Page 14 - Real Estate Now Jan-Feb 2022

TRAVEL 4 Canadian Ski and aspiring skiers of all abilities to enjoy the mountains alongside friendly and fun volunteers. Local accommodations
Snowboard Resorts You May
Not Have Heard About
Casey Telford courtesy Realtor.ca
B y the time the first crunchy leaf hits a sidewalk, many Canadians have already begun to wax their skis and
snowboards in anticipation of the first glorious snowfall at their favourite hill, and who can blame them?
From coast-to-coast-to-coast, Canada is home to more than 295 ski resorts, covering more than 3,980 kilometres
of gorgeous sloped and snowy landscape, all itching to see their first trail prints of the season. With all of these hills
waiting to be discovered, skiers and snowboarders alike may have trouble deciding where to start! Luckily, we’ve
compiled some of the must-visit resorts to get your winter bucket list started. Ready to ski—or board—your way
through our country’s top terrain?
Fernie Alpine Resort, Fernie, British Columbia
Located in Fernie, British Columbia, this resort has its 2021 opening
day slated for December 4. Fernie Alpine Resort is historically one of
the snowiest destinations, complete with small-town charm and more
than 2,500 acres of skiable terrain. For those who remain in the on-
hill Fernie Village, there are 17 lodges and nine main restaurants, plus
historic lounges, distillers, boutiques, rentals, repair shops, daycare
services, and more.
After you’ve spent the day on the slopes, stop in at Beanpod Chocolate,
Coffee and Gelato cafe—one of the few places in the world where you can watch chocolate get made from rare cacao
beans using traditional stone grinding equipment—for a hot cup of coffee and a treat.
The only city in Canada completely surrounded by the Rocky Mountains, Fernie has a population of more than 5,200
people, which doubles during the winter season. The mountain town was established in 1898 and features century
buildings and a thriving arts culture for those who want to take a break from skiing and explore the area. You can stay
at one of many hotels in the surrounding area, such as the ski-in-ski-out Lizard Creek Lodge or the Red Tree Lodge.
Hill stats: 142 trails, 10 lifts
Castle Mountain Resort, Pincher Creek, Alberta
When you think of snow getaways and Alberta simultaneously,
Banff and Lake Louise may come to mind first but those looking
for royally beautiful views and slopes without the crowds should
consider Castle Mountain Resort in Pincher Creek, which has
more than 3,500 acres for skiers and snowboarders to trek. Castle
Mountain Resort’s 2021 opening day is slated for December 3.
Described as “closer to heaven, down to earth,” this West Castle
Wetlands resort has been running for 55 years and counting while
being skier-owned and community-first. A prime example of snow-
lovers giving back is their Disabled Skiing Program which enables
14 | REAL ESTATE NOW | LB@LoraleeBurns.com
include a creative range of on-mountain housing, bed and breakfasts, ski-in-ski-out condos, and more. Castle
Mountain Resort is also one of the few North American resorts equipped with cat skiing and riding operations,
making its terrain even more accessible to nearly anyone.
Known as the Wind Capital of Canada, Pincher Creek currently has eight wind projects, with 272 turbines producing
291.93 megawatts of energy. Once you’ve had your fill on the hill, why not stop in at the Kootenai Brown Pioneer
village, a year-round frontier village with resorted heritage buildings, artifacts, and furniture to really paint a picture
of centuries past. Then, head to Harvest Coffeehouse for a tasty snack.
Hill stats: more than 94 trails, 6 lifts
Mont SUTTON, Sutton, Quebec
An alternative to Quebec’s beloved Mont Tremblant, Mont
SUTTON is 90 minutes from Montreal, just outside the Eastern
Townships’ village of Sutton. Home to summer activities including
hiking, zip lining, mountaintop camping, and scenic chairlift rides,
Mont SUTTON plays host to 230 acres of top-rated glades skiing
and alpine touring come winter. Bringing future athletes? Mont
SUTTON features a family zone which offers dedicated chairlifts
to easy, family-friendly trails plus magic carpets, a module-filled
beginners park, food, daycare, forestry for wandering, and more.
If you want to change things up from skiing, but still stay active, you can head to Sutton’s Parc d’Environnement
Naturel, which has stunning four-season trail networks to explore. The town itself has a population of just under
4,000 according to the 2011 Census and is part of the Brome-Missisquoi Regional County Municipality. Sutton is full
of cafés, bistros, microbreweries, and more for you to taste your way through, as well as vineyards, art galleries, and
boutiques where you can wander and support local.
Hill stats: 60 trails, 9 lifts
Marble Mountain, Steady Brook, Newfoundland
Accessible by car, bus, and paid airport shuttle, Marble Mountain
is located among Newfoundland’s Long Range Mountains, seven
kilometres from Corner Brook—the province’s snowiest city—in Steady
Brook on the western coast. Marble Mountain is the largest alpine ski
resort in Atlantic Canada, and contains the only detachable high-speed
quad lift in the same area.
On-mountain amenities and activities include a snow school, the warm
and family-friendly Knotty Pine Lounge, a Marble Mountain racing
team, and a delicious Cookhouse for grab-and-go eats.
Be sure to contact local tourism agents or hotel accommodations for
information on all-inclusive ski packages, which can include airfare, overnight stays in nearby cities, slope tickets
and other benefits. Marble Mountain is located approximately 30 minutes from Deer Lake Airport, making it easily
accessible for those who want to adventure to the east coast for some serious slopes. It’s also less than two hours
away from Gros Morne National Park, and yes—it’s open in the winter! If you’re looking to stay in town, Marblewood
Village Resort has condo-like suites for you to relax in. For a bite to eat, Harbour Grounds restaurant is 10 minutes
away with delicious soups and sandwiches to warm you up.
Hill stats: 40 trails, 5 lifts ■