Kootenay Ski Safari Photo Gallery

I just finished up the photo gallery for our recent Kootenay Ski Safari along the "Powder Highway." Eight of us went for eight days. We all met up in Salt Lake City where we boarded Delta's Sky West to Cranbrook, Canada. We rented two vans and headed for our first stop in Golden.Kicking Horse—
The first day we had a bit of snowfall but it cleared up in the afternoon. The skiing was an adventure. The runs are so unbelievably long. Monday it snowed and visibility was pretty low on top. The best meal we had was contemporary Canadian Cuisine at the Kicking Horse Bar and Grill.

Panorama—
We left Golden early in the morning and drove through rain and snow to Panorama. But by the time we had our lift tickets, the skies were beginning to clear. Panorama had less than an inch of new snow but there was powder still to be had. We met for lunch at the Picnic Deli and had the best ever Ruben sandwich which we all ordered.

Kimberley—
We drove from skiing in Panorama to Kimberley through rain, sleet, snow and cows for a two night stay at the Trickle Creek Lodge in two bedroom condos. We ate both nights as Kelsey's which had some very good food. It was here that we discovered the "free" birthday treat. Since Elissa can not resist dessert, hers was the first "birthday" we celebrated. The skiing was a mixed bag. I took the day off to work. JoAnn and Arnie learned that the groomed runs were pretty icy in the morning. Everyone else discovered deep caches of fresh untracked powder in the trees at the top.

Fernie—
Looks like we saved he best for last. The skiing was unbelievable here. The ski gods granted up more than 18 cm of fresh dry powder giving us three incredible powder days. And one of those day we were treated to gorgeous blue skies. The food in Fernie was incredible. We loved Slopeside for lunch, but our best meal was at the Lizard Creek Lodge. We stayed at the Wolf's Den Lodge, just a few steps from the slopes.

Later.

Week Nine: Photo a Day 2009

Here is WEEK 9 of my "Photo a day" project. We've been having a great time skiing the various resorts in the Kootenay range in B.C. Canada with Pacific Rim Alliance Snow Sports Club. We are now headed for our last three days in Fernie where we expect more new snow and lots of powder. The large photo on the layout is of Panorama. The views are breathtaking.
Paper and elements from Digi-Designs by Nicole’s “Fresh”. Template by Lauries Scraps.

Later.

Ski Canada with Pacific Rim Alliance

Pacific Rim Alliance Ski Club has two snow ski trips going to Canada in 2009. There are still openings on both trips and air has not been cheaper in a long time. And because flying into Canada is an international flight, you get to bring two bags, one of which can be ski equipment (boots, skis, poles), for no additional charge. In addition, the dollar has gotten a bit stronger than the Canadian dollar so if it holds, the cost of the ground portion will decrease.

* All air prices quoted are for round-trip and includes all taxes and fuel charges.

You can download a one-page information sheet here.

To sign up for these trips you need to get your own air and then send Pacific Rim (10818 Viacha Dr., San Diego, CA 92124) a $200 deposit. Final payments will be due soon. We are in the process of finalizing the costs and should have them in a week.

Big White—
April 5-12, 2009 or April 6-13, 2009
These dates are flexible. You can elect to stay April 6-13, 2009 to take advantage of the lower air price of flying on Monday. Ground price of $650 includes 7 nights in hotel room (dbl. occ.) with microwave, refrigerator & fireplace, 5 days lift tickets, round-trip transfer from Kelowna airport, nightly cocktail parties and one dinner. Air costs on January 10, 2009 for one stop flights were as follows.

• Alaska changes planes in Seattle.
• Air Canada changes in Vancouver.

Mon-Mon: April 6-13, 2009

• Alaska: LAX from $425*.
• Alaska: San Diego from $522*.
• Air Canada: LAX from $334*.
• Air Canada: San Diego from $334*.

Sun-Sun: April 5-12, 2009

• Alaska: LAX from $627*.
• San Diego from $612*.
• Air Canada: LAX from $334*.
• Air Canada: San Diego from $541*.

Kootenay Safari—
February 28 - March 8, 2009
Ground cost of $1,299 includes 3 nights in Fernie, 3 nights in Golden, 2 nights in Kimberley (dbl. occ.), 7 lift tickets (3 Fernie, 2 Kicking Horse, 1 Panorama, 1 Kimberley), transportation from Cranbrook and to each resort, and nightly cocktail parties.

Air is on Delta through Salt Lake City into Cranbrook. Prices from San Diego or LAX are currently $305*. Check the Delta web site for other cities.

Later.

Price Drops on Pacific Rim's Trip to Kootenays in Canada

I have some news on Pacific Rim's trip to the Kootenays (Fernie, Kicking Horse, Panorama, Kimberely). Fernie, pictured below, and Kicking Horse are known for their powder skiing. Kimberely and Panorama are fun resorts also.


Just checked Delta's flights to Cranbrook and with all that's been happening with gas and the world's economy, air ticket prices are coming down.

The flight on 2/28/2009 from LAX to Cranbook, BC, Canada is now $420 roundtrip with a return on 3/8/2009. The flight from San Diego is now $480!! These prices include taxes.

In addition, the US dollar has been steadily gaining on the Canadian dollar. Yesterday it was 1.28. Which means if the exchange rate holds our trip cost could decrease by about 25%.

It's not too late to sign up. Just book your air and send Pacific Rim Alliance a $200 deposit.

Hope you can join us. For more trip information go to Pacific Rim Alliance.

Later.