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.…
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…
"You're skiing at Kicking Horse Mountain" my friend Judy says to me. "You do know it's a big gnarly mountain, don't you." "Oh yes" I reply. "Last year I tried a run from the top and couldn't see the tips of my skis for over half the run." So it was with some hesitation that I returned to Kicking Horse Mountain Resort. I admit I was nervous. Usually I'm not a wimp but this mountain…
Not only is Big White Ski Resort one of Canada's top family friendly ski destinations, it's been recognized by Vogue as being "Whistler's smaller and less popular but (just as pretty) sister." It offers loads to do on and off the mountain as you'll see in the 20 Big White photos. I have visited Big White three times now and marvel at how much there is to do off the mountain. The Big White photos…
Have you heard of Le Massif de Charlevoix? Virtually unknown outside of Quebec and southern Ontario, this mountain delivers long ski runs with phenomenal in your face St. Lawrence River views. Boasting the biggest vertical drop (770 m) east of the Rockies, this is a ski hill you'll want to try. What it's like to ski Le Massif John and I had the opportunity to ski Le Massif while on a short visit to the spectacular Baie St. Paul area -…
I was lucky to spend three fabulous days skiing at Silver Star Mountain Resort. I'd heard about the ski resort for years. I'd seen all the colourful photos of the quaint "village" but it wasn't until friends rented a condo for a month on the ski hill that John and I finally made it here. It's really easy, especially when you get big dumps of snow, to have a memorable time at Silver Star. And…
With snow finally making an appearance, November is the time to get pumped for winter in Alberta. Say no to winter blahs by filling your weekends and holidays with a host of exciting outdoor winter activities in Alberta. From skiing to dogsledding, skating to snowshoeing, ice-climbing to fat tire biking - there really is no excuse not to get outside. Invest in the clothing so you can enjoy those sunny, blue sky days, even when…
I'd never even heard of Castle Mountain Ski Resort in southwest Alberta until last year. There are plenty of skiers and boarders who would like to keep it that way - so my apologies to them for penning this blog. I knew that Castle Mountain Ski Resort was somewhere in southern Alberta, but that was the extent of my knowledge. It's actually closer to Calgary than I figured - only 2.5 to 3 hours away…