Message #1514

[Dave T]

There are several major ski areas accessible from Calgary.

Nakiska (smaller hill) maybe 1800 ft vertical less than 1 hr.
Mystique (Mt. Norquay) maybe 2200 ft right in Banff - old certified FIS track for slalom - big bumps on Black diamonds
Sunshine Village (3500 vert) - 1hr 15 mins fram Calgary (some locals say 1 hr ) great higher elevation on two mountains (top elevation is about 9200 ft with tree line about 7000ft) -aboslutely great snow.? I spent 3 years on the ski patrol ther in the 70's awesome memories of powder days.
Lake Louise 3200 ft vert- about 1hr 40 minutes (about 30-40 minutes past Sunshine turn off)? a great ski hill when the snow is good.? three sides on two mountains lots of terrain agmonst tredd runs.

Our rule of thumb was: If it was real cold in Calgary (like -20F) look for an inversion and go to Sunshine.? If it was real cold at Sunshine Louise could be warmer.

February should be great conditions are both mountains check the websites
http://www.skibanff.com/
http://www.skilouise.com/index.aspx

Have a great trip

Dave