Alberta’s slopes are open as snow awaits

Alberta is known for its long ski seasons and this year two of Alberta’s resorts have become the first in Canada to open their doors. The season is expected to be another bumper year for the infamous champagne powder snow, pristine landscapes and of course the great Albertan welcome. Visitors can expect no lift queues, superb pistes, excellent tuition, vibrant après ski and a favourable exchange rate.

• Mt. Norquay and Lake Louise opened the slopes on Saturday 8th November to allow skiers and riders access to the earliest snow in Canada.
• Mt. Norquay, which has opened earlier than expected, is allowing access at weekends only whilst the resort is prepared for its full opening on the 5th December.
• The nearby slopes at Sunshine Village are due to open tomorrow, the 14th November completing the Ski Banff-Lake Louise trio.
• Further north the town of Jasper is also getting snow in abundance and the slopes at Marmot Basin are due to open, this Saturday, 15th November.
• Nakiska, known as ‘Calgary’s Closest Mountain’ is due to open its slopes to the public on Saturday 6th December.
• Castle Mountain is scheduled to open on 13th December giving skiers and riders an opportunity once again to try the excellent extreme and backcountry touring terrain.

Pre Christmas flutter from £699. Travel with Crystal Ski on 3rd December to the Bow View Lodge in Banff, holiday includes scheduled flights with Air Canada, transfers or rental free car and seven nights accommodation, from £699 (based on 4 sharing). Or for pure indulgence stay close to the action at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise from £1079 per person (based on 2 sharing).For information or reservations, see crystalski.co.uk.

Ski, shop and drop from £689. Canadian Affair is introducing additional flights to Calgary this winter, so why not head for the Rockies for some early snow? Canadian Affair is offering a 6 night skiing break in Banff from just £689 per person, departing on selected dates in December and January. This includes return economy class flights from Gatwick to Calgary and six nights in a Fairmont Room at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise on a room only, twin share basis. For information and reservations, see canadianaffair.com.

Happy Half Term – February family holidays from £679 per person. Travel with Inghams on 14th February and stay at the 4 Star Inns of Banff, where prices start from £679 per person for 7 nights room only (based on 4 sharing). Holiday includes direct return flights from London Gatwick, Manchester (+£39) and resort transfers. For information and reservations, see inghams.co.uk.