Escape the Crowds in Western Canadaâ??s Local Ski Resorts

Make this year’s winter ski vacation one to remember by getting away to a hidden gem of Western Canada. While the crowds flock to big-brand resorts, you’ll be waist-deep in North America’s best powder with no lines to get in your way of making fresh tracks.

Canada ski vacations have it all: snowy landscapes of mountains, valleys, and glacial lakes; deepest and most consistent snow; internationally known parties and resortsâ?¦ and the crowds who love them.

So, for a line-free ski vacation this winter, consider one of Western Canadaâ??s lesser known gems. They may not have Whistlerâ??s glitz and glamour, but locals in the know find the best powder here. FernieWhere is it? In the Canadian Rockies, a 3.5 hour drive from Calgary International Airport and an hour and 15 minutes from Cranbrook, BC (served by Time Air and Air BC). The town of Fernie is five minutes away. Why you should go: This world-class ski area is known among locals as the powder capital of the Rockies â?? the snow is excellent. In addition, the ski area has recently been redeveloped to offer more accommodation (including ski-in/ski-out) and vast new terrain. It features a vertical drop of 2811 ft/857 m, 2500 acres of skiiable terrain on 106 trails, and 348 inches of snow a year. Sun PeaksWhere is it? In BCâ??s interior, 4.5 hours from Vancouver along the scenic Coquihalla Highway, and 45 minutes from Kamloops. Why you should go: Sun Peaks is friendly and fun, with great snow, blue skies, and lots of trails. It features a vertical drop of 2891 ft/881 m, 3678 acres of skiing terrain on 117 runs, with 220 inches of snow a year.Kicking HorseWhere is it?Above the town of Golden in the Canadian Rockies, 3.5 hours west of Calgary (a scenic drive through Banff and Yoho national Parks). Why you should go: Kicking Horse Mountain Resort is the Rockiesâ?? newest alpine resort and already gaining notoriety as offering â??the champagne of powders,â? the lightest and driest snowâ? , as well as the second longest ski-out in Canada. It features a vertical drop of 4133 ft/1260 m, 2600 acres of skiing terrain over 78 trails, with 275 inches of snowfall a year. Red MountainWhere is it? In southern BC just outside of Rossland, 2.5 hours from Spokane, Washington, or 7.5 hours from Vancouver or Calgary. Why you should go:Known for its powder and terrain over two mountains â?? Red and Granite â?? Red Mountain Resort appeals to skiers and boarders alike, and particularly those looking for a thrill. It features a vertical drop of 2909 ft/887 m, 1686 acres of terrain on over 87 runs, and 300 inches of snowfall a year.Panorama Mountain Village ResortWhere is it? Located on the western slopes of the Canadian Rockies, Panorama is a 3.5 hour drive from Calgary International Airport and 2 hours south-west of Banff.Why you should go: Panorama has its relatively remote location in the Purcell Mountains to thank for the lack of crowds plaguing other resorts in the Rockies. It features a vertical drop of 4000 ft/1220 m (the highest in the Canadian Rockies), 119 trails and 187 inches of snow a year.

Whether youâ??re taking to the slopes for the first time, or looking for an expert thrill, these mountains have it all. Fewer crowds mean more time on the mountains, so get outside this winter with these unknown gems.

Oregon Ski Vacations – American’s Only Year-around Ski Area

American’s only year-around ski area, the Timberline Lodge is located on Mount Hood in the state of Oregon. It is a full-service resort, famous for its ski slopes that stay open during the winter, spring, and summer due to its far northern locality, with summer for world-renowned summer skating. Mt. Hood is an active volcano which is considered to be dormant, occasional tremors being felt with visible steam vents, with Timberline Lodge being located at its 6,000-foot level. The winter season appeals to the beginner and intermediate skiers, with a few places reserved for skiing experts. The Timberline has 35 trails on 1,400 acres, with a top elevation of 8,504 feet and a vertical drop of 2,501, plus an annual snowfall of 550 inches. There are six chair lifts to accommodate the skiers, with cross country not available within the ski area, yet several trails can be found 4 to 8 miles away in the Mount Hood National Forest.

With all services available for the guests, skiers, and snowboarders – a complete rental/demo shop, Timberline Ski School, complimentary Ski Keep, permanent half-pipes, a terrain garden for snowboarders, night skiing, a gift store with Northwest gift items and top-of-the-line skiwear – it is no wonder Timberline is known as the summer ski capital of North America.

Rich in history, the 71-room Timberline Lodge is considered a national historic landmark, known for having the country’s earliest chairlifts that were built in the late 1930s. The lodge is located in the middle of the chairlift system, with Jacuzzi and sauna available for winter fanatics at the end of the day. However, whether you ski or not, you must not miss the Magic Mile, which offers a panoramic view of the Cascade Mountains that cannot be matched! If the idea of a ‘rustic’ ski vacation appeals to you, as opposed to trips with accommodations that are a bit fancier, then Timberline Lodge in Oregon is the place to be! Again, it is definitely all about the history and the powder here. The lodge is entirely handmade and well preserved. The hand-woven draperies and the hand-hewn beams add to the rustic charm and history of the place.

The Cascade Dining Room is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day, but the hours do change with the seasons. Other fare can be found at the Ram’s Head Bar, the Blue Ox bar, the Wy’East Kitchen Cafeteria, the Market Cafe, and the Mt. Hood Brewing Company. Open 12 months out of the years, the Timberline has everything needed for its guests and winter fans.

Summer skiing at Timberline is special, with ski teams and racing enthusiasts from all over the world arriving to ski at Palmer Snowfield. World champion alpine, freestyle, and snowboard skiers from Canada, Europe, and the United States, use Timberline as a training base during this time. Summer skiing at Timberline is a permanent, lift-accessed snowfield that has summer skating available through Labor Day. Skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, snow skate park, night skiing, hiking, snowshoeing, and lodge tours are the main attractions at Timberline. Here, it is all about the powder!

Escape the Crowds in Western Canadaâ??s Local Ski Resorts

Make this year’s winter ski vacation one to remember by getting away to a hidden gem of Western Canada. While the crowds flock to big-brand resorts, you’ll be waist-deep in North America’s best powder with no lines to get in your way of making fresh tracks.

Canada ski vacations have it all: snowy landscapes of mountains, valleys, and glacial lakes; deepest and most consistent snow; internationally known parties and resortsâ?¦ and the crowds who love them.

So, for a line-free ski vacation this winter, consider one of Western Canadaâ??s lesser known gems. They may not have Whistlerâ??s glitz and glamour, but locals in the know find the best powder here. FernieWhere is it? In the Canadian Rockies, a 3.5 hour drive from Calgary International Airport and an hour and 15 minutes from Cranbrook, BC (served by Time Air and Air BC). The town of Fernie is five minutes away. Why you should go: This world-class ski area is known among locals as the powder capital of the Rockies â?? the snow is excellent. In addition, the ski area has recently been redeveloped to offer more accommodation (including ski-in/ski-out) and vast new terrain. It features a vertical drop of 2811 ft/857 m, 2500 acres of skiiable terrain on 106 trails, and 348 inches of snow a year. Sun PeaksWhere is it? In BCâ??s interior, 4.5 hours from Vancouver along the scenic Coquihalla Highway, and 45 minutes from Kamloops. Why you should go: Sun Peaks is friendly and fun, with great snow, blue skies, and lots of trails. It features a vertical drop of 2891 ft/881 m, 3678 acres of skiing terrain on 117 runs, with 220 inches of snow a year.Kicking HorseWhere is it?Above the town of Golden in the Canadian Rockies, 3.5 hours west of Calgary (a scenic drive through Banff and Yoho national Parks). Why you should go: Kicking Horse Mountain Resort is the Rockiesâ?? newest alpine resort and already gaining notoriety as offering â??the champagne of powders,â? the lightest and driest snowâ? , as well as the second longest ski-out in Canada. It features a vertical drop of 4133 ft/1260 m, 2600 acres of skiing terrain over 78 trails, with 275 inches of snowfall a year. Red MountainWhere is it? In southern BC just outside of Rossland, 2.5 hours from Spokane, Washington, or 7.5 hours from Vancouver or Calgary. Why you should go:Known for its powder and terrain over two mountains â?? Red and Granite â?? Red Mountain Resort appeals to skiers and boarders alike, and particularly those looking for a thrill. It features a vertical drop of 2909 ft/887 m, 1686 acres of terrain on over 87 runs, and 300 inches of snowfall a year.Panorama Mountain Village ResortWhere is it? Located on the western slopes of the Canadian Rockies, Panorama is a 3.5 hour drive from Calgary International Airport and 2 hours south-west of Banff.Why you should go: Panorama has its relatively remote location in the Purcell Mountains to thank for the lack of crowds plaguing other resorts in the Rockies. It features a vertical drop of 4000 ft/1220 m (the highest in the Canadian Rockies), 119 trails and 187 inches of snow a year.

Whether youâ??re taking to the slopes for the first time, or looking for an expert thrill, these mountains have it all. Fewer crowds mean more time on the mountains, so get outside this winter with these unknown gems.

Oregon Ski Vacations – American’s Only Year-around Ski Area

American’s only year-around ski area, the Timberline Lodge is located on Mount Hood in the state of Oregon. It is a full-service resort, famous for its ski slopes that stay open during the winter, spring, and summer due to its far northern locality, with summer for world-renowned summer skating. Mt. Hood is an active volcano which is considered to be dormant, occasional tremors being felt with visible steam vents, with Timberline Lodge being located at its 6,000-foot level. The winter season appeals to the beginner and intermediate skiers, with a few places reserved for skiing experts. The Timberline has 35 trails on 1,400 acres, with a top elevation of 8,504 feet and a vertical drop of 2,501, plus an annual snowfall of 550 inches. There are six chair lifts to accommodate the skiers, with cross country not available within the ski area, yet several trails can be found 4 to 8 miles away in the Mount Hood National Forest.

With all services available for the guests, skiers, and snowboarders – a complete rental/demo shop, Timberline Ski School, complimentary Ski Keep, permanent half-pipes, a terrain garden for snowboarders, night skiing, a gift store with Northwest gift items and top-of-the-line skiwear – it is no wonder Timberline is known as the summer ski capital of North America.

Rich in history, the 71-room Timberline Lodge is considered a national historic landmark, known for having the country’s earliest chairlifts that were built in the late 1930s. The lodge is located in the middle of the chairlift system, with Jacuzzi and sauna available for winter fanatics at the end of the day. However, whether you ski or not, you must not miss the Magic Mile, which offers a panoramic view of the Cascade Mountains that cannot be matched! If the idea of a ‘rustic’ ski vacation appeals to you, as opposed to trips with accommodations that are a bit fancier, then Timberline Lodge in Oregon is the place to be! Again, it is definitely all about the history and the powder here. The lodge is entirely handmade and well preserved. The hand-woven draperies and the hand-hewn beams add to the rustic charm and history of the place.

The Cascade Dining Room is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day, but the hours do change with the seasons. Other fare can be found at the Ram’s Head Bar, the Blue Ox bar, the Wy’East Kitchen Cafeteria, the Market Cafe, and the Mt. Hood Brewing Company. Open 12 months out of the years, the Timberline has everything needed for its guests and winter fans.

Summer skiing at Timberline is special, with ski teams and racing enthusiasts from all over the world arriving to ski at Palmer Snowfield. World champion alpine, freestyle, and snowboard skiers from Canada, Europe, and the United States, use Timberline as a training base during this time. Summer skiing at Timberline is a permanent, lift-accessed snowfield that has summer skating available through Labor Day. Skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, snow skate park, night skiing, hiking, snowshoeing, and lodge tours are the main attractions at Timberline. Here, it is all about the powder!

How Can I Plan A Fun Family Ski Vacation?

It is time for the annual family vacation, and planning a ski trip may be something that will appeal to all the family members. Something different and yet exciting, the time to plan a ski vacation is six to eight months in advance – yet it is possible to find slots open within two weeks at some resorts. Making a list of what the family needs and wants, within the boundaries of their skiing expertise, form the types of ski resorts open to their vacation.

First of all, not all ski resorts are just open for winter activities in the winter – the Timberline in Oregon is open all year, and many other resorts have extended seasons. Some ski resorts have other sports activities during the spring and summer. The thing to remember is that everything within the ski vacation label has open options; the date of the vacation what type of ski resort is needed, the different type of winter sports, or the services that will be required.

If you have a family, choosing a ski resort that welcomes family and children would be important to know, as not all ski resorts are suitable for beginner skiers. The terrain and services in some of them are geared only toward advanced skiers, which rules out any first-timers for safety reasons regardless of the ages. If this is the family’s first time skiing, check online for ski resorts with dedicated beginner areas, in addition to instructors and lessons.

Some resorts offer package deals with slow and easy lessons for small family groups, with transportation to the top of the beginner slope area. A full day of learning, appropriate skis, boots, poles, and a two hour lesson. Plus, emergencies do arise, so what happens if you have to cancel? If the resort does not have this or if some features are not available that is really wanted or needed, look somewhere else – all ski resorts want your business! A new family learning to ski is a learner’s market, because without satisfied customers, they would not be in business.

It is also a good idea to not only begin looking for skiing and snowboarding activities, but also other activities to do. Some of these activities could be: special dining-out local sites; Apres-Ski activities such as concerts, clubs, or daily events at the ski resort; other winter activities such as tubing or snowboarding; sight-seeing; shopping for things you know you will have room to take home; plus visiting historical sites for some resorts are extremely exciting and educational.

Where the family will sleep and eat is just as important as skiing itself, unless the ski resort is within driving distance of home. Check to see of there are slope condominiums available. For a whole family, sometimes this is an option, as you will not have to worry about finding transportation to and from the slopes every day. They usually have one or two bedrooms, a dining room or eating area, and a kitchen. The money a family will save on restaurants for three meals a day, plus the convenience, will more than make up for the added price of the condominium. If the condominium is out, see if there is a suite with a kitchenette.

If you have a vehicle, make sure there is outside access to the parking spot for skies and boots, or has a closet inside for their storage. Comfort at a reasonable rate should be a high priority, especially at the end of the day on the slopes. Aching muscles, cold, and tired may take on a new meaning the first time or two out. See if they have an exercise room, pool, Jacuzzi, or a sauna, not only for your body but for the children’s “left-over” energy level!

Remember – it is YOUR market, so make the most of it!