Skiing in North America is an exciting and unique experience and is very different to skiing in NZ. It is hassle free, comfortable and everything is organized to maximise your enjoyment on and off the slopes.

That comes as no surprise to the thousands of Kiwis who travel to North America regularly to ski. But for first time North American skiers, it is always a pleasant surprise to find a totally dedicated ski resort built for skiers and boarders, right on the mountain.

Imagine a beautiful alpine village wonderland nestled in a valley surrounded by awesome views and snowy slopes. Imagine stepping out of your hotel door, putting on your skis or board and sliding down to a modern high speed chairlift, with no queues. Imagine gliding through soft powder snow in gently sloping glades or cruising down perfectly groomed pistes with no one in sight.

Imagine wandering around the on mountain village at the end of a perfect day on the slopes, soaking up the atmosphere as you walk to bars or restaurants for a cosy night of relaxation.

Most ski resorts in the Canadian Rockies open mid November and close mid to late May, with generally the best conditions from mid Feb to mid April. Now, don't think that because the resorts close in May that it's because of lack of snow. No: it's due to a lack of skiers and riders from the local area or they may be in a National Park and the Bears are waking up, and skiers and bears don't mix. The snow is still great!

Some resorts, particularly around the Banff area boast of their best days being in April, with longer sunnier blue sky days, and a great snow base. They often close with a 3-4 meter base!

How is this for a great Easter, and kids ski free

The bottom line: 5 days of annual leave will give you 10 guaranteed ski days somewhere fabulous!

Ski the Absolute Rockies Ski Alberta

It’s value season with lots of specials including Kids Ski for Free at some resorts. Good resorts to consider at this time of year: Lake Louise, Sunshine – all in Alberta Canada where the snow will still be great until mid May. Spring skiing in North America is not like NZ – check out what the experts say in the “Weather” section of our website.

		Guaranteed Ski Days	Includes	Canada	USA
1 Resort	8 nights	7 days lift passes	Airfares	NZ$2995	NZ$3495
1 Resort	10 nights	9 days lift passes	Airfares	NZ$3295	NZ$3795
2 Resorts	14 nights	13 days lift passes	Airfares	NZ$3995	NZ$4750
3 Resorts	21 nights	19 days lift passes	Airfares	NZ$4995	NZ$5750

These approximate prices include return airfares ex Auckland, twin share accommodation in studio kitchen units, return airport transfers, lift passes and taxes (except airline taxes). Use above NZD prices as a guide only.

Costs are in NZD and will vary from resort to resort depending on specials negotiated by Dive Fish Snow Travel at each resort. The above estimates are based on value season, mid Jan - mid Feb and late March - 30 April 2006 for accomodation, lift passes and airfares. For travel in other months add approximately NZ$290 for 1 resort, NZ$390 for 2 resorts and NZ$650 for 3 resort packages. Special conditions apply. Valid as at Nov 2005. NB: Jan school holidays always SELL OUT FAST. BOOK NOW to avoid disappointment

We appreciate that most New Zealanders prefer not to travel in groups, although many of our clients do. We’ve found that once a client travels with a group, they seldom travel alone again.

The main reasons why: year after year, the same people travel with the same tour leaders and group members to new locations. It's the FUN & CAMERADERIE, along with ambience and atmosphere, yet having the independence of doing your own thing and choosing accommodation that suits your needs. It's hard to put it into words, but it’s the friendships that develop between like minded skiers/boarders; it’s the fun of sharing the day’s experiences in the restaurant or bar after a great day on the slopes; it’s the chance to enjoy skiing/riding by yourself or with friends and catch up with other group members on the slopes from time to time.

Our groups often have a theme so you’ll be travelling with people who enjoy the same things, such as family tours, senior tours, boarder and hostel tours etc. We always include some special events and services for each group.

Don’t worry if you’re a novice or intermediate skier: 70% of our clients are! So don’t be put off joining a group by thinking you’ll be the odd one out: you won’t be. There is always a good mix of skiing abilities, couples and singles on our groups. The stronger skiers will head off on the blue and black runs and their partners may be having as much fun skiing at a more relaxed pace with other group members. Yet you can still meet up with your partner for coffee or share a chairlift.

Think out of the square - you won't be disappointed!

Taken at Kicking Horse on 3rd Jan 2006

Taken at Big White

For more Latest Snow Images from North America Click here

The largest indoor snow park in the world has opened in the Gulf Emirate of Dubai.

Built on what was previously desert sand, the slopes will be covered with manufactured snow all year round.

The centre has green, blue, red and black runs, chairlifts and snow patrols, like any other ski resort.

The area under snow is the equivalent of three football pitches, with runs built inside a giant, slanting metal tube around 25 floors high.

Source: BBC News

Would you like to become part of our dynamic snow travel team?

As more and more skiers/boarders will head to North America each year, we need to expand our snow team. Over the next few months we will employ a senior snow travel consultant and a junior/intermediate snow sales support person, to help our existing team.

If you have travel agent experience and a travel industry background with a commitment to customer service, and you're passionate about skiing or boarding, send your C.V. to ron@divefishsnow.co.nz
Note: we have 3 past customers who are now part of our team.

If you enjoyed reading Snow Times please forward a copy to your ski buddy and ask them to subscribe. You will both go into the draw to win 1 of 2 holidays. (If you currently receive this newsletter you are already in the draw).

You are receiving this newsletter because either you, or someone on your behalf, has signed up at divefishsnow.co.nz. To Unsubscribe just 'Reply' to this email and type 'unsubscribe' in the Subject line. To be in the draw to win either a trip to Vanuatu for 7 days at Hideaway Island travelling Air Vanuatu or 7 nights at Big White and 7 nights at Silver Star, including lift passes, you need to be in our subscribers' list at the time of the draw.

Regards - "THE SNOW TRAVEL TEAM" - Dive Fish Snow Travel
39A Apollo Drive, Mairangi Bay, Auckland, New Zealand.
Auckland PHONE: (09) 479 2210 - TOLL FREE: 0508 348 334
EMAIL: snowtravel@divefishsnow.co.nz

©Dive Fish Snow Travel 2005 www.divefishsnow.co.nz - all rights reserved