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Like most things skiing started out simply as a means to get around. All of a sudden people realised that they get enjoyment out of it. It then became a hobby and then later the advent of the ski resort came about. Since ski resorts have existed the age old question of ‘What is the best country to go skiing in?’ and ‘What is the best ski resort?’ has been asked.
With Crystal ski recently announcing the two major Canadian resorts in its top three best overall resorts it looks like Canada is the answer. With Banff taking the best resort and Whistler coming third it looks like Europe is no longer the place to ski. So the big question is what is Banff doing right?
Here are 5 reasons why Banff is number 1.
The Views
Most ski resorts have spectacular views but Banff has that added luxury of being set in the heart of a UNESCO world heritage site. The setting of a national park really does mean there is a spectacular view to be had around every corner. In fact it is such a beautiful part of the world that its peak season is in the summer when people can enjoy hiking and biking the many trails. Tip: Take an afternoon off from skiing and visit Lake Louise. Frozen over and with Victoria Glacier in the background it is one of Canada’s romance hotspots.
Shuttle Services
Unfortunately the resort is not synonymous with convenience, with the nearest slope being 20 minutes away (Mt Norquay) and the furthest (Lake Louise) being 45 minutes. Realising this may be a bit of an issue the resort has made sure that its shuttle services are frequent and run like clockwork. They have managed to dispel the myth that you wait a while for one bus and then both turn up at the same time.
Infrastructure
All three resorts of Mt Norquay, Sunshine Village and Lake Louise have numerous lifts in operation. There is nothing worse than lift queues. This can more often make or break someone’s experience of a resort. It is probably one of the key reasons why Whistler came third.
Accommodation
There are very little sub standard accommodations on offer. In fact because the winter season is its low season most of the higher end hotels drop their rates. The price dropping can be a massive benefit with some of the pricier hotels becoming more affordable. Hotels like Fairmont Springs can become a bit more of a reality.
Variety
This is its biggest selling point. Everything else just enhances this. Most resorts will generally offer 2 mountains to ski (if you’re lucky) whereas Banff has the big three in Mt Norquay, Lake Louise and Sunshine Village. Both Louise and the Village are extremely popular with some skiers spending a whole week at them individually exploring every run. If that doesn’t excite then there is a tri lift pass available which allows a person to choose between all three.
The Great White North is definitely starting to steal a march on some of its European counterparts. By incorporating what Europe does well and adding the famous North American hospitality it may be some years before it catches up. Combine that with longer seasons and great terrain they never be topped.
