Finally taking the plunge! - Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community

2macinnis2 · 03-25-2008, 09:25 AM

Just a little background, ever since I was a little kid growing up in Buffalo NY, I've been a Flames fan cheering against the hated Oilers dynasty. 1986 and 1989 were great years, and I continued to love the Flames during the dark years (when cheering for the Blues, see my sig, made things easier to swallow).

Anyways, long story short, during the dark times I promised that if the Flames ever had a playoff game again (remember at that time, well before the new CBA, teams in Canada were being replaced by Southern US cities),that I would make the trip out west and go to a game. Never did in 04, what a massive regret. Excuses aside, this year I convinced my girlfriend and April 12-18 we're going snowboarding in Banff and going to whatever games we can! Of course, the first game after we make the airline reservations, the Flames get blanked! Of course, haha.

In any case, anyone have any suggestions as to where the best place to ski in the rockies is? Also, where should I stay in CGY? Thanks!

JD · 03-25-2008, 09:35 AM

For skiing, Lake Louise and Sunshine are by far the best resorts in our neck of the woods, but being that late in the season, I'd recommend Sunshine because of it's elevation and tendancy to keep quality snow longer.

For staying in Calgary, if you have the cash, I'd recommend one of the hotels in the downtown/Eau Claire area (Sheraton, Westin, etc). If not, motel village in the NW across from McMahon Stadium might do the trick... it's not downtown or even that nice, but right on the LRT. Or one of the hotels on Macleod Tr. a couple km south of Stampede Park, more central, but not really pedestrian-friendly.

I sincerely hope you get to see nothing but WINS on your trip!

2macinnis2 · 03-25-2008, 10:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JD

For skiing, Lake Louise and Sunshine are by far the best resorts in our neck of the woods, but being that late in the season, I'd recommend Sunshine because of it's elevation and tendancy to keep quality snow longer.

For staying in Calgary, if you have the cash, I'd recommend one of the hotels in the downtown/Eau Claire area (Sheraton, Westin, etc). If not, motel village in the NW across from McMahon Stadium might do the trick... it's not downtown or even that nice, but right on the LRT. Or one of the hotels on Macleod Tr. a couple km south of Stampede Park, more central, but not really pedestrian-friendly.

I sincerely hope you get to see nothing but WINS on your trip!

Dude that's awesome, thanks a lot for the advice. I really can't wait, is it cold skiing out there now?

HotHotHeat · 03-25-2008, 10:02 AM

Yikes, that's a late ski trip (I guess it's more a ski trip in disguise though). Sunshine is your best/only bet. Louise is still open usually but it sucks that late in the season.

Be prepared for a mad google tan/burn.

troutman · 03-25-2008, 10:17 AM

Might be very hard to get playoff tickets.

FanIn80 · 03-25-2008, 10:22 AM

Yeah tickets might be a pain to acquire, but you can always join the thousands of Flames fans spread out amongst the city's favorite pubs and watering holes!

burn_this_city · 03-25-2008, 10:34 AM

I prefer Lake Louise to Sunshine anyday.. Sunshine is too flat with poorly marked hazards. Both are open until late May so you should find decent conditions. Its really a toss up, I dislike the gondola and shabby lodge at Sunshine, so I usually factor that into my decision where to go.

ricoFlame · 03-25-2008, 10:36 AM

for spring skiing, sunshine, no question.

JD · 03-25-2008, 10:45 AM

Nope, it won't be cold skiing in April. Of course you never know in the mountains, storms can pop up any time, but you can probably expect melting snow and temperatures just above freezing. Like mentioned, you'll probably get a sunburn!

As for tickets, pay attention to calgarypuck daily to get your updates on when they are available and through what avenues. There is no better source of Flames info than here!

2macinnis2 · 03-25-2008, 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JD

Nope, it won't be cold skiing in April. Of course you never know in the mountains, storms can pop up any time, but you can probably expect melting snow and temperatures just above freezing. Like mentioned, you'll probably get a sunburn!

As for tickets, pay attention to calgarypuck daily to get your updates on when they are available and through what avenues. There is no better source of Flames info than here!

This is great stuff guys, thanks. Tickets-wise, hell, I'm all the way out there (coming from NYC), so I just as well figured I probably will hit up stub-hub or some other ridiculously over-priced venue.

Cant wait!!

Jayems · 03-25-2008, 01:21 PM

Wintergreen?

/kidding
/i know its closed down

Hack&Lube · 03-25-2008, 01:38 PM

If you are in a last minute bind, check out the CP ticket exchange http://forum.calgarypuck.com/forumdisplay.php?f=28

Might even score free tickets but that's doubtful during playoffs.

jayswin · 03-25-2008, 02:44 PM

I may have to go to BC on short notice in April and my season ticket partner isn't back from school til may, so if any Flames home playoff games fall on the days that I go, i'll probably throw them on Calgarypuck, but I'll definitly hit you up with a PM first, as you're comming all this way.

habernac · 03-25-2008, 03:06 PM

ah, spring skiing at Sunshine. I remember one April, about 20 years ago or so. I was in too much of a rush to put my sunscreen on properly. At the end of the day, you could see the marks on my face where my fingers had put on the sun screen. The next morning, my forehead was cracked and bleeding from the burn. Good times.

2macinnis2 · 03-25-2008, 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flameswin

I may have to go to BC on short notice in April and my season ticket partner isn't back from school til may, so if any Flames home playoff games fall on the days that I go, i'll probably throw them on Calgarypuck, but I'll definitly hit you up with a PM first, as you're comming all this way.

Definitely do that, thanks

sparky69 · 03-25-2008, 06:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flameswin

I may have to go to BC on short notice in April and my season ticket partner isn't back from school til may, so if any Flames home playoff games fall on the days that I go, i'll probably throw them on Calgarypuck, but I'll definitly hit you up with a PM first, as you're comming all this way.

See this is the exact one I always come back to this forum and recommend it. everyone is so nice. anyways If you are going to sunshine on said dates in April PM... i might be going to sunshine then, and i know the hill pretty well

jayswin · 03-26-2008, 12:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sparky69

See this is the exact one I always come back to this forum and recommend it. everyone is so nice. anyways If you are going to sunshine on said dates in April PM... i might be going to sunshine then, and i know the hill pretty well

uh no, I'm a prick, Calgarypuck unaminously decided I'm worse than Hitler.

See thread below

http://forum.calgarypuck.com/showthread.php?t=56061

sparky69 · 04-07-2008, 04:06 PM

macinnis u still coming out on said dates? If you would like I have a Lake Louise card that I could give you. It has a discount day on it then the second time you use it the day would be free. I'm will not be able to get out to sunshine or Lake Louise probably for the rest of the season as I got mono now.

nickerjones · 04-07-2008, 06:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flameswin

uh no, I'm a prick, Calgarypuck unaminously decided I'm worse than Hitler.

See thread below

http://forum.calgarypuck.com/showthread.php?t=56061

i was waiting for a mention on that........................ just make sure this guy isnt from harlem, you dont need any more gang threats

Johnny 99 · 04-07-2008, 06:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sparky69

macinnis u still coming out on said dates? If you would like I have a Lake Louise card that I could give you. It has a discount day on it then the second time you use it the day would be free. I'm will not be able to get out to sunshine or Lake Louise probably for the rest of the season as I got mono now.

have