 Poster: A snowHead
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Hi Guys, We're looking for advice on a ski trip to Canada early April next year. Mixed but capable group of skiers including two kids. Obviously heard lots about Whistler but would be open to recommendations on other resorts. Suggestion has been to rent a house to sleep 10 rather than book into hotel, any feedback on properties or advantages/disadvantages to this would be appreciated.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Whistler is the obvious choice with lots of airbnb options for large parties and a great resort for mixed ability groups with loads of of slope diversions
Sun peaks is a good alternative and heard good things about big white
Banff lake louse is another option but spread out so chance of group being splintered ,
Mont tremblant in Quebec is like a mini whistler without the snow fall figures
But basically if your going in early April it's hard to look past whistler , as they have a great record for keeping the resort skiing well in spring
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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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Banff/Lake Louise is usually a great choice for April skiing. The resorts don't usually close till mid-end may. The two main ski areas cater pretty well for all abilities so you shouldn't need to split up.
BUT - accommodation for 10 might be tricky to find. Ther s surprisingly little self catering condos, and no Air BnB or chalets like in Europe. This is because it's within the national park so development and letting is tightly controlled. It's worth looking at the hotels as many have 'family suites' which are effectively apartments. Many sleep up to 6ish so you could get a couple in the same hotel.
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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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Following on from TommyJ, regarding Banff skiing, for the type of accommodation you are looking for - you could try Canmore. Not in the National Park so more low key. Some great places to eat aimed at locals rather than tourists  There is at least one B+B in Banff and it has suites too.
You'll obviously have a vehicle so transport isn't a problem, and just a short trip down TCH 1 to Banff.
Big White can be good, can be bad. Often gets whiteouts hence its nickname, but all accommodation there is via the resort, unless you find somewhere to stay and drive in. We stayed in Kelowna as it suited us. BW is not a place I need to go back to.
Sun Peaks again you either stay at the resort on their terms, or find something away from it, Nice ski hill with some interesting places, not the easiest to get to.
With all of the places mentioned I'd check first their closing dates to make sure they fit with your plans - its not always about how much snow they may still have.
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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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| Dabber wrote: |
Mont tremblant in Quebec is like a mini whistler without the snow fall figures
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The only thing Tremblant and Whistler has in common is a fake-European-looking base village!
Tremblant has NONE of the snow fall, vertical, terrain Whistler is known for. OK, more a micro-Whistler than a mini-Whistler
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But basically if your going in early April it's hard to look past whistler , as they have a great record for keeping the resort skiing well in spring |
Both Whistler and Banff have good spring skiing condition. But other factor may favor one over the other.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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Thanks for the good advice, hadn't thought to check Airbnb for accom but 2 hotel suites might also work. Think good/ reliable snow will be the deciding factor.
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You need to check when the resorts close some close at the end of march, or Easter Monday.
Allura is another place to check for accommodation.
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| joneski wrote: |
You need to check when the resorts close some close at the end of march, or Easter Monday.
Allura is another place to check for accommodation. |
Agreed Allura is the answer for Whistler if you are wanting a single house for 10. Don't forget to also use Allura for the ski pass too as they do discounts for you.
Book early to get the discounts on lift tickets, lessons & rental.
Whistler will not close until late April and even then they keep Blackcomb Mountain open in May. They are having to scrape 3 metre deep base off the slopes on Whistler at the moment so that they can get it ready for mountain biking. Last day of this season they had 10" of powder over night.
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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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April is late in BC. Just saying. My mates' Cat/ heli operation in Whistler closes at the end of March. There's not really an issue with snow, it's just that the season is pretty much done for most people by then.
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| philwig wrote: |
| There's not really an issue with snow, it's just that the season is pretty much done for most people by then. |
Isn't that a situation we all wanted? All the snow and no people?
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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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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I've been to Banff for the first two weeks of April this year and last. 2016 was very warm and locals were complaining how poor conditions were. However to me it was absolutely fine. No powder but almost all runs open. Bit slushy in the afternoons but all skiable.
This April was totally different. Much colder (rarely above freezing even at the base) and several days of heavy snowfall. Conditions were amazing on the groomed runs and on the off piste. So all in all I think it's fairly snow sure in April.
The one thing both years had in common was how quiet it was compared to Europe. Almost every lift was ski straight on and the runs were quiet.
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