Ski Trip

[wooohooo]

Hi everyone.

I'm planning a ski trip for about 15-25 people and we're looking at spending the least as possible (poor students). Anyone know of good lodging areas for this many people?

Also I was looking at the marmot/sunshine cards for $80 bucks that gives you 1st, 4th, 7th day free... can you use these multiple times on the same day? Or anywhere to get cheaper lift tickets?

Thanks!

[Bring_Back_Shantz]

No, you can't use the cards multiple times on the first day, that's why it's 1st, 4th, 7th day free, not buy 7 get three free.

That being said, just about any resort that has codos on the mountian will give you a deal on tickets. So assuming you're doing an overnighter, just start calling places like Panorama (even though it's usually crappy, I've always enjoyed ski trips there) or Kickinghorse.

[wooohooo]

Yeah I guess I'm asking mostly if there are places to buy bulk tickets somewhere...

I calculated prices and its way more expensive to stay on the mountain even with free tickets. Staying in Canmore and driving out seems a lot cheaper.

However, we are looking at the option of renting a bus /private charter. Anyone know any good companies?

[SebC]

Check out Backside Tours and see if what they offer works for you.

[3 Justin 3]

Step 1: Rent Cabin
Step 2: Blow all money on booze
Step 3: ????
Step 4: "What did I do last night?"

[DownhillGoat]

Backside is a good suggestion.

Any particular mountain you're looking at?
Have you looked at Whitefish? They've got great lodging/tickets prices. Last time I went it was cheaper for us to get an on-hill room with lift tickets included than it was to stay in town and buy tickets, (assuming 3 ppl per room).

Also, Fernie has some decent budget hotels. Snow Valley motel is nice and clean, sizeable rooms (some even have couches) and great service. I stayed there when I was skiing as a poor student and actually still stay there anytime I go.

For bulk tickets to nearby mountains, check Costco. Or call the mountains. With a group of more than 10 you should be able to get a discount.

[surferguy]

castle mountain hostel...that is all.

[wooohooo]

I did look at Whitefish but we have individuals that don't have passports... wonderful eh? But maybe I'll see if they can get them by then.

I don't think anyone really wants to drive that far so I guess the main worry is finding a bus that will drive us there while keeping prices as cheap as possible.

[3 Justin 3]

Originally Posted by wooohooo

I did look at Whitefish but we have individuals that don't have passports... wonderful eh? But maybe I'll see if they can get them by then.

I don't think anyone really wants to drive that far so I guess the main worry is finding a bus that will drive us there while keeping prices as cheap as possible.

Not to derail the thread, but how can you (I assume you and you're friends out of high school) not have a passport? (not you, you're friends)

To me, that is crazy.

Just don't invite them, that'll teach them.

[Torture]

Go to Fernie. If you're not on the mountain at least you can stay in the town.

[SebC]

Originally Posted by wooohooo

I don't think anyone really wants to drive that far so I guess the main worry is finding a bus that will drive us there while keeping prices as cheap as possible.

If you're going to charter a bus, it's probably gonna be tough to beat Backside. Plus, the bus is licensed once you get into BC.

[wooohooo]

Originally Posted by 3 Justin 3

Not to derail the thread, but how can you (I assume you and you're friends out of high school) not have a passport? (not you, you're friends)

To me, that is crazy.

Just don't invite them, that'll teach them.

They just came here from another Country and just wrote their citizenship exam. She's a good friend of ours and snow is really exciting for them haha...

[wooohooo]

Originally Posted by SebC

If you're going to charter a bus, it's probably gonna be tough to beat Backside. Plus, the bus is licensed once you get into BC.

We weren't really thinking of going to BC and perhaps going to Sunshine or Lake Louise. But if the price is right, BC would be awesome.

[3 Justin 3]

Originally Posted by wooohooo

They just came here from another Country and just wrote their citizenship exam. She's a good friend of ours and snow is really exciting for them haha...

Snow is very exciting...when the sun is out and you're on a ski slope.

Snow is rather boring...when it is frozen to the road and everyone is crashing into each other driving 20kph.

haha

Go somewhere in BC. Whistler is nice.

[SebC]

Originally Posted by wooohooo

We weren't really thinking of going to BC and perhaps going to Sunshine or Lake Louise. But if the price is right, BC would be awesome.

Our trips usually went to Fernie/Kicking Horse/Panorama, I assume because it makes affordable lodging easier to arrange. Your group might be a bit small... the groups I went with were larger. Of course, they might be able to combine you with another group or something.

[dubc80]

Someone suggested Backside, but try Downhill Riders too. Ive been on countless trips with them over the years and always had a really good time.

How much are you looking to spend? And for how many days?

If you're on a tight budget and just want to go to Louise or Sunshine, just do day trips.

You can try renting a private condo/house off VRBO too, but depending on the dates there may be a minimum number of nights required.

[wooohooo]

Originally Posted by dubc80

Someone suggested Backside, but try Downhill Riders too. Ive been on countless trips with them over the years and always had a really good time.

How much are you looking to spend? And for how many days?

If you're on a tight budget and just want to go to Louise or Sunshine, just do day trips.

You can try renting a private condo/house off VRBO too, but depending on the dates there may be a minimum number of nights required.

Well Preferably under $300/pp. I'm looking at renting a place at Canmore which sleeps 8 ppl/room which comes out to only $70 bucks/pp. Also maybe rent 2 12 or 15 passenger vans (anyone got coupons/deals?) as I think a private bus is too expensive.

[Olao32]

Just did a quick sear on kijiji (no it's not me selling). Some guy is selling 8 passes for $50/ticket. Might be worth picking up as you can use on multiple hills.
http://calgary.kijiji.ca/c-buy-and-s...AdIdZ243195183


If you switch your venue to Louise/Kicking Horse/Castle Mountain, the 2010/11 Louise card is $100, which comes with 2 lift tickets and $50/ticket thereafter. http://www.skilouise.com/louise_cards.php


Never been to Castle, but heard you can get pretty good deals on weekend packages where you ski and stay on the hill. Might be worth checking out.

[East Coast Flame]

Pano is great because there are lots of places to stay in Invermere, you can usually rent full size cottages right in town. Thats what my friends and I usually do. The hill is pretty lame, but Kicking Horse is only an hour away.

Kimbo is pretty good too, they have condos right on the hill that you can stay in.

[Sliver]

If you're trying to do this on the cheap why are you looking at chartering a bus? That seems kinda ######ed.