by Eve Mager

Created on: September 27, 2007

As a beginner, any task can seem daunting. Especially when that task is learning how to ski on the crests and valleys of the gigantic, snowy-white Rocky Mountains. However, sometimes a little scenery and a few lessons are enough to inspire even the most klutzy of us to snap into those ski boots and start riding up the magic carpet.

Banff is, for those who don't know, the oldest National park in Canada, and it is so for a reason. Not only is Banff nestled in the Rocky Mountains, it is conveniently located one hour from an International airport and the Burgeoning city of Calgary. The location and beauty of Banff and the surrounding area provides many options for both accommodation and skiing destinations. But whether you stay in the city of Calgary, a brief one hour to Mount Norquay, in the town of Banff, conveniently located from ten to thirty minutes of all ski hills, or at the ski resorts themselves, you will quickly find that there is something for everyone.

There are three main ski hills in Banff National Park. The ski hill nearest to the town of Banff is Mount Norquay. This is the smallest of the three ski-hills but serves as a quick retreat from the bustling town of Banff. Both the Sunshine and Lake Louise ski resorts are within 30 minutes of the Banff townsite. Sunshine Village ski resort is a slightly shorter drive than Lake Louise and is known for its great powder days. Lake Louise is the largest of the three resorts and the most world famous and also boasts the best panoramic view from the top of the mountain, which is easier accessible to all skiers thanks to the gondola that carries you to the top. But all three parks have one thing in common, they are excellent places to have a ski adventure.

Whether you are an experienced rider or a beginner, the resorts of the Banff area offer a large variation of terrain, with easily coded runs to help skiers of all levels find their way around the large parks. If you are a beginner you will want to stay in the green runs, which offer a slower more controlled ride. However, for those that have a taste for speed, and feel ready after a few lessons, all the hills offer runs of varying level of difficulty from Blue to Double Black Diamond.

Those who are new to skiing would be best off opting for one of the ski lessons offered at the resorts which run for various prices depending on your ski level and the length of instruction you want. And for those brand new skiers out there, all the mountains have excellent beginner areas at the bottom of the mountain, so set your panic and fear aside, you don't have to take the lift to the top the first time. Instead you get to ride the magic carpet (which is something like a grocery store conveyor belt) up a small section of the hill until you get on your feet.

For more information on any of the three resorts in Banff National Park, or on the town of Banff, check the following Internet websites. Sunshine Village: www.skibanff.com. Lake Louise: www.skilouise.com. Mount Norquay: www.banffnorquay.com. The town of Banff: www.banff.com.

Learn more about this author, Eve Mager.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.