Posts Tagged ‘Canada’
Getting the Most From Your Epic Pass
The multi-resort ski lift ticket is big business these days, but does it make sense for you to purchase one? Let’s look at what’s on offer and how you can get the best value out of an Epic Pass…

What is an Epic Pass?
The Epic Pass was born in 2008 as a way to use one season ticket for resorts under the ownership of Vail Resorts. What started then with 5 resorts in Colorado, plus 1 in California, has now become a network of 37 North American resorts plus 20+ international friends.
Read the rest of this entry »Our Favourite Quieter Resorts

Avoriaz, France. Credit: Avoriaz Tourism
You might be looking to spend your time on the mountain in a slightly quieter resort with fewer lift queues this year, or for a resort where you can avoid using enclosed lifts like gondolas and cable cars. So here are a few of our suggestions for our top recommended quieter ski resorts: Read the rest of this entry »
Family Friendly Ski Holidays in Canada
If you’re thinking about your next family ski holiday, you’ll find yourself spoilt for choice with these family friendly Canadian resorts. All of which have convenient villages, friendly service, and a range of accommodation options to choose from.

Whistler – Image: Mike Crane
Top 7 Reasons to Ski BC Interior
The BC Interior ski resorts include Big White, SilverStar, and Sun Peaks. Each of these mountain resorts are unique in their own right, however all share the same great lightweight floaty powder and family friendly features in resort.
Our team of Ski Specialists have tried and tested all of these resorts, and together we’ve created a shortlist of a few of our favourite features.

Silver Star Mountain Resort – Credit: Destination BC/Andrew Strain
Top 5 Stops on the Icefields Parkway
Looking for that extra adventure on your next ski holiday? The Icefields Parkway in Alberta, stretching over 144 miles (232 km) from Lake Louise to Jasper, might be just the ticket. This iconic road is ever-changing and you will find yourself glued to the window of your car as the views take your breath away.
The scheduled drive time according to Google Maps is just over 3 hours, however it will most likely will take you longer with various stops to take in the incredible views. With viewpoints dotted along the route, you can safely pull in to admire the views and take photos. It’s likely there will be wildlife sighting opportunities too, so remember to keep a look out!
Our top 5 stops on the Icefields Parkway are:
Athabasca Glacier

Credit: Pursuit Collection / Mike Seehagel
Alberta’s Top 10 Restaurants: Hotspots & Hidden Gems
Alberta is full of hotspots and hidden gems that offer good food and have that all important welcoming & warm atmosphere. The Ski Independence team have spent many hours in the Canadian Rockies, and between us we’ve compiled a guide to our favourite restaurants. Perfect after a day in the mountains working up an appetite.
Famoso Neapolitan Pizzeria – Jasper
Famoso imports its ovens and key ingredients from Naples, & Campania in a bid to serve the best Pizza outside of Italy. The restaurant has a fun & lively atmosphere – perfect for relaxing after a long day on the slopes. From Pizzas to Pasta, there’s something for all at this restaurant. This family friendly restaurant has a great reputation with locals and regular visitors alike, and we can see why.
Monster Terrain Expansion at Panorama, BC
During a road-trip across British Columbia in Canada last winter, I had the opportunity to test myself in Taynton Bowl, Panorama’s signature high alpine terrain offering some of Canada’s most legendary inbounds adventure skiing. On the same trip I learnt a little about the terrain expansion Panorama has recently announced for winter 2017/18.

The obligatory photo at the Summit
Big White Masters Ski Weeks 2017

Masters Big White
The fantastic Big White Masters Ski Weeks are tailored specifically towards skiers and boarders aged 50+, looking to meet like-minded snowsports fans. These week-long programmes include top ski coaching over 5 half days, a bit of après-ski, good conversation and plenty of social events and entertainment – surely a winning formula!
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Fly like an Eagle – Zip Trek Eco Tour
Zip Trek Eco Tours are a hair raising pursuit come snow or sun, operating throughout the winter and summer seasons they provide the perfect après-ski activity for kids (6 and over) and grown-ups alike. My family, particularly my two teenage sons, were determined to try out this high flying adventure on our recent Summer holiday to Whistler – we weren’t disappointed! Read the rest of this entry »
Winter 2013/2014 in Silver Star
Tim Fitzgerald from Silver Star Mountain Resort has written an update on winter 2013/2014 in Silver Star and has put together his list of recommendations on how to get the most of our your trip.
From its humble beginnings as a local ski hill in the late ’50s, Silver Star Mountain Resort has evolved into a world-class winter holiday destination. Renowned for its amazing light, dry snow and crowned as one of Canada’s favourite family resorts, guests visiting from around the world continue to experience the charm of our quaint resort village. The vibrant architecture helps distinguish Silver Star as one of the most colourful and welcoming resorts in Western Canada. Read the rest of this entry »