Category Archives: winter

WestJet announces year-round service: London U.K. to Canada

Non-stop service to London to operate year-round from Calgary and Toronto

WestJet announces year-round service to Europe

WestJet today announced it is extending two of its new non-stop transatlantic services to London (Gatwick) from seasonal to year-round. Flights from Calgary and Toronto to London will now operate on a year-round basis, three times weekly and daily respectively through the winter, while service from Vancouver, Edmonton, Winnipeg and St. John’s will operate seasonally as announced in September 2015.

“Today’s announcement is another important step in the international expansion of WestJet,” said Chris Avery, WestJet Vice-President, Network Planning, Alliances and Corporate Development. “Year-round service to and from Europe on board our fleet of Boeing 767-300 extended-range aircraft offers our business and leisure guests the opportunity to take advantage of our low fares, high value and remarkable guest experience on both sides of the Atlantic whenever it suits their schedule.”

As part of a major system-wide seat sale, one-way fares to London (Gatwick) are available starting from:

Departing Arriving Air transportation charges (ATC) One-way taxes, fees and charges Total one-way price from
One-way base fare from One-way other ATC
Toronto London Gatwick $209 $7.50 $54.50 $271 CAD*
Vancouver London Gatwick $269 $7.50 $46.50 $323 CAD*
Calgary London Gatwick $284 $7.50 $57.50 $349 CAD*
Edmonton London Gatwick $284 $7.50 $57.50 $349 CAD*
Winnipeg London Gatwick $258 $7.50 $52.50 $318 CAD*
St. John’s London Gatwick $181 $7.50 $59.50 $248 CAD*

*Some restrictions apply. Please see westjet.com/londongatwick for details. Advertised taxes and fees may fluctuate without notice.

One-way fares from London (Gatwick) are available starting from:

Departing Arriving Air transportation charges (ATC) One-way taxes, fees and charges Total one-way price from
One-way base fare from One-way other ATC
London Gatwick Toronto £100.00 £4.00 £86.00 £190 GBP*
London Gatwick Vancouver £128.00 £4.00 £86.00 £218 GBP*
London Gatwick Calgary £146.00 £4.00 £86.00 £236 GBP*
London Gatwick Edmonton £146.00 £4.00 £86.00 £236 GBP*
London Gatwick Winnipeg £140.00 £4.00 £86.00 £230 GBP*
London Gatwick St. John’s £87.00 £4.00 £86.00 £177 GBP*

*Some restrictions apply. Please see westjet.com/londongatwick for details. Advertised taxes and fees may fluctuate without notice.

Service dates for WestJet’s non-stop flights to London are:

  • Vancouver – seasonal May 6-October 21, 2016
  • Calgary – year-round from May 6, 2016
  • Edmonton – seasonal May 7-October 22, 2016
  • Winnipeg – seasonal May 7-October 1, 2016
  • Toronto – year-round from May 6, 2016
  • St. John’s – May 7-October 22, 2016

Source: WestJet

All ski resorts in Banff National Park in the Canadian Rockies will be open this weekend and to celebrate, we are offering a FREE 3-day Tri-Area ski pass to one lucky Twitter follower (CA$279.09 value with tax). The Tri-Area ski pass covers Banff Norquay, Sunshine Village and Lake Louise ski resorts as well as the ski shuttles from Banff. Banff Norquay celebrated it’s earliest opening ever and is currently open weekends until November 30 2012. Sunshine Village and Lake Louise are set to open for the season this Friday, November 9 2012.

To enter, follow all you have to do is:

  1. Follow us on Twitter @HolidaysCanada
  2. RT the tweet below

One of tweeters who RT will be chosen at random to win the 3-day Tri-Area pass. The pass must be redeemed and used this season. Good luck and happy skiing!

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!

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!

Good Bye Summer, Hello Autumn

The summer seems to have flown by this year.

It’s September 30 2010 and less than 2 weeks ago, the ski resorts in the Canadian Rockies received 20cm of fresh snow and we experienced way below average temperatures. The Canada Ski Blog posted some photos of this September snow. This last week, we have experienced above average temperatures (in the 20s°C) with sunny skies giving us another opportunity to take advantage of the many summer activities in the Canadian Rockies. This is typical of the Canadian Rockies as we are in the mountains at higher elevations.

Just check out the colours in the recent pictures taken in the Canadian Rockies. This is what we love about the autumn.

Autumn in Canmore

Cascade Mountain, Bow River, in the Autumn

The Rocky Mountaineer train departing tomorrow from Vancouver, October 1st 2010, is the company’s largest departure in their history, and will set a record for largest passenger rail train in North American history – a total of 1331 guests! This is one of the last Rocky Mountaineer train departures for 2010, but we already have 2011 packages in place with early-bird savings of up to $1,400 per couple.

50%OFF Panorama Lodging early-bird deal ended today but we have many early-bird deals for the 2010-2011 winter season, some of which are soon to expire. We are seeing some of the best ski accommodation deals in Banff this year with free nights accommodation and free ski deals for stays of 7 or more nights.

The early-birds will definitely be getting the best deals on ski packages and summer packages.

We hope you had a great summer and we thank you for reading our blog. We always love to hear from our readers so please feel free to post any relevant comments you may have.  Wishing you safe and happy travels.

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!

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.

Banff Aspen Lodge – Renovations Update

The Banff Aspen Lodge is continually working to improve their facilities.

Presently they are building two new outdoor hot tubs scheduled to open in December, 2007.  Unfortunately their outdoor hot tub, steam room and sauna will be out of order until renovations are complete in mid-December.
 
Please note that this courtyard area in the Banff Aspen Lodge will tentatively be closed from September 24th – December 15th, 2007.  Work will take place Monday to Friday from 9am to 6pm.

These are exciting renovations! The Banff Aspen Lodge is a great mid-range, downtown ski accommodation in Banff. Now you will have two hot tubs to choose from after a day on the slopes!

For ski holidays in Banff, the Canadian Rockies or Western Canada, contact rocky-peak Holidays.