Banff January

Its already booked!!!

My friend who travels alot skiing and snowboarding recommended Banff in january rather than whistler but I suppose its all a matter of personal choice. I just kinda wanted to know about conditions. Plus Whistler was starting to get very expensive when we priced it up. Banff appeared more value for money when only visiting for one week. Plus I was wanting to meet up with some friends from the US and Banff is apparently easier for them to get to. I suppose I can always eye up whistler for next year!!!

Ahh banff is cheap i doubt you could get a coffee on the mountain in whistler for 2 bucks! I love Banff, was just speaking to a friend and they hated whistler-been twice yet have been back to banff year after year. You'll love it, i promise!

Just a tip. January is the coldest month in the Rockies that's why they promote Indian Days with discounts to get the people out. I might suggest that you bring or buy when you get here a pair of mittens instead of gloves. Your fingers will stay warmer in mitts. You can find good gear in Calagary or in Banff. Banff has to saty competitive and will often match Calgary prices.

To see how to dress for the cold in Canada you need but visit a Canadian ski shop. They sell the tested stuff.

Go to :
http://www.mec.ca

They have all of the coolest (phat) but warmest stuff at CDN $. Ask for a catalogue and they will send you one. Lots of keep warm tips there in. Membership is just a formality. Their stuff is sustainable and eco-sensitive.

Skiing in the cold is a frame of mind. Stay active dress in layers keep exposed skin to a minimum. Take frequent breaks and hydrate yourself. I can ski to about minus 26 or 27 then it gets too cold for my boots to flex properly. I can only ski one or two runs at colder temps.

A day in the cold can be invigerating but you'll need to be well fed on hot food high in calories as you'll burn them off. High calories won't pack on pounds as you will burn the food off just staying warm. Stay active and ski the sunny slopes and you'll do fine.

Watch for frost bite and always ski with a friend. The ski areas have free guides called "ski friends" - duh! - who will ski with you and tour the mountain with you.

Write if you need more.

J.

Ha yeah thats why we are going in January because it was cheaper because of the cold. I bought new board pants because it was so cold (my old ones have a few pin holes in them which wouldnt be good in that temp) Problem with canadian stuff is that I live in the UK and most companies wont export to Europe (because if they sell it in europe they can double the price) you get me?

I always wear mits anyway because I hate getting cold hands. Man I hope my new boots work ok I forked out nearly £200 on them so they better be the bomb in cold weather?

Ha I just bought a coat which should stand -40! I am more worried about my boyfriend as he blatently wont layer up but I am sure he will quickly learn. I am buying him thermals for christmas.

thanks for the advice though I guess I can look at what they are selling and then see if I can get it in England. Cheers!