Needj to make a decison about skiing during President's Week
 

Hi folks,
I know this is the US board but I'm looking at skiing at Silver Star in British Columbia during your President's Week. The resort tells me that next to Christmas this, in previous years, has been the second busiest time. I'm just wondering if anyone has feedback about skiing at this time, if they have been to Canadian resorts and if the strength of our dollar now is making people think twice about crossing the border to ski. Our uni break is the same week so we're trying to figure out what to expect in the way of crowds. Thanks for any help!

Hi Starfish,

I live in Park City, UT and yes, President's Day week is the second busiest after Christmas. I would trust what the resort tells you!

Thanks Dayle. I envy you guys. What other country can take a one day holiday and make it last one week! Maybe we'll just have to join the crowds.

Hello! My husband and I went skiing up in Whistler (we live in Seattle) over Pres. Day weekend a few years ago and it was an absolute zoo. The kicker (and the biggest fight that we've ever had in our 14 years together) was that it took 5 hours of sitting at the border to cross. People were zipping down the "express card" (I know that is not the right term - but the equivilant) and then cutting into line - it was road rage central and the worst traffic experience of my life. We have family in BC and go up frequently - but I have vowed to never again head up there for that weekend. Sorry to be so negative - but - I feel like I have post traumatic stress whenever I think of it :) Have a great time wherever you end up and good luck.

And don't think just because it's Canada it won't be crowded during President's week.

We went to Whistler one year during President's week. It was packed - both town and slopes (even the "single" lift lines were horrible.) Several years later we went the week after President's week and it was quite enjoyable during the week. A friend went the week before (which was President's week) and his experience was miserable like ours had been on the first visit.

But that was Whistler and not Silver Star which probably has a different definition of "busy" from Whistler. Have only skied Silver Star twice but the "back side" is wonderful both in scenery and lack of crowds. (My DH had a run where it was just him and a wolf (coyote?) on the slope.) Silver Star is high on our places to return to and we've skied over 80 areas in the US/Canada.

Hi Starfish1---some of the public schools in the Seattle area take a whole week off over our President's Day. They call it "mid-winter break". Many skiing families head north at this time. Silver Star and Sun Peaks seem to be current favorites. I don't know that the less favorable exchange rates with change that---it's still some of the best skiing around. Maybe you could turn the tables and try Mt. Baker? It's less of a family resort because there is no on-mountain lodging.

Thanks everyone for your feedback - based on your comments I think we'll try and find a different activity/location. We were trying to meet up with family in the Kelowna area so are kind of restricted to Silver Star/Big White. Thanks again.