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.

There is a lot going on at the Lake Louise Ski Area this weekend!

April 17 – 2010 : ATB Financial Snow Day

Take a “Snow Day” with ATB Financial! Show your ATB credit card or debit card at Guest services on April 17, 2010 and receive a full day lift ticket for just $50+GST! In addition, the first 300 ATB customers will receive a free BBQ hamburger voucher with the purchase of each discount lift ticket, and all ATB customers can enter into a draw to win a 2010/11 family season pass!

Location: The Lake Louise Ski Area

Time: All Day!

April 17, 18 – 2010: CJAY 92 Celebrity BBQ Weekend

CJAY 92 celebrities will be rocking out Temple Beach will flipping burgers at Temple Beach on the backside of the ski area.

Location: Temple Beach at Temple Lodge

Time: 11am – 2pm

April 16, 17, 18 – 2010: The Lake Louise Reunion Party – 1st Annual

The Lake Louise Ski Area would like to thank everyone who has worked in Lake Louise by holding a special weekend long celebration!

The event kicks off on Friday April 16th with the Summit Cup event (optional), and an evening Torchlight Dinner & Ski party (optional). On Saturday April 17th prepare yourself for a huge Reunion Party that includes live music, dancing, appetizer buffet, cash bar, and more! Enjoy a delicious buffet breakfast on Sunday April 18th (included in your reunion ticket price)! Experience the best skiing that Lake Louise has to offer at heavily reduced rates (up to 3 days)!

April 17 – 2010: Cardboard Box Downhill Derby

Get creative with cardboard for the annual Cardboard Box Downhill Derby! Put your carpentry skills to the test by building a sled using only cardboard, string, tape, and glue. Teams can be made up of 1-4 people.

Location: Easy Street

Time: 11:30pm – 1:30pm Registration (tent beside Kokanee Kabin)

2:00pm Race Start

Awards immediately following the race!

Cost: FREE

April 17 – 2010: 1-5-9 Style Session

Arts Vs Crafts and Rude Boys present the 1-5-9 Style Sessions hosted in the Lake Louise Ski Area’s terrain park. Pick your heat: 180′s, 540′s or 900′s. There will be $3000 in cash prizes awarded to the competitors who execute the 1, 5, or 9 with the best style and control. Rude Boys is also bringing truck loads of product prizing. Sorry skiers, this is a snowboarder?s only event.

Location: Showtime Terrain Park

Time: 9:00am registration beside the Kokanee Kabin

Cost: $20

April 17, 18 – 2010: Spring Music Session – The Dudes

The Dudes formed in 1996 using their energetic live sound to grasp the hearts of Calgarians, the town that they call home, and is now winning the hearts of all Canadians. Influenced by artists like The Flaming Lips and Weezer, they have now played festivals as large at The Virgin Fest in Calgary and the JunoFest in Vancouver.

Kokanee Beer Gardens

Time: 2:30pm-3:30pm & 4:00pm-5:00pm

Cost: FREE

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Last minute Lake Louise Ski Holidays still available!

rocky-peak Ski Holidays has a sale on at the Vagabond Lodge at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort for March and April 2009. April 12 2009 is the final day of operation for Kicking Horse. 

• stay 5 nights, pay for 4
• stay 6 nights, pay for 5
• stay 7 nights, pay for 6
• stay 10 nights, pay for 8

The above ski specials only apply if space is available based on double occupancy.  Breakfast and lunch is included with your stay. Lunch is not included on check-in or check-out days.

In addition to the above rocky-peak Ski Holidays can also help you with your lift passes (save a minimum of 10%) and with your transfers to get to Kicking Horse Mountain Resort.

Alternatively, if you are staying in Banff, give the Kicking Horse Powder Express a try and experience Kicking Horse in a day!