OT: Banff vs Whistler

[SyonaraStanz]

Which is a better spot for skiing with a good blend of greens, blues and blacks? Planning a group of a dozen or so. And recommendations on lodging is appreciated as well.

 

[aerodawg.sixpack]

Thought this was a Vandy Baseball thread.

 

[BlueRidgeMtns]

weed is legal in Canada so there will be a good blend of greens at either destination.

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[SirBarksalot]

Which is a better spot for skiing with a good blend of greens, blues and blacks? Planning a group of a dozen or so. And recommendations on lodging is appreciated as well.

I’ve never been to either, but the sheer massiveness of WB ensures you could never ski all of any green blue or black in one trip.

WB has more skiable acres than LL and Sunshine combined.

but, don’t think you could go wrong.

 

[goodknight]

Not sure but all I can say is

After skiing in Snowshoe West Va for a few years, drivable from the house in a day, and going to Copper Mountain the last couple of years my sons have convinced me to go to Whistler this year. They board blues/blacks and at my age and skill stick to green with an occasional blue. Elevation not what the Rockies are so we’ll see how it goes in mid- January

 

[cindy.sixpack]

Never been to Banff, but I've been to Whistler a few times and will go back in January. It has a good mix of green/blue/black, so it's got pretty good skiing for all levels. Whistler Village is really nice. We've stayed at a house in Kadenwood which had its own private gondola down to Creekside, and we've stayed at Fairmont Chateau near Whistler Village. The hotel was way more convenient for dealing with ski gear and getting to the easier slopes. The Kadenwood house only had easy access to Creekside, which was more difficult skiing than some of us wanted.

Whistler is beautiful, and at a lower elevation, but there are no bargains to be had there.

 

[BlueRidgeMtns]

I snowboard at Snowshoe quite a bit. I can never look at it the same after having been out west.

 

[goodknight]

Snow

Will have a very hard time going back to Snowshoe after having been West. No comparison for size and length of runs and what a huge difference the snow (mostly natural) is. Still glad at my age my sons always ask where WE are going skiing/boarding.

 

[cindy.sixpack]

Also, the trip from Vancouver up to Whistler is via a mountain highway. Last time we went, we got stuck in Squamish for an unplanned overnight stay because there was an accident north of there that was bad enough to close a bridge. We've also run into an unexpected road closure due to weather that caused a significant delay. We've only been there 3 times, so I think it's not totally uncommon for there to be issues along that drive. That said, the scenery along the highway is beautiful.

 

[Roentgen]

I have been to Whistler a couple times. It is incredible. Lots of powder. Lots of varied terrain for experts and beginners. I think it is now 8,000 acres. I went Banff this summer. I had a great time there. One concern I have about skiing there is lack of village, amenities, etc. at the base of the mountain. At Lake Louise, there is only a big lodge at the base. If you want nightlife, restaurants, etc. walking distance from slopes, go to Whistler.

 

[sandwolf.sixpack]

I don't know anything about Banff, but Whistler is top notch. Both the mountain and the village are awesome, and the drive up from Vancouver is breathtaking.

 

[SaintsDoc]

A lot colder at Banff. Ok to go after Feb otherwise it's too damn cold

 

[MississippiHeavyMetalDog]

We went Banff in March. The elevation is better (lower) than a lot of places that we skied in the US Rockies. The temperature was perfect but really drops when the sun goes down. We stayed at the Fairmont Banff Springs. Great hotel that had an easy setup for skiers. You drop your gear off next to the bus stop. No long walks in boots!! You do need to bus to all resorts (they have 3) but it’s no big deal and included.
We chose 2 days at Lake Louise and 2 at Sunshine Village. Both have an assortment of runs but SV has more green runs. In the town of Banff, it is a less expensive and ‘college age’ place to stay. Fairmont is more expensive and family oriented. Banff has a German influence. You can also do an ice walk on the lake or dogsledding.