1 Ski Holiday for 2 in BC, up for Tender. Details in this Newsletter.

Skier's Guide to Hidden Gems of British Columbia, Canada

Skiers love to talk. Give them fifteen minutes on a chair lift or half an hour in a hot tub and they’ll happily debate the best gear, the best après scenes and the best 4x4s for getting up the hills. But ask them what the biggest and best-known ski resort is in Canada and there is no debate: Whistler Blackcomb still wears the crown.
Heading into the 2012/13 season, Whistler Blackcomb continues its reign as one of the best ski resorts in North America—a reputation it earns with epic snowfall, staggering terrain, record-breaking innovations ( the Peak 2 Peak Gondola) and past host to the 2010 Olympic and Paralympics Winter Games. On and off piste, the reasons to rock this globally renowned resort abound. In Canada, however, Whistler Blackcomb is only the beginning.

The, just as incredibly amazing resorts of, Big White, Silver Star and Sun Peaks in BC’s Thompson Okanagan region, each a short flight or half-day’s drive from Vancouver International Airport, have become fast favourites with NZ skiers and riders, winning international favour with quintessential ski-town ambience, family-friendly options, stunningly beautiful blue sky days and rollicking good après ski scenes. All three are also purpose built ski in ski out resorts – so no more impersonations of mountain goats for our clients here!

Together with Whistler Blackcomb, these resorts set international standards with their ski-in/ski-out facilities. They also have the highest number of repeat Kiwi and Aussie visitors than any other Canadian ski resort, and it’s no secret why: every day at these resorts is a guaranteed ski day.

But wait, there’s much more.

Get off the beaten track and experience some classic Canadian hospitality in the HIDDEN GEMS OF BRITISH COLUMBIA.

These “Hidden Gems” are well serviced with flights to/from Vancouver, with intercity coach connections that rumble into town and drop you off at the local diner. One great way to get around and truly appreciate the beauty of Canada is with a DIY self-drive ski tour.

Put yourself in charge and you’re guaranteed to pick the best of the best steep-and-deep, backcountry, powder, trees, bowls and glades, and pack in as much vertical as daylight permits. When the sun does set, relax in a warm pub with a cold beer, chatting with the locals who are happy to share their snow stories with visitors.

For years Dive Fish Snow Travel has tailor-made some exciting self-drive ski itineraries for clients that veer off BC’s beaten track. We know which resorts complement one another, the distances between them—even the potholes to avoid. Let our teamwork with you to put together your own tantalising self-drive itinerary to showcase our, and your favourite, “Hidden Gems.”

Panorama Mountain Village

Located on the western edge of the Canadian Rockies, about 2 hours west of Banff, through the picturesque Kootenay National Park is Panorama Mountain Village.

The mountain rises a full 1,220 vertical metres above the village, but it’s not until you slide off the Summit Quad that the true scale of the terrain becomes apparent. As far as the eye can see are snow covered peaks and untouched forests. Below skiers will find a variety of 120+ trails just right for their ability. Carve down a World Cup race track, make relaxed turns descending crowd free cruisers with your family, take on the ‘backcountry style’ lines of the former heli-ski terrain in the Taynton Bowl, or try freestyle riding in the Rockstar Terrain Park.

Slope-side accommodation is literally that, steps from the lifts, but miles from crowds. A range of ski in/ski out town homes and condominiums with fully equipped kitchens feature the comforts of home.

For a break from the slopes, try heli-skiing, a snowmobile tour, snow tubing, glass bead making, or a Nordic skiing or snowshoeing. After an ideal day, imbibe at one of Panorama’s restaurants, browse souvenir shops and local galleries, or indulge in a soothing dip in Canada’s largest slopeside hot pools the Panorama Springs.

Panorama is a fantastic resort for a 7-night, “stay-put” ski holiday. Or, add it to your driving ski tour and stop for 3 – 4 nights on your way down the “Powder Highway”.

• Intimate slopeside accommodation and village
• Pristine backcountry style skiing
• Fantastic Snow School
• Best family-fun pool complex

More details on Skiing Panorama »

Kimberley Alpine Resort

Ample sunshine, silken powder and a charming, Bavarian-style village are just the beginning at Kimberley Alpine Resort. It’s also known for consistent snow conditions, spectacular fall line runs, and regular dumps of dry Purcell Mountain powder.

Kimberley’s terrain satisfies all ability levels of skier or boarder, with the front side of the mountain better suited for the beginner or novice who enjoys long, wide-open trails that are groomed to perfection. The Easter Bowl on the backside caters to more adventurous types with steep fall line runs, tree skiing, big moguls and long-lasting powder stashes. Throw in quick lift queues and you’ve got a destination for the whole family.

The popular Trickle Creek Lodge and the elegant Polaris Lodge redefine "ski-in, ski-out" as the lifts are literally only a snowball's throw away. When you’re finished enjoying the slopes, it’s time to visit Kimberley’s Guest Services to check out the current activities and entertainment, such as an evening snowshoe tour while watching the Alpenglow on the mountains, cross-country ski, a traditional game of hockey and regularly scheduled Kidzrule evening activity programs! The Kimberley town site, historic and charming, is called the “Bavarian City of the Rockies” and is located only minutes from the base of the ski area for additional restaurants & shopping. Make the most of your holiday as Kimberley has an interchangeable day lift pass with Fernie Alpine Resort only 1.5hrs drive away.

Kimberley also boasts the longest illuminated run in Canada, so if you want to enjoy the night life (before you enjoy the night life), the slopes are yours from Tuesday through Saturday.

• Bavarian ski town
• Illuminated night skiing
• Good value for money ski in/ski out accommodation

More details on Skiing Kimberley »

Whitewater Ski Resort

Far from the bustle of other renowned BC ski resorts, Whitewater is a quaint, laid-back destination with short lift lines and long-reaching hospitality. Nestled in the Selkirk Mountains close to the historic town of Nelson, Whitewater’s brand reads “Pure, Simple and Real…DEEP” in reference  to its legendary powder and the warmth of locals who pervade the slopes.

Whitewater isn’t a mountain for the faint-hearted. Voted as having “Best Deeps, Best Bowls, Best Glades,” a whopping 10-metres of dry powder falls on its celebrated vertical each year, leaving more than a few snow ghosts to wind fresh tracks around. At the heart of the resort is a rustic day lodge that houses its ticket office, rentals, lessons, store, pub and the Fresh Tracks Café, arguably one of the best on-mountain food stops in Canada.

And, as of 2010/11, Whitewater has gotten bigger and better.  With the addition of the new Glory Ridge chair the resort nearly doubled in size adding an additional 749 acres of terrain and 2,044 feet in vertical.

There is no accommodation on-mountain but nearby Nelson, a charmer of a lakeside community with the feel of the Old West town, has the necessary amenities including hotels, restaurants, shops and bars. Accommodation books quickly, but Dive Fish Snow Travel has the inside track and can easily sort lodging.

Combine Whitewater with Red Mountain Resort and Fernie Alpine Resort. Spend 2 – 3 days at each to build a memorable driving ski holiday.

• Funky, historic town
• Warm Canadian hospitality from cordial locals
• Renowned for powder, bowls and glades

More details on Skiing Whitewater »

Red Mountain

Named one of the Top Ten Resorts of North America by Forbes magazine, Red is quickly becoming one of the continent’s most sought-after mountain destinations thanks to surreal powder, inviting ski in/ski out accommodation, and a town full of character.

Red features slopeside lodging, short lift lines and world-class terrain, with 884 vertical metres of tree skiing, wide-open glades of champagne powder, easy-to-access backcountry and gorgeous groomed runs. eighty-eight runs span two stellar peaks linking more than 682 skiable hectares serviced by 6 lifts. Intermediate and beginner skiers won’t want for runs, and boarders will love the 2.4 hectare park, which includes a 9 metre wall ride, rails, fun boxes, and tabletop jumps for riders of all ability levels.

Red Mountain Resort and Dive Fish Snow Travel can offer don’t-miss deals on luxurious ski in/ski out, truly value for money accommodation.

• Best bet for skiers wanting steep-and-deep
• Amazing value ski in/ski out accommodation
• More Canadian ski champions call Red home than any other resort

More details on Skiing Red Mountain »

Kicking Horse Mountain Resort

Known as the Champagne Powder Capital of Canada, Kicking Horse Mountain Resort is located just 2.5 hours from Calgary International Airport.  Boasting over 120 runs, four alpine bowls and a wide variety of ski-in/ski-out lodging, this resort is the ultimate Ski Getaway.  Enjoy an express Gondola ride from the Village Plaza, rising 4,133 feet to the most incredible skiing and snowboarding in North America.

Kicking Horse Mountain Resort also features Canada’s highest elevation restaurant – the Eagle’s Eye.  Critically acclaimed for its cuisine and “best view from a barstool,” the restaurant is located at the top of the Gondola and is open for daily lunches and weekend dinners – an experience not to be missed!

In the Village Plaza, guests can enjoy authentic pub fare, incredible dining experiences and family fun throughout the day and evening.  A Learning Centre, Tube Park and Skating rink are in the centre of the Village and set the stage for a non-stop fun ski trip in the Rockies.

Highlights:

• Champagne Powder Capital of Canada
• Unbeatable ski-in/ski-out lodging
• Canada’s most elevated dining experience!

More details on Skiing Kicking Horse»

Fernie Alpine Resort

Legendary Powder. Legendary Passion. Legendary People

Fernie Alpine Resort is a powder-packed dream turned reality. Delivering what seems like a variety of endless terrain and vistas, uncrowded trails and a mild climate - it is a true winter playground for skiers and riders for all levels. Literally push yourself to new heights at Fernie, and discover big mountain skiing at its best.  NEW in the 2011/2012 Ski Season, Ski The Peak at Fernie Alpine Resort on the NEW Polar Peak Lift, installed as part of the 50th Anniversary Celebration of Skiing in Fernie.  The new lift will bring Fernie Alpine Resorts run count up to 142, now having the most runs, the most vertical and the most snow in the Rockies!  You choose your adventure at Fernie, be it steep-and-deep or smooth and gentle.

Take your pick: from Legendary Powder, natural hot springs, traditional small-town bars and pubs crammed with ski bums living the ultimate winter snow dream, to some of the busiest and gutsiest ski patrollers around. It's all in a day at Fernie Alpine Resort in Fernie, British Columbia. Legends are alive and well: “The Griz” and “Ghostrider” both live here, Sasquatch stories abound, often fuelled by a generous supply of nearby-brewed Kokanee beer, and sacrifices are made to the snow gods in praise of more powder-packed days. The gods reply, with up to 37 feet of powder per season.

Enjoy ski-in and ski-out convenience with a variety of accommodation options on the mountain. Soak in your own private hot tub in a 5-star mountain cabin hideaway just a snowball’s throw from the slopes, or watch the sunset over the mountain peaks from the balcony of your private condominium.

Fernie is the ultimate place for a legendary skiing adventure, where you can meet some legends, and carve some legendary turns of your own.

• Heaps of snow
• Endless adventures
• Fastest-growing resort in Canada

More details on Skiing Fernie »

Revelstoke Mountain Resort

With the most vertical in North America and one of the newest ski resorts, Revelstoke Mountain Resort is fast gaining a reputation as the most exciting skiing and boarding destination around.

Located two hours from Kelowna Airport, or five hours from Calgary, Alberta, the ski resort itself is a 5-minute drive from the town of Revelstoke, an authentic ski community with unique shops, restaurants, and entertainment options.

A variety of awesome terrain includes tree skiing and incredible fall line runs with plenty of big cruisers that will suit all levels. Turtle Creek Beginner Area and Tube Park, located directly at the ski base, offers plenty of family fun.

• 18-metres of dry champagne snow per year
• Longest vertical descent in North America (1,713 metres)
• Powder pillows through the trees

More details on Skiing Revelstoke »

For Tender - A 6 night Ski Holiday in Big White and Silver Star valid at approx NZ$3500

Up for tender is a voucher for a ski Holiday in Big White and Silver Star including:

• 3 nights share twin accommodation in a full service hotel room at Big White
• 3 nights share twin accommodation in a full service hotel room at Silver Star
• 5 days lift pass for 2 including night skiing/boarding when available
• Airport/ground transfers from and to Kelowna

Simply email your offer to Nicole@divefishsnow.co.nz prior to 1 December, 2011 to secure this amazing prize at an amazing price!!

All tenders over NZ$1500 considered

Conditions: voucher is not redeemable for cash, valid for the Canadian 2011/12 Ski season only excl Dec 24 2011 – Jan 14, 2012 & Feb 17 – 25, 2012. Voucher valid until April 8, 2012.  Based on availability and hotel reserves the right to restrict bookings at any time.  Bookings must be made through Dive Fish Snow Travel.

Must Read Free eBooks »

Our great 3 interactive eBooks with flip book technology giving indepth information. Skiing in Canada Ski-in Ski-out resorts in Canada Ski Holidays with Kids in Canada

Dive Fish Snow Travel’s Specialist ski travel consultants have skied all of BC’s best-known and not-so-well-known ski resorts, checked out hundreds of rooms, driven the mountain roads, and put in the hard yards so you don’t have to.

Before you go skiing talk to someone who knows the scene first-hand, and can provide honest advice and a candid comparison between resorts.

Benefit from our 1st hand knowledge and personal experience.

Call us.

Ph NZ: 09-479 2210 Toll Free NZ: 0508 348 334 Freephone Aus: 1-800-042-195 Now Open on Saturdays too: 0900-1230 hrs Email: snowtravel@divefishsnow.co.nz

We dare you to take on our Internet challenge!

Is the deal you see on the internet really the best deal around?

We do it all day – everyday, and have done so for the past 25 Years!

It’s our specialty to package together your entire Dream Ski Holiday – and it should not cost you anymore, as our service to you is FREE.

In fact when you take into account your own hourly rate and add that into the equation, then we definitely are more cost effective and will save you many hours of your time and money!

Not only that – we know the resorts – why? 

Because we have been there and we have done that!  So we know first hand if the resort or operator is in fact living up to all the hype they will tell you on their website – or if in fact the pics are representative of all their rooms – and not just their ‘showcase’ pics!

Flights

When booking your flights online yourself, how many airline websites have you had to go through to actually get you to your destination?

There’s the international flights, then the domestic flights and transfers.

Also, did you know that if you do the booking yourself online, that we cannot access your booking if things go wrong AND if your international or domestic flight is delayed and you do not meet your connection, you have no come back and are not protected!

The Dive Fish Snow Travel Advantage

Imagine being stranded and at the mercy of the airlines in a country you are not familiar with!

As a Travel Agent, we can book all your connecting flights in one smooth seamless booking, thereby saving you the following stress!

• If something does change we can re-book for you for no penalty; and
• When flights are delayed – we do all the work for you to make things as smooth as possible to get you home or to your destination; and
• As all your flights are on one ticket – you will have the convenience of your bags, in most cases, going all the way through to your final destination. 

Do it yourself and everything will be on a separate booking and you wont have this huge time saving stress free luxury.

With Dive Fish Snow Travel Packages you can be assured that we do tick all the boxes - No hidden costs and no surprises and we've been there and done that!

Buy online you are on your own. Buy with TAANZ bonded specialist dive travel agency and you have 25 years of professional service backing you – so make sure your Specialist Ski Travel agent is TAANZ bonded so your funds are protected – because not all Travel agents are!