The town of Banff has three ski areas, one of which is Sunshine Village, around 20 minutes away by bus. Sunshine also has its own hotel right on the slopes at the top of the access gondola. It’s one of the few ski areas that boasts “100 per cent natural snow”, a neat reversal of the usual snowmaking hype. It doen’t need artificial snow because its position on the Continental Divide means it gets two to three times as much snow as Banff’s other two ski areas, Norquay and lake louise. And it gets great snow till very late in the season – you can expect fresh, powdery pistes throughout most of March and April and the resort is scheduled to stay open
until 23 May this year. The ski area has an unusual mix of great cruising runs and two very steep and roped off extreme zones which you’re allowed into only if you have avalanche gear and are with a companion. Banff’s other two ski areas are open until 15 April (Norquay) and 6 May (lake louise) but have less reliably powdery late-season snow. Other attractions // Spectacular high mountain scenery. // Regular free bus system between town and each mountain.
// Chance of seeing wildlife because the ski area is in a national park.
// Good value accommodation as winter is low season here.
Lift-served off piste Val d’Isère France
In the ski area that Val shares with neighbouring Tignes you’ll find some of the most varied and extensive off piste in the world – and it’s easily accessed from the lifts without the need for hiking or skinning. There are great runs in all sectors of the area and lots of ski schools with guides to help you explore it all. These include two specialist off-piste schools – Top Ski and Alpine experience – which both offer four-hour morning guided groups of a maximum of six skiers. late March and April are great times
for off piste here because of the high altitude of many of the runs and the spring snow that develops because of the thaw-freeze cycle you get at this time of year. Catch it at the right time of day, just as it is softening up, and the conditions can be just as wonderful as fresh powder. The ski area is open till 1 May and DMS&S is running its final reader trip of the season to Val d’Isère from 15 to 22 April – we have run April reader trips here for the last few seasons and had great snow every time. Other attractions // huge area of pistes suitable for all abilities.
// There are many British instructors teaching at the plentiful schools.
// Attractive resort centre. // extensive choice of accommodation, including some very comfortable chalets. // lively après and wide range of restaurants.