snowy: Banff

sunny: Hawaii

where will you be traveling from?

We'll be traveling from NC.

Yes, Banff was definitely on my list of possibilities! How easy or difficult is it to get to?

If Aspen or Vail, Colorado were within your budget, perhaps they would be suitable as well. Additionally, the Denver airport is a major hub, and thus it is likely to be more convenient to reach than is Banff, particularly from NC.

If you want snow in late April, in a romantic lodge, then Banff would be an excellent choice. Your choices are anything between a 5-star hotel
http://tinyurl.com/b5u8zro
and a camp site fifty miles from any road.
http://appliantology.org/uploads/gallery/album_58/gallery_4_58_86678.jpg
Because that time is WAY before tourist season, you'll have your pick of places -- but I wouldn't wait forever.

> How easy or difficult is it to get to?

I did a search for flights (at Kayak.com, my search URL of choice) between Charlotte and Calgary, from which you'll rent a car or ride a bus into Banff (I recommend the former, but some people just don't like to drive). The flight would cost about $500-$550 per person if you want no more than one change in plane; less if you're willing to change planes two or more times. The bus is $54(Can) per person per trip.

By way of contrast, flights to Denver were about $375 pp.

Well, we were just in Colorado in September and went to Denver and Aspen, so we would probably rather go someplace we haven't recently been to -- although I would love to see it in the snow!

Banff is still on my wish list, but my hubby just reminded me that we don't have current passports. Aren't they required for travel into Canada now?

How about Montana? I've always wanted to go to Glacier NP. Would everything be open in April?

> Aren't they required for travel into Canada now?
Yes. If you're willing to spend a bit of money, you COULD get one in the next month, but it would be easier to head to a mountain lodge in the U.S.A.

> I've always wanted to go to Glacier NP.
> Would everything be open in April?
Not exactly. More like NOTHING will be open in April. Actually, some places will be open, but most won't. Here's an overview of this:
http://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/hours.htm

Not sure how much wintry weather you will get in April - and are you are sure you want that - vis a vis say going to Hawaii. (Or maybe Cabo San Lucas if you have your passports in order).

For the continental US - the higher the altitude - and the more northern the site - probably the best chance to catch some winter weather in April. You might consider Jackson Hole - or Sun Valley - or Mt. Hood (by Portland) - or old reliables around Salt Lake - such as Deer Valley/Park City - or Alta/Snowbird.

Been to Jackson Hole and Sun Valley and loved them both. I'm now thinking of Santa Fe, NM with a visit to the Sangre de Cristo mtns. Seems like we could enjoy mild weather in the lower elevations and still have a chance of seeing cold weather/snow on the mountain if we could go the first week of April.

There still might be snow up around Taos and Red River in April, but not much. April will be windy, but it should be good weather for you.

Lee Ann