PlanetSKI Is In Canada
And so it begins…
Tuesday 16th December
First the vehicle.
As we begin a 2-month ski trip in Canada it appears our editor, James Cove, has somewhat diminished in size.
“Apart from an RV I don’t think I have ever driven a vehicle where my nose just about reaches the top of the side mirror.”
“Still at least we are colour co-ordinated.
PlanetSKI’s Chevrolet Silverado for our 2-month Canadian ski trip. Image © PlanetSKI
“Back in the UK I drive a 2-seater Mazda MX5 sports car which would almost fit in the back behind the driver’s cab.
“But there’s going to be a bit of mileage involved, and severe winter conditions, as we head round to report on some of the finest resorts that Alberta and British Columbia have to offer.
“An appropriate vehicle is needed.
“It’s a Chevrolet Silverado – armed with winter tyres, 4×4 drive and a 2.7L Turbo Max engine that is a 4-in-line, (whatever that is).”
PlanetSKI’s Chevrolet Silverado for our 2-month Canadian ski trip. Image © PlanetSKI
PlanetSKI’s Chevrolet Silverado for our 2-month Canadian ski trip. Image © PlanetSKI
PlanetSKI’s Chevrolet Silverado for our 2-month Canadian ski trip. Image © PlanetSKI
And for the petrol-heads amoung you:
- 310 hp [231 kW] @ 5600 rpm
- 430 lb-ft of torque [583 Nm] @ 3000 rpm
- Paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission
Ahead of Xmas, The Beast will be taking us round Lake Louise, Sunshine Village and Mt Norquay in Alberta.
After that, who knows.
A few more resorts in Alberta – Castle Mountain, Marmot Basin, Kanaskis, Powderkeg and Fortress Mountain.
Then into BC with Kicking Horse, Revelstoke, Fernie, Panorama, Red, Whitewater and Sun Peaks on the agenda.
We have taken the precaution of obtaining an Indy Pass that gives access to a whole bunch of small and independent resorts that we have never heard of.
Mainly we are going to be following our nose and finding the powder.
The Beast should be up to the task.
Canada awaits…
Heading to Lake Louise, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
On Wednesday The Beast is taking us to Lake Louise as 200 acres of new terrain opens.
We made our first turns in Canada last Sunday in Lake Louise as we headed to the resort bright and early after a decent amount of fresh snow fell.
Sunday 14th December
It was a 6am start from Calgary where James is staying for a few days, and he hit the road to Banff.
Heading to Lake Louise, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
Heading to Lake Louise, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
Two of the town’s local resorts, Sunshine Village and Lake Louise, currently have pretty much the best snow in North America.
The resort has seen 30cm of snow in the last 48-hours, and 70cm over the past week.
It also has the most terrain open of anywhere in the country – 130 runs, 2 terrain parks and 12 lifts.
Lake Louise received a top up as the weekend began, so it was the obvious place to head to.
The same thought had occurred to a few others.
Heading to Lake Louise, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
Up the mountain the early start and traffic queue was but a distant memory.
As were the crowds.
Lake Louise, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
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And here is some of that snow that James is talking about.
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Lake Louise has a ‘front side’ which is mainly groomed terrain.
Lake Louise, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
And a ‘back side’ where the best powder can be found.
Lake Louise, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
New for this season is Richardson’s Ridge and it opens later this week on Wednesday 17th December.
There are 200 acres of new beginner & intermediate terrain.
There are five new green and blue runs, along with some wide & naturally gladed terrain.
Richardson’s Ridge, Lake Louise, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
Richardson’s Ridge is the latest in a series of projects seen in Lake Louise over the past 5 years, including the addition of the Summit Quad, West Bowl, Juniper Express and the new Pipestone Express.
“These are some of the biggest investments in our history, all designed to give more terrain, more adventure, and unforgettable skiing & riding,” said the resort.
It is served by this lift which is undergoing its final tests.
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The next phase of development in the area involves opening up more terrain that would be for advanced skiers and snowboarders.
PlanetSKI will be back on Wednesday for the opening of the area and to make some first turns on the new terrain….
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