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Love on the Piste
Sun, snow, and skis are the perfect mix for a steamy hot honeymoon on the slopes. Deciding where to go is the biggest dilemma with Europe and North America boasting some of the top ski resorts in the world. But seeing as this is your honeymoon why not pull out all the stops and hit the ski slopes in the heart of Canada’s Banff National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Banff National Park is Canada’s largest ski destination, home to three of the world’s finest ski resorts: Mt. Norquay, The Lake Louise Ski Area, and Sunshine Village.
The three resorts offer almost 8,000 acres of skiable terrain on one convenient, tri-area lift ticket and has one of the longest ski seasons in North America, from mid November to late May. There’s terrain to suit every level and desire, from gentle groomed runs to some of the world’s most extreme in-bound challenges.
Banff is the perfect location to have the honeymoon of your dreams with the guarantee of dry, light snow and plenty of it. There is loads for a honeymoon couple to get up to in this snowy terrain from skiing some of the best slopes in the world, to getting lost in the cross-country ski trails to snuggling up to your new husband or wife during a romantic horse-drawn sleigh ride or take a blast through the forest on a dog sled pulled by Alaskan huskies. Whatever you desire to do in this beautiful landscape it is sure to bring you happy romantic long lasting memories of an unforgettable honeymoon.
Getting there
Getting there is easy with return flights from Belfast to Calgary via Manchester or Gatwick or return flights from Dublin to Calgary via Heathrow available all year round.
Once there Banff is just a 90-minute transfer from Calgary International Airport, and Lake Louise is a scenic 45 minutes further west. Once you’ve arrived, there are free shuttles between many hotels and the resorts, with a three-resort lift ticket that means you can easily choose which of the three ski areas you’d like to try on any given day.
Mt. Norquay
On the Piste: Family-friendly Mt.Norquay offers outstanding conditions for beginner, intermediate and advanced skiers and riders. Banff's Mount Norquay, located above the Town of Banff, offers the rare experience of night skiing once a week, from January until the end of March. Daytime skiing starts in early December. Located only minutes from downtown Banff, Mount Norquay offers a wide range of ski terrain.
Since it’s opening in 1926, Mt. Norquay continues to be the locals’ gem. Famous for being the training ground of Olympic and World Cup athletes, and with excellent beginner terrain, everyone will love this small, family-friendly resort. For further information visit www.banffnorquay.com.
Lake Louise Ski Area
On the Piste: Spectacular scenery awaits you at Lake Louise with uniquely beautiful terrain that is both vast and varied. The wilderness is pristine and inspirational. Located in the heart of majestic, historic Banff National Park, Lake Louise is truly legendary and offers world-class ski conditions.
Lake Louise is one of Canada’s largest ski areas with a 3,250 ft. vertical drop, and over 4,200 acres of terrain spread over four mountain faces, it is know as the giant of Canadian skiing! Its unique because it allows families and groups of varying abilities to ski together with the range of beginner, intermediate and expert runs.
When visiting Lake Louise, be sure to take your camera! The spectacular views of mountains, glaciers, lakes and forests are truly breath taking and the perfect location for your honeymoon. For further information visit www.skilouise.com.
Sunshine Village
On the Piste: Sunshine Village is renowned for its lengthy season from mid-November until late May. Just 15 minutes from the resort town of Banff, Sunshine Village offers over 3,300 acres of terrain on three mountains, with an average annual snowfall of over 30 feet! With uncrowded slopes, abundant snowfall, mountain towns alive with spirit Sunshine Village is the must stop destination for honeymooners. The resort features 12 different lifts including eight super lifts, a high speed gondola, three different mountains to explore, and the novel opportunity to ski or ride in both the province of Alberta and British Columbia on the same run. For more information visit www.skibanff.com.
Down time
Banff is home to accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets, but as its your honeymoon you will be wanting something special - a place where you can spend the first few nights of your marriage together in comfort and luxury. But also after an energetic day skiing you will be looking for somewhere cosy and warm to relax and chill.
The Fairmont Banff Springs $$$$
Few hotels in the world can rival the majesty, hospitality, and scenery of The Fairmont Banff Springs. Styled after a Scottish baronial castle, this 770 guest room hotel is a timeless beauty, offering luxurious comfort in a pristine wilderness setting, just a 20 minute walk or five minute drive from downtown Banff. Facilities include: indoor and outdoor pools, hot tub, fitness room, choice of lounges and restaurants, full concierge service, golf courses and Willow Stream Spa. www.fairmont.com/banffsprings
The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise $$$$
Surrounded by towering mountains, spectacular scenery and overlooking beautiful Lake Louise, shines a ‘Diamond in the Wilderness,’ the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Located just 40 minutes west of Banff, this grand heritage hotel’s amenities include: indoor swimming pool, whirlpool, sauna, health club, seven restaurants, three bars/lounges, ice skating, dog sledding, ski rental and rooms with 19th century style furnishings. www.fairmont.com/lakelouise
The Fox Hotel & Suites $$$$
Banff’s newest hotel, the Fox, offers a unique accommodation style to the Banff area, offering mostly suite-style units, with air-conditioning, kitchen nooks, living areas, and premium suites with lofts and fireplaces. Facilities include a hot pool inspired by the original Cave and Basin site, restaurant and bar, health club, complimentary internet access, and complimentary in-room coffee and tea.
www.bestofbanff.com/fox-hotel-suites/
Sunshine Mountain Lodge $$$
Banff-Lake Louise’s premier ski-in, ski-out accommodation, the newly renovated Sunshine Mountain Lodge. Following a multimillion-dollar wing replacement, the Lodge opened 30 new eco-luxurious rooms in December 2009. The unique setting, at the top of a 15 minute gondola system and at the base of the ski area, is an excellent location for ski-in and ski-out. Modern, comfortable rooms offer stunning mountain views of the Canadian Rockies.
Amenities include a giant outdoor hot tub, fine dining, lounge, sauna and massage service, Starbucks café, and games facilities. Guests also have exclusive rights to hit the slopes for first tracks before anyone else, from January to May. The Standish Express Chair opens privately for Lodge guests half an hour before the resort opens to the public. Not to be outdone, the nights at Sunshine Mountain Lodge are just as much fun as the days on the snow. Evening events include snowshoe hikes, movie nights, casino nights, live entertainment, tobogganing and much more. www.sunshinemountainlodge.com
$150 to $200/night
$200+/night (prices in Canadian Dollars)
For further information on any of the above resorts visit www.skibig3.com/lodging.
Ski hire
The Banff Ski Hub is the only official store for Banff National Park's three resorts – your one stop shop for all your ski area products. Conveniently located in downtown Banff, just minutes from most accommodations, the Hub offers accessories, clothing and year-round activity booking. It’s also home to the rental centre.
The rental centre offers a variety of ski and snowboard equipment, including top-of-the-line performance gear. With a large, modern fleet, you’ll get great choice, with specific equipment for women, children, and different abilities and styles. Their technicians ensure the gear stays in great condition with a full weekly service, meaning you can ski or ride all you want, with the equipment you want. Banff Ski Hub, 119 Banff Avenue, Banff. +1-403-762-4754.
Lessons
What better way to explore Banff National Park’s three resorts than with your own ski instructor. A variety of extensive learning programs are offered to suit all needs and abilities.
The three-day Club Ski programs, with the same instructor, include lessons at all three resorts – perfect whether you’re a first timer or a seasoned snow lover. Or spoil yourself with one-on-one attention in a custom tailored, private lesson.
You’ll find professional and fun instruction for every ability and desire. Lift line priority and a pace that fits your comfort level will guarantee you or your private group has an unforgettable experience in the mountains.
The Club Ski program is available for all levels of skiers and includes:
• One Ski Pro for the entire three-day program
• A day of learning and skill development at each of our resorts
• Lift line priority
• Guided tours of each resort, with interesting history and facts
• Optional dinner reception available
• Souvenir photo with your instructor and new club friends
The Club Ski package is priced at $299, but for further information visit www.skibig3.com or email Packages@SkiBig3.com.
Ski Passes
The area offers a tri-area lift ticket which covers all three resorts in Banff National Park; Mt. Norquay, The Lake Louise Ski Area. You can purchase your lift passes in the Ski Hub or online at www.skibig3.com, an adult ticket costs about $548.45 (Canadian dollars) for seven days skiing.
Après Ski in Banff
After a hard day out on the slopes there is no better way to relax than over a hot port or a delicious Canadian steak in some of the many restaurants and bars that Banff has to offer. In the Town of Banff, diners have a tremendous choice of restaurants. You will find almost every variety of ethnic food, as well as the familiar steak-and-seafood restaurants. Restaurants here, especially those on Banff Avenue, often are on the second floor above the shops. Sometimes the entrances are obvious, sometimes not.
For a romantic meal visit The Maple Leaf, a more mature and refined crowd. This fabulous restaurant offers Canadian food, specialising in bison, beef and elk, and a wine list with over 600 choices located at 137 Banff Ave, Banff. 403-760-7680, it is sure worth a visit.
Another is The Bison Restaurant & Lounge; this is a hip and trendy location for skiers, with a formal dining room upstairs and a casual, funky lounge downstairs. This restaurant specialise in meats, cheeses and locally sourced, sustainable food. Located at 211 Bear Street, Banff, 403-762-5550.
For somewhere to stop for a pint and a boogie visit The Lone Pine Pub, the site of Norquay’s après fun, especially on Tuesdays and Saturdays when the Club Ski programs celebrate here. Another favourite is the Kokanee Kabin this is the place where the bands are hot, the beer is cold, the food is great and the decks are sunny! The Kokanee Kabin is the top Spring après venue at Lake Louise Ski Area, offering BBQs, live music and plenty of people watching.
And in Sunshine after a hard days skiing visit Mad Trapper’s Saloon. A favourite with locals and visitors alike, Sunshine Village’s south-western saloon offers pub grub, drink specials and a fun, casual après atmosphere.
Non-ski activities
Not only does Banff offer the world’s finest skiing in the world, but there are also many activities to keep you entertained after a hard day on the slopes or on a well earned day off. You can experience this amazing landscape with a walk through frozen waterfalls and canyons, snowshoeing, dog sledding, sleigh rides and much more.
Or if after a few days skiing your body needs a well-earned rest and luxury treat, then visit one of the many pampering spas in Banff and avail of a treatment or enjoy a day of entertainment and dining and warm Canadian hospitality. At the Banff Ski Hub you can book many activities email Hub1@SkiBig3.com for further information.
Brewster Lake Louise Stables
Take time out from skiing and enjoy a sleigh ride in the snow, a traditionally styled 15-passenger sleigh departs daily from the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. The rides last up to an hour and run throughout the week. For more information visit www.brewsteradventures.com.
Howling Dog Sled Tours
Another way to try something new away from the slopes is to unleash the musher, by this we mean feel your heart race and your mind clear as you dog sled through the pristine wilderness of the Canadian Rockies near the Banff National Park, Canmore and the Kananaskis Country.
This is a perfect adventure for a honeymoon couple; experience the serenity of nature as the dogs take you on a comfortable yet exhilarating tour of the Rocky Mountains. Every sled has a professional guide to help you along the way but also let you experience the trill of dog mushing hands-on or you can have the option to relax as a passenger and let your guide do all the work, whatever you decide this will be a unforgettable experience for you and your new husband or wife.
You are also given the option of choosing a dog sled adventure that suits you: two hour, half-day, or dinner tours it is up to you for further information visit www.howlingdogtours.com.
Alpine Helicopters
The one must-do activity in the Canadian Rockies is experience a helicopter adventure. Alpine Helicopters provides helicopter sightseeing tours and heli-hiking adventures in the Rocky Mountains, where you will see breathtaking views over Banff National Park, – this is a once in a lifetime experience. For more information visit www.alpinehelicopter.com.
Ice Walks and Campfire
One of the most romantic things to do in Banff is an ice walk and campfire at night. Walk to historic Stewart Canyon Bridge under the night of the winter sky - Explore along the shoreline of Lake Minnewanka, listen to the crackling of the frozen lake's ice cap, and learn about the native history of the lake as your guide leads you to historic Stewart Canyon Bridge using headlamps - Finally warm up by the campfire, roast marshmallows, and savour a hot chocolate, an amazing way to spend the first few nights of married life together. For further information and prices visit www.banffadventures.com.
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To find out all you need to know about visiting Banff visit www.SkiBig3.com, www.BanffSnow.com, or call Toll free the Banff-based reservations team on 1-800-661-1431.
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Honeymoon 
I posted 4 photos on Facebook in the album "Bridal inspiration from Cannes...." 
