Skiing, Snowboarding, And Snowmobiling in Canada
Not for nothing is Canada known as the Great White North, and its snowy terrain
provides some of the world’s best skiing. In the east, the Laurentian resorts of
Mont Tremblant and Mont-Ste-Anne offer excellent downhill skiing.
Moving west, the resorts of Whistler, Lake Louise, and Banff provide
unforgettably dramatic skiing. High in the Rockies, powder snow awaits the
adventurous; heli-skiing (lifting skiers by helicopter to pristine slopes) takes
place on the deserted northern peaks.
Many of the runs are higher than those in the European Alps, particularly in
Banff and Lake Louise. These sites have held major competitions, including the
Winter Olympics in 1976. Another advantage to skiing in Canada is the proximity
of the mountains to major cities; it is perfectly possible to spend the day
zipping down slopes and then dine out in town.
Cross-country skiing is available across the country, but is particularly fine
on southern and central Ontario’s rolling terrain and Quebec’s Laurentian
mountain range and Eastern Townships. Most downhill ski resorts have a network
of cross-country trails, but there are also dedicated cross-country ski areas
and numerous parks with trails.
Snowboarding has become increasingly popular in snowsports centers across the
country. All downhill resorts have a few slopes set aside for boarders.
Snowmobiles are a necessity for many living in rural areas, but snowmobiling is
also a popular winter sport. Ontario has almost 50,000 km (35,000 miles) of
snowmobile trails.
Seasoned riders can cover up to 500 km (300 miles) in two days. Traveling in
groups is advised; there are many new and popular pitstops en route. These “snow
inns” often offer package deals
Canada Cities