ski holidays Luxury

Why sell it

Compared to European resorts, Canada boasts a longer average ski season with seven months of snow, fewer crowds and luxury experiences that range from unwinding in a mountainside hot spring to toasting a glass over a ‘snow bar’ to heliskiing on fresh powder snow.

And in Canada’s back country, you’ll find some of the best off-piste skiing in the world, with acres of knee-deep powder to explore as you dip in and out of Alpine bowls and weave your way through lush forests.

Research from the Mountain Trade Network shows that Canada is currently the number one ‘dream destination’ for British skiers, who are looking for more than a ‘typical’ ski holiday.

Canada’s global appeal as a destination that offers a range of premium ski options doesn’t surprise Nathan McLoughlin, Travel Trade Manager, Destination Canada, who comments: “More winter enthusiasts are looking to escape the crowds and have more of a personal adventure – and are willing to pay for it,” he says.

As for the skiing, Whistler in British Columbia (BC) has the title of biggest ski resort in North America (8,171 acres), Lake Louise and Sunshine Village in Alberta offer some of the most picturesque skiing, while Sun Peaks and Revelstoke (BC) have great dry powder snow. Mont Tremblant in Québec has excellent luxury accommodation options and a lively apres-ski offering. opy apres

scene. Who to sell to

With spectacular scenery and full-service spas, a luxury ski holiday is a honeymoon option for active couples.

The castle-like Fairmont Banff Springs in Alberta just ‘oozes luxury’ from the moment you first set eyes on it. It has world-class dining, soothing mineral pools and 45-minute sleigh rides, while the plush private cabins at Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge have been enjoyed by celebrities and royalty.

Honeymooners that stay at ski-in/ski-out Lizard Creek Lodge in BC can finish the day in style with a couples massage and belowfreezing vodka at the ice bar.

Luxury extends to the kids too: familyfriendly Sun Peaks Resort in BC has a skithrough village with gentle learning trails and family activities at the Sundance Kids Centre, while the new Club Med Québec Charlevoix is Canada’s first Club Med and offers childcare services as well as family activities like pancake parties and baking workshops.

What’s new

Adventure Ski specialist Maybe Ski has launched a Catamaran-based heli-skiing in Bella Coola, BC, for 2023. Docked at a different private anchorage each day, guests are transported by helicopter to enjoy untouched powder snow. Daily massages, a private chef and a hot tub await tired skiers. Also in BC Revelstoke, which is known for its heli-skiing in the Selkirk and Monashee Mountains, is the home of ultra-luxury ski lodges. Chalet Bighorn has a private helipad, cat skiing, a spa, sauna, outdoor hot tub, movie theatre and cocktail bar.

At the same resort, the Flying Moose Chalet is a luxury mountain retreat that now has a heli-lounge and bespoke services that include private butlers, drivers and an executive chef.

How to sell it

A ‘ski safari’ can help winter enthusiasts tick off multiple mountain resorts on one trip. Combinations to suggest include Whistler and Sun Peaks in BC and Lake Louise and Mt. Norquay, overlooking Banff in Banff National Park, and Marmot Basin in Jasper.