THE MOUNTAINPASSIONS TEAM knows all about the Canadian Experience — in fact, our Editor Roger Moss began his skiing at Mont Sainte-Anne, in the Laurentian Mountains of Québec.
We’ve been back several times, both to see and ski more of Québec and to discover British Columbia.
Along the way we just fell in love with Canada, and we know that many of you feel the same, so we’re delighted to reveal that this season sees Canada finally coming to MountainPassions — as we always planned.
To celebrate we’re offering our readers great value inclusive Canadian ski holiday packages to some of our favourite resorts.
Things are getting even more exciting in the snowy heart of British Columbia, as a dream becomes reality on the mountain that seems to have got everyone talking.
Apart from offering 1713m of lift-served vertical drop (the longest in North America) and phenomenal scenery, the area also seems to have fired the imagination
of mountain property investors.
Here’s the Official Site:
www.revelstokemountainresort.com
Colourful Ski Villages...EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED, like this ski-in/ski-out Goldrush-style village whose main street is covered with freshly-groomed snow. The mood is friendly and welcoming, and the skiing is superb, with something for all abilities.
Location: Silverstar Mountain, in the Okanagan Valley, British Columbia.
Truly Amazing Snow...A TYPICAL SEASON can produce snowfalls of over 12m of light, fluffy powder. Add tree-lined glade-skiing plus efficient lift-systems (not to mention great dining and cosy accommodation) and you’re starting to get the Canadian picture.
Location: Sun Peaks Mountain Resort, near Kamloops, British Columbia.
Warm-Hearted Cities...CAN YOU IMAGINE an historic French walled city overlooking the mighty St Lawrence river? Québec City is just that and much more. It’s also a vibrant and welcoming base from which to explore great ski areas like Mont Sainte-Anne, Stoneham and Le Massif, which have inspired generations of winter sports aficionados. Just being there is all it takes to fall under the spell.
And it’s just the same over on the west coast,
where the Canadian Pacific Railroad revealed Vancouver to an unsuspecting world. Now the name of Whistler Blackcombe is world-famous among skiers, increasing numbers of whom are also discovering the epic skiing experience to be found inland at places like Big White, Silverstar Mountain and Sun Peaks. We know because we’ve skied them, and we'll be bringing you our own hands-on, independent Resort Reviews shortly...
It’s Carnival Time...THEY DON’T THINK OF IT as winter — to Canadians it’s the Fun Season, and nowhere more so than the Québec City Carnaval. You never know who will be in town (and you may be surprised at who you spot in the crowds). A whole raft of events unfolds, and no-one is allowed to feel left out. Lest the winter chill start to get to you, there’s vin-chaud to warm the spirits. And smiles all round.
The two main ski destinations in Canada are Québec in the East, and British Columbia in the West.
A 6½ hour flight from London will get you into Montréal with easy access to Mont Tremblant and the many smaller resorts throughout Québec.
Fly into Calgary (just over 9 hours) in western Canada for access to Banff, Lake Louise, Jasper, Fernie, Panorama and Kicking Horse. Alternatively, fly to the 2010 Winter Olympics venue Vancouver, enjoy everything the city has to offer, then drive to resorts such as Whistler (2hrs), Sun Peaks, Big White and Silverstar.
Connecting flights operate to Kamloops or Kelowna in the heart of BC.