Hello,
I need some advice from experienced skiers about a ski trip we are planning for four nights sometime between February 5th-13th. 4 adults will be traveling: late 20s/early 30s, 3 of whom are experienced skiers, one novice/beginner.

What we are looking for:
*excellent ski conditions (we have frequent flyer miles so location is not a huge issue in terms of airline prices)
*nice lodging with a kitchen, 2 bedrooms
*prefer to stay on a mountain where the non-skier (that's me!) can watch other folks ski and maybe relax by a fire.
*prefer to stay where there are some shops and restaurants, but not a ton of nightlife.

Any thoughts/suggestions? Thanks so much for any help!
Cindy

My sense is that you will probbly find what you are looking for at one of the Intrawest resorts (Whistler/Blackcomb, Panorama, Tremblant), which feature on site "villages" with slope-side accommodation, restaurants, shopping and activities for non-skiers. There are many other fine ski areas, but not many have all the features you are looking for.

However, Whistler, and to a lesser extent, Tremblant, both have "a ton of nightlife". Panorama is much quieter, but is deficient on the shopping front.

For early February, all should have excellent conditions, although Tremblant can be very cold indeed at that time. There's no question that from a skiing point of view, Whistler and Panorama are much superior in terms of size, variety and snow conditions (i.e. powder vs. frequent ice at Tremblant).

Sun Peaks would also be a good choice for what you are seeking, as would Silver Star, although I don't think there's much shopping at Silver Star.

Of the lot, my choice would be Panorama, but then I'm not there for the shopping.

One consideration: if you decide to travelto Panorama, you might consider flying into Calgary and picking up a rental car. On the way to Panorama (about 4 hours), you can stop in Banff -- it's on the way -- and experience a shopping mecca. I'd also suggest a dip in the hot springs (5 mins from downtown Banff), and perhaps a midnight walk along the Bow River? Just a thought ...

My vote is for Whistler for a number of reasons. February can be very cold in both Alberta and Quebec, chances are that BC will be milder. We go at the end of February each year and the snow conditions have always been good to great (it's only rained 1 year out of 7). For the advanced skiiers, Whistler is a dream. Two mountains guarantee that they won't get bored and the terrain is spectacular. In addition, the resort has some great programs for beginner skiiers. Your friends could go for the First Tracks program and have breakfast on the mountain before the lifts open and be the first ones on the hill - great fun!

For the non-skier it also offers the most in terms of shopping, cafes and spa treatments. Lots of apres ski options and there are many excellent restaurants as well. There is nightlife - your choice to participate or not. We stay at the Mountainside Lodge in Whistler village every year and don't have any problems with noise from late revellers.

Yes, it is larger and perhaps not a quaint mountain resort but it's got all the amenities you mention and the skiing is truly great (I'm from Alberta and have skiied most places in BC, QU and AB - Whistler is my favourite).

Have a great trip!

Check out Big White BC which is outside of Kelowna. I stayed in Kelowna and took the shuttle to the slopes. A powder hound's paradise.

http://www.bigwhite.com/