ALBERTA, CANADA: Famous for its dry, fluffy snow and brilliant cloudless winter skies, Alberta offers unparalleled skiing and snowboarding. With thousands of hectares of powder snow, these Canadian Rockies ski resorts are beyond compare.

SKI RESORTS:

■ BANFF & LAKE LOUISE ~ These resorts share 3 ski areas located in the most spectacular part of the Canadian Rockies. They are all interlinked by a free shuttle bus from the two resort towns. With over 7,500 acres of ski terrain, there is everything on offer from groomed runs, to light dry powder. Choose accommodation in either in Banff or Lake Louise or split your stay between the two. Mountain Facts: Summit 2,730m, Lifts 26, Vertical Drop 1,070m, Runs 274, Avg Yearly Snowfall 3-9m, Longest Run 8km, Advanced 33%, Intermediate 45%, Easiest 22%.
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■ JASPER/MARMOT BASIN ~ The Marmot Basin ski field is located in Jasper National Park, a huge preserved wilderness area that offers unspoiled natural beauty, powder snow and a tremendous variety of ski terrain for all abilities. Accommodation is in the beautiful alpine town of Jasper. Mountain Facts: Summit 2,612m, Lifts 9, Vertical Drop 914m, Runs 84, Avg Yearly Snowfall 4m, Longest Run 5.6km, Advanced 40%, Intermediate 30% , Easiest 30%. > More Info

GATEWAY CITIES:

■ CALGARY ~ Home of the 1988 Winter Olympics, Calgary offers visitors the best of two exciting worlds – big city life and wilderness adventure. Get active at Canada's Olympic Park, enjoy the view from Calgary Tower and take a Heritage Park Train Ride. > More Info

■ EDMONTON ~ The Capital of Alberta, a city known for its style, sports, history, and adventure. Shop until you drop at West Edmonton Mall, take a tour of Elk Island National Park and tie on some ice skates in the river valley. > More Info

GETTING THERE:

Value Tours has negotiated the best airfares to Alberta. Air Canada, Qantas, Air New Zealand, Delta Airlines and United Airlines all offer discounted airfares in conjunction with a Value Tours package. Another popular option is catching the Snow Train to Jasper on Via Rail. Touring the Canadian Rockies by rail is an unforgettable experience with breathtaking views of the Rockies through a fully domed panorama car. > More Info