Canadian Rockies Blog

Airport transfers are our recommended mode of transport especially in the winter season when the roads can be dangerous.

The prices for our scheduled services are very competitive and ski resorts are set up to cater for guests without cars. In fact, Banff was recently rated in the Top 10 ‘No Car Needed’ Resorts by OnTheSnow.com. For those of you who have visited other Canada ski resorts, you will know that you can get by without a car. Whistler Blackcomb has a free village shuttle which operates in the early morning through to the early hours!

If the above doesn’t convince you to catch our transfer services, direct from Calgary International Airport YYC and Vancouver International Airport YVR, then consider the following:

• It’s safer. Most of you will have travelled on a flight for many hours to get here.
• It’s faster. Let an experienced driver who knows the roads get you to your hotel. No need for directions and maps!
• It’s cleaner. By taking the airport transfer with other guests, there is less pollution which means better for the environment!
• It’s cheaper. No parking, gas (petrol) or insurance to pay for. Note that stone chips to a rental car are not always covered.
• It’s more enjoyable. You spent the money to get here, enjoy the scenery out of the windows while the driver concentrates on the road.
• It’s direct. Most airport shuttles are direct or have minimal stops. The ski shuttles get you to the ski hill sooner as they drop you off right at the base.
• It’s easy. Jet lagged? No problem, our friendly drivers know where to take you!
• It’s peace of mind. One less thing to worry about on your Canada ski holiday.

We also organise private transfers and charter services. For more information on our winter services, view the Calgary to Banff Transfer Schedule and the Vancouver to Whistler Transfer Schedule.

Contact rocky-peak Ski Holidays to book!

Posted in airport-transfer, banff, calgary, Fernie, jasper, kicking horse, lake louise, shuttle, squamish, vancouver, whistler, winter, YVR, YYC | 1 Comment »

WHISTLER MOUNTAIN TO OPEN WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26
Blackcomb Mountain Will Follow Thursday, November 27

WHISTLER, BC, November 24, 2008 – Whistler Blackcomb officials have announced that Whistler Mountain will open early on Wednesday, November 26. Whistler Mountain will open for daily operations with access to Emerald Express, Big Red Express and Franz’s Chair via the Whistler Village Gondola. On Thursday, the Creekside Gondola will open for the American Thanksgiving weekend, providing access to Whistler Mountain from the Creekside Base through to Sunday, November 23.

Blackcomb Mountain will join Whistler Mountain on the official opening day Thursday, November 27, with access to Solar Coaster Express, Jersey Cream Express and Catskinner Express. The Wizard Chair, Excalibur Gondola and Excelerator Chair will operate through the weekend for uploading.

“We’ve been blasting every snow gun on the two mountains to add to what Mother Nature has deposited in the past few weeks,” says Jodie McCutcheon, Whistler Blackcomb snowmaking manager. “Grooming staff have been working to manicure the snow to make for some great corduroy skiing and riding on opening weekend.”

Guest Relations in Whistler Village is currently open from 10am to 6pm. On Wednesday the village ticket windows and Village Guest Relations will be open from 8am to 7pm to assist guests. On Thursday, November 27, Creekside Guest Relations and Blackcomb Daylodge Guest Relations will open from 8am. Lift ticket pricing will be $55 on opening day.

“The 2008/2009 season is finally upon is, and we’re gearing up for Whistler Blackcomb’s most exciting season yet,” says Stuart Rempel, senior vice president of sales and marketing at Whistler Blackcomb. “With the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola grand opening set for December 12, and the one year countdown to the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games taking place in February, we’re thrilled to kick this season off and start skiing!”

Guests should be aware that early season conditions apply and caution should be exercised. Terrain is recommended for intermediate and advanced skiers and riders and guests should stay within the ski area boundary, ski and ride with care and obey all mountain signage.

Whistler Blackcomb Snowphone will be updated five times daily. Reach the Snowphone by calling 604.932.4211 in Whistler, 604.687.7507 in Vancouver or toll-free at 1.800.766.0449.

Posted in 2008, blackcomb, open, whistler | No Comments »

When visiting Whistler on business, I came across a fantastic local artist: Ruth Johnson. Her artwork was displayed in the Blenz Coffee shop in Whistler (July and August 2008).

The artwork is different in that Ruth Johnson creates most of it by ironing molten wax onto a canvas, which creates textures in the colours resulting in a rewarding piece of art.

If you are thinking of some Christmas ideas, then artwork from this local artist might just be what you are looking for. Visit Ruth Johnson‘s website to view her artwork and check out the other services she offers such as graphic design and more!

Posted in art, artist, artwork, graphic-design, johnson, local, ruth, whistler | No Comments »

Consistent snowfall spoils skiers and riders

Over the past seven days Whistler Blackcomb has received 51cm/20 inches of new snow. The five day forecast is calling for a possible 85+cm by Sunday as a strong frontal system hits the coast. The long-range forecast is calling a series of disturbances to pass over the area bringing even more snow to the Coastal Mountains by the end of the week. The snow base is currently sitting at 289cm at mid mountain on Whistler and there is more snow on the way.

“The freezing level has stayed consistently low and with all this snow it means great conditions all the way to the village,” says Ryan Proctor Whistler Blackcomb Public Relations Coordinator. “I’m not sure when the last time that I had to look for powder was, it feels like we’ve been getting fresh snow almost everyday.”

Incredible snow conditions and great events mean February is shaping up to be one for the books. February 12 is the two year countdown mark for the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. Also, make sure to check out the Canadian National Snow Sculpting Team showcasing their work on Whistler Mountain, February 27-29.

Remember to book your ski holiday with rocky-peak Holidays – your year-round specialists in Western Canada!

Posted in conditions, powder, snow, snowfall, storm, whistler, whistler blackcomb | No Comments »

We have been turning this blog into a Dog Sled Tour blog with our recent posts so sorry if you are not a dog fan! We are just excited about new dog sled tours and want to let you know about them!

We are pleased to announce that Dog Sled Tours are now available in the following ski resorts:

Banff Dog Sled Tours

Lake Louise Dog Sled Tours

Jasper Dog Sled Tours

Panorama Dog Sled Tours

Whistler Dog Sled Tours

Canmore Dog Sled Tours

If you do not want to pay booking fees, and want a one stop dog sled stop for your Ski Holiday package, then contact rocky-peak Ski Holidays.

Posted in banff, canmore, dog sled, dog sled tours, dog sledding, jasper, lake louise, panorama, whistler | 1 Comment »

Mush! Dogsledding is one of Canada’s oldest official sports. For thousands of years, the dog has been an integral part of First Nations life.

Learn about this ancient mode of transportation as you blaze through the meandering forest of towering Western Hemlocks and Cedars. Witness stunning views of the Whistler Valley, Olympic sites, Black Tusk and beyond as the enchanted forest trails open up to reveal a spectacular world of winter beauty.

Your adventure isn’t over until you’ve warmed your hands and shared your tales of adventure over a hot drink and a snack in our staging area!

Rates for a round-trip (including transportation) 2-2.5 hour tour are CDN$167 for an adult (2 adults per sled) and half price for children when sharing with 2 adults.

To book this tour in Whistler, contact rocky-peak Ski Holidays of visit their Whistler Dog Sled Tours web page for more information.

Posted in dog sled, dog sled tours, dog sledding, whistler, whistler blackcomb | No Comments »

The Calgary Flames beat the Minnesota Wild last night in a great NHL Ice Hockey Game. Tours to this Ice Hockey Game were available from Lake Louise, Banff and Canmore.

Ticket prices including transport from Banff and Canmore are $125 for Green seating, $110 for Black seating, and you can pay just $10 more for an enhanced ice hockey tour package! These rates apply to all our NHL Hockey games over the 2007/2008 winter season. For transport from Lake Louise, please inquire as there is a surcharge for pick-up.

What is an "enhanced" ice hockey tour?

The enhanced ice hockey tours include a fanatical hockey guide, a chance to win a prize by guessing the score and a souvenir puck!

Game Times and Tours Pick Up Times

Game times are typically at 7pm but can also be at 5pm, 6pm, 7pm, and 7:30pm. The full schedule including game times for the Calgary Flames in the Saddledome can be viewed at our Banff Ice Hockey Tours page. Pick-up times for the ice hockey tours are usually about 2 hours before the game time, so the regular pick-up time in Banff for a 7pm game time would be about 5pm and for Canmore, 5:15pm.

The Vancouver Canucks are taking on the Edmonton Oilers tonight which is set to be a high-paced game. Ice Hockey tickets to this game including transportation from Whistler or Squamish are still available. You can get to Vancouver Canucks games in Vancouver from Whistler and Squamish. See the Vancouver Canucks Hockey Tour schedule and pricing on the Whistler Ice Hockey Tours page.

To book Banff Ice Hockey Tours or Whistler Ice Hockey Tours, just contact rocky-peak Holidays to reserve.

Posted in 2007/08 schedule, banff, calgary, calgary flames, canmore, edmonton oilers, gm place, ice hockey, lake louise, minnesota wild, NHL, squamish, tours, vancouver, vancouver canucks, whistler | No Comments »

This season we are now offering Ice Hockey Tours so see the Vancouver Canucks play at GM Place in Vancouver.

The Ice Hockey Tours leave from Whistler and Squamish throughout the season and there is limited availability. Book early to avoid disappointment!

To book or enquire about Whistler Ice Hockey Tours or Banff Ice Hockey Tours, please visit rocky-peak Holidays and click on the Ice Hockey Tours link at the bottom of their page.

Posted in banff, canucks, ice hockey, NHL, squamish, tickets, tours, vancouver, whistler | No Comments »