2/29-3/6 Sunshine Village, Lake Louise, Kicking Horse

Chester

New member
Just spent an incredible week at the Canadian Rockies. I kept my expectations low due to the low snowfall before we arrived but as soon as we got there, it snowed almost every day! And even better, a few of the snowfalls were overnight, and the next day was sunny. <BR> <BR>Sunshine Village got a foot of snow at the top on Tuesday so we spent the day on Continental Divide and Goat's Eye. I highly recommend The Chute off Goat's Eye and Eagle Creek. Deep untracked snow on the lower part of The Chute followed by a really fun ride through a river bed like a roller coaster. Contrary to other opinions, I found that Sunshine is not irritating for a rider (i.e. traversing) if you plan your way down beforehand. Also, Sunshine is a snow magnet. On several occasions it was snowing heavily on top while the town of Banff itself didn't have a flake. <BR>I had a poor preconception of Sunshine before I went (not many steeps, lots of traverses) but I'm now a convert! <BR> <BR> <BR><IMG SRC="http://www.firsttracksonline.com/discus2/messages/9/3581.jpg" ALT="from Continental Divide at Sunshine"> <BR> <BR>On Saturday, Lake Louise got a foot of snow so we decided to go there and avoid the crowds at Sunshine. There are so many glades on the front face that if you're there on a powder day, you could ski freshies all day long. If you go to the back bowl, you should definitely take the summit platter (even if you're a snowboarder!!!), do a little hike to the left of the platter, then drop in for the experience of a lifetime. I didn't find Ptarmigan and Larch areas as good as others said. The snow wasn't as deep and the runs were shorter. <BR> <BR><IMG SRC="http://www.firsttracksonline.com/discus2/messages/9/3582.jpg" ALT="View from Larch side of Lake Louise"> <BR> <BR>We were at Kicking Horse on Tuesday, right after they got a foot of snow at the top and ending a month-long drought. It was still rather foggy so we didn't see too much but when the sun came out we were in awe of the size and beauty of the 3 bowls. If you go to Kicking, you MUST eat at the restaurant at the top of the mountain!!! We had a 5-star meal for about $13 CDN. I recommend going there for lunch, then returning at 3:45 for a 5-star dessert (Lindt chocolate torte) then skiing down. All 3 bowls were very long and very fun to ride. Most bowls get flat at the bottom but not at Kicking! <BR> <BR>In terms of trip recommendations, fly into Calgary, stay at Banff (great lodging, food, etc), then take day trips to the other places. We stayed at Hidden Ridge Resorts which wasn't expensive and has a huge hot tub. Spend your off-day hiking at Johnston Canyon. The frozen waterfalls were spectacular. <BR> <BR>If you're thinking of a spring skiing trip, definitely consider the Canadian Rockies since the sun will be lower and the snow less slushy compared to Utah or Tahoe. Spring is their stormy season too!
 
Thanks for the report Chester ! <BR> <BR>Definitively, the West has some quite better conditions than the East actually. <BR> <BR>What a horrible month of march in the east, up to now... the rain on next week with give the lethal shot I think <IMG SRC="http://www.firsttracksonline.com/discus2/clipart/sad.gif" ALT=":("><IMG SRC="http://www.firsttracksonline.com/discus2/clipart/sad.gif" ALT=":("><IMG SRC="http://www.firsttracksonline.com/discus2/clipart/sad.gif" ALT=":("><IMG SRC="http://www.firsttracksonline.com/discus2/clipart/sad.gif" ALT=":("><IMG SRC="http://www.firsttracksonline.com/discus2/clipart/sad.gif" ALT=":("><IMG SRC="http://www.firsttracksonline.com/discus2/clipart/sad.gif" ALT=":("> <BR> <BR>Hopefully the snowmaking place will let some moguls trails so at least...
 
I'm heading there next weekend. This report has definately made my day!!! I can't wait now!!!
 
I've got my web page up now, with all the photos. <BR>You won't be disappointed. <BR> <BR>Enjoy! Feel free to comment. <BR> <BR><A HREF="http://rati.pse.umass.edu/~cht/personal/photos/travel/Canadian_Rockies_WSI/" TARGET="_top"> my Canadian Rockies photos</A>
 
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