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…)
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
Halifax hosts the 2011 Canada Games—the biggest sports event in Nova Scotian history
By Christina Copp and Trevor J. Adams
In February, all eyes will be on Halifax as it hosts the Canada Games. Running from February 11 to 27, the Games will be the largest multi-sport competition in Canada in 2011.
Sports fans have lot to look forward to during the Games. “Essentially, [there are] 20 different sports, so it’s like putting on 20 national championships over 18 days,” says Melissa MacKinnon, director of communications for the Games. She suggests that outdoor sports fans head over to the long-track speed skating at the new Oval on the Halifax Common. Admission is free.
All of the events at both ski venues are also free for fans. A 45-minute drive northwest of Halifax, Martock in Windsor hosts cross-country, biathlon and snowboard competitions Freestyle and alpine skiing take place at Wentworth, an 80-minute drive north.Other highlights include gymnastics, badminton and synchronized swimming at the new Canada Games Centre in Clayton Park, hockey at the Dartmouth Sportsplex and Halifax Metro Centre and boxing at the Halifax Forum. A 40-minute drive west of the city, the St. Margaret’s Centre in St. Margaret’s Bay hosts short-track speed skating and figure skating. The Metro Centre also hosts the opening ceremonies.
The party will continue after the athletes’ days are done, too. “Celebration Square in Grand Parade will be the place to be each evening,” says MacKinnon. The concert venue in front of Halifax City Hall will feature acts like The Stanfields, Christina Martin and Matt Mays. Martin, a multiple Nova Scotia Music Award Winner, was one of more than 300 acts who submitted their names to perform during the Games cultural festivities.
“I applied to perform during the Canada Games because I want to be a part of this monumental event that is taking place on my home turf,” says Christina Martin. “After experiencing the excitement from performing at the Vancouver Winter Olympics, I jumped at the opportunity to be a part of this fantastic event.”
Games CEO Chris Morrissey is excited about the potential to bring Haligonians, athletes and visiting sports fans together. “Everyone can come together to celebrate athletic achievements while enjoying live entertainment that showcases Nova Scotia talent and culture,” he says.
Running from February 11 to 27, the Games embrace a wide variety of disciplines. For schedule and venue details, click here or phone 902-490-2011.
WinterPride photo by Ryan Shanoff courtesy GayWhistler.com
Break out your ski gear and get ready to party as WinterPride takes over Whistler from Jan. 30 to Feb. 6. If dances, dinners and martini parties aren’t your style, how about snowmobile tours, tubing and dogsledding? This week-long gay-pride celebration has something for everyone.—Sheri Radford
Photo by Eric Berger courtesy Tourism Whistler
1 Skiing or snowboarding down the seemingly endless mountainsides.
2 Cold beer on a heated outdoor patio.
3 Shopping for souvenirs in the pedestrian-only village. (more…)
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Stay, Dine, Do
