winter - Canada Ski Blog

U.K. Pound (£) Gaining Strength

June 24, 2010 Canada Ski Blogger No comments

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.

How HST will impact on your Canada Ski Holiday

April 20, 2010 Canada Ski Blogger No comments

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.

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Canada ski resort closing dates 2010

April 15, 2010 Canada Ski Blogger No comments

All good things must come to an end (until next season anyway!). Please see winter 2009-2010 featured ski resort confirmed closure dates in Western Canada:

Panorama and Kimberley ski resorts are now closed for the winter 2009/2010 ski season.
Fernie, Kicking Horse and Nakiska are all currently closed but are opening for a BONUS weekend – this weekend!
This weekend is Banff Norquay‘s last weekend of the 2009/2010 ski season.
Jasper Marmot Basin – April 25 2010
Lake Louise – May 2 2010
Sunshine Village Banff – May 24 2010
Whistler Mountain – April 25 and
Blackcomb Mountain – May 24 2010

If you can’t see your ski resort listed here, we have listed more ski resorts in Western Canada and you can visit their websites direct.

Thanks and we look forward to hearing from you next season!

Lake Louise Events April 17-18 2010

April 14, 2010 Canada Ski Blogger No comments

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

Last minute Lake Louise Ski Holidays still available!

2009-2010 ski season still going strong

April 4, 2010 Canada Ski Blogger No comments

We may have had a slighter milder El Niño winter this year in Western Canada (as confirmed by Environment Canada) but the snow has kept coming this spring.

Over the last 48 hours alone, Whistler Blackcomb has received the most snow out of our featured ski resorts in Western Canada: 36cm (14.2in) and Fernie has received 21cm (8.3in).

Fresh snow has also hit some of the other ski resorts in Western Canada over the last 48 hours: Sunshine Village 11cm, Kicking Horse 6cm, Panorama 5cm, Kimberley 4cm, Lake Louise 3cm and Nakiska 3cm to name a few.

Happy Easter to you all!

Whistler on track for third snowiest winter on record

March 12, 2010 Canada Ski Blogger No comments

WHISTLER RECEIVES 53 CENTIMETRES (21 INCHES) OF SNOW AND COUNTING, BRINGING TOTAL SNOWFALL TO OVER 12 METRES (39 FEET) SO FAR THIS SEASON

On track to be third snowiest winter on record, and 3.3 metre (11 feet) base signals return to “deep winter” at Whistler Blackcomb

WHISTLER, BC, March 12, 2010 – Whistler Blackcomb is currently experiencing deep winter conditions with the latest system bringing 53 centimetres (21 inches) of snow to the area. This brings the total snowfall count for the season to 12 metres (39 feet), putting this winter on track to be the third snowiest on record.

“What a great way to kick off the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games with a winter wonderland village and snowy mountains for all the Paralympic athletes and visitors to experience,” says Stuart Rempel, Whistler Blackcomb’s Senior Vice President, Marketing & Sales. “The snow conditions are absolutely incredible right now, and there is a palpable excitement in the resort as we return to our role as world-host during the Paralympics. With more than two months left in our season, and great post-Games deals to be had, there’s no shortage of time and reasons to head to Whistler Blackcomb.”

Whistler Resort will be alive with the excitement of the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games through March 22. Free concerts will take place daily in the Village as part of Whistler Live! and tickets are still available for many of the Paralympic events, starting at just $15 per ticket. Each night, Whistler Medals Plaza will light up Whistler again for the medal presentations followed by a concert. Admission is free and gates open at 5:30pm.

The Environment Canada forecast is calling for another 20 to 35 centimetres (8 to 14 inches) through tonight, followed by another frontal system early next week bringing up to 45 centimetres (18 inches) through Tuesday.

With all this new snow, the backcountry avalanche advisory is currently considerable to high. It is recommended that on-mountain guests remain inside the ski area boundary and be aware of the risks and requirements associated with backcountry travel.

Skiing and riding is available at Whistler Blackcomb to May 24. Great accommodation deals and packages are always available.

Visit Ski Holidays Canada for the latest deals.

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Vancouver 2010 Olympics Video

September 4, 2009 Canada Ski Blogger No comments

Get ready for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games!

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Canada Ski Specials 2008-2009

July 14, 2008 Canada Ski Blogger No comments

rocky-peak Ski Holidays have just released their ski specials for the 2008-2009 winter ski season. Due to their commitment to the international market, some of their specials are only available to visitors from outside of Canada to encourage guests from around the globe to experience the best skiing available!

Rest assured, if you do not find the ski special you are looking for, contact them direct and they will help you find the best deal for your Ski Holiday in Canada.

Be sure to book early as additional savings are to be had!