Five resorts in nine days
A week has already passed since I got back from Canada where I was helping to host a holiday for readers of Daily Mail Ski & Snowboard magazine with Annika Leis from Ski Independence. Over the course of nine days our 32 strong group visited five of Canada’s lesser known resorts, in British Columbia. We got to enjoy steep, challenging chutes in Fernie, lots of fresh powder in Kimberley, North America’s longest vertical descent at Revelstoke, powered down perfectly prepared groomers in Panorama and rounded the trip off with challenging off piste skiing in Kicking Horse. It was a great success but don’t just take my word for it. Here’s a collection of quotes I gathered from the crew. [caption id="attachment_843" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Powering through powder in Fernie"]
[/caption] “Fernie, Kicking Horse and Revelstoke are awesome resorts with extremely exciting terrain. The use of local guides meant we quickly learnt the layout of the ski areas. And the accommodation and hospitality we experienced was fantastic.” Graham McNally.
“Fernie was phenomenal and Kicking Horse kicked ass. These holidays organised by Daily Mail Ski & Snowboard and Ski Independence give you so much more bang for your buck. Everyone’s needs are catered for.” Obatemi Shokoya.
“These holidays are brilliantly organised. Everything is done for you so all you need to do is focus on having fun. That’s what makes these holidays different.” Mano Caderamanpulle. “These trips are brilliant and impossible to match by any other tour operator and excellent value for money. The guiding every day, showing you to the best places on the mountain, was brilliant.” Daley Lasebikan. [caption id="attachment_845" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Making the most of the powder in Kimberley"]
[/caption] “The Steep and Deep camp in Fernie was excellent. It gave me some top tips to transform my skiing. I like the interesting destinations you choose and the organisation is generally brilliant..Whatever your level of ability, there is always someone to ski with.” Paul Ford. “Martin Bell is easy going and always full of useful advice.” Andy Pardon. “The group is very friendly and welcoming. I’d definitely consider coming again.” Jackie Gillett. [caption id="attachment_846" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Let it snow, in Kimberley"]
[/caption] “The hosting was the best thing of all. You’re always able to ski with people at your own level. The people in the group are really friendly which really helps to make the holiday.” Steve and Christine Proctor. “The perfect snow at Kimberley made for a magical day. Where are we going next year.” Chris Vallander. “The organisation on these holidays is fantastic. I’ve never come across a more efficient tour company than Ski Independence. They always pick places to stay where the staff are so welcoming. Thanks to these holidays I’ve gone to places on the mountain I would never have gone to otherwise.” Mike Pomfrey. [caption id="attachment_847" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Swooping down Panorama's groomers"]
[/caption] "The holiday was relaxing because everything is all so well organised. It was action packed and very sociable. I would definitely come on another trip.” Sheelagh Cameron. “It’s like an extended chalet holiday with a group of friends and I got to visit resorts that I was very keen to experience. I thoroughly enjoyed it.” Donald Cameron. [caption id="attachment_848" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Fresh pow at Kicking Horse"]
[/caption] “These are the best skiing holidays ever and brilliant value for money.” Leigh Williams. [caption id="attachment_849" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Enjoying the Horse"]
[/caption] We’ve still got one more reader holiday to run this season, to Val d’Isere in mid April, although it’s most probably already fully booked. For next season we’re already looking at costs for some especially juicy destinations. I’ll keep you posted as plans evolve.