Skiing in Canada Christmas 2017

[ibbydibby]

Thinking of going as a friend is going to Saskatchewan to work for a few months. Christmas hols are only chance we have of getting together - looking at Tremblant largely on basis that (for us) it is shorter flight from UK compared with ski resorts in British Columbia. Just wondering whether anyone has any advice re any ski resorts in Canada? Recommendations, what to avoid etc. Thanks.

We went to Whistler 2016, the flight time was 9 hours and it wouldn't put me off.... in fact we are going back next Easter.

I did quite a bit of research about temperatures at Xmas and came to the conclusion that Whistler would be warmer than Lake Louise. Although the standard temps are no lower than -15 a cold snap meant it was -26 a couple of days (fine with LOTS of layers). However Lake Louise was -40 . Not fine, even wrapped up.

As I say this was a cold snap, but Whistler is kept warmer by the ocean, whilst Lake Louise is nestled inland and can stay very very cold.

The size of Whistler is great. Service great. I did fine it busy over the holidays, but apparently it was the best conditions for 30!years so all the locals were out too.

Thanks dontcallme - have been to both Whistler & Lake Louise in the summer - was there anything to do in Whistler other than ski?

Yes!

We did a treetop walk - really lovely
Zip lines - we are doing next time
Coke tube rides - great fun (until my 5 year old went down the black on her own and was terrified, oops)
Husky sledge rides - very pricey and we didn't do but friends did and loved it.
Sledging
Ice skating
Cinema
Skidoo - my husband plans to do next time

Best of all you can do the bobsleigh at the Olympic centre - bloody amazing. Safe and exhilarating. If really brave you can do the skeleton... we are toying with this next time.

We stayed in Creekside rather than Whistler and out hotel had an outdoor pool and hot tub. That added a bit of a spa feel to it too.

I don't work for the tourist board, honest

Are you taking kids? The kids lessons were the best we've had except for private. They aren't cheap, but it's only 4 per group so they really do learn something. They also GPS track their day so you can see what they've done and where they've been.

Thanks dontcallme. Yes taking "kids" but they are late teens. Have been looking for self catering info, but there doesn't seem to be much - do people tend to go for hotels more for skiing?

In whistler it seems more common to go to hotels, but we found self catering. We stay at Legends Creekside which is self catering apartments and got everything you need - plus dishwasher and washer and dryer. Not the cheapest, but a great location and great facilities. We found Creekside had all we wanted, but older teens might prefer the bright lights (& bars) of Whister Village.

I think TripAdvisor has a couple of posts recommending self catering on the village side, I'd check that out.

Be aware the shops are expensive. I took quite a bit with us as shopping on my holiday isn't my favourite pastime and I'm pleased I did.

Whistler is so easy to do DIY. We always book flights and accommodation independently (skyscanner is worth looking at for flights and alluradirect.com for accommodation). Easter is better value than Christmas and we prefer it as the days are longer too. However, the drawback is that, although there may be plenty of snow, it might be stickier or slushier at that time of year. Although it was perfect this year! Christmas (as with many ski resorts) can be a little more hit and miss. I think it was great last Christmas but you take what you're given. Our DD has been right through the Whistler Kids program - fab! - and now ,as a teenager, does Ride Tribe. She loves meeting up with her buddies from that she has got to know over the years. Whistler is a fab resort!

Hope that made sense! I shouldn't post after a couple of glasses of wine

We were in Saskatchewan 3 years ago at xmas - got to -30 ! But was still fun.
We have skied in whistler , but my faves are Fernie, Kimberley and Panorama all fab and mostly ski in ski out. Slopes are way quieter and queues shorter than Europe. All drivable from Calgary .

Mumma I've been a bit concerned about Easter, but booked for next year. Can you usually find good snow higher up, I hate too much slush?

Mummaminnie - we are booked to go next April and wondered if you book accommodation on the Whistler website or if you have any tips for accommodation at Whistler. We are a family of 4 ( 2 adults and 2 under 5s). Thank you!!

We are going again this April.

Whistler is all owned by one company so central reservations is the way forward. You can't seem to shop around as everything gets channeled back to the centre. Good and bad, but at least don't miss any deals.

We always stay in Creekside as it is quieter and cheaper, but for a nicer place. Legends is bang next to the lift and ski school.

I use the central booking for our transfers and then the local tourist info for anything else in the area. You can then pick everything up at the central ticket place as it's all linked.

Legends is bang next to the lift and ski school.

I'm reading the trip advisor reviews and one says yes it's near the gondola but none of the accessible slopes are green runs. So if you are a beginner, you may struggle? Is this the case?

Do you total beginner or first few times? You would get the lift down at the end of the day, but you can reach green runs from Creekside quite easily.
I think 'magic carpet' areas are easier from Whistler though.

The bubble takes you up and there is a green run at that level, or you get the Big Red and that takes you to the family Zone. You need a few skills i.e. getting off a lift on skis so not suitable for first days sking, but 2nd week (or day 3..) onwards totally fine.

Just also remembered there is a snow garden and magic carpet next to the gondola, so actually every level is catered for. Lessons are all day so quick progress.

Thank you! We've done some skiing, kids including so can manage things like getting on and off with skis etc. Sounds great :-)

I love Whistler. It is so great with the kids. Ours love Legends too as the hot tub and pool really add something to the holiday. I'm desperate to go back!