msw1966

Hello
I am thinking of driving (hired a ski equiped 4x4 from Hertz)from Vancouver to stay in Sun Peaks or Big White in mid December, then driving on from there to Lake Louise and Banff. Is this mad at that time of year? Are the road conditions likely to be too poor and risky and should I just consider flying or taking the VIA rail to Jasper instead? Not a great fan of flying and I would like to get to the interior resorts. Any views? thanks.

laverendrye

You're not really mad to consider driving, as the roads are usually kept clear for the destinations that you are considering.

However, if there is a snowstorm, driving could be slow and difficult, and in some sections, such as the Rogers Pass, there could be closures. I suppose it depends on how accustomed you are to winter driving. If you are not, then perhaps another means of travel might be preferable.

You should check the BC road reports at: http://www.drivebc.ca/

Do you plan to return to Vancouver from the Banff area? If so, that's a long drive to return. If one way, have you checked the drop-off charges for your rental? They could be high.

You've said you're not a great fan of flying, but you could consider Vancouver to Kamloops (Sun Peaks) or Kelowna (Big White) and then on to Calgary for the Banff region. The resorts all have shuttles from the airports. Via Rail can get you to Kamloops and Jasper.

ltt

thousands of vehicles are on these highways every day so no you are not mad. most highways are kept very clear and in my many trips between the two provinces, a road closure has never happened to me. however, when travelling in winter, it is always wise to keep your itinerary flexible just in case you get stuck somewhere for an extra day due to a storm.
but the train is a nice way to travel too. but then you'd either have to just stay in jasper or if you want to do exploring, you'll have to rent a car anyways.

tom22

Slushy sections and compact snow with slippery sections can everywhere appear on high mountain roads. I reommend to rent chains for the rental car just to be on the safe side for the worst case.

msw1966

Thanks for those comments they are really helpful. Sounds as though the roads are kept in decent shape. We have got flexibility so we can always delay a day here or there. Sounds as though those roads, from Vancouver to Banff via Kamloops are well used and therefore we are not in danger of being isolated worst case e.g. break down. Do mobile phones work along all stretches of that route? thanks

msw1966

Sorry forgot to say we are only going one way, returning home to UK from Calgary. The rental with Hertz even with the one way is not bad; compared to what we have to pay in UK anyway.

laverendrye

There is no mobile phone coverage along the Trans-Canada (Hwy 1) from Sicamous to Lake Louise, except in the vicinity of Revelstoke and Golden. However, there is sufficient traffic that you will not likely be stranded in case of a breakdown.

If your SUV is equipped with winter tires, you should not need chains.