| A great day on the slopes can mean several | | | | outlet stores (like Backcountry.com) let you browse |
| different things. Not everyone shares the same | | | | various items before deciding on what brand, type |
| expertise when it comes to sliding down a frozen | | | | and style of skis, poles, bindings and boots you want |
| mountain on waxed slices of fiberglass. Hopefully this | | | | to invest in. Some online stores even offer used |
| quick guide to skiing will help you get on your way. | | | | equipment if you want your own gear with a less |
| Use the following links to skip down to the section | | | | expensive approach. |
| that most interests you. | | | | Where to ski |
| 1. Taking lessons | | | | With five major ski resorts within an hour's drive, |
| 2. Choosing the right clothing | | | | your stay in Canmore gives you access to a wide |
| 3. The best equipment for you | | | | variety of skiing options. |
| 4. Where to skiv | | | | Choose Nakiska, just 35 minutes away, for its |
| 5. For the extreme skier | | | | smaller, uncrowded atmosphere. |
| Taking lessons | | | | Visit Fortress Mountain for its two mountains and |
| If it's your first time on skis, there are several ways | | | | sweet snow conditions. |
| you can learn the proper style and technique. You | | | | You can try Mount Norquay if you like night skiing. |
| can teach yourself, learn from a friend or take | | | | Maybe you prefer Sunshine Village, which offers fast |
| lessons from a professional ski instructor. Teaching | | | | lifts, the most snow and great powder. |
| yourself might not be the recommended option. | | | | There's also the ski resort in Lake Louise, the largest |
| There are more risks of injury and you can learn | | | | ski area in North America. |
| some bad habits. This could result in missing out on | | | | No matter which resort you choose, there is enough |
| some (or most) of the fun, getting discouraged and | | | | skiing around Canmore to keep you coming back |
| not enjoying the sport. | | | | season after season. |
| If you decide to take lessons from a friend, you will | | | | For the extreme skier |
| definitely save yourself some money but you might | | | | If you're an experienced skier, you know that |
| not get all the important information and tips you | | | | powder snow is the ultimate experience. However, |
| would get from a seasoned pro. What if your friend | | | | you also are aware of the fact that it's rare and hard |
| taught himself and learned some bad habits? | | | | to find. Even though most ski mountains get frequent |
| The most practical option is to take lessons from a | | | | snowfall, the dryness and depth of the snow is |
| professional ski instructor. This will help you stay safe | | | | marginal. Add the early morning traffic to all this and |
| and learn important techniques. You can also choose | | | | the deep, smooth, untracked powder is soon |
| to have the lessons tailored to your skiing needs. | | | | groomed and packed, making that "perfect |
| Luckily, all five ski resorts around Canmore offer | | | | powdered run" hard to come by. |
| lessons. | | | | The good news is that there are alternatives to |
| What to wear | | | | being a conventional "powder chaser". There is ski |
| When it comes to staying warm on top of a snow | | | | touring, Heli Skiing and Cat Skiing. |
| covered mountain, you will need to find the | | | | Ski touring is arduous and time consuming. For those |
| appropriate clothing from head to toe. The good | | | | who aren't familiar with it, you basically trek through |
| news is you don't have to worry about the boots; | | | | the backcountry on remote alpine peaks, far from |
| they come with the skis. However, they don't offer | | | | crowded resorts. You can then enjoy the powder as |
| much insulation and extra socks might be a good | | | | well as the peaceful nature of the uncrowded slopes. |
| idea. You will appreciate having two pairs of socks. | | | | Those who are willing to spend a bit of money to |
| The outside pair should preferably be wool. | | | | get the ultimate skiing experience can choose Heli |
| For your legs, layers are recommended. A good pair | | | | Skiing. This type of skiing has been around for |
| of flexible pants (i.e. not jeans) covered with water | | | | several years. It consists of hitching a ride aboard a |
| tight ski pants will usually be adequate. Depending on | | | | helicopter to the top of the mountain where there is |
| the forecast, long johns might also be necessary. You | | | | powder as far as the eyes can see. This however |
| might be thankful of spending a little extra for some | | | | will run you around $1000 a day and is only available |
| ski pants with reinforced knees - this is usually the | | | | to proficient skiers. Also available are multiple day |
| first place to wear-out with frequent falls. | | | | guided tours on huge, isolated slopes upon mountain |
| Your upper body should also be covered in layers; a | | | | tops. |
| minimum of three. The bottom layer can be a | | | | This type of adventure does not come without its |
| comfortable long-sleeve T-shirt. However, the next | | | | downsides. There are days when the helicopter |
| layer should be water resistant but breathable. This | | | | cannot fly due to inclement weather conditions and |
| will keep water away from you body, keep you dry | | | | there is always the inherent risk of avalanches. |
| and help keep you warm (there's nothing worse than | | | | However, all reputable heli-operators provide qualified |
| cold water to steal all your body warmth). The | | | | guides who know the safest routes down the slopes. |
| outside layer should break the wind - most ski | | | | When weather is unforgiving, guides will restrict skiing |
| jackets do the trick. They also have several zippered | | | | to the wooded areas; "skiing the trees". |
| pockets to stash all things necessary (lip-balm is | | | | Tree skiing is usually associated with another type of |
| indispensable). | | | | mechanized skiing - Cat Skiing. This type of extreme |
| Let's not forget your noggin'. A good percentage of | | | | skiing is fairly new. Basically, a snowcat (a large |
| body heat is lost through the head. This makes it | | | | mechanized snow caterpillar) takes you up the |
| very important to cover it up. Start with a good | | | | mountain. This takes more time than by helicopter |
| neck warmer or scarf for you neck and chin (if you | | | | but some prefer its more cozy, relaxed and tranquil |
| opt for a balaclava ski mask, this might not be | | | | environment. Snowcats boast comfortable cabins |
| necessary). You will also need eyewear. While | | | | than can accommodate up to 12 people, a guide and |
| sunglasses usually do the trick, winds can pick up | | | | a driver. While you scale the mountain in this comfy |
| unexpectedly on the mountain tops so goggles are | | | | coach, you can nibble on some snacks, warm up and |
| recommended. If you buy goggles, make sure they | | | | even sit out the next run. Yes, even if snowcats are |
| offer UV protection; the sun glare off the snow can | | | | slower, most people get their money's worth and |
| be hard on your eyes. Finally, cover up your head | | | | wear themselves out. |
| with a warm toque. | | | | Cat skiing is more affordable than its big brother, |
| Note: the amount and warmth of the clothing you | | | | heli-skiing. It will run you approximately $600 a day, |
| decide to wear all depends on the forecast and the | | | | including transportation, lodging, meals and guiding. |
| season. Obviously, spring skiing asks for cooler ski | | | | Plus, snowcats still run in inclement weather. This cuts |
| wear. Use your best judgement and always | | | | down on "down days" you would get with a |
| remember - too warm is better than too cold! | | | | helicopter. This way, especially if your ski vacation is |
| The right equipment for you | | | | limited for time, you get the most amount of skiing |
| When it comes to choosing the best equipment, a | | | | possible. |
| beginner can more than manage with some | | | | Of course, like its big brother, cat skiing has its |
| inexpensive rental skis and poles. All of the ski resorts | | | | limitations. The snowcats can't go everywhere a |
| near Canmore offer rentals. Plus, you might find out | | | | helicopter can so cat skiing is more limited |
| that skiing is not for you so you might not want to | | | | geographically. However, cat-operators become very |
| spend too much money getting all geared up before | | | | familiar with their "limited geography" and this limits |
| hitting the slopes a few times. | | | | unpredicted events. |
| Once you get the hang of it, enjoy it and start skiing | | | | For more information on Canmore and its various |
| more frequently, it's time to look at the option of | | | | skiing opportunities, visit Canadian Rockies Canmore's |
| purchasing your own equipment. Luckily, several online | | | | skiing page. |