The Canadian Rockies Blog - rocky-peak.com

May 2008 Snow Photos

2008-05-09T13:46:00.003-07:00

Mother Nature lets us know that winter is not over just yet in the Canadian Rockies!

These photos, taken today by our rocky-peak Ski Holidays guide in Canmore, really show that winter is not over!!

Photo Credit: rocky-peak Holidays

Sunshine Village Powder | May 09 2008

2008-05-09T08:15:00.002-07:00

Snow Report
Friday, May 09, 2008

Conditions:
With 50 cm of new snow in the past 36 hours Sunshine Village are currently sitting at 55 cm in the past 4 days! Goats Eye Express chair will re-open today for your skiing and riding pleasure. Visit Sunshine Village's website at Skibanff.com to see the line-up of their weekend outdoor concerts happening every weekend until May 19th!

Past 36 hours: 50 cms
Past 4 days: 55 cms
Base: 206 cms

Today's Forecast:
Snow Showers
High 0 °C
Low -10 °C

Tomorrow’s forecast:
Light Snow
High -1°C
Low -7°C

Mountain Status:
12 of 12 lifts open
64 of 107 trails open

Ski Banff at Sunshine Village 2008 - APRIL POWDER DAY!

2008-04-19T09:06:00.003-07:00

With 45 cm of new snow in the past 24 hours Sunshine Village is currently sitting at 64cm in the past 2 days! Due to this extreme snowfall, the Aaron Pritchett Concerts have been cancelled for this weekend (April 19 and 20). This Concert will be rescheduled.

Sunshine Village is scheduled to close at the end of May 2008.

Website Site Map for rocky-peak.com

2008-04-02T09:50:00.004-07:00

rocky-peak.com has now combined their summer site map and ski site map into one to make it easier for you to navigate their site.

Their new website sitemap which contains page navigation links can be found at rocky-peak.com.

April 2008 Events Adjustment

2008-03-30T10:20:00.001-07:00

Please note that there have been a couple of adjustments to the previous post below:

- K2 finals at Norquay have been cancelled
- End of Season Beach Party at Norquay is now on the 12th not the 13th

April 2008 - Banff-Lake Louise-Sunshine events

2008-03-29T10:32:00.002-07:00

Tuesday April 1st 2008
Greek Night – Balkan visit www.banffbalkan.ca for more info
Beer Factor - Hoodoo 18+ only 10pm - late
Red Hot Karaoke - Wild Bills 18+ only 10pm - late

Wednesday April 2nd 2008
Wild West Wednesdays – Wild Bills 18+ only 8pm – Late

Thursday April 3rd 2008
Greek Night – Balkan visit www.banffbalkan.ca for more info
Final Hockey Night: Ottawa vs. Toronto - Elk & Oarsman 5:30pm

Saturday April 5th 2008
Suds plays on the Kokanee Deck - Lake Louise Mountain Resort

Sunday April 6th 2008
TV Rock - Aurora's 18+ only 9pm - Late

Monday April 7th 2008
Get Wild (Bake your own calzone)– Wild Flour Bakery 5pm – 6:30pm

Tuesday April 8th 2008
Greek Night – Balkan visit www.banffbalkan.ca for more info
Beer Factor - Hoodoo 18+ only 10pm - late
Red Hot Karaoke - Wild Bills 18+ only 10pm - late

Wednesday April 9th 2008
Wild West Wednesdays – Wild Bills 18+ only 8pm – Late
Ski Norquay Closed for the Day

Thursday April 10th 2008
Greek Night – Balkan visit www.banffbalkan.ca for more info
Ski Norquay Closed for the Day

Saturday April 12th 2008
End of Year Beach Party - Ski Norquay

Sunday April 13th 2008
Projected closing of Ski Norquay

Monday April 14th 2008
Get Wild (Bake your own calzone)– Wild Flour Bakery 5pm – 6:30pm

Tuesday April 15th 2008
Greek Night – Balkan visit www.banffbalkan.ca for more info
Beer Factor - Hoodoo 18+ only 10pm - late
Red Hot Karaoke - Wild Bills 18+ only 10pm - late

Wednesday April 16th 2008
Wild West Wednesdays – Wild Bills 18+ only 8pm – Late

Thursday April 17th 2008
Greek Night – Balkan visit www.banffbalkan.ca for more info

Friday April 18th 2008
Rob Bosinger Memorial Weekend - Sunshine Village

Saturday April 19th 2008
Rob Bosinger Memorial Weekend - Sunshine Village
Suds plays on the Kokanee Deck - Lake Louise Mountain Resort
Aaron Pritchett playing at Sunshine Village 2pm

Sunday April 20th 2008
Rob Bosinger Memorial Weekend - Sunshine Village
Aaron Pritchett playing at Sunshine Village 2pm

Monday April 21st 2008
Get Wild (Bake your own calzone)– Wild Flour Bakery 5pm – 6:30pm

Tuesday April 22nd 2008
Greek Night – Balkan visit www.banffbalkan.ca for more info
Beer Factor - Hoodoo 18+ only 10pm - late
Red Hot Karaoke - Wild Bills 18+ only 10pm - late

Wednesday April 23rd 2008
Wild West Wednesdays – Wild Bills 18+ only 8pm – Late

Thursday April 24th 2008
Greek Night – Balkan visit www.banffbalkan.ca for more info

Friday April 25th 2008
ANZAC Day

Saturday April 26th 2008
Spring Episode '08 - Lake Louise Mountain Resort
Kokanee Freeride - Lake Louise Mountain Resort
Coors Light Peak Party illScarlett playing - Sunshine Village

Sunday April 27th 2008
Spring Episode '08 - Lake Louise Mountain Resort
Coors Light Peak Party illScarlett playing - Sunshine Village
Projected closing of Lake Louise Mountain Resort

Monday April 28th 2008
Get Wild (Bake your own calzone)– Wild Flour Bakery 5pm – 6:30pm

Tuesday April 29th 2008
Greek Night – Balkan visit www.banffbalkan.ca for more info
Beer Factor - Hoodoo 18+ only 10pm - late
Red Hot Karaoke - Wild Bills 18+ only 10pm - late

Friday April 30th 2008
Wild West Wednesdays – Wild Bills 18+ only 8pm – Late

Zoom Airlines Promotional Code - 20% OFF

2008-03-26T15:58:00.003-07:00

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Discount valid until April 30th, 2008

Enter this code: MM2007ZA under "Promotional Code" at flyzoom.com

More promotional codes? Post them here!

First Bear of Spring 2008 - Banff National Park

2008-03-26T15:23:00.002-07:00

Photo Courtesy of Parks Canada

This big male grizzly was photographed on March 16th by a Trans-Canada Highway Project remote camera in the lower Bow Valley. Male grizzlies typically emerge out of their dens in mid-March. Female bears with their cubs tend to emerge mid-April.

This is an indicator that Spring is here and we need to be bear aware! Look out for signs of bears when you are hiking such as diggings and bear scat. If you suspect a bear is in the area it is often best to leave the area immediately. If this is not possible, make plenty of noise so the bear is not surprised. If you make noise during your hike, such as talking loudly, you are very unlikely to see any wildlife including bears.

Organised hikes are a great way to see the wilderness. Include an organised hike on your summer vacation!

Up-to-date trail reports are available at Parks Canada official website.

rocky-peak - CANADA & U.K. websites

2008-02-11T17:42:00.000-07:00

Please note that there are more ways to find rocky-peak Holidays. Based in the Canadian Rockies year-round, rocky-peak Holidays offers ski holidays and summer vacations in Western Canada.

rocky-peak - Canada: www.rockypeak.ca

rocky-peak - U.K.: www.rockypeak.co.uk

Thank you for your new and repeat business. We look forward to planning your next ski holiday and summer vacation in magnificent Western Canada!

ZOOM AIRLINES PROMOTION CODE

2008-02-11T17:10:00.000-07:00

Receive $100 OFF Zoom Airlines everyday low prices.

Book before February 15th for travel between

May 1 - July 16 and/or Sept 8 - Oct 31, 2008

Promotion Code: BeMyValentine2008

Prices are based per passenger when a round trip ticket is purchased. Visit flyzoom.com and enter the promotion code above prior to booking and fly to romance with Zoom!

Remember for the rest of your ski holiday or summer vacation in Canada, be sure to contact rocky-peak Holidays!

NHL Ice Hockey Tours - Calgary Flames (Feb 7 to Mar 29 2008)

2008-02-07T16:07:00.000-07:00

The last Ice Hockey Tours to see the Calgary Flames are in March 2008, just next month, so remember to book your seats as space is limited!

All NHL games are played in the Saddledome in Calgary.

Date: 9 Feb
Game: Edmonton
Departs Banff: 2.15 pm
Game Time: 5.00 PM

Date: 22 Feb
Game: Detroit
Departs Banff: 4.15 pm
Game Time: 7.00 PM

Date: 26 Feb
Game: Colorado
Departs Banff: 4.15 pm
Game Time: 7.00 PM

Date: 4 Mar
Game: Columbus
Departs Banff: 4.15 pm
Game Time: 7.00 PM

Date: 7 Mar
Game: Nashville
Departs Banff: 4.45 pm
Game Time: 7.30 PM

Date: 10 Mar
Game: St Louis
Departs Banff: 4.45 pm
Game Time: 7.30 PM

Date: 20 Mar
Game: Colorado
Departs Banff: 4.15 pm
Game Time: 7.00 PM

Date: 22 Mar
Game: Minnesota
Departs Banff: 5:15 pm
Game Time: 8.00 PM

Date: 25 Mar
Game: Vancouver
Departs Banff: 4.15 pm
Game Time: 7.00 PM

Date: 29 Mar
Game: Edmonton
Departs Banff: 5:15 pm
Game Time: 8.00 PM

Prices:
$100-$110 for Black Seating AND return transportation from Banff or Canmore
$125-$135 for Green Seating AND return transportation from Banff or Canmore
$155+ for Blue Seating AND return transportation from Banff or Canmore

Tickets Available from:
ROCKY-PEAK HOLIDAYS

More information:
Banff Ice Hockey Tours

WINTER STORM CYCLES LEAVE WHITE GOLD AT WHISTLER BLACKCOMB

2008-02-07T15:09:00.000-07:00

Consistent snowfall spoils skiers and riders

Over the past seven days Whistler Blackcomb has received 51cm/20 inches of new snow. The five day forecast is calling for a possible 85+cm by Sunday as a strong frontal system hits the coast. The long-range forecast is calling a series of disturbances to pass over the area bringing even more snow to the Coastal Mountains by the end of the week. The snow base is currently sitting at 289cm at mid mountain on Whistler and there is more snow on the way.

“The freezing level has stayed consistently low and with all this snow it means great conditions all the way to the village,” says Ryan Proctor Whistler Blackcomb Public Relations Coordinator. “I’m not sure when the last time that I had to look for powder was, it feels like we’ve been getting fresh snow almost everyday.”

Incredible snow conditions and great events mean February is shaping up to be one for the books. February 12 is the two year countdown mark for the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. Also, make sure to check out the Canadian National Snow Sculpting Team showcasing their work on Whistler Mountain, February 27-29.

Remember to book your ski holiday with rocky-peak Holidays - your year-round specialists in Western Canada!

Blue Ticket - Calgary Flames V Colorado Avalanche

2008-01-10T20:31:00.000-07:00

We have just ONE BLUE ticket left for the NHL Flames game at the Saddledome, Calgary - Calgary Flames against the Colorado Avalanche on Tuesday February 26 2008. The price is just $165 including tax and transportation from Banff and Canmore.

We also have some Green and Black seating available. For more information just click on the above title link.

Banff Snowmobiling - Banff Snowmobile Tours

2007-12-29T20:02:00.000-07:00

These tours offer guided snowmobile tours in the Canadian Rockies. You will be shuttled through the majestic Rockies from Canmore, Banff, and Lake Louise. The closest snowmobile operation is 84 minutes from Banff and 50 minutes from Lake Louise - they are located just west of Yoho National Park outside of the National Parks.

All the trips provide all the necessary winter gear, a new well maintained skidoo, a highly qualified guide, and a memory that will last forever!

Want more power? You can upgrade your 380cc Skidoo to a 550cc Skidoo for just a small amount extra.

There are other tours such as the High Power Private trip and for more experienced riders - the Extreme Tour!

The price is CDN$250 for a full day of action including ALL TAX, some insurance, a BBQ lunch and return transportation from Banff.

Include this tour as part of a ski package and save 10% with rocky-peak Holidays, offering ski holidays in Western Canada.

Banff listed as top Ski Getaway on Trip Advisor

2007-12-24T09:23:00.000-07:00

Trip Advisor rating of Banff as number one within top ten list for Ski Getaways!
Here is the list or check out the Trip Advisor site:: 
1. Banff, Banff National Park
 2. Vail, Colorado, United States 
3. Zermatt, Valais, Swiss Alps 
4. Whistler, British Columbia, Canada 
5. Stowe, Vermont, United States 
6. Mont Tremblant, Quebec, Canada 
7. Jackson, Wyoming, United States 
8. Chamonix, Haute-Savoie, Rhone-Alpes 
9. Sun Valley, Idaho, United States 
10. Cortina D'Ampezzo, Belluno, Veneto
Source: Trip Advisor site

Leave your comments!!!

2007-12-18T15:01:00.001-07:00

Please leave any comments you have about your experiences in Canada including any tips you might have!

Dog Sled Tours

2007-12-18T14:22:00.000-07:00

We have been turning this blog into a Dog Sled Tour blog with our recent posts so sorry if you are not a dog fan! We are just excited about new dog sled tours and want to let you know about them!

We are pleased to announce that Dog Sled Tours are now available in the following ski resorts:

Banff Dog Sled Tours

Lake Louise Dog Sled Tours

Jasper Dog Sled Tours

Panorama Dog Sled Tours

Whistler Dog Sled Tours

Canmore Dog Sled Tours

If you do not want to pay booking fees, and want a one stop dog sled stop for your Ski Holiday package, then contact rocky-peak Ski Holidays.

Jasper Dog Sled Tours - Dog Sledding

2007-12-18T13:39:00.000-07:00

Make the most of your Ski Holiday in Jasper with a Jasper Dog Sled Tour!

This tour begins with a 1.25 hour journey along the historic Yellowhead highway to the Small River rest area west of Valemount, BC. Your experienced guide will teach you how to use the sled and work with the dogs.

You will then have the opportunity to drive your own team of sled dogs past snow-covered trees, waterfalls, open meadows and abundant wildlife. For those not wanting to drive, simply snuggle in the sled and soak up the incredible scenery. Enjoy a native-style campfire lunch alongside a mountain stream!

The Jasper Dog Sled Tour includes a native-style campfire lunch and hotel pick up and drop off. The tours depart from Jasper daily in the morning and afternoon. Leave about 5 to 6 hours for a round trip. The price is CDN$215 for an adult and CDN$145 for a child aged 5 to 12 years.

Bookings can be made through the Ski Holiday company, rocky-peak Ski Holidays.

Whistler Dog Sled Tours - Dog Sledding

2007-12-17T22:49:00.000-07:00

Mush! Dogsledding is one of Canada’s oldest official sports. For thousands of years, the dog has been an integral part of First Nations life.

Learn about this ancient mode of transportation as you blaze through the meandering forest of towering Western Hemlocks and Cedars. Witness stunning views of the Whistler Valley, Olympic sites, Black Tusk and beyond as the enchanted forest trails open up to reveal a spectacular world of winter beauty.

Your adventure isn’t over until you’ve warmed your hands and shared your tales of adventure over a hot drink and a snack in our staging area!

Rates for a round-trip (including transportation) 2-2.5 hour tour are CDN$167 for an adult (2 adults per sled) and half price for children when sharing with 2 adults.

To book this tour in Whistler, contact rocky-peak Ski Holidays of visit their Whistler Dog Sled Tours web page for more information.

Banff Winter Wildlife Tour - Moose

2007-12-11T16:01:00.000-07:00

To book a Banff winter wildlife tour, or to include it in an existing package, contact rocky-peak Ski Holidays.

Sunshine Village - ALL LIFTS OPEN

2007-12-11T11:59:00.000-07:00

ALL LIFTS AT SUNSHINE VILLAGE ARE NOW OPEN!

Goat's Eye Mountain opened on Friday December 7th 2007 at 11am. All of Sunshine's lifts are now open. Excellent conditions through-out on 125cm base with 72cm fresh powder in the previous 6 days. Skiers and boarders were raving about the deep powder on Goat's Eye Mountain!

To get to Sunshine Village and for Ski Holidays in Canada, contact rocky-peak Ski Holidays.

Resorts of the Canadian Rockies - Terrain Park News

2007-12-04T12:13:00.000-07:00

Resorts of the Canadian Rockies (RCR) has recently announced some changes to the terrain park facilities at their resorts, which will see a focus on enhanced Rail & Box Parks and the removal of man-made jumps.

Please see the new RCR Rail Park webpages below, which include a Q & A section on the changes, as well as a list of planned features for each of their parks:

Lake Louise: http://skilouise.com/the-mountain/rcr-park.aspx

Fernie: http://skifernie.com/the-mountain/rcr-park.aspx

Nakiska: http://skinakiska.com/the-mountain/rcr-park.aspx

Kimberley: http://skikimberley.com/the-mountain/rcr-park.aspx

Ski Holidays Canada

2007-12-01T13:57:00.000-07:00

Thinking of a ski holiday in Canada? Considering visiting any of the following ski resorts: Banff Norquay, Fernie, Jasper Marmot Basin, Kicking Horse, Kimberley, Lake Louise, Nakiska, Panorama, Sunshine Village, Whistler Blackcomb? Then read on!

Things to consider before deciding where to go on a ski holiday in Canada. The following is based on statistics gathered direct from the ski hills by rocky-peak Ski Holidays.

❄ Price

We all have a budget to stick to, well, most of us anyway!

Best value ski resort: Jasper Marmot Basin

Most Expensive ski resort: Whistler Blackcomb

❄ Terrain (Based on % of resort)

Mostly beginner: Jasper Marmot Basin

Mostly intermediate: Nakiska

Mostly advanced: Whistler Blackcomb (Kicking Horse is close second)

Mostly Expert: Panorama

❄ Time of year

Earliest opening: Sunshine Village, Banff

Latest Closing: Whistler Blackcomb

Be aware that the coldest months are January and February. Some of the best rates of the season are in January and as long as you have plenty of warm clothes just in case, it is definately worth taking advantage of these rates.

❄ Duration

Longest season: Whistler Blackcomb (Sunshine Village, Banff close second)

Whistler Blackcomb opens November and closes in early June - how great is that?! Blackcomb Mountain also has a glacier which can be skiied on in the summer.

Sunshine Village, Banff closes end of May. If you are wanting to stay a season then go for the resorts with the longest season. If you are coming out for just week, it is best stick with just one resort, that way you will get to know the runs well. For two week ski holidays think about spending one week in one resort, and the other week in another.

If you don't want to do the split resort ski holiday, Banff, for example, has access to Banff Norquay, Lake Louise and Sunshine Village and if you are prepared to travel a couple of hours, Kicking Horse onboard the popular Kicking Horse Express Ski Bus. Lake Louise also has easy access to all these resorts too.

❄ Snow Quantity

Greatest average snowfall: Whistler Blackcomb (Fernie is close second)

This might be why Fernie was rated number 5 best ski resort in North America in Skiing Magazine’s “Top 25 Resorts in North America”. Whistler Blackcomb was number one again!

If you are after deep powder, then increase your chances by visiting the resorts with the highest average snowfall. One thing to remember though is that you can have a powder day in most resorts if your timing is right (and you are lucky!), however, skiing while that snow is coming down is not that much fun as you can not see too much so don't pray for too much snow at once!

❄ Snow Quality

Best quality: Sunshine Village, Banff

Quality not quantity comes to mind. Head to the higher resorts for the best quality snow. If the temperatures rise a bit, you still know you will be getting good quality snow, not that horrible slushy stuff. The higher the resorts, the lower the temperatures are going to be so that is something to bear in mind.

In my opinion, Sunshine Village, Banff has the best quality snow. It is ideally located on the Continental Divide and is a high resort and so Sunshine Village, Banff often receives snow when the other ski resorts aren't.

❄ Best Powder

Kicking Horse without a doubt! Kicking Horse has it's famous "champagne powder" that you can just cruise through. The air is so dry, you will find it is almost impossible to make snowballs out of this light fluffy powder. If it looks like the snow is going to hit Kicking Horse Mountain Resort while you are out here, be sure to hop on the Powder Express Bus to Kicking Horse.

❄ Racing

Do you like to Race?

The best for racing are Lake Louise and Nakiska. With their groomed runs you fly!

❄ Greatest Vertical

Do you like long runs?!

Whistler Blackcomb has the greatest vertical in North America (closely followed by Vail) and Kicking Horse has the greatest vertical in the Canadian Rockies. You will find your ankles will burn if you try to do the run from top to bottom in one go. It is certainly a buzz when you do a great last long run from top to bottom to finish your day.

❄ Skiable Terrain

Whistler Blackcomb comes first to no surprise. Lake Louise has the greatest skiable terrain in the Canadian Rockies. Both these resorts have enough runs for you to be finding new runs year after year!

❄ Family friendly resorts

All the resorts cater to families, some more so than others. Sunshine Village, Banff, Banff Norquay, Lake Louise, Jasper Marmot Basin and Whistler Blackcomb are all excellent for families of mixed ages and abilities.

❄ Accommodation preferences

You may want to decide what sort of ski accommodation you would like before you choose the ski resort as not all accommodation types are available at every resort. Larger resort homes are available in Whistler Blackcomb and Fernie unlike Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper which have just mostly hotel rooms. Ski-in, ski-out properties can only be found at Kicking Horse, Fernie, Kimberley, Panorama, Whistler Blackcomb, and Sunshine Village .

I hope I have been able to give you a few things to think about when planning your ski holiday in Canada. For more information and expert advice, be sure to contact rocky-peak Ski Holidays for your ski holiday in Canada.

Kicking Horse - 3-Bedroom Resort Home - AVAILABLE New Year

2007-11-29T14:20:00.000-07:00

We are now almost fully booked over the New Year 2007/2008 in most of our ski resorts in the Canadian Rockies and Western Canada. Larger resort homes over New Year are therefore very hard to come by!

Due to a last minute cancellation, a 3-bedroom on-mountain resort home has become available for December 28 2007 for 4 nights in Kicking Horse Mountain Resort. This is an absolute gem and if you have not already snapped up a place over New Year, snap this one up!

Rate is CDN$695 per night plus applicable taxes (14%). Total rate for a 4 night stay is $3169.

To book this or to check if it is still available, contact rocky-peak Ski Holidays as soon as you can!

Kicking Horse Powder Express

2007-11-23T12:22:00.000-07:00

Experience Canada's newest ski resort in a day from Lake Louise and Banff onboard the Kicking Horse Powder Express. Kicking Horse Mountain Resort has developed significantly over the last few years and has a lot to offer especially for those looking for something a little more challenging. When you get there, you can catch the main gondola to the top of the mountain. At the very top of the mountain, there is a world class restaurant (The Eagle's Eye) with impressive panoramic views. This is where the fun begins!

From the top of the mountain you have the greatest vertical in the Rockies to cruise down. Kicking Horse's longest run is 10 km (6 miles) and there is a green run all the way down so that the more cautious of you can join in! With plenty of steep and deep, Kicking Horse offers some of the most challenging terrain in the Rockies. You can view the full statistics on Kicking Horse Mountain Resort by visiting a Kicking Horse Mountain Resort statistic summary page (complied by rocky-peak Ski Holidays).

The price of just $90 per adult, and $80 per child/youth including ALL tax is comparable in price to that of a regular day pass in most ski resorts in Western Canada. The Kicking Horse Powder Express will operate 7 days a week from January 6 2008 until one week before the season end. From December 19 to January 6 2008, the Kicking Horse Powder Express will be only operating on Wednesdays and Fridays.

All aboard the Powder Express for Kicking Horse Mountain Resort!