All posts by Canadian Rockies Blogger

Airport Transfers to Banff and Whistler

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!

Whistler Blackcomb OPEN 2008

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.

Whistler Local Artist

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!

Heli-Hiking Canada

Heli-Hiking in the Canadian Rockies is a great way to see some backcountry under careful supervision of a qualified guide. I have written a bit about my recent Heli-Hike experience and included some photos for you to enjoy.

Helicopter

I went out last Tuesday, October 14, which is getting quite late for Heli-Hiking. As you can see by the pictures, there was already some snow. Once the snow really accumulates, you can take advantage of a Heli-Snowshoe tours which can also be booked through rocky-peak Ski Holidays.

The drive to the Helicopter start point is spectacular in itself as you have to drive along the magnificent Icefields Parkway from either Jasper, Banff or Lake Louise. The location makes this tour a great addition to many itineraries in Western Canada as it is right en-route and so minimises travel time.

Once you arrive at the Icefields Heliport, just outside of Banff National Park, you will be safety briefed, geared up, and then you board the helicopter.

heli-hike

The helicopter takes you into the backcountry where you can start your hike with the certified guide. Martha, the guide, was very knowledgeable and has the qualifications to back this up!

heli-hike

The walk in itself was easy, however, if you are a stronger hiker, slightly more challenging heli-hikes can be arranged. The home-made gourmet lunch was delicious and really satisfying. After a couple of hours of hiking, the guide will radio the helicopter pilot and you will be picked up. It really is that easy!

Helicopter Landing

I hope you enjoy the photos and if you have any questions, please feel free to post here and I will do my best to answer them, or you can contact rocky-peak Holidays direct.

Do you like Yoga? Why not try a Heli-Yoga tour?!

heli-hike
Memorable hiking in the Canadian Rockies.

heli-hike
There are many photo opportunities!

heli-hike
The only things left behind: your footprints.

heli-hike
Nature surrounds you. Opportunites to see wildlife.

heli-hike
The guide knows the area better than anyone!

heli-hike
Scenic mountain streams.

Abraham Lake
Abraham Lake greets you on your return flight.

CPR Empress 2816 Steam Locomotive

Below are pictures of the CP (Canadian Pacific) 2816 Empress steam locomotive. This resurrected locomotive 2816 re-entered active service in 2001 as a roving ambassador for Canadian Pacific.

We took the photos below on Sunday 28 September 2008. The 2816 Empress was on its way to Lake Louise. As it is such an expensive train to operate, opportunities to see this train in its full glory are rare.

Enjoy!

Banff Ice Hockey Tours

You don’t have to be a sports fan to enjoy a NHL Ice hockey game! The Calgary Flames never disappoint! Support the Flames in the Calgary Saddledome and enjoy every action-packed moment!

Transport and ticket packages are available throughout the winter ski season from Lake Louise, Banff and Canmore from just CDN$100 per person.

A great night out for friends and family, be sure to take the Banff Ice Hockey Tour!

2008-2009
Calgary Flames NHL Hockey Schedule

Date Opponent Departs Banff Game Time
OCT 11 Canucks 5.15 pm 8.00 PM
OCT 14 Avalanche 4.45 pm 7:30 PM
OCT 17 Oilers 4.15 pm 7.00 PM
OCT 21 Capitals 4.45 pm 7:30 PM
OCT 28 Avalanche 4.45 pm 7.30 PM
OCT 30 Bruins 4.15 pm 7.00 PM
NOV 4 Coyotes 5.15 pm 8.00 PM
NOV 6 Predators 4.45 pm 7.30 PM
NOV 11 Maple Leafs 4.45 pm 7:30 PM
NOV 18 Avalanche 4.45 pm 7.30 PM
NOV 22 Red Wings 5.15 pm 8.00 PM
NOV 25 Kings 4.45 pm 7.30 PM
NOV 29 Canucks 5.15 pm 8.00 PM
DEC 2 Stars 4.45 pm 7.30 PM
DEC 12 Panthers 4.15 pm 7.00 PM
DEC 19 Blackhawks 4.15 pm 7.00 PM
DEC 23 Ducks 4.15 pm 7.00 PM
DEC 27 Senators 5.15 pm 8.00 PM
DEC 29 Wild 4.15 pm 7.00 PM
DEC 31 Oilers 5.15 pm 8.00 PM
JAN 6 Sharks 5.15 pm 8.00 PM
JAN 8 Islanders 4.15 pm 7.00 PM
JAN 13 Blues 4.45 pm 7.30 PM
JAN 17 Coyotes 5.15 pm 8.00 PM
JAN 21 Blue Jackets 5.15 pm 8.00 PM
JAN 28 Sabres 3.15 pm 6.00 PM
JAN 30 Predators 4.15 pm 7.00 PM
FEB 5 Blackhawks 4.45 pm 7.30 PM
FEB 7 Ducks 10.15 am 1.00 PM
FEB 9 Canadiens 4.15 pm 7.00 PM
FEB 17 Canucks 4.45 pm 7.30 PM
FEB 24 Blue Jackets 4.15 pm 7.00 PM
FEB 27 Wild 4.15 pm 7.00 PM
MAR 1 Lightning 3.15 pm 6.00 PM
MAR 18 Stars 4.15 pm 7.00 PM
MAR 20 Blues 4.15 pm 7.00 PM
MAR 23 Red Wings 4.45 pm 7.30 PM
MAR 28 Wild 5.15 pm 8.00 PM
MAR 30 Sharks 4:45 pm 7.30 PM
APR 6 Kings 4.45 pm 7.30 PM
APR 11 Oilers 5:15 pm 8.00 PM

To book this tour, or for more information on Banff Ice Hockey Tours, contact rocky-peak Ski Holidays.

Zoom Airlines – OUT OF BUSINESS

Zoom Airlines has suspended operations with effect from 19:00 hours (GMT) on Thursday 28 August 2008. Both Zoom Airlines Inc and Zoom Airlines Ltd, the Canadian and UK airlines, have started administration proceedings in their home countries.

All Zoom flights have been cancelled and aircraft grounded.

For customers who have future travel plans involving a Zoom flight for which reservations and payment have been made, you should refer to your credit or debit card company to apply for a refund.

Unprecedented increase in the price of aviation fuel and the economic climate were the reasons for this sudden closure.

Banff Snowmobile Tours

You may think it is too early for us to post information about 2008-2009 Banff snowmobile tours while we are still experiencing temperatures in the mid-30s (in the 90s in Fahrenheit!), but we just wanted to let you know about our snowmobile tours out of Banff, Canmore and Lake Louise for this upcoming 2008-2009 winter season.

Banff Snowmobile Tours

Banff snowmobile tours are a great way to experience the great Canadian Outdoors in the winter time!

This year, there are even more snowmobile tours for you to choose from, from full day family tours to high powered adrenaline tours, you will not be disappointed! There is no wonder that snowmobile tours in the winter months are one of our top most popular tours booked.

banff snowmobile tours

In addition to the regular day snowmobile tours, there are also overnight ski and snowmobile packages as well as two-day snowmobile accommodation packages.

Snowmobiling does book up especially over the holiday periods, so pre-booking is definately recommended to avoid disappointment.

Banff Snowmobile Tours

Combine any snowmobile tour with a ski package put together by us and receive 10% OFF when pre-booked before November 15 2008.  This offer CAN be combined with any of the many ski specials we currently have!

Highway 99 | Sea-to-Sky| OPEN

For those of you wishing to travel to Whistler from Vancouver on the Sea-to-Sky, there is finally good news about the rock slide which has blocked the road for some days.

The Sea-to Sky, Highway 99, re-opened at 11 pm last night, Saturday August 2nd 2008. Please expect delays due to extremely high traffic volumes and continued clearing efforts.

More detailed information on this event can be found at cbc.ca