Photo by Amy McDermid
This mountain playground has something in store for kids young and old
By Louise Phillips
Eek! The kids are hopping up and down because you’re all going to Whistler—but you don’t want to worry about watching them while you’re regaining your own ski legs, and you could really enjoy some quality time with your other half. Your skiwear no longer fits, and the kids want snowboards. (more…)
Once the chopper pulls away, you’re left to ski down the hill. Talk about an adrenaline rush! Photo by Neil Brown
Crowded lift line-ups, screaming children, clumsy beginners holding up the advanced runs—who needs it? Hop on a helicopter and escape to the serenity of untracked powder and endless terrain with Whistler Heli-Skiing. Intermediate to expert skiers have more than 175,000 hectares (432,000 acres) of possibilities in the mountains and glaciers surrounding Whistler, and a day of heli-skiing involves around 10 runs varying from 400 to 1,500 vertical metres (1,400 to 5,000 vertical feet). It’s a wilderness adventure, but with the advantage of a return to civilization immediately after.—Sheri Radford
The best heli-skiing is in Feb. and Mar., and the season ends Apr. 21. Call 1-888-435-4754 or visit www.whistlerheliskiing.com for more info.
However you do the math, Whistler adds up to one unforgettable experience
By Sheri Radford
Skiing photo by Chad Chomlack courtesy Tourism Whistler
We’re number one! Whistler Blackcomb is consistently named the best ski resort in North America by publications such as Skiing Magazine and Freeskier.
For 11 minutes, you can enjoy the world’s most breathtaking view as the Peak 2 Peak Gondola whisks passengers on a 4.4-km (2.73-mi) ride between the peaks of Whistler and Blackcomb mountains.
Whistler Mountain’s ski season runs from Nov. 22, 2012 to Apr. 21, 2013, which equals 151 days of great skiing. Blackcomb Mountain stays open into the summer months, depending on weather conditions.
Snow bunnies can’t resist the 1,192 cm (39 ft) of snow that Whistler Blackcomb averages each year.
Blackcomb’s peak elevation of 2,284 m (7,494 ft) is a bit taller than Whistler Mountain’s 2,182 m (7,160 ft).
With 3,307 hectares (8,171 acres) of ski terrain, Whistler Blackcomb has something for every skier and snowboarder.
Snow bunnies hope the new ski season matches the 1998-99 season, when Hemlock Valley Resort received a record snowfall of more than 26 m (85 ft). Photo by Sheri Radford
For seasonal activities that hark back to the days of yore, visit the nearby Harrison Mills area. A guaranteed white Christmas is the star attraction at Hemlock Valley Resort (pictured), with its skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and tubing. The season opens Dec. 7, weather permitting. When off the mountain, the mild weather doesn’t often allow for horse-drawn sleigh rides, but a carriage ride is just as fun. Contact the Veinotte Horse Farm to arrange an excursion. Step back in time at Kilby Historic Site: wander through the 1906 general store, visit the farm animals, stock up on local crafts and homemade jams in the gift shop, and nibble on a turkey and cranberry sandwich in the restaurant. The site is open Dec. 6 to 17, with special visits by Santa Dec. 8 and 9. Throughout the month, bring your appetite to the Rivers Edge Restaurant and feast on a three-course holiday dinner, complete with turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes and pie. It tastes like the Christmases of yesteryear, only better.—Sheri Radford
Here’s a sample of Whistler’s many winter events.
Telus World Ski & Snowboard Festival. Photo by Mike Crane courtesy Tourism Whistler
—Sheri Radford
By PAMELA MACNAUGHTAN
Lake Louise ski resort (Photo: Drew Douglas)
Spring may be around the corner, but the ski season in the Canadian Rockies lasts until May, so you’ve got plenty of time to hit the slopes! (more…)
Photo by Skistar Trysil
Whether you ski downhill or cross-country, or if you prefer to slide the slopes on a single plank, these ski and board shops will outfit you with the equipment, outerwear and accessories you need for a day of dashing through the snow.
Bikes & Boards
When you want to carve up a snowy mountainside and look good doing it, this Sporting Life-branded store is the place to gear up. Find snowboards, boots and bindings, as well as stylish jackets and goggles from brands like Burton, Volcom and Salomon. 2454 Yonge St., 416-485-4440.
Boardsports
Thanks to a staff that’s knowledgeable and passionate about all sports involving a board of some kind, you’re sure to find the right snowboard to suit your riding style and skill level. Arbor, Drake and Flow are just a few of the cool brands kept in stock. 2010 Yonge St., 416-485-9463.
Hogtown Extreme Sports
Everything you need to snowboard—aside from the slanted, snow-swept plot of land—is available at this store. Naturally, there are snowboards aplenty, as well as a fine selection of boots, jackets, pants, helmets and board bags. Waxing and sharpening services are also offered. 401 King St. W., 416-598-4192.
Kenmark Snowsports
The jaunt north to Richmond Hill is worth it to reach this 6,000-square-foot repository for skis, snowboards and more. Since 1980 is winter-loving staff have been recommending all the right equipment for your slippery escapades, from brands like Dakine, Spyder, Rossignol and Marmot. 10720 Yonge St., 905-883-5586.
Mountain Equipment Co-Op
Recreational and expert cross-country skiers alike head to this venerable outdoor store to find all the equipment they need for a day in the snow—from skis and poles to jackets and backpacks, and even sleeping bags if you’re planning a longer backcountry journey. If you’re wary of commitment, MEC offers ski and snowshoe rentals, too. 400 King St. W., 416-340-2667.
Roundhouse Lodge photo by Toshi Kawano courtesy Tourism British Columbia
Peak-to-Peak Eats
Looking to satisfy hunger cravings between runs? Find fabulous fare—and to-die-for views—on top of both mountains. On Whistler, savour West Coast cuisine at Steep’s Grill or head to the spacious Roundhouse Lodge (pictured). On Blackcomb, Christine’s boasts a full-service menu at 1,859 m (6,100 ft), while at the cozy Crystal Hut log cabin, comfort food arrives straight from the wood-burning oven.—Jennifer Patterson
By Meghan Wilson-Smith
It doesn’t take long for Canadians to feel the doldrums of winter start to take hold. But, being the clever Canucks that we are, we’ve figured out exciting ways to make winter full of exploration and adventure. From cave exploration to kite boarding (on ice) to dog sledding, winter can be a time when your best vacation memories are made. Let’s stop hibernating! It’s time to appreciate Canada for the winter wonderland it is. (more…)
Photo by Patrick Hiu
Last weekend’s East Coast storm was a shocker for some, but winter-sports enthusiasts it meant an early start to the most wonderful time of the year: ski season.
Many resorts are opening early, and in fact, at least one is already open.
Here’s a rundown of ski-season openings for 2011, in order by opening date: (more…)
Chris Davenport shredding Portillo in Chile. Photo credit: Mike Arzt.
Oct. 27. Fresh powder, crystal blue skies, and not a soul in sight. This is the magical, adrenalin-fuelled world of Warren Miller‘s 62nd annual winter sports film Like There’s No Tomorrow (see trailer here). Follow world-class athletes Chris Davenport, Julia Mancuso, Daron Rahlves, Colby West, and Seth Wescott as they hit the slopes in five continents, from Squaw Valley in the U.S. to the Himalayas in Gulmarg, India. This is high-def sports cinema at its finest, narrated by Olympic Gold Medalist skier Jonny Moseley. The film is making its way across the country as part of the 2011 Canadian tour, which offers a jaw-dropping look at some of the world’s most legendary winter landscapes, and the people who dream of conquering this beautiful terrain. The film will be screened on Thursday night only at Centrepointe Theatre.
Photo courtesy Tourism Vancouver and Tourism Whistler
What do you get when you take the best skiing and snowboarding in the world, throw in some fabulous fashion shows and rockin’ parties, then add outdoor concerts by the likes of Tokyo Police Club, Gogol Bordello, Black Mountain, Broken Social Scene, Fort Knox Five and Mat the Alien? You get the 10 fun-filled days (and nights) of the Telus World Ski & Snowboard Festival (Apr. 15 to 24) in nearby Whistler. Party on.—Sheri Radford