Advice on going to Banff on my own

I went to Banff 2 years ago with a mate and i've been itching to go back ever since. I'm now able to afford it but none of my mates can. I want to go so badly and i'm seriously considering going on my own. Only problem is it would be over christmas and new years. Not a great time to be on your own really- I was wondering if anyone else has gone solo to Banff and what it was like?

Also, has anyone worked out there? How long can you stay? I'd love to live in Banff for a year or so, it's amazing out there!

Dunc,
One of the very best Youth Hostels in the world is at Banff! Very clean, very well run and just 2 minutes from huge natural hot pools! Rooms are very clean and not bunk or cramped like many other centers! Many skiers from South America, New Zealand!!!!

Many many skiers are from all over the world! You will not be alone very long! The Sunshine Ski resort always needs people!

Problem is more skiing terrain! Sunshine is great but after two weeks you will want more! Lake Louise Ski center is much bigger, has more skiing options! However it is away from all social activities!

You will have great fun. In town there are also many private houses that rent rooms at very low rate!

Go to Canada section and type in Alberta! There is a resident skier /expert who will help you more than me!

Sorry Pav, Banff is expensive to live in if youw ant to do a whole season and the Lodge you talk of can't be one of the best in the world-I lived there for 3 months and it's not great. You would have to get a tri area season pass+bus pass which includes a bus to each of the 3 resorts if you wish-if you were to have your own car then you could go past the bus pass and just get the cheaper tri-area season voucher. You need to arrange a work visa through Bunac but they will all be gone by now so you would need to get your employer to sponsor a visa (which most are reluctant to do). You can stay for ages on a tourist visa a buddy did 5 months (not sure of the max). You can't work without obtaining a visa through bunac.

Cheers guy's, you've given me some things to think about there. I noticed the other day I would need to go through bunac to work at one of the ski resorts and that it's far to late for that now! Gutted! Although I've applied to a few hotels on the off chance they might have something. I believe you can request a work permit if you have a job offer but the chances are slim like you say! I wouldn't mind doing a crap job- It's an excuse to live there for a while!

I may just have to accept it's far too late and prepare early for next year but I'm still tempted to just go for a 3 week holiday over christmas and new year, there's something about Banff that just makes me so desperatly want to be over there. I wish it wasn't so dam expensive and I wish there were cheap hotels that offer one room instead of a double, but then I don't spose many people go there on their own simply for a holiday!

Has anyone been to kicking horse by the way? Been to the main three, with sunshine being my fav, but I've heard the powder in KH is crazy, although the reosrt is a little more for the advanced rider? (I wouldn't call myself advanced by any strecth of the imagination)

Cheers guys

Kicking Horse is unreal-snow is hit or miss although I had one epic day this year. Head to Revvy... the terrain is a bit mellower and they get far more snow.

The Y Mountain Lodge has single rooms as you say, is in a fairly good posish but is the hostle i talk about not liking so much. Chances are if you stay there you will meet people however.