Heart & Soul Tour
This week long adventure for all ability level skiers and snowboarders is a popular tour, mostly due to minimal time spent driving, and options to adjust the itinerary along the way to make the most of the snow conditions.
From the airport in Calgary, AB, the tour starts with a spectacular hour and a half drive into the picturesque town of
Banff to where you will spend the first two nights. The first two days of skiing you will be exploring the Banff area giants;
Lake Louise and
Sunshine Village.
Lake Louise and Sunshine are the classic Canadian Rockies resorts, with an endless amount of terrain options, and outstanding views. These international destination resorts are also plentiful in the way of apres-ski and shopping. Following day two on the slopes, you will be driven to Golden, BC, one hour to the west.
Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, a fifteen minute drive from Golden, is becoming world renowned as a steep skiing paradise with over 4000' of vertical. The runs are challenging and the crowds are minimal. If you enjoy hiking, there are several rewarding options within the controlled/open terrain ranging from 10 - 30 mins. of hiking. If conditions allow, leaving the boundary for untouched powder is also an option offering long runs in nicely spaced trees as well as alpine bowls and chutes.
All guests going into the backcountry are required to wear an avalanche transceiver, as well as carry a small backpack containing an avalanche probe and rescue shovel. Canadian Powder guides will take sufficient time to familiarize guests with all equipment before proceeding into the backcountry. Guests are also encouraged to wear an avalanche airbag backpack, which are available for rent locally.
CPA's highly trained guides have extensive first aid and avalanche certifications, as well as intimate knowledge of the guiding area. To ascend most efficiently, touring equipment is recommended; skis with touring bindings and skins for skiers, and for snowboarders snowshoes and collapsible poles, or a split board as the best option. This equipment is not at all necessary if guests are interested in shorter hikes, which will be easily done in ski or snowboard boots.
IMPORTANT: Due to varying avalanche and weather conditions, we are not able to guarantee the amount of time spent in the backcountry. However, when conditions for backcountry adventure are not optimal for safe travel, the resort is likely to have fresh powder and ideal conditions. The day to day itinerary is also subject to change due to weather and road conditions.
