Hi All<BR><BR>Planning a 2 week trip to Banff for a bit of snowboarding for two novices. Banff sounds ideal as we dont want to have to hire a car. <BR><BR>Apres ski is v.important (probably more so then actual skiing) so we would like to find a mid range hotel thats nice and cosy, has loads of character and is close to restaurants, pubs/bars etc.<BR><BR>Can anyone suggest theyre top three, so we can compare prices for them back in the UK?<BR><BR>Any help will be much appreciated as we've never been to Canada before and would like to have a great expereince that keeps us comming back for more!!!!<BR><BR>Thanks<BR><BR>

I think your British dollar will go pretty far in Canada, and would recommend the Banff Springs. It's not at all a budget spot, but depending on when you go, prices could be more in the mid-range. <BR><BR>I know prices are quite high over the XMAS holidays, but go down again in early January. Also, if you're planning on skiing, you can get a package through the hotel. <BR><BR>You definitely don't need a car if you stay there, since there are plenty of restaurants and bars within the hotel. Have fun!

Hi Kate,<BR>Not sure what you have read about Banff but you will definitely need a car to get to the hills or rely on shuttles. If you have never been to Canada before, Banff is nice but wouldn't be my choice for two weeks. Have you considered Whistler (north of Vancouver, B.C) or Big White (near Kelowna B.C). Both have lots of ski in/ski out or walking distance to the lifts accommodation. Apres ski also aplenty at both but Whistler especially.

the banff springs hotel is one of the most expensive.<BR>check out discoverbanff.com<BR>find a few that are in your price range and then come back here and ask specifically if people have stayed there. most hotels will have shuttle service available for the ski hills. i'd rent a car for a couple of days to explore the area. once in town, you can walk to most restaurants etc.

We loved the units at Douglas fir resort and drove to other places for meals.,etc. Great indoor pool, fireplaces in each room,full kitchen, and wonderful rates. Enjoy.