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-   -   whistler, trembrant or Banff (https://www.fodors.com/community/canada/whistler-trembrant-or-banff-368706/)

Kim108 Oct 14th, 2003 07:13 AM

whistler, trembrant or Banff
 
Skiing???? I live in US but want to emplore canada. I was wondering what people recommend as far as skiing. I am looking for a romatic ski resort with village and things to do at night. I like to ski but am looking more for the ambviance. Which do you think is the best??????? THANKS

Andree Oct 14th, 2003 10:01 AM

Depends what kind/level of skier you are. If you're looking for deep powder and make your own trails, Whistler or Banff are the places to go. Tremblant is half the size, still nice skiing, but don't expect the same conditions. I've done the three places, love them for different reasons. I ski Tremblant most weekends because I live nearby, but like to go West regularly for a dose of the deep stuff and admire the breathtaking scenery. Might also depend on where you are travelling from and how much $$ you want to spend...

Andree Oct 14th, 2003 10:06 AM

...I didn't mean you could not ski groomed trails out West...You don't have to be an expert to have fun, but you might be disappointed if you expect the big deep stuff in Tremblant!

Kim108 Oct 14th, 2003 10:08 AM

thanks Andre, I would be travling from Tampa Florida so tremblant would be the easiest but I am really looking for the most romantic and picturest. I am an ok skiier and I am sure all three would meet my needs. I like a cute village with things to do. From what I have seen on different web sites, Whistler and Trmblant look as though they have nice little village and it looks easy to get around. Where as Banff, I have not gotten that. It looks more spread out. What do you think?

Andree Oct 14th, 2003 12:15 PM

From where you`re coming from and from what you`re looking for, I think you would have a lovely time in Tremblant. The mountain is still the biggest in Eastern Canada, lots of trails, very well organized and you will love the village at the base of the mountain and also the village of St.Jovite located 10 minutes away. Lots of good restaurants, shopping for local craft and antiques and this would also give you a nice dose of French canadian culture! You can fly into Montreal and rent a car to get to Tremblant (2 hrs north), very easy to get to. However, come well prepared! I don`t know when you intend to go, but it can get very cold in Jan/Feb. If you are dressed accordingly, even the coldest day can be a blast!!

Skiing Whistler and/or Banff is so different. We go to get a good dose of deep snow (we are usually lucky!) and because we ski Tremblant all the time (don`t get me wrong, we love it, but it`s nice to ski somewhere else for us!). It`s hard to beat the scenery and snow out West. I love Whistler for the convenience of the 2 mountains side-by-side (Whistler and Blackcomb)and the conditions are usually very good, but heavier snow. The village is much bigger than Tremblant, but not as "romantic". Aroundd Banff, there are many options like Sunshine Village (about 30 minutes from Banff) and Lake Louise Ski Area (50 minutes from Banff), Norquay (right in Banff, more advanced trails). You could stay closer to the trails (Lake Louise area), but no village to spend time at night; you would have to travel to Banff, or vice versa if you stay in Banff, you will have to travel to the ski resorts.

It`s very hard to choose, but if you`re not such a "hard core" skier and are looking more to have a good time sking, relaxing and enjoying a change of pace, Tremblant would not disappoint you.

You can also do Tremblant this year and the Rockies next year...! Hope this helps, let me know if you need more specific info.

Andrée


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