canada or usa for 2011

Steverandomno, gives some great advice. The only change I would make is travel south after Kickinghorse and hit Fernie and Castle Mountain Resort. That's where the locals would go, cheaper and better overall ski experience. (fewer amenities however).

Which of the Canadian resorts is best for late March/Early April?
Planning ahead for 2012 when I've the two weeks in the run up to Easter off?

Hey Andy,

Sort of like saying "how long is a piece of string?", it depends what you are looking for. Some want the ultimate ski experience, others care more about the lodging and nightlife. Easter is late this year, a lot closes the first or second week in April depending on weather, that would narrow the field.

Fortunately Easter is earlier in 2012.
The group will have a range of abilities so I guess lodging is more important than the off piste experience.
Thinking of Whistler ot Big White?

2012 ? Yeah, I guess I could finish reading something before saying something stupid. IN 2012 it's the second weekend, so the selection is still down to the "biggies", Whistler, Big White, for sure. In Alberta, Sunshine or Lake Louise. (Alberta tends to be cheaper than BC, less tax).

Smaller resorts, although sometimes lacking in amenities, often deliver a better skiing experience (at times WAY BETTER). They tend to be more friendly, FAR LESS crowded and cheaper.

Closer to the date, see if Fernie or Kimberly are still going to be open.

Good luck!

Late March/Early April.

I would say your best bet for a mixed ability group, from a skiing perspective, would be Sunshine Village near Banff. At that time of year, Sunshine is most likely to maintain the quality of it's snow for longer after each dump. You can get good powder days right up till the end of May. You are also within easy reach of Lake Louise and Kicking Horse.

On the other hand, if you want a good shared lodge/condo, then you will not find it in Banff (as there are no proper large condos for hire partly due to Parks Canada's need to reside bylaws http://www.banff.ca/locals-residents/housing/need-to-reside.htm). However there are loads of reasonable priced decent quality hotels. I would recommend the Banff Park Lodge, which is conveniently located and has some great ski package deals (http://www.banffparklodge.com/u/ski.phtml). Also, unless you have a hire car, you will need to make your way to the centre of town and get the 20 min ski bus every day.

I'm no expert on Whistler. The snow is generaly considered to be 'wetter' than the interior resorts, and in a bad year, you will be forced into the higher altitude slopes for good snow. The expense will be much greater than Banff. I'm slightly biased against Whistler having only seen mediocre or terrible conditions whenever we have tried it.

For accomodation, Whistler trumps Banff in having lots of condos available. However, it can be very expensive trying to hire one during spring break (March).

Big White, might be a good choice. There is lots of reasonable on hill accomodation of various types and budgets. The snow should be good, although not as good as Sunshine. The terrain suits all abilities. It is a very family oriented resort. It is not realy considered party central when it comes to apres ski, but there are plenty of restaurants and a few bars/pubs on mountain.

P.S. SkiPatrollerDave makes some good points about the smaller Canadian ski hills.

Thanks for the inside info.