Disc ver Winter - Calgary Herald · Start planning your start to winter and visit ... Spend the morning on the slopes readying your palate for some award-winning ... the memories

Disc verWinterFun Fest Our favourite winter festivals

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PAGE 2 Saturday, November 22, 2014 DiScover wintEr

Discover Winter is a special publication distributed in the Calgary Herald, Edmonton

Journal and Vancouver Sun. It was created by the Calgary

Herald Special Projects Department.

Project co-ordinators:

Darren Oleksyn [email protected]

Kelly Zenkewich [email protected]

Design: Kathryn Molcak Cover photo: Whistler

Blackcomb; Credit: Mike Crane

Dive into the weird and wonderful world of wacky winter sports.

The West welcomes winter with an amazing array of festivals and celebrations.

Power up with these healthy snacks in the chalet this snowy season.

Five must-try apps to boost your year on the slopes.

Explore the powder paradise known as Western Canada this winter.

Fitted forms, nature-inspired prints and technical fabrics will be hot on the lifts.

Non-skiers, rejoice! Resorts are catering more and more to your needs.

Writer Meghan Jessiman spends a delightful 48 hours exploring Whistler, B.C.

Snowmobiling’s popularity is just revving up in Western Canada.

insiDe

Disc verWinter

DiScover wintEr Saturday, November 22, 2014 PAGE 3

Four Weekends ofHoliday Festivities

All of the holiday merriment, the shimmer of lights, and the culinary delights of the season come together at the Winterstart Festival. Come see why there’s no better place to get in the spirit than Banff National Park. Start planning your start to winter and visit

BanffLakeLouise.com/Winterstart.Winter. Starts. Here.

Festival highlights:• Holiday Happenin’s and Shopping

• Winter Wonderland Activities• Taste the Season • World Cup Racing

• Nightlife and Live Music• Nightlife and Live Music• Nightlife and Live Music• Nightlife and Live Music• Nightlife and Live Music

Nov. 29th~Dec. 21st

Warm up to

winter

— Toast marshmallows and get cosy around the fire at Sun Peaks Resort, near Kamloops, B.C. Main photo and bottom inset, credit: Kelly Funk, courtesy Sun Peaks Resort; Top inset photo, credit: Ice on Whyte

Winter cities like Calgary and Edmonton, even those further west in British Columbia, don’t just roll up the sidewalks when the snow flies. They get creative about how to make our longest season one we can embrace and enjoy, if we’re willing to wear a few more layers of clothing.

Here’s a list of some events to help warm up your winter routine.

edmonton

ice on Whyte – Jan. 23 to Feb. 1: Edmonton is known as Festival City and with good reason; there are dozens all year round. But in winter, Ice on Whyte is the main event. Take the free sleigh ride shuttle to the festival’s home base, next to the Strathcona Farmers Market.

That’s where the ice-carving festival, which attracts carvers from around the world, takes place. This year, 500 blocks of ice will be morphed into sculptures that are marvels of imagination. The 10-day event also features live music, a children’s play area and an ice slide.

Banff/Lake Louise, Alta.

Winterstart – nov. 29 to Dec. 21: Revamped for this year, Winterstart celebrates all that is winter in Banff and Lake Louise. This month-long festival includes live music and World Cup ski racing, a Taste of the Season with delicious dining options and even a Santa Claus parade that will delight observers of all ages.

snowDays/ice Magic Festi-val/MeC ice Climbing Festival – Jan. 10 to Feb. 8: Two favourite mountain towns in the West, Banff and Lake Louise, collaborate for a month-long celebration of all things ice and snow.

Head to Banff National Park for SnowDays for the ultimate in outdoor Canadian fun. In the town of Banff, challenge yourself on the 12-metre ice-climbing wall, keep the kids busy at the ice park or settle in to watch pro curlers compete at the All-Star Travellers Curling Skins Game (Jan. 17-18, Banff).

The centrepiece of SnowDays is the Interna-tional Ice-Carving Competition on frozen Lake Louise. Dining deals and hotel packages are also offered during this time.

Canmore, Alta.

Christmas in Canmore – nov. 28 to Jan. 1: Escape the big city crowds for the slower pace of Canmore. The mountain town puts on a jolly face with five weeks of special events and activi-ties. During Moonlight Madness, retailers stay open until 10:30 p.m. Thursdays to Saturdays until Dec. 21. Kids under age 12 can also do their own Christmas shopping at the Ginger-

bread House, where gifts are sold for less than $10. When the shopping’s done,

catch an outdoor movie downtown or go pond skating.

Canmore Winter Carnival – Jan. 20 to Feb. 16: A few truckloads of snow and the glow of lights transform Can-

more’s Main Street into a winter playground for three weeks. Drink

hot chocolate while watching dogsleds whiz by or enter the kids in a

tubing competition — all set against the backdrop of snow-covered mountains. Other events include ice carving and snow-sculpting. .

Fernie, B.C.

Griz Days – Feb. 27 to March 1: Did someone say bacon? As in a bacon-eating contest? That’s just one of the crazy Canuck-style events hap-pening during Fernie’s annual Griz Days. Though

the final roster of events for 2015 isn’t complete as of publication, you can

count on the traditional favourites such as the Canadian Classic

street hockey tournament, Rag-ing Elk Dummy Downhill and more campy contests including bacon eating; axe-throwing, log-tossing and sawing; leg wrestling and fire starting.

Kamloops, B.C.

sun Peaks Winter Okanagan Wine Festival – Jan. 16 to 25: Schussing down the slopes and sipping make a perfect pairing when you’re in the cosy surroundings of Sun Peaks Resort. Spend the morning on the slopes readying your palate for some award-winning wines from the Okanagan. There are 20 events over 10 days, including the popular WestJet Progressive Tasting.

Other special events include the Blind Tasting Party, Moonlight Snowshoeing and Mulled Wine and several wine pairing and dining events. WestJet and Air Canada fly daily into Kamloops from Calgary and Vancouver.

EMBRaCE ThE SEaSon aT onE oF ThESE FESTIvalS By LisA Monforton



British Columbia is home to some of the best resorts in Canada, from family-friendly hills and world-famous powder paradises to resorts with terrain to challenge the best skiers and snowboarders.

Whether you’re seeking the perfect winter family vacation, an escape for two or an adventurous group get-away, B.C.’s resorts fit the bill.

With excellent package options available, now is the time to book your winter vacation! Check out HelloBC.com or individual ski resort websites to get inspired with winter vacation ideas at great savings.

At Silver Star Mountain near Vernon, book a ski vacation for before Dec. 18 and ski for free. Simply book accommodation through the resort’s Silver Star Holidays and get bonus lift tickets.

Whitewater Ski Resort near Nelson has a variety of special vacation deals, includ-ing the Mid-Week White Sale in January and March, with three nights accommo-dation in Nelson, and three days of ski-ing, priced from $268 per person, double occupancy.

Whistler Blackcomb has numerous deals throughout the season, with great savings if you book early, including discounted lift tickets.

Ski & Stay packages include everything from comfortable condos that can fit an entire family to super luxury hotels with all the amenities.

Apex Mountain Resort near Penticton has many vacation packages throughout the season, some tied to the resort’s special events.

The inaugural Brewski event, with beer tasting, was a huge success last season and will return this winter, while the Vertical and Vintages wine festival offers tastings of top wines from the Okanagan Valley’s Naramata Bench wine region, with food pairings, live entertainment and a dance.

Panorama Mountain Village, near Invermere, wants you to extend your week-end with the Ski Free on Day Three deal. Book three nights of lodging and two days of lift tickets at the hill and receive a free lift ticket for the third day.

Skiing B.C. — Plan your vacation now!SPONSORED BY CANADA WEST SKI AREAS ASSOCIATION

Long after the Christmas gifts are forgotten, the memories of a family holiday vacation at one of B.C.’s ski resorts will live on. Most resorts offers special Christmas and New Year’s vacation packages that can include special festive events such as sleigh rides, visits from Santa, great holiday shopping, Christmas dinners or New Year’s Eve parties.

For instance, Silver Star Mountain makes the holiday season special during its Spirit of Christmas promotion. Stay three nights or more between Dec. 19 and 25 and save 10 per cent off accommodation and lift tick-ets, plus receive a free dinner.

Christmas at Whistler is a magical time, with the village glittering with festive lights and so much to see and do. From Dec. 19 to Jan. 4, the Whistler Holiday Experience is offered at the Whistler Conference Centre. The free venue includes family-friendly

offerings such as minigolf, bouncy castles and other entertainment and festive activities.

Or watch the nightly Fire and Ice show from Dec. 21 onward, with skiers and snowboarders flipping through burning hoops as fireworks burst overhead.

A magical Christmas destination

Courtesy, Apex Mountain ResortApex Mountain Resort, near Penticton, offers many vacation packages throughout the season.

Photo by Paul MorrisonWhistler Blackcomb can be a magical spot during Christmas.

Continued on Page 7Courtesy, Whitewater Ski Resort, Doug LePage

Sampling Whitewater’s powder.

inout3269

skiable acres

skifree

6activities

1 liftticket

FROM PAGE 6: Save money with ski discount cardsNortheast of Kamloops, Sun Peaks Resort

has a Ski + Stay Free promotion from season opening until Dec. 23, then again from Jan. 6 to April 6, 2015. Enjoy four days of skiing and accommodation for the price of three.

Big White Resorts’ 4 For 3 promotion is back; book before Nov. 30 for three nights accommodation and three days of skiing anytime during the season (except Christmas) and get a fourth night and lift ticket for free.

Revelstoke Mountain Resort has a dream vacation package combining three nights on-hill accommodation with a day of resort skiing, a day of cat skiing and a day of heli-skiing, with prices starting from $1,548.

The early bird deal is a great reason to book before Nov. 30 for a ski vacation at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, Kimberley Alpine Resort or Fernie Alpine Resort.

Available from opening day to Dec. 19, Jan. 5 to Feb. 11 and Feb. 23 to closing day, just book four nights and four days skiing and get a fifth night and fifth day’s lift ticket free.

Or why not consider a cross-country ski-ing vacation in B.C., at top Nordic resorts including Whistler, Silver Star, Sun Peaks and several others?

BCnordic.com has information on the resorts, links to vacation planning and booking websites and even a contest for the Ultimate B.C. Nordic Vacation.

A great way to save money if you plan to visit a resort several times is with skier dis-count cards such as the Silver Star PowPass, Whistler Edge Card, Apex Powder Pass, the Whitewater Powder Plus Card and others.

Cards usually include one or several days of free skiing, with discounts for additional days through the season. As an added perk, some cards can be used at several resorts.

After that, the more you ski or snowboard, the more you save.

This content was produced by the Calgary Herald’s Special Projects

department on behalf of Canada West Ski Areas Association for commercial purposes. The Herald’s editorial department had no involvement in the creation of this content.

Courtesy, Silver Star Ski ResortFestive fireworks are just part of the magic at Silver Star’s village.


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*Rate is quoted in CAD. Starting from package rate is per person per night based on 2 people sharing a hotel room or similar, valid Jan 4 to Feb 5, 2015. Package includes 4 nights accommodations and a 3 day lift ticket per person. Book byJanuary 21, 2015. Taxes and fees are extra. Restrictions may apply. Other packages available for dates throughout the winter season, please inquire for details. **Advertised percentage savings refers to lodging portion of package, is onlyavailable when booked as part of a package and is available at participating properties only. †Airfare: Rate shown is in CAD, based on roundtrip travel and includes taxes and fees. Fare is subject to change at any time. Minimum, maximumstay, & advance purchase requirements in effect. Fare is 100% non-refundable & fees will be collected for changes. Fare must be booked by Aug 31, 2015. Travel completed by May 13, 2015. Blackout dates from December 16, 2014 – January 8,2015, February 28, 2015 – March 15, 2015 and April 3 – 6, 2015. Fare is only available when booked in conjunction with a minimum of 3 nights accommodation. Space is limited and may not be available on all flights.

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By GErALD VAnDEr PyLGet wild this winter

— Climbing the ice tower at Big White near Kelowna, B.C. Courtesy; Big White Ski Resort

In Western Canada, there’s much more to winter than skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing.

From ice fishing to ice skating, tobogganing to tubing, snowmobiling to snow shelter building, there are many ways to enjoy winter outdoors in the West. Some activities run from truly wonderful to downright wacky.

Skijoring, for instance, has been around for hundreds of years, but it’s not likely you’ve seen anyone being pulled around on skis by a horse. A modern interpretation is a mashup of dogsledding and cross-country skiing where one or more dogs pull a person on skis.

Companies such as Dog Power Adventures in Prince George, B.C., and Mad Dogs and Englishmen Sled Dog Expeditions out of Canmore, Alta., offer skijoring tours and clinics to get people going on the sport that is great exercise for canine and owner alike.

Ice sailing, another way to travel over frozen terrain, has been popular for years at locations in Alberta, including Ghost Reservoir, Lac des Arcs and Calling Lake, and B.C. at Vaseux Lake and Stuart Lake. The traditional method uses a boat-like craft with metal

blades and a sail. More modern methods employ a windsurf-type sail mounted to a small platform with blades that a person stands on. That setup has become further adapted to use skis rather than blades so they can be used on packed snow instead of ice.

Not for the faint of heart or body, judging by the waivers you have to sign, is riding a bobsled down former Winter Olympic tracks in Calgary or Whistler, B.C.

Basically you’re ballast, as a professional driver pilots the bobsled down the courses, with speeds exceeding 100 km/h and five Gs of force.

If you prefer to be in charge of your own fate, Calgary’s Canada Olympic Park offers public luge rides, while Whistler Sliding Centre flips you over and aims you head-first with public skeleton rides.

Truly wacky if you’ve never see them before are the new breed of bicycles called fat bikes, which are basically mountain bikes equipped with comically large tires that allow them to be used on snow.

The wheeled oddities have become a hit with mountain bikers who love cycling so much they don’t want winter to get in the way.

Another form of winter travel is on a ski-bike, also known as a ski-bob, a sit-down-style contraption that has skis in place of wheels.

Riders use short skis on their feet to help them balance and can ride chairlifts and glide down packed ski trails, all without breaking a sweat or having to shift gears.

If wiping out at high speed with a ski-bike between your legs sounds dicey, another exciting but more traditional sport is ice climbing, which uses crampons on boots and ice axes to scale frozen waterfalls.

Mountain climbing schools in places such as Banff in Alberta or Golden, Revelstoke and Whistler in B.C., also offer ice-climbing lessons, which include the necessary equipment to learn the sport.

A related, but more sedate activity perfect for the entire family is walking through an ice canyon.

Tour companies offer guided walks along spectacular frozen creeks in Alberta at John-ston Canyon near Banff and Maligne Canyon near Jasper, Alta.

HelloBC.com or TravelAlberta.com have more great suggestions for exciting winter activities.

BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA


Mountaintop mealsBy Meghan Jessiman

Atop every ski hill inevitably liesa chalet to refuel and rehydrateduring your day of downhill.However, next time you’re hittingthe slopes or the snowmobile trailswhy not skip the standard chaletburger and try packing a bag fullof these nutritious and deliciousoptions. Your body (and more thanlikely your performance on the hill)will thank you.

THE REAL WONDER BREAD:Standard bread sandwiches don’thold up that well during a longmorning at altitude, so your bestbet is a bagel. Whether you layeryours with deli meats and cheesesplus mustard or hummus, or optfor somethingsimple such asnut butter andbanana, thisdense outerlayer won’tturn to mush bylunchtime.

BLAZE YOUROWN TRAIL:Trail mixes are always a greatoption since they don’t freeze orsquish, but instead of buying a bag,try making a blend out of yourfavourite whole nuts and seeds,with a sprinkling of dark chocolate-covered espresso beans for aperformance enhancing caffeinekick in the afternoon.

WRAP IT UP: Stuffed with energy-rich filling like rice and beans,frozen burritos such as those fromAmy’s Organics arean ideal fuelsource fora day onthe hill.Warmone upbeforeyou hitthe road,wrap it tightly in tinfoiland the chances are pretty goodthat you’ll have a warm lunch.Even if it does cool down, this is stilla tasty, well-balanced choice.

Visit airports in Calgary, Vancouver orKelowna during winter and you’ll seepeople from around the world toting skisand snowboards, arriving for their wintervacation in Western Canada.Face it, the ski and snowboard resorts in

our own backyard are among the best inthe world, and are only a short drive away.David Lynn, president and CEO of the

Canada West Ski Areas Association, saysthere are 139 ski areas in Western Canada,including destination ski resorts, day ski ar-eas and helicopter and cat-skiing operations.Together they provide an unparalleled

diversity of skiing and boarding experiences,Lynn says, adding that a ski road trip is afantastic way to enjoy the diversity ofoptions offered in Western Canada.“For example, Banff and Jasper boast

four destination ski resorts, the Kootenayshave seven and the Okanagan has four. It’svery easy to create itineraries that includemultiple resorts from these groups.”Also making it easy, says Lynn, is that all

the major ski resorts in Western Canadaoffer vacation packages including accom-modation, lift tickets and other productsand services.“Many of the resorts offer ski-in, ski-out

accommodation, providing the ultimate skivacation experience,” he says. “However,there are also more affordable options avail-able in the towns in close proximity to themajor ski resorts.”Ski resorts in Western Canada are also

continually enhancing their product offer-ings to provide something for everyone,even those members of a group or familywho may not be into skiing.Lynn says various ski resorts offer wintery

activities including Nordic skiing, tubing andskating plus off-snow fun like spas, diningand shopping.Skiing and snowboarding have also

become easier thanks to improvements inthe infrastructure and offerings at resorts.“The evolution of lift technology has

greatly enhanced the skiing and boardingexperience in Western Canada,” says Lynn.“Detachable high-speed quads and six

packs provide easy loading, rapid transportand reduced lift lines.“Surface conveyors (known as Magic

Carpets) have replaced rope tows, resultingin a much more pleasant learningexperience for children and otherbeginners.”

Terrain parks also offer interesting andchallenging options for young skiers andboarders, while a broad range of lessonsand ski camps are available for all levels ofskiers and boarders.Ski resorts and industry organizations offer

deals to make the sport more affordable,especially for families, Lynn says.“Most ski areas provide free skiing and

boarding for young children, which providesa great opportunity to learn the sport in anaffordable manner.”The Canadian Ski Council offers a Grade

4/5 SnowPass for $29.95 that allows nineand 10-year-olds to experience skiing andsnowboarding at a nominal cost.In British Columbia, the majority of

Western Canada’s backcountry areas and full-service resortsappeal to snow lovers the world over BY GERALD VANDER PYL

Snowed underby options

PAGE 10 Saturday, November 22, 2014 DISCOVER WINTER

— Cheers from Kimberley Alpine Resort Credit: Henry Georgi

DiscoverWinter2014 .indd 10DiscoverWinter2014 .indd 10 2014-11-05 10:31 AM2014-11-05 10:31 AM


five favourite appsBy Kelly zenkewich

If you’re headed for a day of fun on the slopes, chances are you’ll have your phone on you. Don’t get buried under an avalanche of app options this season. Instead, try a few of our favourites, sure to make your snow day more enjoyable.

onthEsnow sKi & snow rEPort: Are you heading for fresh tracks or crusty old snow? Ski Report tracks snowfall at your favourite resorts (more than 2,000) to let you know who has the best conditions. Live webcams, snowfall alarms and updates from fellow skiers and boarders will give you the up-to-the-minute reports of what the conditions really are. (Free, Android and iOS)

sKi trACKs: This accurate app tracks every day of your season. Elevation, time spent on the hill, speed, distance and more, all without killing your battery, either. The app will even turn itself off if you forget to before hitting the highway home. ($0.99 US, Android and iOS)

wAzE: Getting to the hill safely and remembering where you parked are two very important components of an enjoyable day out on the slopes. Not only will Waze recall your parking spot, it uses data collected in real time by other users to alert you of black ice, accidents, snowstorms and more along the way. (Free, Android and iOS)

LiftoPiA: Before you head up, you need a lift pass; but who wants to pay retail? Covering more than 45 resorts in B.C. and Alberta plus even more internationally, Liftopia can provide up to 80 per cent off lift ticket prices. Think Priceline or Hotwire, but for lift tickets. (Free, iOS and website)

hELLy hAnsEn first trACKs: Powder hounds will love this snow alarm, which alerts you when a big dump has arrived overnight. It’s an alarm clock integrated with weather-tracking software that will wake you at your regular time most days, or will rouse you earlier on those important days when snow has fallen. (Free, Android and iOS)

ski resorts offer half-price lift tickets on B.C. Family Day (visit bcfamilyski.com for details).

“There is also a plethora of other discounts provided by various ski resorts, including early bird season pass discounts, pre-paid ski cards, loyalty cards and other deals,” Lynn says.

Western Canada is blessed with out-standing geography and weather that make it the ideal location for skiing and snow-boarding, so we should embrace winter and get out and enjoy it.

“Skiing and boarding are fantastic family sports, and the ski areas of Western Canada offer an outstanding range of activities that will appeal to all families looking for a fun

and healthy way to spend a winter day.”Skiers and snowboarders are also lucky

to have some great resorts just across the border in the United States.

In Montana, Whitefish Mountain Resort has long been a favourite with Albertans heading south to the sprawling mountain known for its great snow and distinctly American apres ski fun at local bars and restaurants in Whitefish itself.

In Idaho, Schweitzer Mountain Resort near Sandpoint has plenty of snow to go with ski terrain that covers both sides of a huge bowl and ridgeline, while in Washington, residents of the lower mainland head to Mt. Baker, known for its copious dumps of coastal powder. — Fresh tracks at Fernie. Photo: henry Georgi

— Marmot Basin hosts some great snowboarding terrain. Courtesy: Tourism Jasper

Ski Kootenay Rockies’Powder HighwayPhoto by Henry Georgi

www.radiumhotsprings.com/ski

Ski Panorama Mountain Village then soak inthe world famous Radium Hot Springs Pools.

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Though they may not care to admit it, most skiers and snowboarders take

some pride in the decisions they make when it comes to gearing up for the mountains.

Just as the clothes we wear daily express our personality and personal style, so too does the outerware we put on for a day on the

slopes. And just as runway and street style

exhibit trend cycles, so does the world of ski and

snowboard fashion. Just a couple of years ago,

no snowboarder worth his or her (rather expensive) bindings would have considered wearing an ‘80s-inspired onesie. It was all about the oversized skateboard culture-inspired silhouettes.

This season, however, the onesie, along with many other retro-influ-enced trends, are making a noteworthy comeback.

According to Matt Dellan-drea, manager of product train-ing at FGL Sports, the company behind Canadian sportswear chains such as Sport Chek and Atmosphere, skiwear designers are drawing inspiration from the more traditional designer runways.

Brands are focusing on replicating street and urban styles, which means consumers can confidently wear their jacket on and off the slopes. That’s a great thing since good quality gear is a consider-able financial investment.

“Bold, bright colours and traditional camou-flage print are very on trend this year and feature prominently in both men’s and women’s de-

signs,” Dellandrea says. Patterns, especially those

inspired by nature, are going to be a big trend on the slopes during the 2014-15 season, and when it comes to fit, it seems even the snowboarders are

ready to let go of the baggy pants. “Baggier styles are out. Skiers

are taking cues from fashion and are wearing apparel designed with a closer, more tailored fit,” explains Katy Holm, Moun-tain Equipment Co-op’s prod-uct manager for women’s

alpine apparel. “The lighter, slimmer

look is also influenced by an increased interest

in backcountry skiing as op-posed to resort skiing. With backcountry ski apparel you generally see lightweight, shorter jackets and lightweight

slimmer pants.”Off of the hill

and in the village, it’s all about the parka. Women’s styles feature fur trims, while the men’s choices offer interesting fabrications

with unique trim details. Any length goes, according to

Dellandrea, “We’re stock-ing them in a bomber, right down to a full parka length.”

Holm and the MEC team are especially excited about

the arrival of Portland, Ore.-

based line, Nau, in their stores.

“Nau designs beautiful,

highly innovative, techni-cally sound pieces using renewable, organic and recycled fabrics,” she says. “They stand up to the

elements, but don’t look out of place off the mountain. Our members increasingly want their active wear to double as casual wear and Nau understands this.”

Winterwear is about more than just design esthetics, however. A number of innovative techniques on the technology side help skiers and boarders looking cool without feeling that way.

Columbia, for example, developed Omni-Heat technology which features a thermal-reflective lining and insula-

tion that keeps the wearer extra warm when the temperature drops. The North Face has de-veloped Thermoball, which uses a technology that addresses warmth without adding extra weight to a garment.

“It really helps to store body heat,” says Dellandrea.

Helly Hansen has its H2Flow system, an advanced ventilation system that uses airflow to regulate body temperature in a package that has a great

weight-to-warmth ratio.At MEC, hybrid jackets are

predicted to be a big hit this winter. These designs offer the best of both worlds by

combining breathable and wind-resistant fabrics to provide optimal warmth and venti-

lation for temperature regulation during those difficult downhill stints.

“A good example of a hybrid jacket is the Patagonia Hybrid

Down Jacket, featuring wind- resistant fabric on the chest and on the top of the arms, while breathable fabric is used under the arms and below the chest,” Holm says.

Whether you opt for a dose of neon, a nature-inspired print, or a classic fitted parka, one thing is for sure: skiers and boarders alike are going to be look-ing as sharp as their turns on the slopes this season.

Find great gear for another snowy year By MEGhAn JEssiMAn

sleek slope style

— Trackback pants, available at MEC.

— nau 3/4 Cocoon trench coat,

available at MEC.

— Under armor Cold-Gear Infrared avondale

Women’s parka, available at Sport Chek.

— Patagonia hybrid Down jacket, available at MEC.

— helly hansen Swift 2 Men’s jacket,

available at Sport Chek.


A mountain village for all seasons, Whistler Blackcomb really is at its best when the snow sports abound. This doesn’t mean that you need to spend your holiday on the hill, however. With myriad spectacular dining experiences, luxurious spa escapes and adventure activities even for those who aren’t stoked about the downhill scene, this British Columbia gem is the perfect alpine setting for a winter weekend to remember.

EAt: They say breakfast is the most impor-tant meal of the day, but in Whistler it’s a must-do. Because of its hidden location, Gone Village Eatery is a local hot spot often missed by visitors. Known especially for its exquisite baked goods, you’ll do well just grabbing a coffee and a pastry to go, but the full sit-down options don’t disappoint.

If you’re feeling a little indulgent, head straight for Crepe Montagne where the most challenging decision of the day will be deciding between savoury or sweet. We suggest one of each from this authentic French creperie.

A Whistler institution, the staff at Araxi are on point with everything they do — you cannot order incorrectly. When close to the West Coast, however, it’s always wise to indulge in the offerings from the raw bar to start. Follow it up with a hearty mountain meal such as saddle of rabbit or venison loin to cover all your culinary bases.

Aura at Nita Lake Lodge is a great choice for any meal of the day (their Green Pan-cakes are a revelation), but if you are look-ing for a truly memorable dining experience, save this for your last supper. Chef Paul Moran lets his locally-sourced ingredients do the talking and the romantic rustic-chic decor speaks for itself.

DrinK: No trip to the village is complete without at least a couple hours logged at the Longhorn Saloon. Right at the base of the Whistler chairlift, grab a Caesar or a cider and join the apres party scene — whether you skied that day or not.

If you’re really looking to play it cool,

don’t miss the Belvedere Ice Room at Bearfoot Bistro. Strap on a provided Canada Goose parka and choose from more than 50 unique vodkas in the world’s coldest tasting room. It’s only -32 C, meaning most western Canadians won’t even need a coat.

PLAy: Obviously strapping on skis or a snowboard and shredding some powder is always a hot option when in Whistler, but for newbies the idea can be daunting. The beauty of starting your ski career in one of North America’s top resorts is you’re pretty much guaranteed an incredible instructor and favourable snow conditions — both of which make falling on your butt for a few hours much more enjoyable.

Teaching as many as 240,000 lessons a year, the Whistler Blackcomb Snow School has an option suited to every experience level, but there are plenty of other adven-ture options in this winter wonderland that can be done sans skis.

Thanks to the 2010 Olympic Games, visitors with an adventurous side can experi-ence the adrenalin rush of the bobsled tracks at the Whistler Sliding Centre first hand.

Those hoping to experience some true Canadiana will do well on Canadian Wilder-ness Adventures’ dog-sledding excursion. Sit back and enjoy the ride or opt to mush your own team of Arctic sled dogs through the mountain’s snowcapped forests on this choose-your-own-adventure-style tour.

If dogs aren’t your thing, consider the company’s Crystal Hut Fondue experience instead. Take a snowmobile ride 2,000 metres up Blackcomb to an exclusive luxury lodge where live music, fine wine and a plethora of melted cheese awaits.

Life doesn’t get much better than that.

48 hours in whistlerMountain town delights snow lovers By MEGhAn JEssiMAn

— a happy customer digs into the massive waffles at the Crystal hut. Credit: Mike Crane

— Whistler’s a winter wonderland. Credit: noel hendrickson, Discover B.C.

— Whistler village is incredibly walkable. Credit: Discover B.C.


When we moved to Alberta from Ontario, one of the first things we wanted to do as a family was ski. Except for my 14-year-old daughter, who wasn’t interested.

If resorts offered the options then that they do now, she would have come along and found her own fun. Non-skiing activi-ties include snowshoeing, ice skating, ice climbing — even a “snow limo.”

The snow limo is just one of dozens of creative ways ski resorts in Western Canada are making sure no one gets left out in the cold during a ski day or holiday.

“When you have a playground that’s always in the snow and customers that come from all over the world, you offer activities that are unique to your individual resort,” says Michael J. Ballingall, senior vice-president of Big White Ski Resort.

Big White, the recent recipient of several inter-national awards including Best International Family Ski Resort from Out & About with Kids magazine, is where you’ll find the snow limo. The “chauffeur”-driven, gravity-powered ride is open air and non-skiers get the sensation of schussing down the slopes.

Here’s a roundup of resort activities

across Western Canada catering to the non-skiing and ski crowd.

BiG whitE: You could spend an entire week at this resort 60 kilometres south of Kelowna, B.C., and not ski or board once. Dog sledding, ice climbing, wining, dining and snowmobile tours are all on the activity roster, as well as snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

nAKisKA: It seems families can’t get

enough of tubing, so Nakiska has added one more lane for this season.

KiMBErLEy: This resort offers two snowshoe tours.

Make fresh tracks on snowshoes like the early mountain explorers did

and learn about the history of the area. Or, pair the snowshoe adventure with the traditional Swiss chocolate fondue. Both activities, plus skating, gondola tours and cross-country skiing can be booked at Kimberley, B.C.

fErniE: Check out the new Nordic and snowshoeing trails in Fernie, B.C., at

Mt. Fernie Provincial Park. A half-day outing suggestion: cross-country ski up to Island Lake Lodge and enjoy a hot

chocolate in the cosy inn.

KiCKinG horsE: You’ll be hard pressed to find many people who can say they’ve been walking with wolves. This unique program with wolves born and bred in captivity is

offered through Northern Lights Wildlife, near the ski

resort. Also available: two snowshoeing and cross-country ski loop trails, snowmobile tours in Golden, B.C., and skating on

the village pond.

sunshinE ViLLAGE: While your kids are harshing the gnarl, you’ll be far from the maddening crowds at the Restor-ative Yoga and Snowshoe retreat. Several weekend dates are avail-able throughout the season. New this year is the Historical Snowshoe and Fondue Tour, where guests make fresh tracks in the footsteps of the First Nations trade routes and early Euro-pean mountain explorers. End the day with

a fondue at the Chimney Corner Lounge and Wine Bar.

LAKE LouisE: Choose from three snow-shoe tours daily along Ptarmigan Ridge, at an elevation that offers spectacular 360-degree views. Or opt for a diverse selection of cross-country ski trails. If you’d rather get your downhill thrill while sitting, there’s always the Sunny Tube Park.

siLVEr stAr: Located in the Okanagan, 22 kms from Vernon, B.C., Silver Star of-fers dozens of activities to keep non-skiers

busy. Choose from mini-snow-mobiles for the kids, sleigh

rides, a climbing wall, 55 kilometres of Nordic ski trails, 16 km of snow-shoeing trails, ice skating and bowling.

PAnorAMA: Guests can be as busy or

laid-back as they like. The cosy Summit Hut is the venue

for a delicious way to reconnect with your clan at the end of the day. Take the chairlift to the top of the mountain for a fondue or four-course meal. On-site activi-ties also include snowmobiling,

snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. After working your muscles, hit the spa for a massage.

There’s plenty of fun for non-skiersJust because you don’t hit the hill doesn’t mean you’ll be bored By LisA Monforton

— a trio of tubers slide down Silver

Star’s Tube Town. Photo courtesy,

Silver Star.

— Impromptu hockey breaks out on Brewers’ Pond.

Photo: Silver Star Ski Resort

— End an epic day around the bonfire

with family and friends. Photo: Big White Ski

Resort

— Kick up some powder while snowshoeing.

Photo: Big White Ski Resort


The Alberta Snowmobile Association estimates there are more than 140,000 snowmobiles in Alberta. Combine that number with 5,000 kilometres of groomed trails in the province, plus the world class Rocky Mountains and the wide spaces of the prairie grasslands, and you have a rider’s dream destination.

If you peruse a trail map with Edmonton as the centre, the lines meander in all direc-tions. There are snowmobilers everywhere. Some people bring their snowmobiles to the cabin and do short, casual rides. Others go for longer rides, often stopping at staging areas or overnight lodging before continu-ing on the trail the next day. And still others are hard-core mountain riders, challenging mother nature as they carve their own path through fresh powder.

It’s about the fresh air, the scenery, the wildlife, the thrill and the social element, says an avid snowmobiler.

“I love going to the mountains where the

terrain is varied and the scenery is beautiful,” says Richard Holland, who lives in rural Strathcona County, just east of Edmonton.

“We pack up and head there for week-ends. We ride hard and at the end of the day we usually finish off with dinner, a hot tub and maybe play some cards.”

One of Holland’s favourite locations is McBride, B.C., due west of Hinton, Alta. They have an established snowmobile club, warm-up cabins along the trails and at the top of the mountain, clear trail maps and

mandatory trail fees that ensure the area is groomed and well-maintained.

“There are three main ride areas at McBride. My friends and I like the challenge of finding the fresh snow. It’s smooth and great for carving. And the mountains often have warmer weather, especially down in the valleys. Sometimes it’s -30 C in Edmon-ton and only 10 below there.”

A bit closer to Edmonton, one of northern Alberta’s hot spots is The Golden Triangle at Carson Pegasus Park, just north of White-court, a few hours northwest of Edmonton.

The area is home to more than 350 kilo-metres of trails that run through different communities. You can ride from one com-munity to another, stopping overnight for a rest and some fun along the way.

Calgarians often head to Revelstoke, B.C., a world-renowned alpine snowmobiling hub located between the Selkirk and Monashee Mountain ranges. With an annual snowfall of 12 to 18 metres and a variety of zones,

trails, altitudes, trail lengths and terrains, it has something for every skill level. The deep powder and groomed trails beckon those itching to get out for a sweet ride between November and June.

If you’re looking to get hooked on this popular winter activity, it’s a good idea to talk to the snowmobile clubs in your area. Travel Alberta counts 34 volunteer-led clubs in the province. You can also check out the Alberta Snowmobile Association website at altasnowmobile.ab.ca.

And when you’re ready to purchase or upgrade your machine, expect to spend about $12,000 for a quality sled. The other annual costs include maintenance and pos-sibly storage, plus budget for fuel, food and accommodations on each trip out of town.

“I don’t think it’s that expensive,” says Holland. “It’s so good to get out in the winter. I’ve seen moose and caribou and even the birds add to the experience. If you have a good ride, it’s an amazing feeling.”

riding all the way

FRESh PoWDER, MEanDERInG TRaIlS lURE PRaIRIE SnoWMoBIlERS By sArAh PrAtt

— Sled-heads make tracks while the sun shines. Photo: Fotolia

“We pack up and head there for weekends. We ride hard and at the end of the day we usually finish off with dinner, a hot tub and maybe play.some cards.” — Richard holland


Ski season, all bundled up.This winter, stay at The Fairmont Banff Springsor The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise as you skithe majestic Canadian Rockies. With our inclusiveski packages your accommodation and tri-area lifttickets are covered with fine dining and relaxing spatreatments at your doorstep.

The Fairmont Banff Springs and The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise ski packagesare based on double occupancy in a Fairmont room. Subject to availabil i ty at t imeof booking. Photo: Banff Lake Louise Tourism / Paul Zizka.

*The Fairmont BanffSprings

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