Canada

[massistar]

So I'm dreaming of next year and thinking it could be the year to splash out given we've missed out on so much this year.

Has anyone got any advice on Canada? Have only ever skiied in Europe so don't know where to start. We don't usually do packages but open to exploring that if a better option.

This is total fantasy holiday planning at the moment btw..

Whistler is the best for all levels.
For less ambitious skiiers Banff is lovely.

Thanks @NutellaEllaElla . We're all experienced. Any hotels in particular you'd recommend?

We stayed at the Crystal lodge which was good, comfortable walking distance to the gondola and 2 chairs. Lower end of the price range for a hotel, breakfast not included and options for breakfast eating out weren't great (as soon as there is fresh snow it seems that most seasonal staff call in sick!). I think the more expensive hotels included breakfast but that was out of budget for us so if you're inclined for self catering I would go for it.

We are going back for the 4th time. Love whistler. We stay in creekside

Having cancelled for last 2 years, we’re booked again (with fingers crossed) for Banff for April 2022. I’d recommend the Moose hotel there, & if you book your lift passes through them you get a 15% discount on accommodation. Not booked flights yet - last time did BA, but think it’s only Air Canada that fly direct to Calgary now.

Whistler has everything you need for a first time in Canada. Either do a package or DIY, which is easy enough.

Fly to Vancouver (if you have enough time, spend a day or two there as well on your way home).
Transfer to Whistler from the airport - Whistlershuttle
Either stay at a hotel, or look at the usual apartment rental sites or google 'condo Whistler'.
Go to Guest Services (several locations) for everything else - ski rental, lift tickets, ski school etc.

I always stay in Creekside - just outside the centre of Whistler, but linked by gondola and a bit more affordable than the more central locations. Busses run from early morning until after midnight and taxis are cheap and plentiful.

Re: breakfast - in order to get the most out of the day, many people eat breakfast in one the big mountain restaurants. Oatmeal with blueberries, hot coffee and away you go. (Also a good place to meet people - Canadians are amazingly friendly and I've often ended up skiing with people I met in the restaurant at breakfast. Look out for the "oldies" working as Guest Advisors or just hanging around - and don't assume you'll be able to ski faster or better than them if they invite you to join them!)

Don't write of Banff as a beginner / intermediate area. Being inland it is less prone to mild wet weather than Whistler. There are 3 ski areas close by that offer different things. All of which can offer plenty challenging skiing. Its also possible to take a long day trip to Kicking Horse which has awesome deep and steep runs.