FAMILY SKIING IN CANADA
Family Skiing In Canada - Luxury Travel Magazine
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Family Skiing In Canada | |||||
| By: David Hickie, Issue 32 – Spring 2007 | |||||
| (Whistler, Vancouver, Jasper-Marmot Basin, Lake Louise, Banff-Sunshine Village – Canada) | |||||
| AUSTRALIAN FAMILIES HEADING TO CANADA FIND GREAT SNOW, GREAT FACILITIES & GREAT VALUE FOR MONEY. AND AT WHISLTER-BLACKCOMB THEY’RE GEARING UP FOR THE 2010 WINTER OLYMPICS, REPORTS DAVID HICKIE. | |||||
| The proclamation behind the chairlift half-way down Whistler mountain’s main face says it all: largest area of skiable terrain (8,171 acres, or 3,307 hectares) and greatest vertical (5,280ft, or 1,609m) in North America. Whistler is named after the whistling marmots (largest members of the squirrel family) that live in burrows on Whistler Mountain. Whistler’s early history was as a summer attraction, beginning when a young couple from Maine named Myrtle and Alex Philip rode by horseback into the picturesque Whister Valley in 1914, and opened Rainbow Lodge fishing retreat on one of the five sparkling fresh-water lakes nestled at the base of its towering mountains. (Even now, summer visitors to Whistler out-number winter visitors, flocking to the four championship golf courses, the world’s leading downhill mountain bike park, spectacular alpine hiking and black bear viewing.) Whistler Mountain officially opened as a winter ski resort in February 1966, with a permanent population of just 25. From those humble roots, its reliable snowfall onto the towering twin Whistler-Blackcomb peaks has triggered an explosion to a permanent population of 10,000 and the award as Number 1 ski resort in North America for an unprecedented 10th year running by Skiing Magazine in November 2006. In addition, of, course, it has been chosen as the site for the next Winter Olympics in 2010. The Whistler skiing area encompasses two huge adjacent mountain peaks (Whistler & Blackcomb) with twin villages side-by-side at the base. A great way to see what both mountains have to offer is to join the free 90-minute guided orientation tours, which depart daily from the top of the main gondolas at 11.30am. The varied and seemingly endless terrain is ideal for family holidays, because there’s something for all levels of ski and snowboard ability (from beginners to off-piste, and cross-country tours). In total Whistler-Blackcomb boasts 13 alpine bowls, three glaciers and over 200 marked trails serviced by 38 lifts (17 express lifts) with a capacity for over 60,000 skiers-per-hour. And the addition of the new high-speed Symphony Express quad-chair provides lift-access to 1,000 acres of the most spectacular high alpine terrain in North America (referred to as the Symphony Amphitheatre, with vast bowls, deep snow and gladed sub-alpine skiing). Whistler Village itself boasts over 200 shops & stores: featuring everything from high-fashion apparel and jewellery, to the latest skiing and snow-boarding equipment, endless coffee stops and night-spots, plus a dozen art galleries. | |||||
| Zip Trek Eco Tours | |||||
| There is more to Whistler than just skiing: ZipTrek Ecotours is a recommended half-day family activity while you’re in Whistler. Children & teenagers love the exhilaration of flying as you glide along five steel zip-lines (the longest nearly 400m) suspended high above the breath-taking white-water river that divides Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. The zip-lines are joined by a network of board-walks and trails, linked to aerial stairways and bridges at heights over 25m up into the tree canopy. The adventure is combined with an introduction to high-mountain ecology (set above the spectacular site for the 2010 Olympics bob-sled course). Begin at the desk downstairs in the Carleton Lodge in Skiers Plaza (directly below the main Whistler & Blackcomb gondolas). Phone: 604-935-0001, www.ziptrek.com | |||||
| Whistler Food Favourites | |||||
| After a hard day working up an appetite on the slopes it is good to know that Whistler offers some of British Columbia’s best eating, from bistros to fine dining. Araxi Restaurant & Bar: Voted Number 1 for Whistler dining by both readers & critics of Vancouver Magazine for six consecutive years and currently holds Wine Spectator Magazine’s Best Award Of Excellence. Internationally-acclaimed cuisine by celebrated executive chef James Walt features the best of the Pacific North West, with organic ingredients sourced from local farms & fisheries. Restaurant director-sommelier Steve Edwards is a fountain of information about an award-winning wine list boasting over 1,000 labels. Araxi Resaurant & Bar, 4222 Village Square. Phone: 604-932-4540, www.araxi.com | |||||
| - Quattro At Whistler: Contemporary Italian cuisine and an extensive wine list (recognised by Wine Spectator magazine as one of the world’s best) in a ‘whimsically Venetian’ setting, including two cozy fireplaces, an open kitchen and hand-painted silk chandeliers. 4319 Main Street. Phone: 604-905-4844. www.quattrorestaurants.com | |||||
| - The Mix By Ric’s: In the heart of Whistler Village and a great place for breakfast or mid-morning brunch, as well as all-day informal family meals; also offers a ‘funky bistro’ atmosphere in the evenings, including unique martinis, fine wines and tasty tapas plates in a ‘West Coast fusion style’. 4237 Village Stroll. Phone: 604-932-6499. - Wildflower Restaurant: By day The Fairmont Chateau’s Wildflower restaurant offers sumptuous buffets, plus an a la carte menu featuring local, organic produce with outstanding views of Blackcomb mountain. At night The Wildflower transforms for an intimate dining experience showcasing British Columbia’s regional cuisine. Fairmont Chateau Whistler, 4599 Chateau Boulevard. Phone: 604-938-2033. - Fifty Two 80 Bistro and Bar: Inside the prestigious Four Seasons Resort at the foot of Blackcomb mountain, this family favourite (specialising in fresh seafood & grilled meats) is named for the number of vertical feet that Blackcomb Mountain towers above the village. Our three teenagers also voted its extravagant hot chocolates and deserts the best in Whistler. Four Seasons Resort Whistler, 4591 Blackcomb Way. Phone: 604-966-5280. www.fourseasons.com/wh- istler/vacations/dining.html | |||||
| - Mongolie Grill: Our teenagers’ favourite, combining a smorgasbord of pick-your-own ingredients (dozens of meats and seafoods and vegetables) where you pay-by-weight for your choices and watch them cooked tepanyaki-style on a giant stir-fry hotplate. 4295 Blackcomb Way. Phone: 604-938-9416. www.mongoliegrill.com | |||||
| Vancouver Stop-Over | |||||
| - Pan Pacific Vancouver: The 504-room Pan Pacific Vancouver Hotel is set on the premier downtown waterfront site with panoramic views of Vancouver harbour, the distant mountain and directly across the water to historic Stanley Park. It offers convenient waterfront restaurants and a comprehensive range of meeting and event facilities. From the Pan Pacific, it’s a scenic 2-hour drive across the Lions Gate Bridge, through Stanley Park and up into the mountains to Whistler. Pan Pacific Vancouver: 300-999 Canada Place. Phone: 604-662-8111. - Stanley Park & Aquarium: While in Vancouver, a recommended half-day family activity is to catch a Vancouver Trolley Company vehicle from just outside the Pan Pacific Hotel (they arrive every 20 minutes) and journey across the harbour to Stanley Park. Jump off at the Vancouver Aquarium to view the amazing Beluga whales and Pacific white-sided dolphins (including underwater & daily feeding viewings). Jump back on the next trolley & continue your return city-loop to the Pan Pacific via historic Gastown, Chinatown & Granville Island. | |||||
| Pan Pacific Whistler Village Centre | |||||
| Each suite in the Pan Pacific Whistler Village Centre features full kitchen, fireplace, balcony, floor-to-ceiling windows, plus year-round out-door heated swimming pool and two out-door hot tubs. It’s a two-minute walk to collect your rental gear at the Mountain Adventure Centre inside the sister-hotel Pan Pacific Mountainside (complete with access to your own locker for overnight storage of all the family’s gear) directly below Whistler Village’s two main chairlifts – Excalibur Gondola (up Blackcomb mountain) and Whistler Village Gondola (up adjacent Whistler mountain). Pan Pacific, 4299 Blackcomb Way. Phone: 604-966-5500. www.panpacific.com | |||||
| PURE AND SIMPLE | |||||
| ENJOY UNCROWDED SLOPES AT JASPER-MARMOT BASIN Family-friendly Marmot Basin sits 10 minutes (19km) south of Jasper, with nine lifts servicing four different mountain faces which offer deep, powder-filled bowls, exciting tree skiing or easier, finely-groomed runs for all abilities. This is a great family venue, because the slopes are famously uncrowded (making regular meet-ups easy throughout the day) and the clear mountain tops provide dozens of easily-accessible vantage points to enjoy the breath-taking views across endless distant wild peaks. The 84 marked trails offer 1,675 acres of skiing and snowboarding terrain (30% novice, 30% intermediate, 20% advanced and 20% expert) with tree-lined runs in the lower area and high alpine open bowls and chutes in the upper area. The longest run is 5.6km (3.5 miles). New terrain has been opened via Cornice, Outer Limits, Marmot Peak and Murray’s Run; in addition the new Eagle Ridge quad-chair is operating and a new ‘Magic Carpet’ has been installed for kids and beginners. This is a resort that combines small-town friendliness with world-class skiing facilities and great value-for-money. Marmot’s uncrowded atmosphere, with no waiting in lift lines, rewards skiers and snowboarders with more time on the slopes, lots of room to breathe and minimal interference from other visitors. A half-day excursion into Jasper National Park itself is a fun family experience. The shimmering glaciers, abundant wildlife, crystal-clear lakes, spectacular waterfalls, deep canyons and ever green forests surrounded by towering moutain peaks create a playground for all ages. | |||||
| Snowtrain – Vancouver-Jasper | |||||
| Via Rail Canada operates an overnight Snowtrain from Vancouver (leaving 3-times-per-week) across the Rocky Mountains to Jasper National Park. You sleep on-board and the trip includes both dinner and breakfast (in the on-board dining car as you travel). Along the way, enjoy the scenery through large picture windows or via the giant 360-degree glass dome set in the roof of a special split-level viewing carriage behind the dining car. VIA Rail Canada. Phone 1-888-842-7245, www.viarail.ca | |||||
| Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge | |||||
| The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge offers what it calls ‘the Grand Canadian Lodge Experience’ by providing both adventure and solitude ‘in a rugged land where mountains are cloaked in verdant forests, and each season is a palette of vivid colours’. It’s a village of historic log cabins and cedar chalets (441-rooms connected by picturesque paths) on the shores of spectacular Lake Beauvert. Dinner in the Moose’s Nook Northern Grill is a good tip. A 5-minute shuttle transports you direct to the nearby slopes of Marmot Basin. Phone: 780-852-3301. www.fairmont.com | |||||
| THE LADY OF THE LAKE | |||||
| FAMILY FUN AT LAKE LOUISE MOUNTAIN RESORT Lake Louise Mountain Resort proudly boasts that it offers “more terrain than can be skied in a week”! In a family, everybody counts, and Lake Louise Mountain Resort is designed to keep all members happy. The layout allows families and groups of varying abilities to ski together: there are beginner, intermediate and expert runs down from every chair. Beginners and intermediate skiers have access to an abundance of gentle slopes and long cruising runs. Experts can explore endless chutes, glades, gullies and remote bowls in some of the Rockies' most challenging terrain (also including limitless off-piste adventures). In all, Lake Louise Mountain resort offers 4,200 acres of skiable terrain (25% novice, 45% intermediate and 30% expert) with a 3,250ft vertical drop and 139 named runs and back-bowls (the longest run is 8km-5 miles) serviced by nine lifts (including a 6-passenger gondola) which can transport 15,000 skiers-per-hour. And for children, there’s the new Minute Maid Wilderness Adventure Park. Because the resort is located in the heart of Banff National Park, the wilderness is pristine and inspirational, while the beautiful skiing terrain is both vast and varied. | |||||
| Icefields Parkway – From Jasper to Lake Louise | |||||
| Jasper National Park (on the western border of Alberta, adjacent to the boundary with neighbouring province British Columbia) is Canada’s largest Rocky Mountain Park and one of North America’s largest wildlife sanctuaries, spanning over 10,000 square kilometres (and designated a World Heritage Site in 1984). Sundog Tours operates a shuttle service along the internationally famous Icefields Parkway between Jasper and Lake Louise/Banff. This panoramic 3-hour trip is one of the world’s truly spectacular driving experiences, between imposing sheer cliff faces, thundering waterfalls and thousands-of-years-old glaciers. The Columbia Icefield is the hydrographic apex of North America. www.sundogtours.com | |||||
| Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise | |||||
| Set in one of the world’s great settings, the historic hallways of the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise are dotted with black-and-white photographs of European royalty and similarly famous political, diplomatic and show-business figures who have made the pilgrimage to this iconic spot over the last century. The hotel offers 550 guest rooms (78 suites and 24 Fairmont Gold rooms) plus 16 meeting rooms. Afternoon tea on the panoramic indoor verandah is a favourite activity for all visitors, while dinner in the Tom Wilson Steakhouse features surprising nightly treats to accompany your choices. Phone: 403-522-3511. | |||||
| A LITTLE RAY OF SUNSHINE | |||||
| EXPERIENCE ENDLESS NATURAL SNOW AT BANFF-SUNSHINE VILLAGE For over 75 years Sunshine Village (15 minutes from the town of Banff) has been providing what skiers and snowboarders dream about: endless mountain terrain in the heart of an unspoiled wilderness. In addition, Sunshine Village is blessed with over 30ft (10m) of light, champagne powder snow annually, which means snow-making is not relied upon, providing a truly natural mountain experience. And Sunshine Village is renowned for its lengthy season: from mid-November until late May. Sunshine Village offers 3,358 skiable acres across three mountains (20% novice, 55% intermediate and 25% expert) with a 3,514ft vertical drop and 107 runs (the longest run is 8km, or 5 miles) serviced by 12 lifts (including an 8-passenger gondola) that can transport 20,000 skiers-per-hour. For those seeking a challenge, the recently established Silver City awaits to test the nerve and skill of the very best big-mountain snowboard riders. A good local tip for maximum enjoyment of the three different mountains is to start out on Wawa, Standish or Strawberry for early morning sun, and then move on to Divide, Angel, Tee Pee Town or Goat's Eye for great afternoon rays. And for a good family briefing, the free guided tours with the Sunshine Snow Hosts provide information, stories and secrets about the individual runs. These tours (over green and blue runs) are offered to intermediate skiers and snowboarders every day at noon (meeting outside the Old Sunshine Lodge). | |||||
| Fairmont Banff Springs | |||||
| Picture postcards of the Fairmont Banff Springs, internationally-renowned as the spectacular “Castle In The Rockies”, have consistently graced brochures featuring the world’s best hotels for nearly a century. The hotel boasts 778 guest rooms (100 suites) and 26 meeting rooms. Be sure to stop for afternoon tea in the historic Rundle Lounge where visitors gaze out across the Bow Valley. And don’t miss a trip to the Willow Stream Spa: reminiscent of the hot springs that beckoned travellers over 100 years ago, the staff promise its pulsating waterfalls and mineral pool in the heart of the spa will ‘rejuvenate tired muscles and soothe troubled spirits’. And the children will love its unique 3-lane indoor bowling alley. Phone: 403-762-2211. | |||||
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