Rip the Rockies

This safari takes advantage of the extended spring season enjoyed in the Rockies. The resorts of Sunshine Village and Lake Louise are wide open until May and some of the largest snowfalls occur in the month of April. Skiing and riding with a guide will maximize your experience at Lake Louise, the largest ski area of the Rockies and Sunshine Village, whose Delirium Dive, is considered one of the best steeps in North America. Suited to advanced skiers and riders looking for unlimited spring freeride.

Route - 8 days/7 nights

Calgary (Airport) - Banff (4 nights) - Lake Louise (3 nights) - 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. Traveling 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. In the evening, we encourage taking part in a pub crawl in Banff. Overnight in Banff.

Day 3 Ski/Snowboard Sunshine Village

As second day at Sunshine Village to further explore the great snow quality and steeps this area has to offer. In the evening we will visit the Banff Upper Hot Springs for an outdoor soak. Overnight in Banff.

Day 4 Ski/Snowboard Sunshine Village or Lake Louise

Today we will choose between Lake Louise and Sunshine depending on where the best snow is to be had. Either way, we will 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 5 Ski/Snowboard Kicking Horse, Golden

Today we ski at Kicking Horse resort in Golden! Optional: a day of heli-skiing with Purcell Helicopter Skiing, or a powder snowmobiling excursion (supplements). Overnight in Lake Louise.

Day 6 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 evening, we'll have the chance to dine at one of the many excellent restaurants in the village. Overnight in Lake Louise.

Day 7 Ski/Snowboard Lake Louise

A second full day of skiing and riding at Lake Louise. This afternoon we'll have the chance to iceskate on the lake or visit the spa. Overnight in Lake Louise.

Day 8 Departure Calgary

After a morning of last-minute shopping in Banff, we'll make our way back to Calgary. We will aim to be back at the Calgary airport around 2 pm. Until next time!

Includes

• 7 nights of accommodation in mountain-style lodges and hotels
• 7 breakfasts
• 5 days of skiing/riding at Sunshine Village & Lake Louise
• 1 day of skiing/riding at Kicking Horse
• Opportunity for heli-skiing or snowmobiling in Golden (supplement)
• Visit to the Banff Upper Hotsprings
• Private transportation in modern tour van
• Services of local, qualified guide
• Meet & greet at Calgary airport
• Welcome reception in Banff
• National Parks pass
• Organization of lunches, dinners
• Hotel taxes and sales tax GST/HST

Additional Options

• Rental of "High Performance" skis for the duration
• A day of heli-skiing with Purcell Helicopter Skiing
• A guided snowmobiling excursion in the Purcells