Best of the West - Multi-Resort Ski Adventure
15 days
Enjoy the best of Canadian skiing from the Rockies to the Coast! Spend two weeks celebrating five of the world’s best resorts, skiing fresh powder and varied terrain by day, and relaxing in first class accommodation by night. Mountain hop in bustling Banff with its easy access to three excellent peaks, discover the scenery and beauty of Lake Louise, and enjoy the fresh powder and open runs of the “Big Friendly” in Jasper. Indulge in the elegance of rail travel aboard the VIA snow train before discovering why Whistler is North America’s favourite resort. Make the most of your time this winter by combining deluxe resorts, charming towns and impeccable service with the best skiing and scenery you could hope for.
Outline
Arrive in Calgary
3 nights in Banff
3 nights Lake Louise
3 nights in Jasper
1 night on the Snow train
4 nights in Whistler
Depart from Vancouver
Arrive in Calgary
3 nights in Banff
3 nights Lake Louise
3 nights in Jasper
1 night on the Snow train
4 nights in Whistler
Depart from Vancouver
Day 1 – Into the West
A friendly guide welcomes you to Calgary as you begin your Rockies ski adventure. After being shown to your motor-coach, begin your scenic transfer to the bustling resort town of Banff! The Banff ski resort has a picturesque location that offers the utmost in convenience to the winter adventurer with easy access to three nearby ski areas.
Gaze out your window at the snowcapped trees, rolling mountains, and nearby rivers as you transfer to the bustling resort town of Banff. This Canadian favourite is located in Banff National Park and is cradled by the soaring Rocky Mountains.
Choose between two Banff ski resorts, the superior option of the Banff Caribou Lodge, or the extra luxury offered by the deluxe Fairmont Banff Springs. Both resorts offer impeccable service, refined accommodation, and opportunities for spa and dining in order to maximize the enjoyment of your stay.
Wander the scenic streets of Banff to enjoy its many boutiques and restaurants, or retire to your hotel for first class service and unparalleled opportunities to relax.
Days 2 & 3 – Enjoy Banff
Enjoy two full days of skiing! Banff’s picturesque location offers the utmost in convenience to the winter adventurer with easy access to nearby ski areas. Mount Norquay towers over Banff and offers a thrilling experience for skiers of every skill-level, as well as premium snowboarding terrain. Norquay is an excellent choice for families with a wide variety of groomed runs, a well-lit terrain park, and excellent lessons for all ages. Sunshine Village boasts some of the best above tree line skiing of the region, meaning great views for the skiers who enjoy taking the time to enjoy their natural surroundings.
After days of excitement on the slopes, enjoy the relaxed charms of Banff. There are an abundance of restaurants suited for all palates and ages, and plenty of night time options for a nightcap or two.
Days 4-6 – Enjoy Lake Louise
This beautiful spot is rightfully known as the “Jewel of the Rockies”, and its lake and surrounding peaks make it the most photographed lake in all of Canada! It is also Alberta’s largest ski area, and, as such, ranks with the finest ski resorts in the world with its variety of over a hundred runs, and thousands of acres of open bowl skiing!
Take your choice of two great hotels – the rustic elegance of Deer Lodge, a transformed lodge that maintains all its character while offering great comfort and facilities, or the Chateau Lake Louise, a majestic beauty nestled right on the shores of the lake.
Spend days exploring the great terrain and runs of the slopes. Time off the runs is just as thrilling with a wide variety of activities for all ages. Get your blood pumping and the laughter quotient high when you try tubing, tobogganing, or dog sledding. Have a romantic evening for two with a cozy sleigh ride, or indulge in a well-deserved massage at a first-class spa.
However you spend your days, enjoy lively evenings in restaurants and lounges, as well as quiet ones with hot cocoa over the fire.
Day 7 – Jasper
It will be hard to leave Lake Louise’s charms behind, but plenty of opportunities for sightseeing and skiing await on the next leg of your Canadian ski vacation!
Follow the beautiful Icefields Parkway through the wilderness of Banff and Jasper National Parks. This remarkable highway travels past huge icefields, jagged mountain peaks, and wide tracts of snow-laden trees – visions of snowy paradise that are sure to get you geared up for more skiing!
Upon arrival in Jasper, take a moment to breathe in the crisp air of this resort with its refreshing small town atmosphere. Spend the evening relaxing over a bottle of red and a great meal at one of Jasper’s excellent fine dining restaurants.
Take your choice of two Jasper ski resorts, the superior option of the Jasper Inn Alpine Resort, or the deluxe Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. Once again, both hotels offer elegant and refined accommodations with the service and facilities you deserve on a luxury ski vacation.
Days 8 & 9 – Enjoy Jasper
Enjoy two days away from the crowds, skiing the slopes of Jasper’s pristine Marmot Basin. This attractive mountain is affectionately known as the “Big Friendly,” and offers memorable ski experiences for all ages and skill levels with a wide array of runs. Improve your technique as you explore tree-lined trails, wide open bowls, long gentle runs, and powder filled chutes.
Spend your evenings trying a new Jasper restaurant each night. Be sure to save room a hot chocolate with whipped cream, or maybe even a drop of Irish cream.
Day 10 – Via Rail’s Snow Train to Vancouver
Spend the morning browsing the shops and cafes of Jasper as you bid goodbye to this charming town and prepare for a shift of scenery as you move on to the Coast.
Boarding the VIA Rail Snow Rail in the afternoon you will embark on a picturesque journey through the heartland of British Columbia to the rightfully famous coastal beauty of Vancouver. Enjoy spectacular views of remote wilderness as you relax in the comfort of this world-class train. Gaze out the window at the winter landscape of mountains and valleys dotted by water and wildlife as you indulge in a full dinner before retiring for the night comfortably onboard.
The most comfortable option onboard is a bedroom, a private room for 1 or 2 people containing private toilet facilities. A bedroom holds comfortable armchairs in the daytime, which convert to upper and lower beds at night. Also included in the room is a small closet, and an optional table. A shower room is located steps away, and includes a complimentary shower kit.
Day 11 – Travel to Whistler
The sweet smells of pastries and coffee combined with the passing beauty of the landscapes is the perfect way to rise. Travel alongside the Thompson and Fraser rivers, through the sheer walls of the Fraser Canyon, and into a fertile valley retaining magnificent mountain backdrops. The metropolitan beauty of Vancouver will mark your arrival to the Coast.
Wind along the famous Sea to Sky highway on your way into British Columbia’s rugged coastal mountains. Arrive in Whistler and instantly see why it is named among the world’s best ski resorts. Twin peaks with unbeatable terrain are yours to discover over the next few days. The bustling resort village offers many places to rest your skis and enjoy a bite to eat.
Spend the night in your choice of Whistler ski resorts with the superior option of the Holiday Inn Sunspree, or the deluxe Four Seasons Whistler. Both options offer great service, convenient locations, and refined accommodation.
Day 12-14 – Ski Whistler
Enjoy two full days of skiing the home of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games! Whistler Blackcomb features 8100 acres of skiing terrain, more than 200 trails, and access to 3 glaciers, 37 lifts, and 12 alpine bowls. This year Whistler Blackcomb welcomes the impressive addition of a peak to peak gondola. The widest and highest in the world, this gondola will ensure the best views and that you get to maximize your time on two of the best mountains in the world.
Hours away from the slopes are sure to be equally exciting, with an unmatched number of available opportunities, including sleigh rides, tubing, snowshoeing, and more! Whistler also features fine dining restaurants and refined lounges like those in the best cities in the world.
Day 15 – Vancouver Departure
After two fun-filled and memory-making weeks at the best ski resorts in the Canadian Mountains (if not the world), board a transfer to Vancouver. Vancouver’s abundant charms and sightseeing opportunities could easily occupy a day or two, or proceed directly to the airport in time for your return flight home.
A friendly guide welcomes you to Calgary as you begin your Rockies ski adventure. After being shown to your motor-coach, begin your scenic transfer to the bustling resort town of Banff! The Banff ski resort has a picturesque location that offers the utmost in convenience to the winter adventurer with easy access to three nearby ski areas.
Gaze out your window at the snowcapped trees, rolling mountains, and nearby rivers as you transfer to the bustling resort town of Banff. This Canadian favourite is located in Banff National Park and is cradled by the soaring Rocky Mountains.
Choose between two Banff ski resorts, the superior option of the Banff Caribou Lodge, or the extra luxury offered by the deluxe Fairmont Banff Springs. Both resorts offer impeccable service, refined accommodation, and opportunities for spa and dining in order to maximize the enjoyment of your stay.
Wander the scenic streets of Banff to enjoy its many boutiques and restaurants, or retire to your hotel for first class service and unparalleled opportunities to relax.
Days 2 & 3 – Enjoy Banff
Enjoy two full days of skiing! Banff’s picturesque location offers the utmost in convenience to the winter adventurer with easy access to nearby ski areas. Mount Norquay towers over Banff and offers a thrilling experience for skiers of every skill-level, as well as premium snowboarding terrain. Norquay is an excellent choice for families with a wide variety of groomed runs, a well-lit terrain park, and excellent lessons for all ages. Sunshine Village boasts some of the best above tree line skiing of the region, meaning great views for the skiers who enjoy taking the time to enjoy their natural surroundings.
After days of excitement on the slopes, enjoy the relaxed charms of Banff. There are an abundance of restaurants suited for all palates and ages, and plenty of night time options for a nightcap or two.
Days 4-6 – Enjoy Lake Louise
This beautiful spot is rightfully known as the “Jewel of the Rockies”, and its lake and surrounding peaks make it the most photographed lake in all of Canada! It is also Alberta’s largest ski area, and, as such, ranks with the finest ski resorts in the world with its variety of over a hundred runs, and thousands of acres of open bowl skiing!
Take your choice of two great hotels – the rustic elegance of Deer Lodge, a transformed lodge that maintains all its character while offering great comfort and facilities, or the Chateau Lake Louise, a majestic beauty nestled right on the shores of the lake.
Spend days exploring the great terrain and runs of the slopes. Time off the runs is just as thrilling with a wide variety of activities for all ages. Get your blood pumping and the laughter quotient high when you try tubing, tobogganing, or dog sledding. Have a romantic evening for two with a cozy sleigh ride, or indulge in a well-deserved massage at a first-class spa.
However you spend your days, enjoy lively evenings in restaurants and lounges, as well as quiet ones with hot cocoa over the fire.
Day 7 – Jasper
It will be hard to leave Lake Louise’s charms behind, but plenty of opportunities for sightseeing and skiing await on the next leg of your Canadian ski vacation!
Follow the beautiful Icefields Parkway through the wilderness of Banff and Jasper National Parks. This remarkable highway travels past huge icefields, jagged mountain peaks, and wide tracts of snow-laden trees – visions of snowy paradise that are sure to get you geared up for more skiing!
Upon arrival in Jasper, take a moment to breathe in the crisp air of this resort with its refreshing small town atmosphere. Spend the evening relaxing over a bottle of red and a great meal at one of Jasper’s excellent fine dining restaurants.
Take your choice of two Jasper ski resorts, the superior option of the Jasper Inn Alpine Resort, or the deluxe Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. Once again, both hotels offer elegant and refined accommodations with the service and facilities you deserve on a luxury ski vacation.
Days 8 & 9 – Enjoy Jasper
Enjoy two days away from the crowds, skiing the slopes of Jasper’s pristine Marmot Basin. This attractive mountain is affectionately known as the “Big Friendly,” and offers memorable ski experiences for all ages and skill levels with a wide array of runs. Improve your technique as you explore tree-lined trails, wide open bowls, long gentle runs, and powder filled chutes.
Spend your evenings trying a new Jasper restaurant each night. Be sure to save room a hot chocolate with whipped cream, or maybe even a drop of Irish cream.
Day 10 – Via Rail’s Snow Train to Vancouver
Spend the morning browsing the shops and cafes of Jasper as you bid goodbye to this charming town and prepare for a shift of scenery as you move on to the Coast.
Boarding the VIA Rail Snow Rail in the afternoon you will embark on a picturesque journey through the heartland of British Columbia to the rightfully famous coastal beauty of Vancouver. Enjoy spectacular views of remote wilderness as you relax in the comfort of this world-class train. Gaze out the window at the winter landscape of mountains and valleys dotted by water and wildlife as you indulge in a full dinner before retiring for the night comfortably onboard.
The most comfortable option onboard is a bedroom, a private room for 1 or 2 people containing private toilet facilities. A bedroom holds comfortable armchairs in the daytime, which convert to upper and lower beds at night. Also included in the room is a small closet, and an optional table. A shower room is located steps away, and includes a complimentary shower kit.
Day 11 – Travel to Whistler
The sweet smells of pastries and coffee combined with the passing beauty of the landscapes is the perfect way to rise. Travel alongside the Thompson and Fraser rivers, through the sheer walls of the Fraser Canyon, and into a fertile valley retaining magnificent mountain backdrops. The metropolitan beauty of Vancouver will mark your arrival to the Coast.
Wind along the famous Sea to Sky highway on your way into British Columbia’s rugged coastal mountains. Arrive in Whistler and instantly see why it is named among the world’s best ski resorts. Twin peaks with unbeatable terrain are yours to discover over the next few days. The bustling resort village offers many places to rest your skis and enjoy a bite to eat.
Spend the night in your choice of Whistler ski resorts with the superior option of the Holiday Inn Sunspree, or the deluxe Four Seasons Whistler. Both options offer great service, convenient locations, and refined accommodation.
Day 12-14 – Ski Whistler
Enjoy two full days of skiing the home of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games! Whistler Blackcomb features 8100 acres of skiing terrain, more than 200 trails, and access to 3 glaciers, 37 lifts, and 12 alpine bowls. This year Whistler Blackcomb welcomes the impressive addition of a peak to peak gondola. The widest and highest in the world, this gondola will ensure the best views and that you get to maximize your time on two of the best mountains in the world.
Hours away from the slopes are sure to be equally exciting, with an unmatched number of available opportunities, including sleigh rides, tubing, snowshoeing, and more! Whistler also features fine dining restaurants and refined lounges like those in the best cities in the world.
Day 15 – Vancouver Departure
After two fun-filled and memory-making weeks at the best ski resorts in the Canadian Mountains (if not the world), board a transfer to Vancouver. Vancouver’s abundant charms and sightseeing opportunities could easily occupy a day or two, or proceed directly to the airport in time for your return flight home.
Options & Upgrades
- Add extra nights/ tours in Vancouver, Calgary, Whistler or the Canadian Rockies to the start or end of this trip
Accommodation
Standard / Deluxe hotels
Private bedroom accommodation onboard
Standard / Deluxe hotels
Private bedroom accommodation onboard
Trip Highlights
- 3 amazing ski resorts in Banff
- World famous Lake Louise
- Jasper’s uncrowded trails and picturesque setting
- Private bedroom aboard VIA Rail's picturesque Snow Train
- Whistler Blackcomb - North America's premier ski resort
Request A Booking
Reserving Your Trip Is Easy
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Call us toll free
1 800 667 4744 (US/Can)
0 800 917 5924 (UK)
1 800 992 872 (Aus.)
Office hours:
M-F, 6am - 6pm Pacific Time.
Sat 10am - 4pm.
A personal trip advisor will help you book your perfect trip.
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Reserve Online using the form at left.
We will contact you as quickly as we can and you will not be under any obligation until after we have confirmed all details with you.
At that time a US$500 per person deposit is payable and you will be subject to our usual terms and conditions.
Reserve your spot without obligation for 48 hours. Our consultants will contact you to confirm details before you pay a deposit.
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2008-09 Departure Dates
This ski & Rockies rail vacation departs from Calgary on the following Sundays, Wednesdays & Fridays:
Dec 2, 5, 7, 10, 12, 14, 17, 19, 21, 24, 26, 28, 31
Jan 2, 4, 7, 9, 11, 14, 16, 18, 21, 23, 25, 28, 30
Feb 1, 4, 6, 8, 11, 13, 15, 18, 20, 22, 25, 27
Mar 1, 4, 6, 8, 11, 13, 15, 18, 20, 25, 27, 29
Apr 1, 3, 5, 8, 10
Price Notes
• Prices are per person based on two people sharing a room
• Prices available for Triple, Quad & Child ren
• We are experts at customizing any trip to fit your needs
• Discounted ski rental can be added for each separate resort so you need not transport your own equipment. Try the latest skis available and swap them to suit conditions
• Distances from the hotels to the rail stations is short so the best option is a taxi. Private or coach transfers can be included at excellent rates
Includes
• 13 nights Hotel accommodation
• 1 night private bedroom accommodation aboard the VIA Rail Snow train
• Private sightseeing transfer from Lake Louise to Jasper along the famous Icefields Parkway
• Meet and greet at Calgary Airport
• Scheduled Transfers between Calgary Airport and Banff, Banff to Lake Louise, Vancouver to Whistler and Whistler to Vancouver Airport
• Jasper to Vancouver rail passage on VIA Rail Canada, including bedroom accommodation, dinner and breakfast
• Fire & Ice Show on Sunday evenings at the base of Whistler Mountain gondola, starting in mid-December
• Free guided tour of each ski area
• 5 Day Tri-area pass for Banff and Lake Louise, 2 Day Marmot basin and 4 day Whistler Blackcomb ski pass
• National Park fees
• Provincial taxes
• Documentation package
Not Included
• Meals & activities unless otherwise stated
• Ski rentals - discounted rates available at all resorts so you avoid carrying your skis
• Goods & Services Tax (GST)
• Trip Cancellation Insurance
This ski & Rockies rail vacation departs from Calgary on the following Sundays, Wednesdays & Fridays:
Dec 2, 5, 7, 10, 12, 14, 17, 19, 21, 24, 26, 28, 31
Jan 2, 4, 7, 9, 11, 14, 16, 18, 21, 23, 25, 28, 30
Feb 1, 4, 6, 8, 11, 13, 15, 18, 20, 22, 25, 27
Mar 1, 4, 6, 8, 11, 13, 15, 18, 20, 25, 27, 29
Apr 1, 3, 5, 8, 10
| Standard | USD $ | CAD $ |
| Double | Double | |
| Dec 3 - Dec 10 2008 | 2,704 | 3,083 |
| Dec 12 2008 | 3,141 | 3,581 |
| Dec 14 - Dec 28 2008 | 3,641 | 4,151 |
| Dec 31 - Feb 1 2009 | 3,033 | 3,458 |
| Feb 4 - Mar 18 2009 | 3,114 | 3,550 |
| Mar 18 - Apr 3 2009 | 3,052 | 3,479 |
| Apr 5 - Apr 10 2009 | 2,831 | 3,228 |
| Deluxe | USD $ | CAD $ |
| Double | Double | |
| Dec 3 - Dec 5 2008 | 3,416 | 3,894 |
| Dec 7 2008 | 3,720 | 4,241 |
| Dec 10 - Dec 12 2008 | 4,159 | 4,741 |
| Dec 14 2008 | 4,607 | 5,253 |
| Dec 17 - Dec 24 2008 | 5,793 | 6,604 |
| Dec 26 - Dec 31 2008 | 4,829 | 5,505 |
| Jan 2 - Jan 25 2009 | 4,068 | 4,638 |
| Jan 28 - Mar 11 2009 | 4,465 | 5,090 |
| Mar 13 - Mar 25 2009 | 4,084 | 4,656 |
| Mar 27 - Mar 29 2009 | 3,818 | 4,353 |
| Apr 1 - Apr 10 2009 | 3,572 | 4,073 |
• Prices are per person based on two people sharing a room
• Prices available for Triple, Quad & Child ren
• We are experts at customizing any trip to fit your needs
• Discounted ski rental can be added for each separate resort so you need not transport your own equipment. Try the latest skis available and swap them to suit conditions
• Distances from the hotels to the rail stations is short so the best option is a taxi. Private or coach transfers can be included at excellent rates
Includes
• 13 nights Hotel accommodation
• 1 night private bedroom accommodation aboard the VIA Rail Snow train
• Private sightseeing transfer from Lake Louise to Jasper along the famous Icefields Parkway
• Meet and greet at Calgary Airport
• Scheduled Transfers between Calgary Airport and Banff, Banff to Lake Louise, Vancouver to Whistler and Whistler to Vancouver Airport
• Jasper to Vancouver rail passage on VIA Rail Canada, including bedroom accommodation, dinner and breakfast
• Fire & Ice Show on Sunday evenings at the base of Whistler Mountain gondola, starting in mid-December
• Free guided tour of each ski area
• 5 Day Tri-area pass for Banff and Lake Louise, 2 Day Marmot basin and 4 day Whistler Blackcomb ski pass
• National Park fees
• Provincial taxes
• Documentation package
Not Included
• Meals & activities unless otherwise stated
• Ski rentals - discounted rates available at all resorts so you avoid carrying your skis
• Goods & Services Tax (GST)
• Trip Cancellation Insurance
