Snowdays! Remember that feeling you had when you were little? The feeling of anticipation, of excitement, and of sheer joy? Maybe it was something like sticky snow under your feet, the kind that you could roll into the perfect snowball to launch as far as you could muster. Maybe it was swooshing down the ski slopes, and spraying your little brother when you came to a flying stop. Whatever the moment, it’s the feeling of joy that simply can’t be mistaken for anything else. I look out at this winter wonderland, I am overtaken by a feeling of joy and gratitude, and my mind is fluttering between all of the ways to play out there.
It’s worth noting that the Canadian Rockies are a mega destination, and if I were to draw a rectangle starting at the bottom right corner, it would span from Calgary, moving left to Banff, further on to Lake Louise, north to Jasper and finally eastward bound to Edmonton. It’s a largely diverse area boasting world-renowned ski resorts, extraordinary wildlife, large national parks, remarkable mountains, and of course Castles, but to know all of that is to barely scratch the surface. For me, the magic of this place is in the little moments that bring out our childlike joy. Here are some my favorite ways to play in this winter wonderland –
1. Soar to the mountain tops –
It goes without saying that the Canadian Rockies have truly remarkable skiing and riding, but what’s really incredible is just how untouched and raw the terrain here feels, which seems to remind us of how unique this playground. For skiers and riders, you can explore an array of resorts for any liking. From Lake Louise, home to the World Cup Downhill, to Norquay, the closest resort to the town of Banff with a range of pistes, or even to Marmot, Jasper’s local secret, there really is terrain that can match any skill set, no matter how novice or experienced you may be. And for those looking for things outside of skiing, there are still ways to soar to the mountain tops without having to strap skis to your feet. Visit the Banff Gondola for a classic vantage point from Sulphur Mountain overlooking the valley, and climb the mountain from the comfort of a gondola cabin.
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