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Tips for Skiing in Canada
by Emilio Trampuz
CARRY A PASSPORT!
A drivers license is not enough. In the last few years, you needed two
pieces of ID to prove your American citizenship. Starting in 2006,
even this will not be enough any more. A passport will be the only way to
cross borders. Don't wait until the last minute. Get a passport now!
PAY EVERYTHING BY CREDIT CARD
By paying with a credit card, you will usually get the best rate of
exchange, the one that international banks use to move money among
themselves.
GET SOME CASH TOO, AT ATMs
Having some cash on hand is always good, to pay for a cup of coffee on the
slopes, or to purchase items at places that don't accept credit cards.
You don't even need to go to a bank to get some cash. You can withdraw
Canadian cash from ATM machines (some of them at the resorts themselves) by
simply using your debit card (the one linked to your checking account).
SKI RESORT DEALS
In the past two years (if not more) we've
noticed an interesting tradition among some Canadian ski areas.
Keep this in mind for next year. Chances are , the traditions
will continue:
1) Sun Peaks offers a
special "ski free" day to all US citizens on Thanksgiving. It's
their way of saying: "Happy Thanksgiving to our neighbors south
of the border!" Also, just so the Canadians themselves wouldn't
feel left out, the day after Thanksgiving is a "ski free" day
for Canadian citizens! That way, everybody is happy! So, keep
this in mind for next Thanksgiving. And, you can combine it
with the following:
2) Big White offers
free
skiing to anyone who comes and reserves lodging at Big White.
You don't even need the Warren Miller coupons, as long as you
are willing to find lodging in the on-mountain village. Minimum
stay is 2 nights. The
offer is valid from opening day till mid-December. Chances
are a similar offer will be available in future years too.
Still, double-check before you go.
3) Silver Star
has the same offers as Big White (since they are under the same
ownership). Free skiing till mid-December if you stay on the
mountain.
MAKE FRIENDS WITH A CANADIAN
Talk to the locals on the chairlift, in cafes, in the hotel's hot
tub, etc. Canadians are friendly people. If you are nice to
them, they might even reveal some local hidden stashes on the
mountain! |
