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Travel Alberta, All Rights Reserved Written by: Travel Alberta
It's been 16 years since early season snow conditions were this good. Stay, play and parlay your style into lodging that suits you. It's up to you to decide where you want to find a room and park your board. You can go low-end or high-end, from mountain hostels to luxurious castles. The range of accommodations is literally all over the map in this province, putting you in reach of some of the best and most varied terrain in the world. Check out your options below.
Fortress Mountain Brings It On: Affordability
Fortress Mountain has been brought back to life by a new owner, Zrinko Amerl, who says Fortress this year brings affordability to skiing in the Canadian Rockies. There will be on-hill accommodation deals for under $100 during the season that riders should appreciate. And the lift prices rock as well: adult daily passes will be just $40 (you pay only $30 midweek). Finally, for powder-seeking hounds, access to the far side of the mountain this year will be by a 'Cat' shuttle.
Sunshine Village's Hot Tub Heaven
Sunshine Village, has renovated 56 of 84 rooms in the on-hill Sunshine Inn at a price tag of $30,000 per room. You won't have to pay nearly that much to stay there and enjoy first, fresh snow. The value season began Nov. 10 and it runs until just before Christmas, and then again for most of January and May. So you can get in on some great deals. And while you're staying in this ski-in, ski-out lodge that can be reached only by gondola, you can enjoy one of the largest outdoor hot tubs in Canada. Otherwise, the Banff Alpine Centre, is rated 'top 10' among 5,000 hostels worldwide.
You can also check out Banff area hotels that provide many choices, from budget to luxury. An alternative is the boutique property The Juniper Banff, located just outside the town of Banff , which offers easy access to skiing at Sunshine Village, Lake Louise and Ski Banff @ Norquay.
Go High At Lake Louise
Lake Louise is a scenic destination that provides a premiere view if you gain air. The resort has consistently won the 'most scenic' categories in various magazines over the years. The Showtime Terrain Park features tables ranging from 15 to 75 feet, rails over 40 feet long, boxes, quarter pipes, super pipe and new additions weekly. But where do you stay? Recommended by the popular travel guide Let's Go, the Lake Louise Alpine Centre is located in the heart of world famous Lake Louise village in the Canadian Rockies. Other choices that will require more financial muscle power include The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, the Post Hotel (chosen by Outside Magazine in its November issue as one of the top five ski or ride lodges in North America) and Baker Creek Chalets.
Castle Mountain : Steep, Deep, Cheap
Steeper, deeper, cheaper, friendlier. That's this mountain's mantra and what's not to love if you're a rider? In southern Alberta near Pincher Creek, just two hours south of Calgary , Castle Mountain has great Ski 'n Sleep packages and a wide range of accommodations – along with premier stashes of powder. "You can rent everything from a refurbished church to a ranch house to a hotel, it just depends on who's looking for what," says Andrew Rusynyk, Director of Marketing and Snowsports and Development. On-hill accommodations include Castle Mountain Ski Lodge and Hostel, and Castle Mountain Accommodations.
Norquay's Lit Up
Ski Banff @ Norquay in Banff National Park features the only night skiing in the Bow Valley and has the only lit terrain park. Those advantages translate into more time to ride. It is close to the town of Banff and all the nightlife the mountain town has to offer. Accommodations in Banff range from the budget conscious Banff Alpine Centre to a world famous castle, Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, as well as a boutique hotel, The Juniper Banff. Rustic to modern, secluded or downtown, one-two-three-four-five beds, luxury or kitchen-equipped and mountain views, it's all available.
Nakiska's Olympic Legacy
Nakiska is just minutes from The Kananaskis Village and its lodgings. The village was built for the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics and it's geared primarily for families and riders from Calgary who are out for quick trips, as it's less than an hour's drive from the city. You can find affordable places to stay here, depending on your budget.
Marmot Basin's Inside Beauty
Marmot Basin is at the small mountain town of Jasper in the Canadian Rockies, so you can get good ski packages, as it's more remote than some of the resorts and generally less crowded. Many boarders access Marmot and Jasper through Edmonton. You'll find that accommodations in Jasper are constantly being upgraded with a wide range of choices. There are oversized rooms downtown, family-style units with kitchens and even private lakeshore cabins. Ski and snowboard packages, including accommodation and lift tickets, are available at all 14 Ski Jasper properties. And this year there's a great deal for three nights of skiing/riding and accommodation for the price of two. It's best to contact the hotels directly for more information. If looking for upscale accommodations, try the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge.
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Copyright © 2006 Travel Alberta, All Rights Reserved
Travel Alberta is the destination marketing organization for the Province of Alberta. Guided by the Strategic Tourism Marketing Council, Travel Alberta is the steward for the effective delivery of tourism marketing programs. For information about our organization, please visit our Travel Alberta industry web site at http://industry.travelalberta.com
