Category Archives: resource

What’s happened to the Kicking Horse Powder Express?

I can’t tell you how many calls and emails we have received over the past few weeks from return and new guests regarding the Kicking Horse Powder Express. There seems to be a lot of confusion over what the Kicking Horse Powder Express is this season. Where has it gone? What has replaced it? How much does it cost? We have already spent a lot of time answering these questions and to make it easier and to save us some time answering individual calls and emails regarding this topic, here are some questions and answers below.

All of our guests seem disappointed and frustrated about these changes. Feel free to comment on this post as we would like to hear your thoughts.

Okay, let’s start with the questions and answers below:

1) Is the Kicking Horse Powder Express operating this season?

The Kicking Horse Powder Express with the dedicated return transportation and lift pass included at a rate of about $100 including all tax is no more.

2) Is there a replacement to this service?

Yes. There is a scheduled service which is about $100 plus tax return for just the transportation and in addition to this, you must purchase the lift pass. There is no discount on the lift pass – you must pay full price making this ski-away day quite pricey compared to the old service.

3) How is this service different?

This service is not a dedicated Powder Express ski shuttle as in previous seasons. It is a scheduled service connecting Canmore, Banff, Lake Louise, Golden and Kicking Horse Mountain Resort. The advantage of the scheduled service means that minimum numbers are not required.

The return time of 3:30pm means that you do not get to enjoy a full ski day on the mountain but you do have the convenience of catching a one way shuttle for a reasonable price.

4) What is the schedule for this new service?

This is the new schedule correct as of today:

FROM CANMORE / BANFF / LAKE LOUISE / GOLDEN TO  KICKING HORSE

Depart Canmore 5:30
Arrive in Banff 6:00

Depart Banff 6:15
Arrive in Lake Louise 7:15

Depart Lake Louise 7:30
Arrive Golden (Prestige Inn) 8:50

Depart Golden 9:00
Arrive Kicking Horse (Glacier Mountain Lodge) 9:30

FROM KICKING HORSE TO GOLDEN TO LAKE LOUISE / BANFF / CANMORE

Depart Kicking Horse (Glacier Mountain Lodge) 15:30
Arrive Golden (Prestige Inn) 16:10

Depart Golden 16:10
Arrive Lake Luoise 17:40

Depart Lake Louise 18:00
Arrive Banff 19:15

Depart Banff 19:45
Arrive Canmore 20:00

5) When does the above new service operate?

Daily: December 20th, 2011 through March 31st, 2012.

6) Are there other ski-away options out of Banff?

Yes, the Panorama ski bus is operating again this season with a minimum of 4 required to guarantee a departure. We are finding most guests are booking this ski-away day instead this season to experience another ski resort in the Canadian Rockies at a fraction of the cost.

7) Will the original Kicking Horse Powder Express be offered for the 2012-2013 season?

We have no idea but hope so! If it does, we will be sure to get the word out!

❓ How do I book this new service?

Contact Ski Holidays Canada.


Happy Holidays to you all and thanks for reading. We hope that we have answered your questions okay? Remember to visit www.SkiHolidaysCanada.co.uk for ski package deals and specials.

Looking forward to your comments!

Rocky Mountaineer Train Packages 2012

Rocky Mountain Holidays now have all 2012 Rocky Mountaineer packages available for download. We are glad to see they have kept most of the packages the same with some of the popular packages having additional cruise ship departures added. One new route we are excited about is the “Coastal Passage” route which connects Seattle and Vancouver with the Rocky Mountaineer Train. The Whistler Mountaineer will no longer have dome service available for 2012. The dome trains used on the Vancouver to Whistler route will now be used for the new SilverLeaf service in 2012 which was introduced this year. For your convenience, we have provided links to all of the packages below. Alternatively, you can visit Rocky Mountain Holidays direct for their Rocky Mountaineer package download page.

2012 Rocky Mountaineer Circle Packages Start End Duration
Classic Rail Circle Vancouver Vancouver 8 nights
Classic Rail Circle with Pre Cruise Vancouver Vancouver 14 nights
Classic Rail Circle with Post Cruise Vancouver Vancouver 14 nights
Classic Rail Circle with Post Cruise Vancouver Seattle 16 nights
Canadian Rockies Getaway Vancouver Vancouver 8 nights
Canadian Rockies Getaway with Pre Cruise Vancouver Vancouver 17 nights
Canadian Rockies Getaway with Post Cruise Vancouver Vancouver 16 nights
Canadian Rockies Getaway with Pre Cruise Seattle Vancouver 16 nights
Canadian Rockies Circle Vancouver Vancouver 9 nights
Canadian Rockies Circle with Pre Cruise Vancouver Vancouver 17 nights
Canadian Rockies Circle with Post Cruise Vancouver Vancouver 16 nights
Canadian Rockies Circle with Post Cruise Vancouver Seattle 17 nights
Grand Rail Circle Vancouver Vancouver 11 nights
Grand Rail Circle with Post Cruise Vancouver Vancouver 16 nights
Golden Circle via Whistler Vancouver Vancouver 10 nights
Golden Circle via Whistler with Pre Cruise Vancouver Vancouver 17 nights
Sea to Summit Glacier Circle with Post Cruise Vancouver Vancouver 18 nights


2012 Rocky Mountaineer One-Way Packages Start End Duration
Classic First Passage to the West Vancouver Banff 3 nights
Classic First Passage to the West Banff Vancouver 3 nights
Classic First Passage to West with Pre Cruise Vancouver Banff 11 nights
Classic First Passage to West with Post Cruise Banff Vancouver 11 nights
Classic First Passage to the West Vancouver Calgary 3 nights
Classic First Passage to the West Calgary Vancouver 3 nights
Classic Journey through the Clouds Vancouver Jasper 3 nights
Classic Journey through the Clouds Jasper Vancouver 3 nights
Classic Journey with Pre Cruise Vancouver Jasper 12 nights
Classic Journey with Post Cruise Jasper Vancouver 10 nights
Classic Journey with Pre Cruise Seattle Jasper 11 nights
Classic Journey with Post Cruise Jasper Seattle 11 nights
Canadian Rockies Excursion (Eastbound) Vancouver Calgary 4 nights
Canadian Rockies Excursion (Westbound) Calgary Vancouver 4 nights
Canadian Rockies Excursion with Pre Cruise Vancouver Calgary 12 nights
Canadian Rockies Excursion with Post Cruise Calgary Vancouver 12 nights
Canadian Rockies and Whistler (Eastbound) Vancouver Jasper 4 nights
Canadian Rockies and Whistler (Westbound) Jasper Vancouver 4 nights
Canadian Rockies and Whistler, Pre Cruise Vancouver Jasper 11 nights
Canadian Rockies and Whistler, Post Cruise Jasper Vancouver 11 nights
Canadian Rockies Highlights – 5 nights Vancouver Calgary 5 nights
Canadian Rockies Highlights – 5 nights Calgary Vancouver 5 nights
Canadian Rockies Highlights – 6 nights Vancouver Calgary 6 nights
Canadian Rockies Highlights – 6 nights Calgary Vancouver 6 nights
Canadian Rockies Highlights with Pre Cruise Vancouver Calgary 13 nights
Canadian Rockies Highlights with Post Cruise Calgary Vancouver 13 nights
Canadian Rockies Adventures (Eastbound) Vancouver Calgary 7 nights
Canadian Rockies Adventures (Westbound) Calgary Vancouver 7 nights
Canadian Rockies Adventures, Pre Cruise Vancouver Calgary 15 nights
Canadian Rockies Adventures, Post Cruise Calgary Vancouver 15 nights
Western Explorer (Eastbound) Vancouver Calgary 7 nights
Western Explorer (Westbound) Calgary Vancouver 7 nights
Western Explorer with Pre Cruise Vancouver Calgary 16 nights
Western Explorer with Post Cruise Calgary Vancouver 14 nights
Western Explorer with Pre Cruise Seattle Calgary 15 nights
Western Explorer with Post Cruise Calgary Seattle 15 nights
Northern Explorer (Eastbound) Vancouver Calgary 8 nights
Northern Explorer (Westbound) Calgary Vancouver 8 nights
Northern Explorer with Pre Cruise Vancouver Calgary 15 nights
Northern Explorer with Post Cruise Calgary Vancouver 15 nights
Canadian Rockies at Leisure (Eastbound) Vancouver Calgary 9 nights
Canadian Rockies at Leisure (Westbound) Calgary Vancouver 9 nights
Canadian Rockies at Leisure, Pre Cruise Vancouver Calgary 18 nights
Canadian Rockies at Leisure, Post Cruise Calgary Vancouver 16 nights
Canadian Rockies at Leisure, Pre Cruise Seattle Calgary 17 nights
Canadian Rockies at Leisure, Post Cruise Calgary Seattle 17 nights
Northern Rockies at Leisure (Eastbound) Vancouver Calgary 10 nights
Northern Rockies at Leisure (Westbound) Calgary Vancouver 10 nights
Northern Rockies at Leisure, Pre Cruise Vancouver Calgary 17 nights
Northern Rockies at Leisure, Post Cruise Calgary Vancouver 17 nights


NEW! 2012 Coastal Passage Tours Start End Duration
Canadian Rockies Highlights + Coastal Passage Seattle Calgary 7 nights
Canadian Rockies Highlights + Coastal Passage Calgary Seattle 7 nights
Canadian Rockies Highlights + Coastal Passage, Pre Cruise Seattle Calgary 12 nights
Canadian Rockies Highlights + Coastal Passage, Post Cruise Calgary Seattle 14 nights
Western Explorer + Coastal Passage Seattle Calgary 9 nights
Western Explorer + Coastal Passage Calgary Seattle 9 nights
Western Explorer + Coastal Passage, Pre Cruise Seattle Calgary 15 nights
Western Explorer + Coastal Passage, Post Cruise Calgary Seattle 15 nights
Classic Coastal Passage, Pre Cruise Seattle Jasper 11 nights
Classic Coastal Passage, Post Cruise Jasper Seattle 11 nights
Classic Coastal Passage, Pre Cruise Seattle Banff 10 nights
Classic Coastal Passage, Post Cruise Banff Seattle 12 nights


2012 Trans-Canada Packages Start End Duration
Trans-Canada Rail Adventure (Eastbound) Vancouver Toronto 11 nights
Trans-Canada Rail Adventure (Westbound) Toronto Vancouver 12 nights
Trans-Canada Rail Adventure with Pre Cruise Vancouver Toronto 19 nights
Trans-Canada Rail Adventure with Post Cruise Toronto Vancouver 20 nights
Coast to Coast by Rail (Eastbound) Vancouver Halifax 15 nights
Coast to Coast by Rail (Westbound) Halifax Vancouver 16 nights
Coast to Coast by Rail with Pre Cruise Vancouver Halifax 23 nights
Coast to Coast by Rail with Post Cruise Halifax Vancouver 24 nights


2012 Rail and Self-Drive Packages Start End Duration
Banff the Beautiful Rail and Drive Vancouver Calgary 5 nights
Banff the Beautiful Rail and Drive Calgary Vancouver 5 nights
Banff the Beautiful with Pre Cruise Vancouver Calgary 13 nights
Banff the Beautiful with Post Cruise Calgary Vancouver 13 nights
First Passage to the West Discovery Vancouver Calgary 7 nights
First Passage to the West Discovery Calgary Vancouver 7 nights
First Passage to the West, Pre Cruise Vancouver Calgary 15 nights
First Passage to the West, Post Cruise Calgary Vancouver 15 nights
Journey through the Clouds Discovery Vancouver Calgary 7 nights
Journey through the Clouds Discovery Calgary Vancouver 7 nights
Journey through the Clouds, Pre Cruise Vancouver Calgary 16 nights
Journey through the Clouds, Post Cruise Calgary Vancouver 14 nights
Journey through the Clouds, Pre Cruise Seattle Calgary 15 nights
Journey through the Clouds, Post Cruise Calgary Seattle 15 nights
Rainforest to Gold Rush Discovery Drive Vancouver Calgary 8 nights
Rainforest to Gold Rush Discovery Drive Calgary Vancouver 8 nights
Rainforest to Gold Rush Drive, Pre Cruise Vancouver Calgary 15 nights
Rainforest to Gold Rush Drive, Post Cruise Calgary Vancouver 15 nights


2012 Rocky Mountaineer City Stop Add-Ons Start End Duration
Explore Vancouver Vancouver Vancouver 1 night
Explore Victoria from Vancouver – Pre-Tour Vancouver Vancouver 2 nights
Explore Victoria from Vancouver – Post-Tour Vancouver Vancouver 2 nights
Explore Whistler from Vancouver – Pre-Tour Vancouver Vancouver 2 nights
Explore Whistler from Vancouver – Post-Tour Vancouver Vancouver 2 nights
Explore Victoria and Seattle (Northbound) Seattle Vancouver 2 nights
Explore Victoria and Seattle (Southbound) Vancouver Seattle 2 nights
Whales and Bears of Tofino Vancouver Vancouver 3 nights

Source

Incredible Spring Skiing in the Canadian Rockies

With more and more bear sightings coming in, it’s hard to think about skiing and snowboarding….but you must!!! 2011 has so far been a record breaking year for snowfall and with the lower temperatures, the powder conditions are that of mid-winter.  Environment Canada predicted a later spring which has so far proven to be true.

Where to head? Sunshine Village in Banff National Park is still rocking with incredible snow conditions and no crowds. Even Easter was quiet this year due to it being a little later in the year than usual. Sunshine Village will wrap things up for the season on May 23 2011 with the 83rd annual Slush Cup. There is lots more going on including the Sunshine Village 3rd annual Bikinis for Breast Cancer fundraiser.

The video footage below was taken in March and April this year in Sunshine Village’s backcountry. These skiers are experienced expert locals and have all the right backcountry gear so please do not imitate!

Enjoy these excellent extended ski conditions and be sure to look out for bears, wolves, deer, elk and big horn sheep (to name a few) on the spring ski bus to Sunshine Village from Banff!

Thanks for reading and feel free to share your spring skiing and boarding experiences with everyone below!

New travel domains, Canada

Below are a few new travel domains utilizing the new .co domain extension.

Rocky Mountain Holidays now has the following:

Ski Holidays Canada now has the following:

Thanks for reading and enjoy all this snow we have been receiving!

2011 Summer Holiday Packages – Canada

What a great start we have had to 2011 with about a metre of snow received by the ski resorts across Western Canada over the past week! Now that we are into 2011, the busy summer season does not seem so far away. With the early-bird deals starting to “fizzle” out or become less attractive for the summer, especially with the Rocky Mountaineer train packages, now is a good time to get a good deal on a 2011 spring, summer or autumn/fall package. Rocky Mountain Holidays have brochure downloads in PDF (Portable Document Format) and as always, we have provided the links below for easy reference. These packages can be easily customised based on your preferences (as long as the changes fit in with the rail or cruise schedule). Be sure to take advantage of specials such as free nights and activities in Vancouver – value added rather than discounts are the way to go.

Self-drive holidays are becoming increasingly popular in the Canadian Rockies as it gives you the independence but you also have full support when you are out here and the peace of mind that you won’t struggle to find accommodation during the peak season months in the Canadian Rockies. When booking a self-drive package, check to see if you have Loss Damage Waiver insurance coverage with your credit card provider as this can save you about $30 per day. Also, check out what the one way drop-off fees are from Vancouver to Calgary for example. When you book independently they can be as much as several hundred dollars whereas through a tour operator, typically the rates are about $75-$100.

Other things to look out for if you are shopping around are hidden fees such as “credit card surcharges”. This is a common technique used by some companies to squeeze some extra cash out of you after you have already agreed to the booking. It is also good to ask the straight question – “what extra costs will I have to pay in additional to the package price?”. Any good tour operator will be able to list these for you immediately so you know where you stand with the total of your holiday cost.

Here are the holiday brochures for 2011 – available for download through RockyMountainHolidays.com.

Wishing you all a healthy and happy 2011.

Kokanee Crankworx Evening Events 2010

EPIC KOKANEE CRANKWORX EVENTS ROLL OFF MOUNTAIN AND INTO THE NIGHT

Deraylor Music Festival And Saint Deep Summer Photo Challenge Back For Second Year

WHISTLER, BC July 29 , 2010 – The world saw Whistler go off this February, and that spirit and vibe will be back in full force with Whistler’s other big event, Kokanee Crankworx.  With a sporting event roster matched by none, Kokanee Crankworx throws down huge in the special events department to keep the energy and excitement flowing day and night.

BLOCK PARTY – Skier’s Plaza August 7, 8:30pm

First up to kick start the biggest mountain biking festival on the planet is the Block Party.  This community event is free for all participants and will take place in Skier’s Plaza and the Boneyard.  The tenth anniversary of bike movie mavens Freeride Entertainment will be celebrated with a showing of their first film, New World Disorder 1. This movie epic played a huge part in bringing the sport of freeride mountain biking to where it is today. Huge outdoor screens, prizes, interviews from the original crew and a few surprises will make the Block Party an incredible all-ages launch for Kokanee Crankworx. The party will continue for those of age at the GLC with Metallica cover band Damage Inc. The $5 cover includes a live feed of the Block Party inside, great views of the action outside, an epic after party with Damage Inc and, of course, ice cold Kokanee will be flowing all night long.

PECHA KUCHA NIGHT – Maxx Fish, August 9, 7:30pm

Drawing its name from the Japanese term for the sound of “chit chat,” Pecha Kucha will open minds with an eccentric mix of Whistler locals presenting stories and photos. Each presentation will move through 20 images shown for 20 seconds each. Current presenters include Tyler Schramm, Schramm Vodka; Rick Harry, Aboriginal Artist; Keith Reynolds, Playground Builders; Robin O’Neill, Photographer; Peter Alder, Ecosign Mountain Resort Planners; Leslie Anthony, Writer, Paula Shackleton, Bookbuffet; and Carla Gutierrez, Fitness Model.  Tickets are $7 at the door or at Hot Buns Bakery.

SAINT DEEP SUMMER PHOTO CHALLENGE – Fairmont Chateau Whistler, August 11, 7pm

The Saint Deep Summer Photo Challenge is back for 2010 with an unbelievable list of confirmed photographers. Paul Morrison, Sven Martin, Nicolas Teichrob, Jordan Manley and two wildcard photographers, Steve Lloyd and Adrian Marcoux will work against the clock to create a slideshow from images shot over three days in the Whistler Mountain Bike Park and on Whistler’s cross-country trails. Each show will be presented to a live audience of over 1,000 at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler. Tickets are $17 and on sale now at Whistler Blackcomb Guest Relations.

DERAYLOR MUSIC FESTIVAL – Whistler’s Best Nightclubs, August 11-13

The Deraylor Music Festival takes place August 11, 12 and 13 with the Deraylor wristband granting access to more than 40 artists in six venues over three days for only $40. Venues include the Garibaldi Lift Company, Garfinkel’s, Maxx Fish, Merlin’s, Moe Joe’s and Tommy Africa’s.  The current Deraylor line-up includes strong talent such as DJ Nu-Mark (from Jurassic Five), Mike Relm, BCDC, Fort Knox Five, DJ Jelo, Marcus Visionary, Said the Whale, Hannah Georgas, Mishka and illScarlett and many more. The first 100 tickets sold online will also receive access to the exclusive Kokanee Silent Disco party at the GLC on Saturday, August 14. Admission to all shows is through a $40 Festival wristband only, and are subject to age (19+) and capacity restrictions.  Visit www.deraylor.com for all ticket and event information.

Rocky Mountaineer Train Holidays 2011

We are not even into August 2010 yet and the rates have been released for all Rocky Mountaineer Train and Cruise Holiday packages for 2011. They have kept most of the packages the same as 2010 but have added an Alaska cruise from Seattle onboard Holland America’s ms Oosterdam to seven of their existing popular 2010 train holiday packages. Alaska cruises from Vancouver for 2011 are still onboard the Holland America’s ms Zuiderdam, which, in our opinion, has to be one of, if not, the best cruise ship sailing up to Alaska from Vancouver, Canada.

Below are the new 2011 Rocky Mountaineer train holiday packages with the Seattle cruise add-on. The links are to PDF documents on RockyMountainHolidays.com.

Rocky Mountaineer with Cruise to Alaska from Seattle

New Rocky Mountaineer Holiday Products for 2011

There have not been any major changes to the 2010 Rocky Mountaineer packages for 2011. Any changes are “tweaks” to already very popular and exciting train holiday packages.

Changes to Existing 2010 Products for 2011

  • All tours that overnight in Vancouver now include admission to the Vancouver Lookout
  • All tours that overnight in Calgary now include admission to the Calgary Tower
  • RedLeaf Service pre- or post-cruise tour packages now utilize Ocean- View Staterooms (Category D).
  • GoldLeaf Service pre- or post-cruise tour packages continue to use Deluxe Verandah Ocean-View Staterooms (Category VC).
  • Classic Rail Circle now has an additional pre-night in Vancouver plus a six hour sightseeing tour of Vancouver’s spectacular North Shore.
  • Grand Rail Circle now has an additional pre-night in Vancouver plus a six hour sightseeing tour of Vancouver’s spectacular North Shore
  • Canadian Rockies Highlights now has an additional pre-night in Vancouver plus a six hour sightseeing tour of Vancouver’s spectacular North Shore.
  • Canadian Rockies Highlights – 5 nights is also available; this is the same as the 2010 Canadian Rockies Highlights.
  • Canadian Rockies Circle is now 9 nights in duration instead of 12 nights.
  • The westbound itineraries of Trans-Canada Rail Adventure, Canada’s Coast to Coast by Rail, and the post-tour cruise options of these packages now include 2 nights in Jasper plus a Jasper highlights motorcoach tour, but only one night in Lake Louise.
  • City Stop add-on products are able to be sold independently, with rail-only, or in conjunction with any Rocky Mountaineer packages. Please note that transportation to/from the station or airport is not included in any City Stop packages.
  • Taxi transfers to/from cruise terminals in Vancouver are no longer included.
  • Travel documentation will advise of estimated taxi transfer rates, and limousine transfers available for purchase.

Discontinued 2010 Rocky Mountaineer Holiday Products

New for 2011 – Child and Youth Rates

New for 2011, Rocky Mountaineer holiday packages now include rates for youths (ages 12-18) and children (ages 2-11) when travelling with at least one single adult guest.

The published child and youth prices will apply for a maximum of 1 child or youth sharing with 1 adult. Parties of 1 adult and 2 or more children/youths will have to be booked with a minimum of 2 adults. It is not possible to book a single room with more than 2 persons sharing.


These are all the changes to the Rocky Mountaineer Holiday packages for 2011. Rocky Mountaineer package information which include cruises up to Alaska from Vancouver or Seattle can be all found at RockyMountainHolidays.com. You can view all the latest Rocky Mountaineer early-bird deals there too.

River surfing the Kananaskis

Source: Tanner Holthe, Rocky Mountain Outlook

Describing river surfing to a landlocked Albertan is a difficult task.

Traditionally, surfing has been an activity reserved for regions nestled by the ocean. However, with the new sport of river surfing gaining popularity, it is becoming a common sight to see surfers riding on the Kananaskis river.

Alberta River Surfing Association co-founder Neil Egsgard says, “When people think of river surfing they picture someone standing on a surfboard holding a rope or someone actually riding down the river. This is not the case. You are actually surfing. You just need fast moving water and an obstacle and then gravity and the river work against each other and you can ride the stationary wave.”

Egsgard’s journey into river surfing began when he saw a man surfing under the 10th Street bridge in downtown Calgary. Egsgard talked to the surfer and went out to the Kananaskis river that weekend and tried it. After organizing a small crew of devoted surfers, Egsgard and friends decided over a few pints of beer to start the Alberta River Surfing Association to help spread the word and develop the sport in Alberta.

Egsgard tries to head out surfing every weekend as he has developed a love for the sport.  “It’s the flow, the connection to the moment,” he said. “When you’re surfing, you can’t think of anything else. It is just you and the world.

“You are not attached to anything, but you are just perfectly in tune. When you surf well there is this thing called flow, everything is transcended, you’re on the edge of your ability. Your mind turns into action. You’re not thinking, you’re doing.”

The Alberta River Surfing Association has been successful at helping fellow Albertans enjoy surfing without leaving the province.

Jacob Quinlan took up surfing while backpacking for eight months in Australia. When he came home to attend the University of Lethbridge he started a surf club and brought fellow students down to California for annual surf trips. It was a member of his surf club that introduced him to the idea of river surfing, which Quinlan admits sounded like a silly idea at first.

“I thought it was dumb at first. I got to Kan and my first ride was awesome,” he said. “It is similar to ocean surfing because of the feeling and the stoke and the guys; that culture carries on. The mechanics are way different, an ocean wave is giving you this steep ramp and gravity pulls you down. A river surfing wave ramps in a completely different way.”

Quinlan says that when he started there were only a few guys surfing in Alberta, but now when summer rolls around, there are a lot of people coming out to try the sport.

“The guys that go out know it’s cold and they know it’s a shitty wave,” said Quinlan. “The people that are gonna pick it up and love it are going to do it for the right reasons.”

Surfing in the Kananaskis can be done year-round. Water temperatures remain relatively constant, therefore, a good wetsuit, boots and gloves are needed all year to ensure comfort in the water.

Egsgard says he has comfortably surfed the Kan when air temperatures have been as low as -25 C. In addition, sport is also ecologically sustainable. According to the Lower Kananaskis River Users Association, “Due to the river shutting off at night and environmental assessments, the lower Kananaskis River was built into a kayak course. Over the years, the features have been regularly adjusted and changed to create unique and well-used whitewater.”

Egsgard feels river surfing is a safe and eco-friendly sport.

“There is almost zero environmental impact,” he said. “When we build waves we use environmentally safe materials that cannot break down.

“We want to share the current ramp we are building. River waves should be like skateparks, they are way cheaper and safer. And the cost is so minimal. There is no reason why every fast moving river shouldn’t have a surf area.”

River Surfing Kananaskis RiverKananaskis River, Alberta. Photo Source: Undercurrents

Calgary store Undercurrents is offering river surfing lessons starting in June and have gear available for rent. For more information check out www.undercurrents.ca

Rocky Mountaineer Holidays 2010

The Rocky Mountaineer® Train offers spectacular rail journeys across Western Canada in the spring, summer and autumn months.

The Rocky Mountaineer® train operates through the Canadian Rockies in either direction to Vancouver from Calgary, Banff or Jasper and also to Whistler from Jasper. The train only operates during daylight hours to maximise your viewing experience and pleasure.

Rocky Mountaineer Routes

The Whistler Mountaineer™ train now known as the Whistler Sea to Sky Climb, is a three-hour experience connecting North Vancouver and Whistler which allows you to take a complete rail loop from Vancouver, Whistler and Jasper.

Make sure you make your holiday in Western Canada a Rocky Mountaineer Holiday.

Source: Rocky Mountain Holidays

Reference Page – Travel Resources

The tour operator rocky-peak Ski Holidays has a travel resource reference page which has numerous external travel resources and directories to help you plan your getaway. Some of these links include official government sites for unbiased descriptions and reviews.

If you require more information, or you would like to recommend a travel resource to be listed, please contact rocky-peak Ski Holidays.