What do you think skiers and riders? Comment below and let’s get this conversation going…

Happy Christmas everyone and hope Santa brings you a nice new set of skis or snowboard!

We get contacted a lot about heli-skiing and heli-snowshoeing in Jasper National Park. Just like all National Parks across Western Canada, you can not do either of these winter activities within the National Parks and so you will always have to travel a little way out to get to the heli-base. Out of Jasper, you can drive to Robson Helimagic’s base in Valemont, British Columbia. This is about a 1.5 hour drive along the scenic Yellowhead highway. You drive out of Jasper National Park and through Mount Robson Provincial Park to get to the heli-base. You may even see a moose, elk or deer enroute! If you don’t have a vehicle, transportation can be arranged.

We were just notified today by Robson Helimagic that they are revamping their ski program for the 2011-2012 winter season. No more vertical (yes you heard me right!). Basically you will buy heli-time. With these proposed changes, a group of 1-4, for example, will pay one price regardless of how many are skiing.  This gives skiers and riders better skiing options and makes private group skiing incredible value.

Robson Helimagic has access to about 1,000sq Kms of terrain in the remote western slopes of the Rocky Mountains. Their season typically runs from January until the end of March.

For more information, visit the official website of Robson Helimagic.

Check out their latest video for a taster of what to expect:

We love comments – feel free to post your heli-experiences below!

Some early-bird deals have been extended until January 15 2011 – not what I would call “early” as we are already well into the season (but best not to complain). Deals include 50% OFF loding at Panorama Ski Resort for stays of 5+ nights as part of a ski package through Ski Holidays Canada. Panorama was sold by Intrawest last year, and the new management at Panorama are really making an excellent attempt with providing tour operators with awesome deals. There is also a scheduled Panorama service from Calgary YYC airport making it easier to get to Panorama ski resort. If you have not tried Panorama – you should make it your next ski holiday destination.

Discounted Banff ski passes are still on sale too. The Tri-Area pass covers Banff Norquay, Sunshine Village and Lake Louise. The ski shuttles from Banff currently only pick up from three locations with exception to the Lake Louise ski bus which now picks up at most hotels in Banff. Thank you Lake Louise – we salute you!

Now, what about this fresh snow we’ve been talking about? Here is what we have received at our featured ski resorts in the last 12-24 hours:

• Sunshine Village – 4cm (1.6in) over last 24 hours
• Kimberley – 5cm (2in) over the last 24 hours and it’s still snowing
• Panorama – 6cm (2.4in) over the last 24 hours
• Lake Louise – 6 cm (2.4in) over the last 12 hours
• Fernie – 9cm (3.5in) over the last 24 hours and it’s still snowing
• Jasper Marmot Basin – 10cm (4in) over the last 24 hours
• Kicking Horse – 13cm (5.1in) over the last 24 hours
• Whistler Blackcomb – 26cm (10in) over the last 24 hours and it’s still snowing! MEGA-POW baby!

Okay, now what  are you doing still sat reading this blog post – get out and enjoy and we look forward to any comments you have!

Best wishes for 2011 from Canada-Ski.com!

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.

Also, the double black diamond Wild West run opens at noon today (MST) – in just half-an-hour – indicating the snow conditions are excellent! They received another 5cm of fresh snow in the last 24 hours.

The Skier/Boardercross event starts at 12 pm on Punchbowl.

Registration will take place at Marmot Basin and Freewheel starting at 8 am on Sunday March 28th. The event will feature a banked dual slalom followed by a mini rail jam in Terrain Park located on Lower Lift Line at 3 pm.

Good luck to all participants!

Let the Season Begin!

It’s currently snowing in Whistler and we are excited to announce that Whistler Heli-Skiing is scheduled to start heli-skiing tomorrow, Wednesday, December 10th!

Yesterday Whistler Heli-Skiing were up in the helicopters taking a look at the alpine terrain. They found some good skiing in the Spearhead and outlying areas and are excited to strap on their skis and boards tomorrow for the first runs of their 28th season (2008-2009).

Weather looks good for flying on both Wednesday and Thursday with more snow expected to arrive on Friday and clearing skies on Saturday.

Contact rocky-peak Ski Holidays to book.

Banff gondola – Ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain to experience a bird’s eye view of six mountain ranges.

Cross Country Skiing - With many backcountry trails to choose from and the Canmore Nordic Center just 20 minutes drive, you are spoilt for choice!

Banff Dog sled tours – Let the dogs show you a good time – they love what they do!

Banff Helicopter scenic flights – See the Canadian Rockies from a great height – plenty of photo opportunities!

Banff Heli skiing & Heli boarding – This is truly a once in a lifetime experience, one you will never forget!

Banff Ice Hockey Tours – One of the most popular winter tours. You don’t have to be a sports fan to enjoy a NHL Ice hockey game!

Banff Ice walks – If you can walk, you can ice walk!

Jasper Experience Tour from Banff – An incredibly priced overnight tour package along the Icefields Parkway to stay at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge and ski or ice walk the next day.

Kicking Horse Ski Resort day bus – O.K., O.K., so I said there is more to do than just ski, but if you do ski or board, Canada’s newest ski resort, Kicking Horse Ski Resort, is a must!

Lake Louise & icefields – Discover the spectacular Icefields Parkway – one of the most spectacular highways in the world!

Shopping – We can get you to Calgary so you can shop your socks off! Can be combined with Banff Ice Hockey Tour.

Banff Snowmobiling – Wizz through the winter woodlands at great speed, or just plod on at your own pace – a great way to see the backcountry.

Banff Snowshoeing Tours – Snowshoes sure make it easier for you to walk in the snow. These guided tours take you to the best areas!

Banff winter wildlife tour – Not all the wildlife hibernate in the winter time. Plenty of animals are still awake and you can learn about the area at the same time!

I hope I provided enough Banff Tours for you to choose from. If you still can’t find what you are looking for, just contact the tour experts rocky-peak Ski Holidays.