PlanetSKI’s Canadian Adventures… Part Two
12th January 2026
Last modified on February 20th, 2026
We’ve been on a 2-month visit. Based in Canmore in Alberta, but with the desire, the vehicle & the contacts to go further afield. Sadly all good things must come to an end… UPDATED
It’s come to an end – what an adventure.
See here for Part One (in chronological order):
Part Two continues:
Thursday 19th February
And so it ends.
PlanetSKI has been nosing around the Canadian Rockies for the past couple of months or so, skiing some of its finest resorts.
The team flies out of Calgary this evening.
It remains rather chilly in the city.
Calgary, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
And then there is the wind-chill which takes it to -35c.
Time for PlanetSKI editor, James Cove, to find his last random internet cafe of the trip in order to write & post his final article about the PlanetSKI adventures in Canada.
James Cove, Calgary, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
“These part two months or so have been the most fantastic trip in perhaps my favourite ski country in the world,” said James.
“Canada has it all, both on and off the slopes.
“It is a shame it has drawn to an end, but given the current conditions in the Alps it looks like it’s going to be a cracking second half of the season in Europe.
“I’m looking forward to visiting some of my favourite ski areas, and meeting up with friends.
“The Pyrenees and the Scottish Highlands have seen record amounts of snow so far this winter and I’m hoping to visit both ranges before the winter is over.”
” ‘Au revoir’ Canada.”
Rolling Blog:
Resort Reviews
- PlanetSKI resort review: Marmot Basin
- Jasper rises from the ashes
- PlanetSKI resort review: Revelstoke
- PlanetSKI resort review: Kicking Horse
PlanetSKI has had a 5-person gear/equipment testing team in Canada and we’ve been putting dozens of items through their paces.
Skis, helmets, goggles, ski touring poles, heated gloves, heated socks, ski jackets, ski pants, underlayers, shoes, ice crampons and even a monocular.
Plus a secret weapon to keep warm when the temperature drops to -30c.
Only the best have made it through to the final article and we’ll be posting in a three-part review starting next week.
Do look out for that if gear is your thing…
Tuesday 17th February
Regular readers will know that PlanetSKI has been in Canada for the past couple of months and our time is coming to an end.
So we have a full report from Sunshine Village near Banff in Canada where it has been another great day, with some snow finally in the forecast.
It is posted in our new PlanetSKI Snow Report, but we re-produce it here in our rolling blog:
Sunshine Village, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
There were plenty of moguls around indicating the lack of recent snow.
Sunshine Village, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
PlanetSKI has been based near Banff with its three ski areas since the first half of December.
- Lake Louise has seen 6.37m of snow so far this season.
- Sunshine Village has seen 5.49m.
- Mt Norquay has seen 2.08m.
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Delirium Dive, Sunshine Village, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
Peering into Delirium Dive, Sunshine Village, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
Peering down Delirium Dive, Sunshine Village, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
- Delirium Dive
- Wild West
- South Side Chutes
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Sunshine Village, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
View this post on Instagram
Sunday 15th February
We are continuing with a spot of walking.
We’ve been snowshoeing and ice walking (see below).
Now it’s time for a hike up Johnston Canyon that lies between Banff and Lake Louise.
We make no apologies for the photo-dump.
If you are in the area, winter or summer, put it on your ‘must-visit’ list.
Johnston Canyon, Alberta, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
Johnston Canyon, Alberta, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
Johnston Canyon, Alberta, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
Johnston Canyon, Alberta, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
Johnston Canyon, Alberta, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
Johnston Canyon, Alberta, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
Johnston Canyon, Alberta, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
Johnston Canyon, Alberta, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
Johnston Canyon, Alberta, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
Johnston Canyon, Alberta, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
Johnston Canyon, Alberta, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
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Johnston Canyon, Alberta, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
Johnston Canyon, Alberta, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
Johnston Canyon, Alberta, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
Johnston Canyon, Alberta, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
Thursday 12th February
It’s time for a spot of snow shoeing in Canada after our ice hike of a couple of days ago (see below).
We heading round Pyramid Lake near Jasper.
Check out the images:
Pyramid Lake, Jasper. Image © PlanetSKI
Pyramid Lake, Jasper. Image © PlanetSKI
Pyramid Lake, Jasper. Image © PlanetSKI
Pyramid Lake, Jasper. Image © PlanetSKI
Pyramid Lake, Jasper. Image © PlanetSKI
Pyramid Lake, Jasper. Image © PlanetSKI
Pyramid Lake, Jasper. Image © PlanetSKI
Tuesday 10th February
Check out the images of an ice walk in the Pleckaitis Canyon near Jasper in Alberta.
Pleckaitis Canyon, Alberta. Image © PlanetSKI
Pleckaitis Canyon, Alberta. Image © PlanetSKI
Pleckaitis Canyon, Alberta. Image © PlanetSKI
Pleckaitis Canyon, Alberta. Image © PlanetSKI
Pleckaitis Canyon, Alberta. Image © PlanetSKI
Pleckaitis Canyon, Alberta. Image © PlanetSKI
Sunday 8th February
Marmot Basin, Alberta, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
Well, are they?
See the PlanetSKI resort review of Marmot Basin.
Marmot Basin, Jasper, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
Thursday 5th February
Getting out of bed on some days, is rather better than others.
This was one of those better days.
Dawn – departing from Canmore to Icefields Parkway, Lake Louise to Jasper. Image © PlanetSKI
Dawn – departing from Canmore to Icefields Parkway, Lake Louise to Jasper. Image © PlanetSKI
PlanetSKI is embarking on perhaps the best 4-hour+ mountain ski drive in the world.
The Icefields Parkway in Alberta, that links Lake Louise and Jasper.
Then we’re staying a few days in Jasper and skiing its resort of Marmot Basin.
The Icefields Parkway (Highway 93N) is a stunning 232-km (144-mile) scenic drive through the heart of the Canadian Rockies.
It was constructed during the Depression in the 1930s-40s and provided access to areas previously reachable only by horse.
It passes through Banff and Jasper National Parks, featuring glaciers, mountain peaks and some of the most breath-taking winter scenery imaginable.
Icefields Parkway, Lake Louise to Jasper. Image Image © PlanetSKI
Icefields Parkway, Lake Louise to Jasper. Image Image © PlanetSKI
There are no towns, no petrol stations and there is no mobile phone signal.
If you have a problem you are on your own needing to rely on passing motorists.
But there aren’t many in winter.
One is out of contact from civilisation in a remote winter mountain wilderness.
It starts as it means to go on.
Entrance to the Icefields Parkway, Lake Louise to Jasper. Image Image © PlanetSKI
It was a long road ahead and the view gave a taste of what was to come.
Icefields Parkway, Lake Louise to Jasper. Image © PlanetSKI
Concentration at the wheel is necessary.
Icefields Parkway, Lake Louise to Jasper. Image Image © PlanetSKI
And a decent vehicle.
“Personally in mid-winter I wouldn’t drive it in anything else other than a solid 4-wheel drive vehicle with big fat winter tyres,” said PlanetSKI editor, James Cove.
Icefields Parkway, Lake Louise to Jasper. Image Image © PlanetSKI
The vehicle is a Chevrolet Silverado – armed with winter tyres, 4×4 drive and a 2.7L Turbo Max engine that is a 4-in-line.
It should do the job.
Once one has laid out the safety ground rules then check out the scenery.
Icefields Parkway, Lake Louise to Jasper. Image Image © PlanetSKI
Icefields Parkway, Lake Louise to Jasper. Image Image © PlanetSKI
Icefields Parkway, Lake Louise to Jasper. Image Image © PlanetSKI
“I have made the drive a few times,” said James.
“Once I did it solo in heavy snow.
“This time there was no snow, but plenty of thick ice lurking under the drifting snow, so I am erring on the side of caution.”
Icefields Parkway, Lake Louise to Jasper. Image Image © PlanetSKI
There were a couple of vehicles that has skidded off the road and were stuck in the roadside snow drifts.
Then there are the views of the glaciers.
Icefields Parkway, Lake Louise to Jasper. Image © PlanetSKI
Icefields Parkway, Lake Louise to Jasper. Image © PlanetSKI
Hour after hour slipped by and though still concentrating I was feeling content with progress.
Icefields Parkway, Lake Louise to Jasper. Image Image © PlanetSKI
And reflecting on where it stands amoung the great journeys to ski resorts across the world.
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It is important to stop on occasion and appreciate exactly where you are.
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View this post on Instagram
The Icefields Parkway is a tribute to nature.
Icefields Parkway, Lake Louise to Jasper. Image © PlanetSKI
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As we approached Jasper we saw a different Mother Nature had been at work – the wildfires from July 2024 that destroyed a third of all buildings in Jasper and much terrain surrounding the town.
Jasper Wildfire,near Icefields Parkway. Image © PlanetSKI
Jasper Wildfire,near Icefields Parkway. Image © PlanetSKI
We drove for mile after mile after mile seeing the burnt-out landscape.
Icefields Parkway, Lake Louise to Jasper. Image © PlanetSKI
Icefields Parkway, Lake Louise to Jasper. Image © PlanetSKI
It was a sobering sight.
“At the end of the day I had a single and strong emotion,” said James.
“I felt somewhat humbled by Mother Nature – Ice and Fire.”
First stop after the drive was a beer in our favourite bar in Jasper, De’d Dog.
PlanetSKI has just visited Kicking Horse in Canada
Check out our resort review: https://planetski.eu/2026/02/05/planetski-resort-review-kicking-horse-british-columbia-canada/
The locals who have perished in the mountains are remembered on the walls.
Over the next few days it’s some ski turns in Jasper’s fabulous ski resort of Marmot Basin.
We’re also going on a snow shoe trek around Lake Pyramid and we’re embarking on a spot of ice hiking in the Pleckaitis Canyon.
Plus we’ll be looking at the aftermath of the Jasper Wildfire and how the town of Jasper is rebuilding and rising from the ashes.
We’re based in a cosy cabin at Bear Hill Lodge for the next few days.
Jasper, Canada. Image Image © PlanetSKI
Jasper, Canada. Image Image © PlanetSKI
Do check back as our adventures in Canada take a new twist…
Tuesday 3rd February
We never tire of the trains in Canada.
Chuff, chuff…
Sunday 1st February
Can you answer this riddle posted by the lifties at the Teepee Town chairlift in Sunshine Village, Canada?
Sunshine Village, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
What starts with ‘T’ ends with ‘T’ and has ‘T’ in it?
Feel free to comment on the PlanetSKI Facebook Page.
Saturday 31st January
And then the weather closed in on our visit to Kicking Horse in British Columbia.
“The resort is known for its legendary steep terrain, but best not tackled in poor visibility,” said PlanetSKI editor, James Cove.
Kicking Horse, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
“For the lift that takes you to ‘Stairway to Heaven’ I could barely make out the chairlift in front so a boot up to the fabulous powder bowl was not on the cards.”
Kicking Horse, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
“So we turned out attentions to the pistes that were pretty much deserted in the poor weather.”
Kicking Horse, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
Kicking Horse, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
“A decent lunch was had in perhaps my favourite mountain restaurant in North America, Eagle’s Eye.”
Kicking Horse, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
“Then we headed back out into the mist.”
Kicking Horse, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
“The whiteout didn’t bring much fresh snow, but every little helps even though there has been huge amounts of snow this winter in Kicking Horse,” added James.
Kicking Horse, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
Friday 30th January
Is nowhere safe from North American legal nonsense as resorts try to shun responsibility for their potential errors?
Here’s ‘the gents’ in Nakiska, Canada.
Ridiculous.
Nakiska, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
Thursday 29th January
Guesses please on the name of this cocktail served in the Monashee Spirits bar in Revelstoke.
See here to guess.
Monashee Spirits Revelstoke. Image © PlanetSKI
We’ve had these so far:
- The Plunge
- Sex on the Piste
- Hammys Stretch
- Leg Over
- The Slip Slider
None is correct…
Wednesday 28th January
We’ve been posting of our time in Revelstoke in the PlanetSKI rolling snow report:
“There has been no fresh snow this week, but the record-breaking falls in December mean conditions remain excellent.
“Here’s Revelstoke in British Columbia:
Revelstoke, British Columbia, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
Revelstoke, British Columbia, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
Revelstoke, British Columbia, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
“We will be posting a full and detailed PlanetSKI resort review on Revelstoke this weekend so look out for that.
“And maybe place it on your ski bucket list.
“It is quite a place.”
Revelstoke, British Columbia, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
James has now moved on to Kicking Horse which is a two hour drive away over Roger’s Pass.
Fortunately the pass was pretty much clear of vehicles and snow.
Roger’s Pass, British Columbia. Image © PlanetSKI
Roger’s Pass, British Columbia. Image © PlanetSKI
Roger’s Pass, British Columbia. Image © PlanetSKI
Look out for his updates over the next couple of days…
Tuesday 27th January
PlanetSKI has moved on from its current winter base near Banff in Alberta, Canada.
We have been reporting on conditions in the resorts of Lake Louise, Sunshine Village and Mt Norquay.
Now we’re off on a little road trip to neighbouring British Columbia and then swinging back through the town of Jasper and its ski resort of Marmot Basin in Alberta.
PlanetSKI editor, James Cove, starts in one of his favourite resorts in Canada.
So, where might that be?
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What James didn’t mention in the video was that it has been, er, rather chilly.
The temperature was -9c, but it felt more like -14c in the wind chill.
Fortunately Revelstoke has a few of these very welcome places – warming huts.
Revelstoke, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
Revelstoke, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
Revelstoke, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
Tomorrow, weather permitting, we’re planning to boot up here:
Revelstoke, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
That gives access to this – The North Bowl:
Revelstoke, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
Saturday 24th January
We’re ‘On The Road Again’.
PlanetSKI is back on the road in Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
This week we’re leaving our winter base in Canmore near Banff and heading off on a road trip to Revelstoke & Kicking Horse in British Columbia, and then Marmot Basin in Alberta.
Adventures and powder await.
But first we popped into the less well-known resort of Nakiska as the journey got underway.
Nakiska, Alberta, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
It was home to all the alpine ski events in the 1988 Calgary Olympics.
It is in Kananaskis, an area that came to the world’s attention at it hosted the G7 in June 2025.
We passed through for an afternoon’s ski at the weekend and were more than pleasantly surprised.
The piste map appears to show there is not a great deal on offer.
Nakiska, Alberta, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
But this is not the case.
There were wide & empty groomers, some decent skiing in the glades and an attractive base area.
Nakiska, Alberta, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
Nakiska, Alberta, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
Nakiska, Alberta, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
“I last visited in 2015 and had forgotten what a great smaller resort it is,” said PlanetSKI’s James Cove.
“This time we only popped in as we had a a spare few hours on Saturday afternoon, but hopefully we will return after our road trip and bring you full details of this ski area that is often overlooked by European skiers as they head to the better-known Canadian areas.”
Nakiska, Alberta, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
Watch this space…
Friday 23rd January
In our 2-month stay in Canada we have observed that Canadians are shunning the USA this winter, it’s neighbour and biggest trading partner.
We have chatted to many on ski lifts, in bars and elsewhere.
Across the country Canadians are choosing to buy local products in the face of US tariffs and President Trump’s comments and attitude.
It has been well documented.
Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
They have also pretty much boycotted skiing in the USA with numbers significantly down.
Visiting the USA is seen as unpatriotic and therefore un-Canadian.
On a more practical level the snow in the USA has generally been poor this winter, while the snow in Canada has generally been in plentiful supply.
See here for more:
Canada. Image © PlanetSKI.
Wednesday 21st January
Chuff, Chuff.
This is a REAL Canadian Experience.
You really need to watch to the end to get the full impression.
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Tuesday 20th January
PlanetSKI is in Canada for a couple of months – skiing the best snow & terrain on offer.
Lake Louise, Sunshine Village and Mt Norquay so far.
Later this week it’s Nakiska.
Then Revelstoke, Kicking Horse and Marmot Basin.
After that – who knows?
We’ve decided to find out a bit more about the country that we now call home.
It is important to locate a decent reading room to educate ourselves.
The historic Canmore Hotel that was established in 1890.
Canmore, Alberta. Image © PlanetSKI
Canmore, Alberta. Image © PlanetSKI
Sunday 18th January
Ski Joring in Banff
The annual winter event is now a firm fixture in the town’s calendar and is quite a spectacle.
Skijoring in Banff, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
Skijoring in Banff, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
Horses, riders, and skiers/snowboarders race down a closed-off Banff Avenue, launching off jumps with trick-riding and stunts.
There’s a festive street party atmosphere with upbeat music as Western heritage meets ski culture.
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View this post on Instagram
As much of a spectacle is the crowds – they come dressed for the occasion.
Cowboy hats and fur is the order of the day.
Skijoring in Banff, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
Skijoring in Banff, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
Many come from the nearby city of Calgary and make a weekend of it, with promenading and posing the order of the day.
Skijoring in Banff, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
Skijoring in Banff, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
Skijoring in Banff, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
Skijoring in Banff, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
Discreet ‘People Watching’ has rarely been so good.
Skijoring in Banff, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
And the action on Banff Avenue is fun & fabulous to watch.
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There’s even a bit of trick riding – on snow:
It is a free-to-attend event and is organised by Skijor Canada.
If you happen to be in the area next January, then we rate it a ‘must-see event’.
Maybe even travel to Banff and plan to be here for next year’s Ski Joring event.
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Yet another unique Canadian experience on our 2-month extended stay.
Hats off.
Saturday 17th January
We’ve been making some turns in Delirium Dive, Wild West & the South Side Chutes in Sunshine Village.
Wild West. South Side Chutes & Delirium Dive. Image c/o Sunshine Village.
Some describe it as the most extreme in-bounds terrain in Canada.
Delirium Dive, Sunshine Village, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
Delirium Dive, Sunshine Village, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
The Wild West, Sunshine Village, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
The Wild West, Sunshine Village, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
South Side Chutes, Sunshine Village, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
South Side Chutes, Sunshine Village, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
See here for the full PlanetSKI report:
Thursday 15th June
Guess what?
There’s finally been some sunshine in Sunshine.
It is a resort that should more accurately be called Stormy and Windy Mountain.
It has certainly lived up to that name over the past few weeks with endless snow, high winds and temperatures down to -22c at times.
Not today.
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And yes, you did see a snowboarder jump the CAUTION sign at the end of the video!
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Wednesday 14th June
It was looking rather good in Lake Louise today as the sun finally made an appearance.
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The video was shot from the new ski area of Richardson’s Ridge that has added 200 acres of new terrain.
We reported from the area on its opening day:
Things looked promising as we headed to Lake Louise first thing.
Heading to Lake Louise, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
Blue sky remained for much of the day, but the clouds came back in late in the afternoon.
Lake Louise, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
Lake Louise, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
Tomorrow we’re likely heading for a day at Sunshine Village…
Monday 12th January
Banff and Canmore are ski towns, not ski resorts.
So one needs to reach their three ski resorts of Mt Norquay, Sunshine Village and Lake Louise by road.
The road to Lake Louise. Image © PlanetSKI
The road to Lake Louise. Image © PlanetSKI
Apart from admiring the magnificent scenery, spotting the local wildlife is another way of passing the time.
Roadside wildlife near Canmore. Image © PlanetSKI
Sunshine Village, Banff, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
Sunshine Village, Banff, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
Mount Norquay, Banff. Image © PlanetSKI
And there’s more wildlife when PlanetSKI arrives in one resort.
Wildlife at Sunshine Village. Image © PlanetSKI
Sunday 11th January
Regular readers will know it has been a record-breaking start to winter in the resorts around Banff.
Our editor James has mentioned it a few times and has tried (rather unsuccessfully) not to sound too smug 😉
Well, here are the facts:
The Wild West, Sunshine Village, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI
See here for Part One in chronological order:
PlanetSKI’s Canadian Adventures
We are self-funding the Canada trip and retaining all editorial independence so we can post as we see it without influence and spin + do what we want.
Airfares, accommodation, lift passes, car hire and day-to-day living expenses are covered by PlanetSKI.
Though if a resort wants to buy us a beer or lunch it would be rude to refuse!
To find out more about skiing in Canada check out what is on offer from the UK operator Inghams Ski or the UK ski agent, SNO.
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