 Poster: A snowHead
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Jonny Jones,
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The only ski in ski out accom in Canada I've been to is Panorama, which you know all about. I enjoyed the skiing there, but I wasn't greatly impressed with the other facilities, but then I don't like resorts without a town
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The resort runs a FREE bus service to the local town at the bottom of the mountain, Invermere, where there are plenty of restraunts ranging from cheap 'burger and chips' to a' la carte excellence such as STRANDS. You don't HAVE to stay in the resort.
Also a good tip is if you contact Panarama direct you can sometimes pick up VERY cheap accomodation.
Panarama now also has a husky centre so you can dog sled, snow mobile safaris locally and of course heli-skiing.
I personnaly HATE Banf with a vengance. 
Also, spend a day or two in Calgary for a laugh - go to the Cowboy Bar (DONT TAKE THE KIDS !!) and have a go at the Bob-sled run at the olympic village (Change of underwear may be necessary) 
We tend to spend time over there and drive between resorts, car hire is relatively cheap, but I wouldn't recommend unless you are a confedent driver - especially if you go over the high level pass near golden. 
Enjoy whatever you decide to do. Canada Rocks !! 
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Jonny Jones, plenty of good advice flying around. I've spent quite a few weeks in Banff and loved it and wouldn't hesitate in recommending it to you. I know you have your kids to consider, but I would definately persue the idea of using Banff as a base and hire a big 4x4.
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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| Odin wrote: |
The resort runs a FREE bus service to the local town at the bottom of the mountain, Invermere, where there are plenty of restraunts ranging from cheap 'burger and chips' to a' la carte excellence such as STRANDS. You don't HAVE to stay in the resort. |
Yeah. Tried that last year in an operation planned with military precision to meet up with some relatives. Unfortunately, the bus broke down (it often does) and there's no other means of transport up the mountain. Invermere does have one taxi, but he wasn't answering his phone so I ended up hitching a lift with the resort's HR Director.
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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Kicking Horse pass between Golden & LL is pretty hairy in winter with big trucks going up & down (it is the Trans Canada highway), Roger's Pass to the West is often closed for avy control & can be out for a couple of days at a time while they use the howitzers & dig out the road.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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Anniegirl,
my advice is to not look in the rearview mirror whilst traversing the pass from LL to Golden - unless you like the sight of a large logging truck driving 3ft off your rear fender !!
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I'm flying from Calgary to Cranbrook to avoid the excessively long drive (i'm a bad passenger)
Then private transfer to resort (Panorama) from there. Should be a bit more pleasant (plus its in a dinky plane so should be exciting)
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The 'high level pass' is absolutely no problem. It is fantastic rugged stuff. It is not a place you would like run out of fuel at 3 in the morning but apart from that . . . Frankly driving in Canada is ludicrously easy, a girl could navigate and not end up in Scotland. Calgary to Banff = 1 turn. Calgary to Golden = 3 turns and for 2 of those you can actually see Golden.
What is being referred to, indirectly, is that the lorrys throw up grit/stones (which the rental company's are generally cool with) and they take no prisoners. Easy, don't drive like a girl.
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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| Nickski wrote: |
| a girl could navigate and not end up in Scotland |
| Nickski wrote: |
| Easy, don't drive like a girl. |
Watch it - you're on very thin ice!
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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Great pics RobW!
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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Acacia,
Acacia,
I'm looking at heading banff area with a m8 for the season... im struggling however to find accomodation... any suggestions or contact that may be able to sort me out ??
cheers
Anth
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acidanth,
Well, I really only know about the place from a tourist's perspective. - Your question would likely be far better answered by a local.
There are certainly accommodations that are available for long term lets, but these tend to be pretty expensive, being aimed at the top end of the market. I don't know whether you're planning to get some work locally, while you're out there. If you are, it's well worth getting in touch with Resorts of the Canadian Rockies - the company that runs Lake Louise - they usually have quite a large pool of seasonal workers from all over (but with a strong antipodean flavour), and they have some staff accommodation also. - Their website is http://www.skircr.com, and they are currently recruiting across a range of positions.
Alternatively, there are a couple of locals who are regular posters on Epicski: they go by the names "L7" and "Leeroy". - L7 has one of the ski stores in Banff, and he might be the best guy to get in touch with.
Hope this helps.
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You know it makes sense.
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acidanth, accomodation in Banff is hard to come by, I believe, because it's in a national park and there are severe building and property ownership restrictions. Canmore, about 10/15 miles from Banff and just\outside the park is likely to be a better bet, although it's becoming popular. You have to jump into the car anyway to ski from Banff, so the extra few miles doesn't make a lot of difference. Canmore's not a great place in itself, but it's OK. It's also closer to other resorts such as Nakiska (a bit dull) and Fortress which I hear is interesting. It's further from LL and KH, though.
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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acidanth - your best bet for Banff is to get out there before the season starts & hit the noticeboards/network like mad. Most affordable accomodation is however employment related (& indeed there is a prohibition on pure holiday home ownership). You could try ringing the hostels now and seeing if they can read you any ads. I'm not a local obviously but did work there as a student & back then you pretty much had to get a job with accomodation if you disn't want to live in the hostel.
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FAQ
