Canada - Rockies Tour

The Canadian Rockies really are one of the great wildernesses. There are a wealth of different skiing and boarding experiences awaiting you when you take 'The Rockies Tour'. This is a 10 or 11 night holiday that takes in six resorts along the way. 

We understand that you don't want to be in the car for long durations so the chosen resorts are in a natural loop with short distances between resorts. Your accommodation is all pre booked, a four wheel drive car ready at the airport, lift passes & equipment organised (if you have pre booked these items) - so all you have to do is enjoy your skiing or boarding & some great drives along the way!

Tour Itinerary | Accommodation | Prices | General Information

Tour Itinerary

You can choose a 10 night tour departing on a Wednesday or 11 nights departing on a Saturday on a Zoom flight from Gatwick to Calgary. When you arrive at the airport, collect your 4x4 hire car - basic drivers’ insurance cover (over 25 years old) & directions included, and set off on the 1.5 hour drive to Banff. 

The remainder of the route is split so that you have a maximum 3.5 hour drive through stunning scenery in-between hotels on the suggested route. 

All accommodation is included on a ‘room only’ or 'self catering' basis for 2 people sharing. Generous reductions apply for additional people sharing accommodation, or you can take an additional room and share the car which will take 4 people wih their luggage for a small supplement.

If you pre-book equipment, you can collect it in Banff and keep it for the duration of your trip, dropping it back with the rep at the airport at the end of your holiday.

Day 1: Arrive Calgary drive to Banff

You stay in the Brewster's Mountain Lodge for the next 4 nights which is a great base for the surrounding ski areas that you will be visiting over the next four days.

Day 2: Ski Mount Norquay, stay in Banff
Norquay offers a wide selection of blues, reds and few blacks. A great opener.

Day 3: Ski Sunshine Village, stay in Banff
There is a good selection of wide open runs to choose from and for the brave, the Delerium dive. This is an off piste area that offers slopes up to 50 degrees in gradient.

Day 4: Ski in Lake Louise, stay in Banff
A huge ski area that caters for all, with many reds, blues and some blacks with the addition of a massive freeride park.

Day 5: - Ski your favourite of the Big 3, drive to and stay in  Kicking Horse
Choose which area you liked the most for a final visit in the morning. In the afternoon drive to Kicking Horse. Stay 2 nights at the foot of the slopes at the Gondola Plaza Resort. 

Day 6: Ski & stay in Kicking Horse
Some of the best heli skiing terrain has been opened up for all by a modern lift system. The lower slopes offer wooded trails whilst the upper slopes are lightly wooded with open bowls. 

Day 7/8: Drive to, ski & stay in Panorama
One of the largest amounts of vertical in North America. The trails are located over three ridges that rise up from the resort. The terrain offered is from double black diamonds on the upper levels with the rest of the mountain having a scattering of all runs. Stay for 2 nights in the 'Inn of 1000 Peaks'.

Day 9/10: (11) Fernie
Ski for another day in Panorama, then drive on to Fernie. Fernie's 2500 acres of skiable terrain packs a lot in, from ideal green trails on the lower mountain to ungroomed shoots and steep bowls on the upper levels. Fernie is a fantastic place to end your holiday, staying on the mountain in the 'Timberline Lodge' for the last 2 or 3 nights - depending on whether you are travelling on a 10 or 11 night holiday.

Day 11 or 12 Head for home
Make the scenic 3.5 - 4 hr drive back to Calgary for your return flight with Zoom.

Drive times

• Calgary to Banff 1.5 - 2 hours
• Banff to Kicking Horse 1.5 hours
• Kicking Horse to Panorama 1.5 hours
• Panorama to Fernie 3 hours
• Fernie to Calgary 3.5 - 4 hours

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Accommodation

BREWSTERS MOUNTAIN LODGE - BANFF -

Owned and operated by one of the oldest families in the Rockies, Brewster’s Mountain Lodge is in the heart of Banff, 20m from bustling Banff Avenue and 70m from the ski bus stop. The hotel has a back-country charm, authentic western atmosphere & rustic log furnishings. It’s a good value, popular hotel with many returning guests. 

Facilities:

• Lobby with open fireplace 
• Free use of sauna & hot tub 
• Fitness area 
• ‘Café Soleil’ Mediterranean restaurant
• Gift shop & laundry facility 

Rooms (2-4 people): Bedroom with one or two queen size beds, telephone, satellite TV, & full ensuite bathroom with hairdryer. 
Board Basis: Room Only

Click here for more information and pictures.

GONDOLA PLAZA RESORT - KICKING HORSE -

The accommodation offered is in the ‘Glacier Lodge’ which is part of the Gondola Plaza Resort. You simply can’t beat its location for ease of access to the slopes - lying right at the foot of the gondola.

Facilities: 

• Outdoor hot tub 
• Fitness room 
• Sauna & steam room 

Rooms (2-4 people): Bedroom with a queen bed and double sleeper sofa, full ensuite bathroom. 
Board Basis: Room Only. 

Click here for more information and pictures

INN of 1000 PEAKS - PANORAMA -

Panorama's newest lodging development has got it all, including great views! The Mile One Quad, hot pools, and apres ski activities are just steps away. These well furnished apartments are a real home from home.

Facilities: 

• Indoor pool 
• Hot tub
• Underground parking

Rooms (2-4 people): Split king bed, double sofa bed, bath, shower, wc, full kitchen including dishwasher and microwave, TV and telephone.
Board Basis: Self Catering.

 

THE TIMBERLINE LODGE - FERNIE -

This is a quality condominium complex at the base of the ski resort offering friendly service and spacious well-equipped apartments. It is a 5 minute walk or a free shuttle bus ride to the slopes in the mornings, and you can ski back to the property for most of the season.

Facilities:

• Lounge area and games room (board games can be borrowed) 
• Hot tub 
• Fitness room 
• Communal barbecue pit

Apartments (2-4 people): Bedroom with one queen size bed, queen sofa bed in the lounge, gas fireplace, fully equipped kitchen with cooker and microwave oven, cable TV,balcony or terrace and ensuite bathroom with shower and wc.
Board Basis: Self Catering.

Click here for more information and pictures 

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Prices

Prices range from £1095 travelling out for 9 days on January 16 or 23 2008 to £1695 for 10 days over Chrsitmas & New year or around £1175 in late March. Prices are per person based on 2 people sharing, flights with Zoom from Gatwick, price varies depending on date of departure.

For More Information and Prices Call 0845 070 3460

Prices are based on two people sharing a room, on a room only basis, include return scheduled flights from London Gatwick to Calgary with Zoom, one 4x4 car with basic level insurance included and full instructions & directions for your journey.

Reductions are available for additional passengers sharing a room. Additional rooms and cars can be arranged for a supplement. Lift passes and/or equipment hire can be added for the duration of your trip.

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General Information

Lift passes

If you have chosen to pre book your lift pass, on arrival you will be given vouchers that you can exchange for lift passes at each resort. When staying at Banff the lift pass will be for the 'Big 3' so you can ski or board any of the Banff areas on the days of your choice.

Equipment

It is always great to take your own equipment but if you want to rent equipment this is not a problem. Skis or board and boots can be picked up on your arrival into Banff, you will then keep this equipment for the duration of your trip and return it to the Neilson staff on your departure from Calgary airport.

Car Hire & Route Plans

Included for the duration of the trip is your four wheel drive vehicle you will also be given full instructions and directions on getting from resort to resort and hotels.

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