Skiing Alberta vs. Whistler
Aug 22nd, 1999, 11:55 AM
#1
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Skiing Alberta vs. Whistler
We are planning a ski trip in February. Any comments on Banff/Sunshine Village/Lake Louise? In particular vs. Whistler? I've heard the scenery is better, there are fewer crowds, and the snow is better (drier). Any feedback would be most appreciated. Thanks!
Aug 22nd, 1999, 07:55 PM
#2
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It depends on what you are looking for. I don't know Banff/Lake Louise in the winter time, but Whistler offers: <BR>- two mountains (Blackcomb and Whistler) with ski runs converging on Whistler Village <BR>- both mountains have the highest vertical rise in North America, Blackcomb goes up 5,300 feet and Whistler at 5,000 feet <BR>- lots of good and very good accommodations (although pricey), entertainment, and restaurants <BR>- annual snowfall of about 30 feet <BR>- 7,000 acres of skiable terrain which includes cross-country, snowboard, as well as downhill <BR> <BR>If you can't stand crowds and don't want to pay through the nose for accommodations, an alternative is Grouse Mountain. Here you can drive up in the morning, ski during the day, and drive back about 5 miles back to your hotel in downtown Vancouver (using off-season rates). There's also neigbouring Cypress Bowl for cross country skiing. <BR> <BR>For more info on Whistler, check www.whistler-resort.com or www.whistlerblackcomb.com. For more info on Grouse, check www.grousemountain.com.
Sep 18th, 1999, 09:51 PM
#4
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Hi Chris, <BR> <BR>Just like Kenny and Louise, I am partial to Whistler/Blackcomb, having skied there for over 20 years. <BR> <BR>There are advantages, however, to the Banff/Sunshine/Louise area. Lift lines are smaller, especially during mid-week. Whistler is probably busier mid-week due to its growing popularity with international skiers. <BR> <BR>Temperatures in Alberta can often dip well below freezing, and as a result the snow is drier than the "west coast powder" of Whistler. But we have our fair share of light fluffy powder as well. It all depends on luck and the time of the season (guess that goes for any ski resort). <BR> <BR>If you are staying mountainside at Sunshine or Louise rather than in Banff, the night life will probably be limited. Whistler/Blackcomb, on the other hand, with a wide variety of shops, restaurants and night spots concentrated in Whistler Village, really rocks! <BR> <BR>Lastly - having hiked the Whistler-Garibaldi region in summer - I would say that our scenery definitely has as much to offer as Banff-Jasper. <BR> <BR>Best regards, <BR>Bart
Oct 4th, 1999, 02:29 PM
#5
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i have lived in both, and i prefer banff/lake louise. better prices, the town of banff is just as nice or nicer(and cheaper) and you are more likely to get help or directions on the chair because more locals are there, not somebody from Asia thinking of buying the place...Better snow too...
Oct 4th, 1999, 02:29 PM
#6
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i have lived in both, and i prefer banff/lake louise. better prices, the town of banff is just as nice or nicer(and cheaper) and you are more likely to get help or directions on the chair because more locals are there, not somebody from Asia thinking of buying the place...Better snow too...
Oct 20th, 1999, 08:02 AM
#7
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I don't know anything about Banff, or about skiing. My comment is that living near Whistler myself I know that it is extremely expensive for food and lodging, although it is only a 2 hour drive from Vancouver. Alberta does not charge the 7% provincial sales tax like B.C. does. Hope this helps!
