Canada Ski Blog

Over the past 24 hours the pound sterling has gained strength as markets continue to digest the emergency budget measures adopted by Britain’s new coalition government.

With a lot of early bird ski holiday deals in Canada, some of which are exclusive to the U.K. market, there is not a better time to lock into low rates for the winter 2010-2011 ski season.

50% OFF Panorama accommodation ends June 30 2010 so be sure to check out these low rates (the lowest we have seen!). Obtain an online quote using the link below and book by June 30 2010 to receive an additional $50 off any online booking. Be sure to call and mention “CANSKI50″ and an additional $50 will be discounted off your quote.

Visit www.BookSkiHoliday.com for an online quote or to book.

We are amazed at some of the winter 2010/2011 early-bird deals out there. Just came across this one:

- 50% OFF lodging at Panorama Mountain Resort when you book by June 30 2010

- There are no blackout dates

- Minimum night stay is 5

- Discounted lift passes must be included in package

To book, contact Ski Holidays Canada or book your Canada ski holiday online.

What is HST?

The Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) is the single harmonized value-added tax that will replace the GST and PST in British Columbia on July 1, 2010. The HST will apply at a rate of 12 per cent to those goods and services that are subject to GST. In other words, the PST will be eliminated and a 7 per cent provincial rate will be added to the 5 per cent GST. This 12 per cent combined tax will be called the HST.

Which of your featured ski resorts are affected?

All ski resorts in British Columbia (BC), Western Canada, will be affected by this new HST. Out of our featured ski resorts, these include Fernie, Kimberley, Kicking Horse, Panorama and Whistler Blackcomb.

Will my ski holiday in British Columbia cost me more?

In short, yes. The main impact is on the lift passes which will now be subject to 12% tax (instead of 5%) at all the ski resort in British Columbia. A full list of ski resorts in BC can be viewed HERE.

How can I avoid this tax?

If you book and pay in full by the end of this month, April 2010, then you will not have to pay the additional 7% tax for next season. May 1 2010 onwards, you will have to pay the additional tax.

If you want to avoid the tax completely after May 1 2010, take your ski holiday in Alberta where goods and services are only subject to 5% GST. Out of our featured ski resorts, these include Banff Norquay, Sunshine Village, Lake Louise, Jasper Marmot Basin and Nakiska. I suspect suppliers in British Columbia may lower rates or at the very least keep rates the same as last winter to keep competitive with suppliers in Alberta.

Booking in advance will save you money as there are some great early-bird ski deals available. Ski Holidays Canada for example have free ski days, hotel nights and kids ski and rent for free at select ski resorts as early-booking incentives.

Banff Norquay may have closed last Sunday but Sunshine Village and Lake Louise are still going strong in Banff National Park!

Here we’re celebrating longer days, our infamous spring snow dumps, and skiing and riding until May 24 2010 – that’s almost 6 weeks still to go! To celebrate properly, there is a ton of great music and events all the way up to closing day.

We’ve got a quick look at what we’re most excited for this spring. But there’s way more going on than we can list here, so check out the events lineup for all the fun.

Strawberry Jam at Sunshine Village

Every weekend from April 24 to May 24

The “jam packed” lineup includes Redneck Rodeo, the first ever So You Think You’re Fast competition, an appearance from the Coors Light Snow Bunnies, DJ’s and live music from BC/DC, George Canyon and One More Girl.

Todd Selecks at The Lake Louise Ski Area

April 24 to 25

Another Spring Music Session delivers great music from soul-topped, funk-rock Todd Sellecks at the Kokanee Kabin. All Spring Music Session concerts are FREE.

Country 105 Celebrity BBQ Weekend at The Lake Louise Ski Area

April 24 to 25

Country 105 celebrities will be flipping burgers to today’s hottest country music at Temple Beach on the backside of the ski area.

The Coors Light Peak Party at Sunshine Village

April 24 to 25

The Coors Light Snow Bunnies will be here all weekend. The fun will include the You Look Good Riders Cup on Saturday and the Pando Ski Comp on the same course Sunday, plus a fashion show, sampling, Coors Light beer garden, demos and DJ’s pumping you up all weekend.

Kokanee Meltdown at The Lake Louise Ski Area

May 1

Kokanee beer gardens, live music and fresh mountain air! With free access to the beer gardens and music.

VW Spring Episode at The Lake Louise Ski Area

May 1 to 2

Season end party at The Lake Louise Ski Area with beer gardens, Appleton’s Beach, demos, contests and Kids Zone. There’ll be tons of music from Smalltown DJ’s, Shout Out Out Out Out and Young Ones, plus events like Shop Showdown, The Akademy’s and What the Huck!?.

Party Like A Rockstar Weekend at Sunshine Village

May 15 to 16

Back by popular demand, BC/DC will be rockin’ the stage all weekend long. Dress up as your favourite rockstar, and stand a chance to win prizes for best-dressed. The Rockstar street team will be giving out energy drink samples too.

Slush Cup and Beach Party at Sunshine Village

May 22-24

Live music from New Moon and DJ’s all weekend, Bikinis for Breast Cancer fundraiser, an exclusive performance from the Sunshine Rockstar winners and the 82nd annual Slush Cup on Sunday!

Head to BANFF NATIONAL PARK today for a great POWDER DAY!

In the last 24 hours, Sunshine Village received 25cm, Banff Norquay 20+cm and  Lake Louise 13cm. These ski resorts are all included in your Tri-Area Ski Lift Pass.

The following ski resorts also received some fresh:

Panorama 11cm, Kicking Horse 10cm, Fernie 7cm, Jasper Marmot Basin 5cm, Whistler Blackcomb 4cm, Nakiska 4cm

- Whistler Blackcomb’s season is now it’s SECOND snowiest in history!

- Kimberley Alpine Ski Resort is now CLOSED for winter operations.

Fernie Alpine Resort took the Number 5 spot in Skiing Magazine’s “Top 25 Resorts in North America”. The Resort was one of only two Canadian resorts in the Top 10. Whistler Blackcomb was rated Number 1. The magazine compiled the results after readers submitted their favourite resort picks based on quality of snow, terrain, affordability and nightlife.

Fernie Alpine Resort has gained a reputation for its powder, but is now becoming famous for so much more. With a fun and friendly ski town atmosphere, great dining, adventure activities, a mountain village and a number of new real estate developments, Fernie caters to a variety of skiers and riders from around the globe.

The Resort has also received a number of other accolades in the past year, including:

– One of the Top 6 Powder Destinations on the Planet (Fall Line Skiing Magazine, 2007)
– “Best Powder” (Ski Canada Magazine, 2007)
– “Best New On-Mountain Restaurant” – Lost Boys Café (Ski Canada Magazine, 2007)
– “Best Thank You to the Locals” (Ski Canada Magazine, 2007)
– “Best Places to Powder Your Nose” – Fernie’s White Room Sessions (Ski Canada Magazine, 2007)
– Ranked 8th out of the Top 25 Resorts in North America (Skiing Magazine, 2006)
– “Best Deck Party in Canada”, “Best Ski Town”, “Best Powder” (Ski Canada Magazine, 2006)

Fernie Alpine Resort is gearing up for the 2007/2008 winter season with a number of resort enhancements, including snowmaking improvements, additional heated washroom facilities at the new mountaintop Lost Boys Café, improved cat track and terrain access, added tree skiing and more. Fernie Alpine Resort is scheduled to open December 8, 2007.

Book early for great savings at Fernie Alpine Resort! Ski Holidays and Vacations in Fernie available from rocky-peak Holidays.