Cat-ski Express

Experience the best of both worlds! This safari combines 4 different ski areas with 3 days of cat-skiing: We'll warm up with skiing and riding at the resorts of Sunshine Village, Lake Louise, Kicking Horse, and Fernie. The highlight of the trip will surely be the 2 days of cat-skiing or riding untracked powder at Island Lake Lodge. Our guide will allow you to maximize on the time spent in each ski area and he or she will make sure everything runs smoothly without a hitch. Designed for advanced skiers and riders.

Route - 8 days/7 nights

Calgary (Airport) - Banff (1 night) - Lake Louise (1 night) - Golden (1 night) - Fernie (1 night) - Island Lake Lodge Cat-Skiing (2 nights) - Fernie (1 night) - Calgary (Airport)

Safari Dates 2011/2012

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival Calgary - Banff

Upon arrival at Calgary airport, you will be met and welcomed by our guide. We suggest arriving between 2 pm and 4 pm. Travelling west through the foothills, we will have our sights on the Rockies towering up in the distance. We'll arrive in Banff within an hour and a half, the mountain town at the heart of Banff National Park. Once checked-in the mountain-style hotel, we will reconvene for a quick briefing over some beers and wings. The guide will go over the itinerary and address any specific needs or concerns. If rentals are required, this will be arranged now before heading back the hotel. Overnight in Banff.

Day 2 Ski/Snowboard Sunshine Village

After breakfast, we will head out to Sunshine Village, famous for its quantity of all-natural snow (no man-made stuff here!), whose Delirium Dive, is considered one of the best steeps in North America. The guide will accompany the group and distribute radios in the case that the group slits up. We finish the day in the village of Lake Louise. This eveving we'll have the chance to dine at one of the many excellent restaurants in the village. Overnight in Lake Louise.

Day 3 Ski/Snowboard Lake Louise

Lake Louise is the largest ski area of the Rockies and host to the World Cup every November. After a full day of skiing and riding the back bowls, we'll visit world-famous Lake Louise. In the late afternoon we'll continue our journey west to the town of Golden, British Columbia, passing through impressive Yoho National Park. Overnight in Golden.

Day 4 Ski/Snowboard Kicking Horse

We have the day to explore the relatively new Kicking Horse Resort. Boasting the greatest vertical in the Rockies (1,260 m) and famous for its "champagne" powder, this ski area offers an unlimited number of lines in one of three massive, alpine bowls. When our legs give in, we will head south towards Fernie. On our way we will stop for a evening soak in the Lussier Natural Hot Springs. We'll explore this quaint, former mining town turned ski mecca. Overnight in Fernie.

Day 5 Ski/Snowboard Fernie

We'll show you the best of Fernie with its hidden powder stashes. Fernie is renowned for its HUGE seasonal snow accumulations. Just before dinner we will arrive at the base of Island Lake Lodge Cat-skiing. Dinner will be included at the lodge. Preparations for the next day. Overnight in Island Lake Lodge.

Day 6 Cat-ski Island Lake Lodge

First day of cat-skiing with Island Lake Lodge. Normally in a day we can get in between 10 and 12 runs. A picnic lunch is enjoyed on one of the rides up in the cat. Breakfast & dinner included in the lodge. Overnight in Island Lake Lodge.

Day 7 Cat-ski Island Lake Lodge

Last day with Island Lake Lodge...we will be sad to leave this haven for the freerider. Breakfast and lunch includded. At the end of the day we will return to the town of Fernie for our last dinner together as a group and pub crawl. Overnight in Fernie.

Day 8 Departure Cálgary

After check-out and breakfast, we'll hit the road early to make our way back to Calgary via the Crowsnest Pass. We aim to be back at the Calgary airport around 2 pm. Until next time!

Includes

• 2 day package with Island Lake Lodge including:
  ~ 2 nights of lodging in deluxe lodge (double room)
  ~ 2 days of cat-skiing/riding
  ~ Guide service & avalanche equipment
  ~ 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches & 2 dinners
  ~ Use of powder skis/snowboards
• 2 days of skiing/riding at Sunshine Village and Lake Louise
• 1 day skiing/riding at Kicking Horse
• 1 day skiing/riding at Fernie
• 5 nights of lodging in superior hotels and lodges
• 5 breakfasts
• Private transportation in modern tour van
• Services of local, qualified guide
• Meet & greet at Calgary airport
• Welcome reception in Banff
• Visit to Lussier Hotsprings
• National Parks pass
• Organization of lunches, dinners
• Hotel taxes and sales tax GST/HST

Additional Options

• Rental of "High Performance" skis for the duration of the trip