Banff-Lake Louise First to Open in Canada!

Lake Louise, AB - Banff-Lake Louise is officially open for the season!
Skiers and snowboarders got first tracks today at The Lake Louise Ski Area. The Glacier Express Chair opened at 9am offering access to Wiwaxy, Bald Eagle and Easy Street.

Sunshine Village and Mt. Norquay will both be opening soon, adding to the great terrain available in Canada’s Protected Playground, Banff National Park.
The La Nina weather system is forecast to bring higher than average snowfall to Banff-Lake Louise throughout this winter. Epic conditions, plus 8,000 acres of terrain in the heart of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, means this is sure to be an amazing season.

Lake Louise Will Open This Friday Nov. 5th

Lake Louise, AB - The Lake Louise Ski Area is pleased to announce that it will be opening for daily operation beginning Friday, Nov. 5th, 2010.
Thanks to the dedicated efforts of the mountain operation’s snowmaking team, skiers and boarders will be able to score their first turns of the season beginning at 9 am Friday morning.
The Glacier Express Quad Chair will be in operation and the Wiwaxy run will provide 1,450 feet of vertical terrain. The Lodge of Ten Peaks, along with the ski school, rental, repair, and retail shop will all be open, as will the Season Pass and Louise Plus Card processing centres.
“This marks the 13 straight year that we’ve been able to open up for the season on, or before, Remembrance Day,” beams marketing director John Ross. “We have one of the best snowmaking systems in the world and that is why we will be the first ski area in Canada to open this winter. Nighttime temperatures in the mountain parks have been sufficiently cold enough to allow us to stockpile snow in the shady areas of the mountain and we look forward to pushing this snow down to the base area in the next few days.”
“We invite our customers to check out our progress in the next few days by monitoring our base area webcam (www.skilouise.com/conditions/mountain-cam.). Due to the warmer day-time temperatures, we didn’t want to spread this snow out too early, but you will certainly see huge changes in our base area snow coverage in the next day or two.”
With just one long run open for skiing and riding, the management of the Lake Louise Ski Area would like to remind our first customers of the season to “slow it down” and use common courtesy while skiing and riding.

Opening Day and Early Snow in Canada

Kananaskis Village, AB - Nakiska Ski Resort continues to strive for an early season opening now set for Saturday November 6, 2010. With Alberta's largest snowmaking system and recent cool temperatures, efforts to develop on-mountain snow coverage are in full force. The tentative opening on November 6th will commence the season with weekend operations until Saturday December 4th, at which point the resort will officially open for the season. Known for impeccable grooming and advanced snowmaking, the Nakiska Mountain Operations team is working hard to produce great snow conditions for skiers and snowboarders to enjoy starting Saturday November 6th.

Fernie, BC - Fernie Alpine Resort has been hit by a heavy storm, with up to 20cm of snow in the upper alpine of Fernie's legendary 5 bowls. Temperatures remain cool and the snow continues to currently fall, right down to the base. With the predicted La Niña weather cycle for the Pacific Northwest, cool temperatures and more snow than Fernie Alpine Resort's annual 29 feet of snowfall are expected.

Snow Developing On the Slopes of Nakiska!

Kananaskis Village, AB - Snowmaking efforts are well underway at Nakiska. Check out photos showing snow development on the mountain. Nakiska continues to strive for the goal of an early opening on Saturday Oct 30th! More updates to come...

The 2010-11 Louise Plus Card

Lake Louise, AB - Canada’s best loyalty ski card has is now better than ever! The Lake Louise Ski Area is thrilled to announce Kicking Horse Mountain Resort and Castle Mountain Resort have partnered with this popular program for the 2010-2011 ski season.

ven with these exciting new additions, the new Louise PLUS Card will continue to provide incredible value. On sale for only $99, the Louise PLUS Card and will provide purchasers with their first two days of skiing / riding for free, with a subsequent lift ticket rate of just $50 for the remainder of the season. Free days are valid at both Lake Louise and Kicking Horse Mountain Resort.

“The new Louise PLUS Card is absolutely the best deal in the Canadian Rockies,” confirms Lake Louise’s marketing director John Ross. “No other discount card offers a $50 lift ticket at three major, totally different ski resorts. Our customer feedback tells us that Albertans are increasingly looking for innovative, outstanding and affordable recreational opportunities close to home. This new Louise PLUS Card will provide exactly that.”

Opening November 5th!

Lake Louise, AB - Get ready skiers and riders, the Lake Louise Ski Area is preparing to open for the 2010-2011 season on Friday, November 5, 2010!
“Right now, everything is pointing to an excellent ski season at Lake Louise,” exults Marketing Director John Ross. “Based on our experience from previous years, the Lake Louise Ski Area should be open for skiing and riding in about a month’s time.”

One of the most positive prospects heading into this season is the almost unanimous opinion that “Old Man Winter” will be making a triumphant return to the Rocky Mountains as the sporadic weather phenomena known as “LA NINA” is currently establishing itself over the Pacific Ocean. La Nina years usually bring somewhat colder temperatures and much higher than average precipitation levels to Western Canada and Alberta. The Farmer’s Almanac, Environment Canada and the American National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) are all currently predicting a typical “La Nina” winter.

Should “La Nina” take it’s time in arriving however, Lake Louise’s world class snowmaking system is also gearing up to start full production beginning at midnight on October 15 (temperatures permitting). Current water levels and flow rates on the Pipestone River, the source of the water for Lake Louise’s snowmaking system, are running high, which will allow all snow guns to operate at full capacity right from the start.

Travelling to Lake Louise for opening day will also be much safer and faster than ever before, as the twinning of the Trans Canada Highway between Castle Mountain and Lake Louise is almost complete. The construction crew is currently ahead of schedule, under budget, and remains confident that all four lanes of traffic will be ready to go before opening day on November 5.

What's New at Nakiska Ski Resort

Kananaskis Village, AB - Nakiska is excited to go into the second season celebrating all the amazing enhancements that were implemented last year including the new Gold Chair Express, the exciting introduction of the Monster Glades, and snowmaking expansion; to mention a few. These major improvements were noted by guests and Olympic athletes training at Nakiska prior to the 2010 Games and were also timely for the preparation to host the Canadian National Championships last season.

On-Mountain
- After an outstanding 2009-10 ski season, Nakiska looks forward to the upcoming season and while still feeling the glow from the recent enhancements, welcomes a new thrilling addition, the new Nakiska rail park: NaJIBska. The new rail park with have a variety of 18 features and starting mid-December, will be accessible from the Silver Chair Express and located on Elbow.

Fall Ski Pass Sale - On Until Oct 16, 2010

Fernie Alpine Resort, Kimberley Alpine Resort & Nakiska Ski Resort, AB - La Nina means Big Snow for Fernie Alpine Resort, Fernie, British Columbia, Canada. In the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Fernie, sits right smack dab in the funnel of the jet stream created by La Nina. La Nina winters tend to have big swing in temperature variations, precipitation and storminess. What forms is a more variable jet stream pattern over the East Pacific. This condition can bring snowier than normal winter to the Canadian Rockies.

Powder Matt says ‘this is the winter to ski!’ The last La Nina winter brought epic snow to Fernie Alpine Resort. In fact we would have back to back blower snow-storms dropping loads of Canadian Rockies Powder and it became work to find your car after a day of rippin up the slopes. La Nina means strong storminess and copious amounts of moisture – translated for Southeastern British Columbia- means snowier than normal conditions for Fernie Alpine Resort. Don’t miss out- get your Season Pass today before the sale ends Oct 16th…

Huge Snowstorm Hits Banff-Lake Louise!

Banff, AB - Over 20cm of snow blanketed Banff-Lake Louise today, with more forecasted. The snowstorm started yesterday and continued non-stop throughout the night. With just over a month until opening, it looks like it’s going to be a fantastic season.

Marmot Basin Gets First Big Snowstorm of the Season!

Jasper, AB - Canada’s most elevated ski area, Jasper’s Marmot Basin, received over 10 cm of snow today with considerably more accumulation at higher elevations. At 1,700 metres, Marmot boasts the highest base elevation of all Canadian ski resorts meaning it often gets large amounts of snow when it is raining lower down in the Athabasca Valley and the town of Jasper. That was exactly the case today when a mix of rain and snow fell on the valley floor while heaps of wet, white snow fell on the mountain slopes.

Last winter Marmot opened on November 11, its earliest opening date ever, with ideal snow conditions. So far this fall is shaping up to deliver a repeat performance of last year’s early season snowfalls which helped contribute to Marmot’s record setting year for attendance. “I think this snow is here to stay”, predicted an optimistic Brian Rode, Marmot’s VP of Marketing and Sales. “We may still get some warm weather, but given that it’s nearing the end of September, I am quite sure this is the beginning of a very good base layer”, added Rode.

Marmot Basin is once again targeting November 11 as the opening day of the season, only 52 days from today.

Thank You from Banff-Lake Louise!

Banff-Lake Louise, AB - Yesterday Banff-Lake Louise said goodbye to the eight month long ski season with another fantastic spring party. Now the snow is melting, the bears are waking, the elk are calving, and (aside from planning more great vacation deals) the Ski Banff-Lake Louise-Sunshine (SBLLS) team are spending the summer learning the art of grass-skiing.

“To everyone who joined us out here this season, we’d like to say thank you,” said Dan Markham, of SBLLS. “We hope you had a really great time. If you didn't make it out, we’d like to take this opportunity to invite you to visit in 2010-11.”

#1 Outdoor & Adventure Destination - TripAdvisor

Banff-Lake Louise, AB - Banff National Park has been ranked the top Outdoor & Adventure Destination in Canada by TripAdvisor in the annual TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice Best Destinations Awards! Banff National Park also received fourth place in the Top 10 Outdoor & Adventure Destinations in the world, in the awards announced on Thursday (6 May, 2010).

With even more snowfall continuing though May, it's easy to see why Banff National Park's three ski resorts are world famous for winter outdoor adventure! Mt. Norquay, The Lake Louise Ski Area and Sunshine Village offer almost 8,000 acres of skiable terrain in the heart of this UNESCO World Heritage Site - a uniquely beautiful winter vacation destination.

“We want to thank everyone who rated Banff National Park on TripAdvisor,” said Dan Markham, of Ski Banff- Lake Louise-Sunshine. “It's a honour to know that the
world's largest travel community loves Canada's Protected Playground, Banff National Park, as much as we do!”

Enjoy Your Summer. We Hope to See You Up Here Next Winter!

Last Weekend to Ride Marmot Basin

One Week Left at Marmot Basin!

Nakiska Spring Fiesta to be Best Spring Celebration in the Canadian Rockies with Juno Nominess, Ten Second Epic

Kananaskis Village, AB - On Saturday April 10th, Nakiska Ski Resort will say "adios" to the ski season with a first time ever, FREE spring concert event: Spring Fiesta! The 1st Annual Spring Fiesta event features a live performance from Juno Nominees, Ten Second Epic! As a stop on the Kokanee Freeride circuit, there will be loads of Freeride fiesta fun in the Kokanee beer gardens while CJAY 92 cranks up the energy and hands out awesome Kokanee prizing with the help of the ever so popular, Glacier Girls. With the addition of March's great snowfall, Spring Fiesta will be a blast with fantastic spring skiing and snowboarding conditions.

Spring Fiesta will mark the end of yet another fantastic ski season at Nakiska as the resort officially closes regular season operation on Sunday April 11th. For one last skiing hoorah, however, the final turns of the season can be made on the special BONUS WEEKEND - April 17-18th. A special day on Saturday April 17th is planned for University of Calgary students who may want to work off their BSD (Bermuda Shorts Day) haze at Nakiska's BSD Hangover Party! Great spring skiing, fun games, BBQ, and music - a great way to end the school year and ski season!

Spring Powder in Banff-Lake Louise!

Banff-Lake Louise, AB - It may be spring but the snow is still falling at Mt. Norquay, The Lake Louise Ski Area and Sunshine Village! Banffsnow.com hit up Lake Louise yesterday for some powder turns with the boys.

This is a great time to be on the mountains, with a ton of events lined up, the lifts The Lake Louise Ski Area running longer and the sun shining harder. The season here runs all the way through to May 24 and, being famous for its springtime powder dumps too, we're sure every day will be epic.

Blinded by the White!

Jasper, AB - Spring skiing at Marmot Basin keeps gaining momentum, with 15 centimeters of new snow in the past 48 hours and more new snow expected in days to come. With the recent mild temperatures, excellent snow coverage and a 150 cm base, this is only another feather in Marmot Basin’s cap, which has enjoyed a fantastic 2009 – 2010 ski season. Not only is Jasper National Park experiencing one of the greatest snowfall seasons in recent memory, Marmot Basin is on pace for record setting skier visits since our opening in 1964.

Jennifer Heil, 5 time World Cup Champion, will be at Marmot Basin on Saturday, April 3rd, 2010. The two time Olympic Medalist will be at the Paradise mid mountain chalet at 1 pm signing autographs. Following signing autographs, Jenn will be carving turns with fans of all ages! Everyone is encouraged to come out and support Canada’s Olympic hero!

OLympic Torch Arrival Revives Spirit of '88 Games

Kananaskis Village, AB - There is no other ski resort in Canada that shares Olympic Spirit like Nakiska Ski Resort, host of the 1988 Olympic downhill events and official National Training Centre of Alpine Canada Alpin. Relive Nakiska's Olympic history and revive the spirit on Olympic Spirit Day, Wednesday January 20th, when day 83 of the Olympic Torch Relay brings the eternal flame to Nakiska Ski Resort.
The pre-party celebration begins on Tuesday January 19th with the Monster Energy Hospitality Rig at Nakiska. Skiers and snowboarders will get revved up with Monster Energy drink samples and pumping tunes while they wait in anticipation on the eve of the Torch Relay arriving at Nakiska.
The party amplifies with Olympic Spirit Day on Wednesday January 20th. Festivities commence with a fantastic morning of skiing and snowboarding at Nakiska Ski Resort (lift ticket/season pass required) followed by a live DJ spinning on the upper deck of the Daylodge from 12pm-2pm along with a festive BBQ in the plaza (à la carte, weather permitting). The ceremonial Torch carrying will take place shortly after 1pm. Cheering spectators will watch as a parade of Nakiska ski club athletes proudly ski down the North Axe run waving Canadian flags as the Torch hand-off takes place at the Silver Chair Express base.
Come show your Olympic Spirit by wearing everything red (mittens, hats, shirts, etc.), waving Canadian flags, and elevating the spirit for our athletes. Guests are invited to come out to Nakiska and enjoy the festive atmosphere in the plaza and watch the Torch exchange at no expense. Skiers and snowboarders can take advantage of an amazing afternoon Olympic Spirit Day lift ticket special for $19.88 + GST (lift access from 12:30pm - 4:00pm).
Nakiska Info

Nakiska with Best New Year Snow and Olympic Spirit Revival

Kananaskis, AB - Nakiska Ski Resort is in the top snowfalls for the last 48hrs in the Alberta Rockies with 11cm's of fresh snow. With tonnes of early season snowfall and the largest snowmaking system in Alberta, the new natural snow amps up the already superb skiing and snowboarding conditions at Nakiska Ski Resort.

The New Year snow creates an excitement around the resort that Nakiska will carry through with a welcoming of the Olympic Torch Relay on Wednesday Jan 20th. There is no other ski resort in Canada that shares the Olympic Spirit like Nakiska Ski Resort, host of the 1988 Olympic downhill events and official National Training Centre of Alpine Canada Alpin.
Nakiska Ski Resort is proud to be part of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay. Our spirit is infectious, so come share your support on Jan 20th and wear your Red Mittens, Red Hats or anything you have that is RED to share the spirit of the Games. We want a SEA of RED to support our Canadian Athletes as they compete against the best in the world at the 2010 Olympic Games.
Be part of this special event by re-igniting the spirit of the flame at Nakiska Ski Resort and sharing the goodwill of 1988 Olympic legacy! Nakiska Ski Resort is proud to be the official site of the Canadian National Alpine Championships as we continue to do all we can to support Canadian athletes to be the very best they can be. National Team Olympic Training Camps will be taking place at Nakiska from February 1-20, 2010.
Nakiska Resort Info