded by.
Banff photo credit rabesphoto flickr
There are three ski areas within the Banff National Park, Lake Louise, Ski Norquay and Sunshine Village. On our first morning, we had to make the big decision, where will we ski today. We decided to take the shuttle bus to Sunshine Village located just 15 minutes drive from our hotel in Banff.
When we arrived at Sunshine Village, we hopped aboard the high-speed gondola and 13 minutes later, we disembarked at some of the most magical mountain terrain I had seen.
It was one of those beautiful clear days where you can see for miles, and makes skiing the most enjoyable experience in the world. The snow was the perfect powder that you can sometimes hear squeaking under your skis. With 12 lifts including the high speed Gondola and 107 runs, we never had to queue for a lift all day. Sunshine Village spans the border of Alberta and British Columbia, which means you can boast to all your friends you skied in two proivinces in one day.
Sunshine Village
After dinner that evening, we enjoyed a horse drawn sleigh ride along the Bow River in Banff. The sleighs run every 45 minutes, from the Warner Stables on Sundance Road. There are also romantic sleigh rides that include liqueurs and chocolates for the lovers out there.
What I loved about walking around the beautiful town of Banff was seeing the wildlife just hanging around the streets, particularly caribou that we walked past in touching distance. Although we were warned not to touch them as, they can be dangerous.
The next morning we were ready to tackle Lake Louise located 60kms southwest of Banff. We were blessed with fantastic weather again as we approached Canada’s largest single ski area. As I looked around, I could see why this is named one of the most scenic resorts. The snow is pristine and you are surrounded my stunning wilderness.
The good thing about Lake Louise is that every lift has several runs catering for beginners to more expeerienced skiers, which means you can ski with your group regardless of differing levels of ability.
A highlight was the powder bowls where my skiing ability was challenged, as I made my way down The Wall. It is something I tried only twice that day before I was worn out and decided to take it easy.
With 4200 skiable areas and 139 runs, even if you spent a week at Lake Louise alone you would not get a chance to ski all of them.
The next morning we were off to Norquay. The first thing I noticed when we arrived was the was the steep moguls field and free falls in front of us. I thought this might be a challenging day, and it was! Later I discovered the Lone Pine and Gun Run, which are challenging black diamond runs even for the most hard out skiers.
However, beginners and intermediate level skiers need not be put off there are plenty of gentler slopes to.
For those that want to avoid the crowds Norquay also offers night skiing from 5pm – 9pm on Fridays.
Skiing in the Canadian Rockies is one of the most magical experiences for skiers of all levels, not only is the snow like squeaky powder under your skis, you are surrounded by some of the most stunning scenery.
After a hard days skiing there are some there is plenty to do in the beautiful town of Banff.
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Comment by Cibbuano
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you mean, two provinces in one day... ha!
Comment by Sara Dobson
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Thanks Cib I fixed that.
Unfortunately I have only been to the Rockies in winter so probably didn't experience the wildlife at its best. It is so beautiful there I would like to go in the summer some time. I bet it is lush and green.
Comment by Tracy
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Comment by Sara Dobson
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Comment by Mr Nice Guy
Pop Culturist
Spent a couple of weeks doing the whole Calgary, BC and Rockies thing about 2 years ago - and wow - breathtaking stuff.
Actually spent 3 days on horseback camping in the Rockies (summertime of course) with three others and our guide - who was simply fantastic (apparently a world snow boarding champ to boot).
The colours and peacefulness of Lake Louise is something I'll never forget.
It's truly a beautiful country - that I'll be heading back to.
Thanks for rekindling a few memories.
Comment by Tracy
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Comment by Sara Dobson
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My Turn
Tracy is right that sounds like an amzing trip. I love the region in fact I love all of Canada. I am hoping to head back that way my self soon.
Maybe a summer trip for me next,