View Full Version : Which ski resort would you suggest?
So I have to decide between Canada or Japan pretty soon (for visa reasons).
If I went to Japan I'd go to Niseko - Grand Hirafa.
If I want to go to Canada I need to make up my mind between Lake Louise or Whistler.
Any one had experiences with these bad boys? I am looking for: Good long runs, good snowfall, somewhere that will be pretty empty during midweek, work availability and a good party scene at night.
The more details you can give me about personal experiences the better, thanks guys.
There are plenty of hills within a couple hours of each other and the people up in Banff/Lake Louise/Whistler/Jasper/Golden are great. Personally, I would recommend any of them, though Lake Louise is at the bottom of the list for partying and work availability; it isn't a town, it's simply a resort.
It's a party atmosphere and everybody's ready and willing to have a good time. I could offer a thousand stories and experiences, but it's enough to say that it's a place that's completely worth your time.
I got offered a job at Lake Louise last week. I wish that I could have taken it, but I've gotten back into full-time school.
So basically here's what I was told about the Canadian resorts by Canadians:
Whistler rocks balls, but is so touristy and overpriced at the moment that it's fucked. It was 'good' because it had a huge party scene and drugs were easily available. Apparently they are having a major crack down on the drug scene there. Now I was told it kicks ass because there are three levels to the mountain, and if the mid section is cloudy, it's probably sunny up top, or clear at the lower levels, etc. I also got told I will find fuck all locals here, they'll all be travelers.
About Lake Louise...I was told it's not as good in terms of facilities or the mountain it's self, but I'll meet a lot more Canadians. Then I was also told that areas around there (Banff) have the highest rate of STD's any where in north America. Dirty.
I was told to check out Sunshine village by a pretty reputable source. But my most reputable source (ex Burton snowboarder) told me to go to a place called Kicking Horse. Told me it's a fucking AWESOME mountain, great snowfall, terrible facilities and heaps of locals. Sounds similar to the mountain I'm at now. I like it like that.
So...opinions you canooks?
Yeah, Kicking Horse is a wicked place. My cousin ran the lifts and worked in the offices there for a long time; she might be back this winter. It's a great place. It's about four hours out of Calgary; the whole area around Kicking Horse is amazing. There are plenty of parks, natural attractions, drugs, and places to party.
It's a good crowd.
Sunshine is the same as Banff.
Spam Man Sam
2008-09-25, 01:26
Come to Big White in Kelowna. Its like Whistler without the West Van yuppys.
This Canadian chick I chill with heaps keeps telling me to come to Big White. She has this long spiel about "Fucking awesome snow, a wicked park, it's own park lift, a hot dog stand in the park, pumping music all the time and the longest lift in all of north america"
Sadly I've decided to go to none of the Japanese or Canadian resorts next (I will one day, but not now)
My new choice is Ischgl. It just seems like it will have all the things that Canada have (steep slopes, great parties, lots of lifts) and the things Japan have (amazing powder and a unique culture). I speak German as well so I figure I might as well get a cash in hand job there and have a ball.
Germans do know their stuff when it comes to boarding and skiing. Along with the Austrians, they're some of the people that travel here for the slopes most.