PlanetSKI’s Canadian Adventures…Part One
We have just started posting the next installment of PlanetSKI’s Canadian adventures:
Below we re-post Part One, in chronological order, as we arrived in Canada, in mid-December.
Sit back, browse and see what a Canada ski experience offers…
Saturday 13th December
We have been in Calgary for a few days.
“Why?” some ski mates have asked.
“It’s a dump, head to the mountains asap.
“Sure, Eddie the Eagle did his stuff here in 1980 something or other and that is about all it is known for.”
Hard to argue with that, but it so misses the point.
Calgary is not a tourist city – no must-see museums, art galleries or churches.
No spectacular bars and restaurants to put on social media.
Nothing to tick off the bucket list.
In short there is no great reason for coming, and that is exactly the point.
It is a city doing its own thing and not showing off and trying to be something it isn’t – just a city in Alberta with rather a lot of oil money funding it.
It is proper urban Canada.
Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
And suburban.
Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
Have you ever heard of the sport of ringette?
No neither had we, but one of our Canada reporters, Marie Taylor, plays.
Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
It’s ice hockey with a pointy stick – you have to piece the ring with your stick, rather than whack the puck with an ice hockey stick. 
Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
Sadly it was a home match somewhere in the deepest north/west of the city and the score was not the one we wanted.
Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
And if you want a cool jazz bar in Calgary:
Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
And a cool ski shop:
Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
In the tourist guff about Calgary the “Peace Bridge” features prominently .
It was relatively unremarkable.
Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
And yes, the Canadians hate Trump and do everything to encourage people to support the maple leaf.
Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
Calgary is a totally un-touristy city in Canada with no good reason for going.
On the surface it offers little.
Under the surface it delivers in spades.
And on ice too.
Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
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.
Tuesday 16th December
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.
Wednesday 17th December
We’ve been in Lake Louise as 200 acres of new terrain opens – step forward Richardson’s Ridge.
Richardson’s Ridge opening day in Lake Louise. Image © PlanetSKI
Richardson’s Ridge opening day in Lake Louise. Image © PlanetSKI
Thursday 18th December
And so to Mt Norquay…
See here for a related PlanetSKI article as we report on research from Innsbruck University that looks as the importance of small, local ski areas:
Last night we were invited to the Lux cinema in downtown Banff.
The Lux cinema, Banff. Image © PlanetSKI
It was the Premier of The Mighty Quay – a look at the 100-year history of the town’s local ski hill – Mt Norquay.
Banff royalty was in the audience including local legends – skier racers, snowboard champions, resort owners and many others.
It was a priviledge to be there.
The Lux cinema, Banff. Image © PlanetSKI
“Mt Norquay is part of the Banff community and is deeply embedded into the people of this great town,” said the current general manager of Mt Norquay, Andre Quenneville.
The resort is celebrating its 100th birthday in 2026.
The big change coming is the replacement of the historic Big Chair lift with a gondola.
Not all are in favour as they believe it might change the character of the resort, but Andre Quenneville told the audience that “it will secure the future of Norquay for the next 100 years.”
Friday 19th December
And so to Sunshine Village…
Seems others were getting in the Xmas spirit in Sunshine too.
Sunshine Village, Banff. Image © PlanetSKI
Sunday 21st December
Can you believe it?
We’re back in Lake Louise – it’s only the ski area with the best snow of anywhere in the world right now (though the other Banff resort of Sunshine Village may disagree!).
The road to Lake Louise. Image © PlanetSKI
The road to Lake Louise. Image © PlanetSKI
Another amazing day in Lake Louise for James Cove and the PlanetSKI team.
There was the usual charge for fresh tracks as the lifts opened.
PlanetSKI heads to the powder of Lake Louise. Image © PlanetSKI
But there was no need as powder was once again in plentiful supply.
PlanetSKI in the powder of Lake Louise. Image © PlanetSKI
PlanetSKI in the powder of Lake Louise. Image © PlanetSKI
On this extended Canadian trip we struggle on in silence…
Monday 22nd December
It’s beginning to look a lot like Xmas here in Banff and Canmore in Canada…
Xmas lights in Banff & Canmore. Image © PlanetSKI
Xmas lights in Banff & Canmore. Image © PlanetSKI
Xmas lights in Banff & Canmore. Image © PlanetSKI
Tuesday 23rd December
And so to ‘The Wild West’ in Sunshine Village…
The Wild West, Sunshine Village, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
The resort is known for some steep terrain.
‘Delirium Dive’ is the most well-known area, but the ‘The Wild West’ area is loved by the locals and offers challenging off piste terrain.
It has just opened after huge amounts of early season snow.
It rarely opens in December and in some winters, it doesn’t open at all.
It needs significant amounts of snow to fill the shutes and cover the rocks.
The Wild West, Sunshine Village, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
We were lucky enough to be some of the first people down this week (it helps to have a friend in the ski patrol who gave us an early nod of its opening) after record-breaking snowfall.
Avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe are compulsory and it is accessed by an electronic gate that checks you are suitably equipped.
No transceiver and the red cross remains red, with the door locked.
Neat idea.
The Wild West, Sunshine Village, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
The easier route down is skiers right and is relatively benign to begin with.
The Wild West, Sunshine Village, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
It soon steepens up.
The Wild West, Sunshine Village, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
The Wild West, Sunshine Village, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
The snow was fabulous.
It was mainly tracked, but still light and dreamy with pockets of powder.
With views to match.
The Wild West, Sunshine Village, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
What a ride…
Friday 26th December
Curling in Canada at Christmas
No extended stay in Canada is complete without a spot of curling.
90% of the registered curlers in the world live in Canada and it is a popular winter sport that is played throughout the country.
Lacross may be the nation’s national sport, but curling is perhaps closer to the country’s heart.
It holds a unique place in Canadian culture and the country has achieved considerable success at the international level.
Curling’s roots in Canada can be traced back to Scottish immigrants in the early 18th century.
Scottish settlers, who were familiar with curling from their homeland, introduced the game to Canada as a way to maintain their cultural traditions.
The sport gained popularity among the Scottish communities in the country, and it then spread to other regions.
Now PlanetSKI is trying the sport in the town of Red Deer in Alberta – our Christmas location away from the mountains for the festive period.
Red Deer has two curlers heading to the Olympic Games in 2026.
PlanetSKI’s James Cove took to the ice on Boxing Day, at a local club.
Curling in Canada at Christmas. Image © PlanetSKI
We were playing with some Canadian friends who showed us the ropes.
Curling in Canada at Christmas. Image © PlanetSKI
One plays in a team of four and the idea is to get it “in the house” where points are awarded.
Essentially it is all it the push off.
Then the team mates do the “sweeping” to speed up the stone, or change its direction.
My first my push off was, er, not ideal,
But the skills of my sweeping team mates made up for matters.
The first recorded curling match in Canada took place in Montreal in 1807 when twenty merchants, mostly Scottish formed the Montreal Curling Club.
It was the first organised sporting club anywhere in North America.
At the time the pioneers of the sport used stones made out of iron in a similar shape of a tea kettle.
Curling in Canada at Christmas. Image © PlanetSKI
Now it would be remiss of me not to record the final result.
Curling in Canada at Christmas. Image © PlanetSKI
Let’s just say I was in the blue team and had a touch of ‘beginners luck’.
Curling in Canada at Christmas. Image © PlanetSKI
And what better way to celebrate the curling result than with another Canadian activity available on all local hills at this time of year.
Canada at Christmas. Image © PlanetSKI
What a fabulous, fabulous way to spend a Boxing Day in Canada.
PlanetSKI is back on the slopes of Sunshine Village on Sunday – with skis on.
‘The South-Side Shutes’ have just opened.
Do check back…
Tuesday 30th December
And continuing must-do things to experience when in Canada…
No trip to Canada is complete without waiting at a level crossing as a freight train passes by.
Sunday 4th January
Back to Sunshine Village:
Monday 5th January
There are many experiences one ought to have away from the ski slopes on a visit to Canada.
Top of the list is probably watching a game of hockey.
Ice hockey to you, me and the family of PlanetSKI reporters.
Ice hockey in Canmore, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
Ice hockey in Canmore, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
It is more than the national sport – it is in the DNA of most Canadians.
Ice hockey in Canmore, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
So, who better to see than our local team, the Canmore Eagles as they took on local rivals The Old Grisslys.
$18 (£9.70) a ticket.
There are no complicated rules to understand, and it is easy to follow as a novice spectator – who ever scores the most goals wins.
Ice hockey rules center on getting a puck into the opponent’s net using sticks, with teams of six (five skaters, one goalie) on the ice, playing three 20-minute periods, and using face-offs to restart play.
Key rules involve:
- Offside – no entering the attacking zone before the puck.
- Icing – shooting the puck from your side past the opponent’s goal line.
- Fouls – tripping, high-sticking lead to penalties, often giving the other team a power play.
My rule was that a hot dog ahead of the game is a must.
Ice hockey in Canmore, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
And watching this thing ahead of the game:
Hockey is fast and furious.
The game stops often, as players go on and off the ice.
Loud rock music is played out in short bursts – AC/DC, Led Zeppelin, The Clash, The Rolling Stones and others.
There’s a bit of disco too – Village People, Bee Gees & Sylvester.
There are usually a few fisticuffs on the ice as it is a physical game.
And the music that followed this brawl?
The music was Elton John’s “Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting” – intended or by co-incidence?
It is a game with clashes aplenty, and at one point I counted three broken sticks on the ice.
The atmosphere was electric, passionate and absorbing.
In case you are wondering about the final score: 8-0 to my newly adopted local team – The Canmore Eagles.
I chatted to a supporter after the game and he said that the reason one team wins and another loses, is usually the keeper.
That person has the most important role in any hockey team.
Ice hockey in Canmore, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
As I looked at a few of the stats Canmore Eagles had 31 shots on target and Old Grissly had 32.
Ice hockey in Canmore, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
The difference was indeed the keeper.
I now had something intelligent to say next time ice hockey crops up in a conversation.
I live and learn.
Congrats to the Eagles goalie, and the team
Yet again, what a fabulous Canadian experience!
More to follow…
Tuesday 6th January
After all the skiing over the past few of weeks and the excesses of Xmas/New Year it’s time for a well-deserved chill out day.
A lie-in, a spot of laundry and then an afternoon visit and hike to the three beautiful lakes near Banff:
- Lake Two Jack
- Lake Minniwanka
- Lake Johnson
The first and last were frozen over, but not Lake Minniwanka.
Lake Two Jack, Alberta. Image © PlanetSKI
Lake Two Jack, Alberta. Image © PlanetSKI
Lake Two Jack, Alberta. Image © PlanetSKI
Lake Minnewanka, Alberta. Image © PlanetSKI
Lake Minnewanka, Alberta. Image © PlanetSKI
Lake Minnewanka, Alberta. Image © PlanetSKI
Lake Johnson, Alberta. Image © PlanetSKI
Lake Johnson, Alberta. Image © PlanetSKI
And then a spot of early evening pool at The Rose & Crown pub in Banff.
Pool at the Rose & Crown in Banff, Alberta. Image © PlanetSKI
Pool at the Rose & Crown in Banff, Alberta. Image © PlanetSKI
My daughter, Tashie, sunk the black.
With the white following it in.
Victory to me!
Sometimes the best days in the mountains do not involve skiing.
Tomorrow it’s back to the ski slopes.
Sunshine Village, Lake Louise or Mt Norquay?
Decisions, decisions, decisions….
The road to Lake Louise. Image © PlanetSKI
Thursday 8th January
Today it’s a Sunshine Village kind of day.
Some local inhabitants were relaxing & grazing on the approach road as we headed up.
Sunshine Village, Banff, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
They seemed, and were, unmoved by our presence.
Sunshine Village, Banff, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
Once on the lift system the trees continued to be laden with snow.
Sunshine Village, Banff, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
But what’s the behind the trees?
The sun had made a brief appearance.
Sunshine Village, Banff, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
But it didn’t last long and once again the heavens opened up.
And just an hour later on the slopes of Goat’s Eye…
It’s been that kind of winter in Sunshine Village – record breaking.
We spent much of the afternoon lapping the runs off Goat’s Eye, and enjoying the very welcome break in the weather.
Sunshine Village, Banff, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
Sunshine Village, Banff, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
Blue sky is a rare treat indeed.
Sunshine Village, Banff, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
Sunshine Village, Banff, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
Sunshine Village, Banff, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
In one of our next updates from Canada we’re going to be reporting on ‘Uphill Skiing’ – one of the fastest growing types of skiing and one we at PlanetSKI utterly love.
Canada is a rather special pace to do it.
Uphill skiing in Canada Image © PlanetSKI
Uphill skiing in Canada Image © PlanetSKI
Uphill skiing in Canada Image © PlanetSKI
Uphill skiing in Canada Image © PlanetSKI
See here for the next installment of PlanetSKI’s Canadian adventures:
PlanetSKI’s Canadian Adventures
We are self-funding the Canada trip and retaining all editorial independence so we can post as we see it without influence and spin + do what we want.
Airfares, accommodation, lift passes, car hire and day-to-day living expenses are covered by PlanetSKI.
Though if a resort wants to buy us a beer or lunch it would be rude to refuse!
To find out more about skiing in Canada check out what is on offer from the UK operator Inghams Skior the UK ski agent, SNO.
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