| Bloody lucky!!!
I've skied in the Banff area about three times and have never been
disappointed. Nakiska (Mount Allan) is about 30 minutes from Banff
towards Calgary, near Canmore, but I would stay in the Banff area
because of the better snow coverage, apr�s ski activities and the
Banff night-life.
If your skiing level warrants the attempt at Lake Louise, ski on the
back side of Louise where you'll find incredible snow bowls at least
up to the European standards. The side facing Ch�teau Lake Louise
is susceptible to crowds, ice and bare patches.
In the same area, and closer to your condo, are Mount Norquay (two levels
of skiing - difficult and easy) at the edge of town, and Sunshine Village
which is about 15 minutes from town with all levels of skiing available
and it ALWAYS has plenty of snow. Lake Louise is a good 45 minutes from
Banff. I prefer Sunshine.
As for night-life in Banff, welllll...
Banff Hot Springs for a sulphur hot spa after skiing
The Crown and Rose irish pub
The Grizzly Restaurant for caribou and elk steaks
A plethora of other restaurants and bars that will cater
to every taste
There is also an Alberta Liquor Board store which sells all beers,
wines and spirits, and it is around the corner from a Safeways supermarket,
if you wish to get groceries. Both stores will take a credit card (Visa
and MasterCard).
Bring your camera and be on the alert for elk on the edge of town, Big-horned
sheep and the occasional wolf. You also may be curious as to what a 'Texas
gate' is. There are several around the edges of the town of Banff. If you
are really into trivia, take a good look at the grizzly-proof garbage
containers.
And don't forget a side trip to the Grand Canal. It doesn't enter Alberta
but it runs along the border between Alberta and British Columbia, you
can see it as you take the Brewster chairlift at Sunshine as this chair
crosses over the border twice on the way to the summit.
Oh, yes. Take a look in Canmore at the Korff Barbunk Memorial Colon and Used
Brabant Car Museum.
Pat
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