 My Backyard: Destinations Skiing at Lake Louise is defined by a single and all-important word: vertical. The mountain is high—8,650 feet—and serves up to 3,250 feet of verts, all serviced by 11 lifts. But it’s the snow that really matters, and, thanks to the high altitude, the white stuff round these parts is as light and dry as you’ll find—nothing like the wet cement that falls out on the coast. And, there’s plenty of it. More than 179 inches per year blanket 4,200 acres of skiable terrain. Finally, the mountain’s northerly latitude makes for a long season. Runs open in early November and don’t close until early May. But what’s truly unparalleled is the view. It’s so amazing they turned the area and surrounding acres into a seriously protected national park called Banff. Beginners can enjoy the scenery too, because several green runs start near the summit.
Three in One Sun Peaks Resort, British Columbia You drive a minivan, have a mortgage and more gray hairs than you can count, but that’s not what’s bothering you. Your problem is finding the right mountain for a family trip. Here’s a solution—take them to three. Specifically, the three mountains that make up Sun Peaks Resort. Sundance Mountain is one big groomed cruiser, perfect for beginners and those just mastering the parallel turn. Mount Morrisey may have the world’s best glade. (Think trees, but with enough room in between to carve.) And for the pro in your family—whether it’s you or your 13-year-old, who can now officially kick your ass at everything—there’s Tod Mountain, which is steep, has lots of open bowls and is where you want to be when there’s powder (which is often). When you’ve had enough of skiing, there’s plenty yet to do, like tube, skate or go dog sledding. 800-807-3257; www.sunpeaksresort.com. Best of the East Mont Sainte Anne, Quebec With more than 2,000 feet of vertical and 13 feet of snowfall every season, Mont Sainte Anne easily holds its own with the best of the East. But thanks to the mountain’s 13 lifts, which include an eight-passenger gondola and two high-speed quads, you’ll rack up more vertical than you thought possible. For those who go Nordic, the area boasts 212 kilometers (132 miles) of trails—the second most on the continent—including 125 kilometers (78 miles) of skate track. (Not that you have to do it all in one day.) Stay at the Auberge du Fondeur, a trailside B&B with seven heated shelters, a sauna and kitchen. 800-463-1568; www.mont-sainte-anne.com. © Copyright 1999-2006 by Hooked on the Outdoors www.ruhooked.com |
