WinterStart Festival lights up the Rockies

Residents and visitors in both Banff and Lake Louise join in the fun as we all celebrate the arrival of snow, and the excitement of the Christmas season, during the WinterStart Festival.

This year, the festival runs from November 29th through December 7th, with two action-packed weekends of winter sports, music, children's activities... and everyone's favourite attraction, the annual Santa Claus Parade of Lights.

At the World Cup alpine races in Lake Louise (Nov.29/30, Dec.6/7), the fastest skiers on earth hurtle down the mountain at speeds that easily top 100 kilometres per hour.

The busiest day of WinterStart is Saturday Dec. 6. In the afternoon, bring the young ones out to enjoy Christmas in the Rockies, with Christmas crafts, face painting, Santa Claus photos, cookie decorating, carol singing, and even a treasure hunt on Banff Avenue.

Then join the crowds beneath the festive lights along Banff Ave. for the Santa Claus Parade at 6 p.m.


Saturday Nov. 29 - Saturday Dec. 6 2008

Every year, Banff and Lake Louise celebrate the start of winter with two weekends of events that are fun for both residents and visitors.

Christmas in the Rockies, Saturday December 6, 2 - 5 p.m.

Christmas in the Rockies is a family-oriented afternoon filled with holiday treats and a chance to meet Santa Claus. Bring the young ones to Cascade Plaza to enjoy...

• Christmas crafts
• Face painting
• Santa Claus photos
• Cookie decorating fun
• Carollers

Santa Claus Parade of Lights, Saturday December 6, 6 p.m.

Banff's Santa Claus Parade is the perfect way to end a family day: lights twinkle under the Rocky Mountain sky, as a parade of holiday floats delights the crowds lining the streets of Banff Avenue.

Men's World Cup Ski Races, Sat./Sun. November 29 & 30

Women's World Cup Ski Races, Sat./Sun. December 6 & 7

At the World Cup alpine races in Lake Louise, the fastest skiers in the world hurtle down the mountain at speeds that easily top 100 kilometres per hour. Two thrilling weekends of men’s and women’s ski racing.

Source: Town of Banff

Sunshine Village Banff - Open 2008

Sunshine Village is open, with a fantastic 60-cm base of pure, natural snow. The webcam shot below was taken yesterday, November 13 2008.

It’s early-season conditions. The Strawberry lift and two quads – WaWa and Standish are now in operation. More runs are expected open Saturday, as crews finish preparing runs.

It’s also a great time to stay on the mountain, at Banff’s only ski-in, ski-out hotel. The Sunshine Mountain Lodge, formally known as the Sunshine Inn, is offering discounted rates, with packages starting at $139 per person including next day skiing. Contact rocky-peak Ski Holidays for details on this and other ski specials!

To check on the current snow conditions for Sunshine Village, call the 24-hour snow phone at 403-760-SNOW (403-760-7669).

Happy skiing and riding!

Heli-Hike

After being very impressed with a recent Heli-Hike in the Canadian Rockies, I wanted to write a bit about it and provide details on how you can go about booking it for yourself, as these tours need to be booked in advance.

I went out last Tuesday, October 14, which is getting quite late for Heli-Hiking. As you can see by the pictures, there was already some snow. Once the snow really accumulates, you can take advantage of a Heli-Snowshoe tours which can also be booked through rocky-peak Ski Holidays.

The drive to the Helicopter start point is spectacular in itself as you have to drive along the magnificent Icefields Parkway from either Jasper, Banff or Lake Louise. The location makes this tour a great addition to many itineraries in Western Canada as it is right en-route and so minimises travel time.

Once you arrive at the Icefields Heliport, just outside of Banff National Park, you will be safety briefed, geared up, and then you board the helicopter.

The helicopter takes you into the backcountry where you can start your hike with the certified guide. Martha, the guide, was very knowledgeable and has the qualifications to back this up!

The walk in itself was easy, however, if you are a stronger hiker, slightly more challenging heli-hikes can be arranged. The home-made gourmet lunch was delicious and really satisfying. After a couple of hours of hiking, the guide will radio the helicopter pilot and you will be picked up. It really is that easy!

I hope you enjoy the photos and if you have any questions, please feel free to post here and I will do my best to answer them, or you can contact rocky-peak Holidays direct.

Do you like Yoga? Why not try a Heli-Yoga tour?!

Memorable hiking in the Canadian Rockies.

There are many photo opportunities!

The only things left behind: your footprints.

Nature surrounds you. Opportunites to see wildlife.

The guide knows the area better than anyone!

Scenic mountain streams.

Abraham Lake greets you on your return flight.

Banff Ice Hockey

Banff Ice Hockey Tours to see the Calgary Flames play in the Saddledome are a great way to experience a Canadian passion. Ice Hockey to the Canadians is like soccer to the British!

For the 2008-2009 winter season, NHL ice hockey tours are once again offered from Banff to Calgary. Pick-ups from Canmore and Lake Louise can also be arranged. Our ticket packages include coach transportation, an onboard guide, a hockey souvenir and of course, your hockey ticket!

For most games, we offer Green and Black seating. See the seating diagram below:


The 2008-2009 Banff Ice Hockey Tour schedule is listed below:

2008-2009
Calgary Flames NHL Hockey Schedule

Date	Opponent	Departs Banff	Game Time
OCT 11	Canucks	5.15 pm	8.00 PM
OCT 14	Avalanche	4.45 pm	7:30 PM
OCT 17	Oilers	4.15 pm	7.00 PM
OCT 21	Capitals	4.45 pm	7:30 PM
OCT 28	Avalanche	4.45 pm	7.30 PM
OCT 30	Bruins	4.15 pm	7.00 PM
NOV 4	Coyotes	5.15 pm	8.00 PM
NOV 6	Predators	4.45 pm	7.30 PM
NOV 11	Maple Leafs	4.45 pm	7:30 PM
NOV 18	Avalanche	4.45 pm	7.30 PM
NOV 22	Red Wings	5.15 pm	8.00 PM
NOV 25	Kings	4.45 pm	7.30 PM
NOV 29	Canucks	5.15 pm	8.00 PM
DEC 2	Stars	4.45 pm	7.30 PM
DEC 12	Panthers	4.15 pm	7.00 PM
DEC 19	Blackhawks	4.15 pm	7.00 PM
DEC 23	Ducks	4.15 pm	7.00 PM
DEC 27	Senators	5.15 pm	8.00 PM
DEC 29	Wild	4.15 pm	7.00 PM
DEC 31	Oilers	5.15 pm	8.00 PM
JAN 6	Sharks	5.15 pm	8.00 PM
JAN 8	Islanders	4.15 pm	7.00 PM
JAN 13	Blues	4.45 pm	7.30 PM
JAN 17	Coyotes	5.15 pm	8.00 PM
JAN 21	Blue Jackets	5.15 pm	8.00 PM
JAN 28	Sabres	3.15 pm	6.00 PM
JAN 30	Predators	4.15 pm	7.00 PM
FEB 5	Blackhawks	4.45 pm	7.30 PM
FEB 7	Ducks	10.15 am	1.00 PM
FEB 9	Canadiens	4.15 pm	7.00 PM
FEB 17	Canucks	4.45 pm	7.30 PM
FEB 24	Blue Jackets	4.15 pm	7.00 PM
FEB 27	Wild	4.15 pm	7.00 PM
MAR 1	Lightning	3.15 pm	6.00 PM
MAR 18	Stars	4.15 pm	7.00 PM
MAR 20	Blues	4.15 pm	7.00 PM
MAR 23	Red Wings	4.45 pm	7.30 PM
MAR 28	Wild	5.15 pm	8.00 PM
MAR 30	Sharks	4:45 pm	7.30 PM
APR 6	Kings	4.45 pm	7.30 PM
APR 11	Oilers	5:15 pm	8.00 PM

Tickets this year are $104.76 for Black Tickets including transportation and $133.33 for Green. Both rates are subject to 5% Goods Services Tax.

For more information including how to book, visit Banff Ice Hockey.

Go Flames Go!

Banff Fall Photographs

Here are some pictures I think you'll enjoy! These pictures have not been edited - these are the true colours! This September has been a fantastic fall with above average temperatures and gentle winds allowing trees to show for longer! Can anyone guess the locations? All photos taken close to Banff of course!

Today's Weather: Snow! This is great news for Canada Ski Resorts some of which are scheduled to open early November!

Banff Ski Rentals

Booking your Banff Ski Rentals is very much recommended, especially during the busy holiday periods.

By booking in advance, you will receive additional discounts on your Banff Ski Rentals, not available to you when you actually in resort, so preparation is key.

What sort of deals would I receive by pre-booking my rentals you may ask yourself? Not only do you not have to pay until you are actually in resort, you will also receive the following deals:

1) Same rate on Mid and High Performance ski and board rentals
2) Free Taxi to and from the Banff Ski Rentals shop or..
3) Free ski and snowboard deliveries to your hotel
4) 3+ days ski or board rental gets 15% shopping discount in the ski rentals store
5) 5+ days ski or board rental gets FREE dinner voucher

A credit card is required to secure the booking, but no payment is taken until you are in resort.

To take advantage and book visit Canada-Ski or rocky-peak Ski Holidays

Banff Snowmobile Tours

You may think it is too early for us to post information about 2008-2009 Banff snowmobile tours while we are still experiencing temperatures in the mid-30s (in the 90s in Fahrenheit!), but we just wanted to let you know about the snowmobile tours out of Banff, Canmore and Lake Louise for this upcoming 2008-2009 winter season.



Banff snowmobile tours are a great way to experience the great Canadian Outdoors!

This year, there are even more snowmobile tours for you to choose from, from full day family tours to high powered adrenaline tours, you will not be disappointed! There is no wonder that snowmobile tours in the winter months are one of our top most popular tours booked.



In addition to the regular day snowmobile tours, there are also overnight ski and snowmobile packages as well as two-day snowmobile accommodation packages.

Snowmobiling does book up especially over the holiday periods, so pre-booking is definately recommended to avoid disappointment.



Combine any snowmobile tour with a ski package put together by rocky-peak Ski Holidays and receive 10% OFF when pre-booked before November 15 2008.....

....and YES! this offer CAN be combined with any of the many ski specials rocky-peak Ski Holidays currently have!

What are you waiting for? Wash off your sunscreen and get your Banff snowmobile tour booked today!!