Banff and Lake Louise 2014 Competition Winner
After running a contest last autumn offering entrants the chance to win a 5-star ski holiday to Alberta in Canada, winner of our Banff and Lake Louise 2014 Competition, Mark, has been in touch with a quick run-down of his trip together with a few of his photos.
The Fairmont Banff Springs from across the valley - this snowfall lasted 2 days and really set up Sunshine skiing a treat.[/caption]
A twin centre holiday was great as it gave us a chance to ski different spots and make some informed choices for the future. Banff as a small town is great to have access to with bars, restaurants etc. - the slight drawback being almost an hour of bus and gondola ride to Sunshine Village, although Norquay is much quicker. Sunshine was interesting as nothing is groomed after snow falls and the snow was the driest, lightest powder we've had for a while - especially compared to Europe the last couple of years.
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Sunshine Village Goats Eye - as you can see from the map there are plenty of runs here.[/caption]
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Sunshine Villages famous Bra Tree - apparently it was in the UK press while we were away![/caption]
Lake Louise has no real town so the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise where we stayed was the focus for after après-ski - but what a hotel! The hotel switched us to a lake side view which was fantastic. We were recommended getting into the old part of the building as the views are better and although the rooms are slightly smaller than the new wing the difference is negligible and the view worth having. The ski bus is only 10 minutes and it is straight onto the skis when you arrive. A bit more European than Sunshine in that a number of the pistes are groomed, but still plenty of unprepared areas to play in.
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View from our bedroom at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise[/caption]
Canadian service is brilliant, nothing is any trouble - example: Jim, our limo driver from Lake Louise back to Calgary Airport took the old road and gave us more of a scenic route to show us highlights of Banff National Park.
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Happy Ski Independence prize winners[/caption]
If Mark's experience takes your fancy, give us a call on 0131 243 8097 for expert advice on holidays to Banff and Lake Louise, or you can request a tailor-made itinerary by using our online request form.
Banff and Lake Louise 2014
We had a fantastic time - the organisation was top draw from start to end and went without a hitch. A fabulous prize - enjoyed every second of it! [caption id="attachment_7085" align="aligncenter" width="384"] The Fairmont Banff Springs from across the valley - this snowfall lasted 2 days and really set up Sunshine skiing a treat.[/caption]
A twin centre holiday was great as it gave us a chance to ski different spots and make some informed choices for the future. Banff as a small town is great to have access to with bars, restaurants etc. - the slight drawback being almost an hour of bus and gondola ride to Sunshine Village, although Norquay is much quicker. Sunshine was interesting as nothing is groomed after snow falls and the snow was the driest, lightest powder we've had for a while - especially compared to Europe the last couple of years.
[caption id="attachment_7087" align="aligncenter" width="448"] Sunshine Village Goats Eye - as you can see from the map there are plenty of runs here.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_7086" align="aligncenter" width="384"] Sunshine Villages famous Bra Tree - apparently it was in the UK press while we were away![/caption]
Lake Louise has no real town so the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise where we stayed was the focus for after après-ski - but what a hotel! The hotel switched us to a lake side view which was fantastic. We were recommended getting into the old part of the building as the views are better and although the rooms are slightly smaller than the new wing the difference is negligible and the view worth having. The ski bus is only 10 minutes and it is straight onto the skis when you arrive. A bit more European than Sunshine in that a number of the pistes are groomed, but still plenty of unprepared areas to play in.
[caption id="attachment_7089" align="aligncenter" width="640"] View from our bedroom at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise[/caption]
Canadian service is brilliant, nothing is any trouble - example: Jim, our limo driver from Lake Louise back to Calgary Airport took the old road and gave us more of a scenic route to show us highlights of Banff National Park.
[caption id="attachment_7090" align="aligncenter" width="384"] Happy Ski Independence prize winners[/caption]
If Mark's experience takes your fancy, give us a call on 0131 243 8097 for expert advice on holidays to Banff and Lake Louise, or you can request a tailor-made itinerary by using our online request form.