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PHOTO CREDITS: THOMAS BEVILACQUA
A SPECIAL INTEREST SECTION BY MEDIAPLANET
Exploring Western Canada EXPLORING WESTERN CANADA WITH MARK MCMORRIS Mediaplanet sat with Olympic snowboarder Mark McMorris to talk about why the Canadian Rockies and Western Canada’s landscapes are unmatched, how winter adventures can be for everyone, and how the region continues to inspire both his riding and his foundation’s mission. You’ve competed and trained all over the world. How does snowboarding in the Canadian Rockies compare to other top destinations internationally? Snowboarding in the Canadian Rockies is amazing. The mountains are world renowned, very pretty and very bold. I've had some of my earliest and best memories snowboarding in the Canadian Rockies.
Many people see winter as a season to “escape,” but you embrace it fully. What would you say to Canadians who have never experienced winter adventures in their own backyard? Canada really comes alive in the winter. From the mountains out west where I grew up, to the icy coastlines in the east, every part of the country has its own way of embracing the season. Out on the prairies, it’s about big skies, cold air, and finding fun in the simple things—whether that’s skating on a frozen pond, cross-country skiing, or just getting outside. No matter where you are, east to west and
everywhere in between, winter is just part of who we are. Canada is built for it.
You co-founded the McMorris Foundation to make sports culture more accessible. How can destinations and communities in Western Canada inspire the next generation of winter athletes?
Read the entire interview at truenorthliving.ca.
I think destinations and resorts, ice rinks, things like that, can always help make the next generation of athletes the best they can by allowing accessibility, giving those kids a place to participate on a daily basis is massive. Canadian kids have a lot of passion, so if you give them the right setup, there's a great chance for success.
When you’re not competing, how do you personally enjoy and explore the winter season here? When I’m not competing and I get some downtime in Canada during the winter, I love being in B.C. Surrounded by the mountains and spending time in the incredible backcountry—it’s one of my favourite ways to recharge and enjoy everything we have to offer here.
PHOTO CREDITS: REUBEN KRABBE
How to Ski More and Spend Less on Your Next Winter Escape Instead of heading to the U.S. for vacation, Canadians are increasingly choosing Alberta’s Rocky Mountains, with SkiBig3 delivering the best-value ski vacation.
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Ken Donohue
kiBig3 is a partnership between Banff Sunshine Village, Lake Louise Ski Resort, and Mt. Norquay Ski Resort, and it’s the one-stop shop for accommodation, lift tickets, rentals, and lessons.
Stay north and escape the crowds There’s nothing bigger or better than Banff National Park in the winter. And when the summertime crowds leave and a coating of winter white appears, magic happens and so do the discounts on accommodation and activities. Banff Sunshine offers breathtaking mountain vistas uninterrupted by any signs of civilization beyond the resort. It’s located just 15 minutes from Banff, and with 130 runs, there’s something for everyone, from the beginner skier to the expert powder hound looking to crush some double black diamond runs. And you can get to the top in comfort with the resort’s two newest highspeed heated bubble chairs.
Lake Louise Ski Resort, one of the largest ski resorts in North America, is expanding this season with 200 acres of new terrain and a lift on Richardson’s Ridge, adding to the recently opened West Bowl and its heated bubble chairlift, the Pipestone Express. The resort is known for its variety of terrain, including gentle slopes, long cruising runs, and some of the Canadian Rockies’ most exciting wide-open bowls and chutes. Mt. Norquay is Banff’s best-kept secret, and it’s celebrating its 100th anniversary. It’s the closest resort to Banff and is the only mountain in Banff National Park to offer night skiing, plus a fully lit terrain park and tube park. Experience the anniversary celebrations all season long with events and a new surface lift that will double the current learning area.
Ski Banff, support local Banff and Lake Louise don’t disappoint. The ski season is long, typically running from
Turn to SkiBig3 for the best deals on your Rocky Mountain ski vacation. Start planning your winter escape today at skibig3.com. November to mid-May. Spring is often the best time for snow, as storms roll through consistently, and April is when you’ll find the best deals. And unlike other locations, where rain can spoil the conditions, the snow quality at the three Banff National Park resorts is consistent. While you can count on excellent snow conditions, an added bonus is that come winter, there are no crowds in town or at the resorts. This means minimal lift lines, wideopen runs, and powder stashes all day after it snows. Your Rocky Mountain ski adventure is closer than you think — and it’s stress-free. Banff National Park is just 90 minutes from Calgary, and with multiple, non-stop flights daily from cities across Canada, getting there is easy. Plus, for a short time, kids ski and rent free. And you’ll feel good knowing you’re supporting local businesses, as all three resorts are owned by Canadian families.
This article was sponsored by SkiBig3.
Publisher: Jonah Sofer Strategic Sales Director: Anna Sibiga Country Manager: Samantha Taylor Content & Client Success Manager: Nicole Kansakar Creative Director: Kylie Armishaw Digital Designer: Christina Morgan Digital Media Manager: Karm Rathod All images are from Getty Images unless otherwise credited. This section was created by Mediaplanet and did not involve The National Post or its editorial departments. Send all inquiries to ca.editorial@mediaplanet.com.