Canada Ski Blog » spring https://canada-ski.com/blog Canada-Ski news, views and travel specials on resorts in the Canadian Rockies and Western Canada. Thu, 02 Oct 2014 00:36:53 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.5 The death of the Kicking Horse Powder Express? https://canada-ski.com/blog/2011/12/the-death-of-the-kicking-horse-powder-express.html https://canada-ski.com/blog/2011/12/the-death-of-the-kicking-horse-powder-express.html#comments Thu, 22 Dec 2011 22:38:56 +0000 Canada Ski Blogger http://canada-ski.com/blog/?p=793 We were a little disappointed to hear that the Kicking Horse Powder Express from Banff has been changed for the upcoming 2011-2012 winter ski season. The Canadian Rockies Blogger posted the details on their blog so I won’t duplicate:
What’s happened to the Kicking Horse Powder Express from Banff this season?

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!

]]> https://canada-ski.com/blog/2011/12/the-death-of-the-kicking-horse-powder-express.html/feed 0 Canada Ski Resorts Snow Conditions and Closures – 2011 https://canada-ski.com/blog/2011/04/ski-resorts-western-canada-closed-2011.html https://canada-ski.com/blog/2011/04/ski-resorts-western-canada-closed-2011.html#comments Wed, 13 Apr 2011 21:03:18 +0000 Canada Ski Blogger http://canada-ski.com/blog/?p=774 Here are the current snow conditions for some of the ski resorts in the Canadian Rockies and Canada. I can’t believe the winter season is coming to an end when the snow conditions are still so great!

Whistler / Blackcomb

Snow Base: 371cm

Lifts Open: 33 / 38

Runs Open: 200 / 200

Sun Peaks CLOSED

Big White CLOSED

Silver Star CLOSED

Red Mountain CLOSED

Revelstoke CLOSED UNTIL APRIL 16, 2011

Snow Base: 278cm (Alpine)

Lifts Open: 0 / 4 Runs

Open: 0 / 54

Panorama CLOSED

Fernie CLOSED

Snow Base: 386cm

Lifts Open: 9 / 9

Runs Open: 113 / 113

Kicking Horse CLOSED UNTIL APRIL 15, 2011

Snow Base: 240cm (Mid-Mountain)

Lifts Open: 0 / 6

Runs Open: 0 / 137

Banff / Lake Louise

Norquay OPEN UNTIL APRIL 24, 2011

Snow Base: 140cm (Mid Mountain)

Lifts Open: 5/5

Runs Open: 36 / 36

Lake Louise OPEN UNTIL MAY 8, 2011

Snow Base: 187cm (Mid Mountain)

Lifts Open: 9 / 9

Runs Open: 137/ 138

Sunshine Village

Snow Base: 235cm (Mid Mountain)

Lifts Open: 12 / 12

Runs Open: 106 / 107

Jasper

Snow Base: 135cm (Mid-Mountain)

Lifts Open: 7 / 8

Runs Open: 86 / 86

Tremblant CLOSED

 

]]> https://canada-ski.com/blog/2011/04/ski-resorts-western-canada-closed-2011.html/feed 0 Sunshine Village, Banff Ski Video – March 2011 https://canada-ski.com/blog/2011/04/sunshine-village-banff-march-2011.html https://canada-ski.com/blog/2011/04/sunshine-village-banff-march-2011.html#comments Sun, 10 Apr 2011 22:48:09 +0000 Canada Ski Blogger http://canada-ski.com/blog/?p=766 Finally, we have a bit of footage to show just how great the powder has been in 2011! The video below shows a bit of backcountry action at Sunshine Village in Banff National Park. It was shot just a few weeks ago.

We hope you have managed to get out and enjoy some of the best snow conditions in years in the Canadian Rockies and Western Canada! There is still chance to get some skiing and riding in – Sunshine Village doesn’t close until late May!

]]> https://canada-ski.com/blog/2011/04/sunshine-village-banff-march-2011.html/feed 0 Jasper Heli-Skiing https://canada-ski.com/blog/2011/03/jasper-heli-skiing.html https://canada-ski.com/blog/2011/03/jasper-heli-skiing.html#comments Fri, 25 Mar 2011 22:45:32 +0000 Canada Ski Blogger http://canada-ski.com/blog/?p=744 2011 has so far brought us incredible ski conditions – the best in years across Western Canada. The best thing of all is that it just keeps coming and coming! Environment Canada predicted a late spring which is so far proving to be true. Last Sunday was the official start of Spring and so far the temperatures have been below average and the snow keeps coming. There is a lot of snow to melt before we see any of the spring vegetation emerge!

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!

]]> https://canada-ski.com/blog/2011/03/jasper-heli-skiing.html/feed 0 Sunshine Village – Bikinis for Breast Cancer 2010 https://canada-ski.com/blog/2010/05/sunshine-village-bikinis-for-breast-cancer-2010.html https://canada-ski.com/blog/2010/05/sunshine-village-bikinis-for-breast-cancer-2010.html#comments Mon, 17 May 2010 19:03:12 +0000 Canada Ski Blogger http://canada-ski.com/blog/?p=686 SAT MAY 22 2010

Sunshine will hold the 2nd Annual BIKINIS FOR BREAST CANCER to raise funds for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. This event is open to all women of all ages. All participants will ski or snowboard down Strawberry Face at the same time in an “S” formation and finish in the village area.

To enter all you have to do is just raise a minimum of $125 in pledges through friends, relatives, co-workers or make a donation yourself. Pledges or donations that are collected can be as little or as much as an individual wants to give, just as long as your total is $125 or more.

There will be lots of prizes including top fundraiser so we encourage you to raise as much money as you can! For more event information or to register for Bikinis for Breast Cancer, please email events@skibanff.com or call 403.762.6508 or 403.762.7890 ext 1218. All registrations must be in by May 20th 2010. Once you sign up you will be given your fundraising pledge sheet and event day information.

Please pass this along to as many women you know and help to save lives! If you would like to make a donation to our Bikinis for Breast Cancer event please contact Karen Guidos at 403.762.6508 or email events@skibanff.com. For more information about the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation please visit www.cbcf.org.

]]> https://canada-ski.com/blog/2010/05/sunshine-village-bikinis-for-breast-cancer-2010.html/feed 0 How HST will impact on your Canada Ski Holiday https://canada-ski.com/blog/2010/04/hst-impact-canada-ski-holiday.html https://canada-ski.com/blog/2010/04/hst-impact-canada-ski-holiday.html#comments Tue, 20 Apr 2010 21:50:35 +0000 Canada Ski Blogger http://canada-ski.com/blog/?p=680 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.

]]> https://canada-ski.com/blog/2010/04/hst-impact-canada-ski-holiday.html/feed 0 Spring Events in Banff National Park 2010 https://canada-ski.com/blog/2010/04/spring-events-in-banff-national-park-2010.html https://canada-ski.com/blog/2010/04/spring-events-in-banff-national-park-2010.html#comments Tue, 20 Apr 2010 16:48:30 +0000 Canada Ski Blogger http://canada-ski.com/blog/?p=674 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!

]]> https://canada-ski.com/blog/2010/04/spring-events-in-banff-national-park-2010.html/feed 0 Canada ski resort closing dates 2010 https://canada-ski.com/blog/2010/04/canada-ski-resort-closing-dates-2010.html https://canada-ski.com/blog/2010/04/canada-ski-resort-closing-dates-2010.html#comments Thu, 15 Apr 2010 17:23:42 +0000 Canada Ski Blogger http://canada-ski.com/blog/?p=667 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:

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!

]]> https://canada-ski.com/blog/2010/04/canada-ski-resort-closing-dates-2010.html/feed 0 Lake Louise Events April 17-18 2010 https://canada-ski.com/blog/2010/04/lake-louise-april-events-2010.html https://canada-ski.com/blog/2010/04/lake-louise-april-events-2010.html#comments Wed, 14 Apr 2010 18:22:31 +0000 Canada Ski Blogger http://canada-ski.com/blog/?p=659 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!

]]> https://canada-ski.com/blog/2010/04/lake-louise-april-events-2010.html/feed 0 Kicking Horse Spring Bonus 2010 https://canada-ski.com/blog/2010/04/kicking-horse-spring-bonus-2010.html https://canada-ski.com/blog/2010/04/kicking-horse-spring-bonus-2010.html#comments Mon, 12 Apr 2010 19:56:47 +0000 Canada Ski Blogger http://canada-ski.com/blog/?p=654 Bonus Weekend Opening at Kicking Horse!
Kicking Horse Mountain Resort announces a bonus opening this coming weekend.

Just when you thought the ski season was over Mother Nature forgets it is spring and dumps over 80cm (31.5in) of new snow on the resort in the past two weeks!

Kicking Horse is in fabulous condition from top to bottom and conditions are just too great to close so there is one last chance to ride.

“The bonus weekend is our way of saying thanks to our season pass holders, locals, homeowners and the community.  There is simply no better way to do this than serving up some of our Champagne Powder on a bonus weekend,” states Steve Paccagnan, President and CEO of Kicking Horse Mountain Resort.

The resort will be closed today through to Friday this week and re-open on Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th April 2010.

The lifts will be turning at 9:00am and stay open until 4:00pm.

Bonus Weekend Deals are available!

The resort is closed all week so any fresh snow will be untouched until they re-open!

]]> https://canada-ski.com/blog/2010/04/kicking-horse-spring-bonus-2010.html/feed 0