Kiroro Ski Resort on the island of Hokkaido, Japan receives on average 21 metres or 69 feet of snow per year. The epic snowfalls are what makes the skiing in Japan some of the best on the planet. Try to picture what that amount of snow looks like. It's mind boggling - and the snow banks we saw even after no recent snowfalls were testament to the massive dumps. While I didn't catch a powder…
Fernie, BC is a true mountain town with a laid-back vibe and great community spirit. Most of the 5,000 plus residents live here because they want to. They like what the town has to offer, not just in winter but on a year-round basis; things like great recreation out the back door, excellent dining, loads of locally owned shops to visit and most of the services of a far larger town. If you're a visitor…
Perfect powder makes Alberta ski resorts incredible. The Canadian Rockies have legendary light airy snow and there’s no shortage of places to enjoy it. You’re actually spoiled for choice when it comes to Alberta ski resorts. Whether you’re a novice skier, a mogul maven or a backcountry buff, you’ll find plenty to love – both on the slopes and off. Here are seven amazing Alberta ski resorts to put on your hit list this season.…
The champagne powder might be gone but spring skiing in Alberta is just revving up. Cue warm sunny days, live music on weekends, a beer or two on an outdoor patio and a party time atmosphere on the ski hill. It's not so much about the skiing but the fun, camaraderie and that heady feeling of being in the mountains on a bluebird day. And in my books it's a treat that you never get…
If you're looking to get outside and make the most of winter why not hit one of these five cross-country ski trails, all within an hour of Calgary. Described are five of my favourite places to go cross country skiing near Calgary - appreciating that suggestions take you as far as Kananaskis Country. West Bragg Creek - one of the best places to cross country ski near Calgary You are spoiled for choice with well…
Canadians have been slow to catch on to the charms of Stokely Creek Lodge, located just 35 minutes by car north of Sault Ste. Marie - especially considering the ease of getting to 'the Soo" from Toronto. You can easily fly on either Porter Airlines or Air Canada. The American owned Stokely Creek Lodge has been drawing guests primarily from Michigan and Wisconsin since the first cross-country ski trails opened in 1976-77. Stokely Creek Lodge…
Let's face it. Winters are long in Canada. To survive them - and actually enjoy a winter I think you need lots of things to look forward to - like mini vacation breaks to the mountains and/or to cities you perhaps don't know much about. Over a January winter weekend John and I immersed ourselves in activities in and around Edmonton. You'd be amazed at the diversity of things to do in Edmonton and how much fun…
What can you do and where can you go if you have three delicious days to spend on a winter getaway? If you've never been to the Kootenay Rockies, put this area on your must-visit list. In particular, plan stops in Kimberley, Invermere and Panorama along British Columbia's famous Powder Highway. Here's what to do on a 3 day winter getaway in the Kootenay Rockies (starting in Calgary) Updated January 2020. This post includes some affiliate…
Can you picture yourself soaking in a hot tub minutes after finishing a day of cross-country skiing in the mountains? Or drinking a local beer after an icy walk in a mountain canyon? If you answered yes, head to Canmore, a gem of a mountain town where there are lots of things to do in winter. It's only an hour's drive west of Calgary and just minutes from the gates of Banff National Park. If…
Alberta is famous for its sunshine, blue skies & snow - all perfect excuses for getting outside on all but the coldest days in winter. If you're looking for winter fun, check out these 10 exceptional things to do in Alberta in winter that really showcase the best the season offers. All are personally tested save a couple of the festivals. Just be sure to dress for the weather in layers. Keep eating and drinking…