CANADIAN SKI & SNOWBOARD VACATION EXPERTS

Winter is coming. Temperatures are dropping in the Northern Hemisphere, with snow already falling across the tallest peaks. Resorts are starting to post Instagram sneak peeks of their first dustings of snowfall, and excitement levels are high.

Across the world, there are also positive signs that we might return to the former glory of ski and snowboard travel. With vaccination rates going up and airlines beginning to reintroduce routes, there’s some confidence that we may be back on the slopes sooner rather than later.

If you’re thinking about booking a ski holiday for the upcoming season, but not sure exactly how soon you should be locking it in – our experts are here with their top tips on when is best to secure accommodation and activities in Canada this season.

Read on below, then get in touch with us to see how we can help.

1. Book as early as you can

This is our top tip for those who know what they want, or at least have a very good idea of which resort is first to ski on their post-COVID bucket list; get in early to beat the crowds, of which there will be plenty.

“There’s a pent-up demand for ski travel, thanks to it being on hold for many for so long,” says Sue Thorley, founder of the Ski Holidays and Tours team. “And the mental health benefits of getting out into the fresh air is palpable – so you know everyone’s going to be jumping at the opportunity once it’s here!”

For Canadians, COVID-19 means that you might stay and explore on your home patch rather than jetting over to a European resort; and for Australians or Kiwis, it’s worth keeping a close eye on those international flight announcements that are beginning to roll in.

However, regardless of what the pandemic throws our way, rest assured that we continue to offer a fully refundable, no fee, COVID cancellation policy should you be unable to travel due to COVID-19 travel restrictions impacting your vacation plans.

We will clearly outline any of our supplier/partner cancellation/refund conditions, prior to any deposit being taken to ensure you are 100% comfortable and assured of any financial commitment being made.

We also provide peace of mind, that no booking or change fees will be charged by Ski Holidays and Tours, should you change your mind, within the supplier deadline period.

Rest assured, we are here to help, to make your ski vacation dream become a reality, when practical, and when it is safe to do so.

2. Not sure where to go yet? Choose your resort wisely

If you’re still tossing around a few different resort ideas in your head, trying to decide where might be best suited for your trip before you lock in the booking details… we’re here to help. And be assured that we’ve skied all the resorts, so we know what might suit you best.

Need a resort that caters for families and little ones? Big White and SilverStar are your best bets.

Looking for big terrain and amazing après? Whistler and Sun Peaks might be your go-to.

Keen to explore your surroundings, including national parks and spectacular mountain towns? Try Lake Louise, Banff Sunshine and Banff Norquay. Jasper-Marmot Basin is another untouched gem, which only the locals and the team at Ski Holidays and Tours seem to know about. We can let you in on a few local secrets.

Got big mountain skiers in tow, craving authenticity? Don’t go past Revelstoke, Whitewater or Red Mountain.

Or want to discover the ‘next big thing’? Panorama is where you’ll find it.

3. Be ready to pivot – with location or timings

If your resort of choice has sold out at your time of choice – it’s good to be ready to go with a Plan B, especially if you’re booking at a time when every other family also wants to visit.

“White Christmas is the biggest seller, for that iconic ski resort experience,” Sue tells us. “Spring breaks in February and March, that are linked to Canadian provincial school vacation breaks are other times of year where you have to get in quick to secure your perfect condo, as there are only so many to go around.”

The best option is to be flexible with your location, ready to discover somewhere new should your first option be unavailable. If you advise the Ski Holidays and Tours team on your first choice, they willl be able to pinpoint an equally amazing option for you – and you may just uncover a new favourite destination!

Justa Jeskova, Tourism Whistler
©Justa Jeskova, Tourism Whistler

4. Lock in activities as soon as you book accommodation

So you have booked your flights and you have sorted your accommodation… but do not put your credit card away just yet. Activities are hot commodities in ski resort towns, especially when there are only so many dog sledding/hockey trip/cat-skiing spots to go around.

Many assume that they will be able to show up in resort and secure their bookings once there, but some activities – as well as restaurant bookings for special occasions such as Christmas Day – go like hotcakes. Get in early, and with our help, as soon as your trip is otherwise secured, to avoid disappointment.

And do not worry… if you are not sure whether you want to be ice fishing, tubing or heading out on a moonlit snowshoe tour, we can advise on that as well, depending on which resort you’ll will be visiting.


Ready to book your dream ski vacation – even if you haven’t decided where it is?

We can organise everything – from your bucket-list accommodation to the best activities to entertain the entire family. Click here to enquire now.