Group Air ****** - UPDATED POLICY/INFO as of 8/1/2024 *****'

There are currently 26 seats reserved for all people wishing to fly with "Group Air" out of San Diego ($641 RT) on 1/25/2025 and returning on 2/1/2025. Only those who elect to take "Group Air" are eligible for the FWSA Group Ground Transportation Bus (between Calgary Airport and Banff @ $85/RT). FWSA originally thought they would have enough seats on the buses to offer those who used their points or flight credit and on the same flights as those who booked "Group Air", the discounted Ground Transportation. As of 8/1/2024, it was determined that the FWSA could NOT offer ground transportation to anyone other than those who book Group Air.

IF YOU ARE NOT TAKING GROUP AIR YOU NEED TO BOOK YOUR OWN TRANSPORTATION BETWEEN THE AIRPORT and BANFF.

There is a "Drop Dead" date for "Group Air". We need have have at least 10 people who signed up for Group Air/Ground Transportation to make Group Air/Ground transportation viable. The deadline is October 14th. If we don't have 10 people signed up for Group Air by that day, the Group Air option of the trip will be cancelled (and you will be refunded that portion of your trip cost). Those who signed up for Group air will be notified, to book their own airfare (since FWSA will have had the seats reserved.. you should be able to get seats on the same flights as the group air is scheduled for - if you want to take those same flights). Keep an eye on the "Banff Blog" for updates..

For those people who need to book their own ground transportation, we recommend booking with the "Banff Airporter" as it has both adult and senior prices. People can go to https://Banffairporter.com or call 1 (888) 449-2901 to make their reservations. The price for the RT ground is $ 165.80 CAD for adults and $ 149.22 CAD for seniors.   Banff Airporter service will monitor flights and make changes to their pickup schedule to accommodate flight delays and cancellations. They will drop off and pickup people at their Banff lodging, so make sure to let people know the name of their lodging so that they can include their lodging destination when they make their reservation. There are Other Shuttle Companies which I (trip leader) have not used... which can be checked out. These include:

Vivo Green: https://vivogreentravel.com/

Brewster Express: https://www.banffjaspercollection.com/brewster-express/

PLEASE NOTE THERE IS NO UBER OR LYFT in Banff itself... but they DO operate out Canada, in big cities like Calgary (where we fly in/out of). It is conceivable one could get an Uber/Lyft driver to take you to/from Airport/Banff... but I would NOT recommend one depend on getting a ride with Lyft/Uber if you are trying to catch a flight.

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For those considering booking the trip using the "Group Air"... Here is the tentative flight schedule:

From San Diego (SAN) to Calgary (YYC) - we will be traveling on Westjet, Flight WS1565 leaving San Diego at 1:40 on 1/25/2025

Returning from Calgary (YYC) to San Diego - we will be traveling on Westjet, Flight WS1564 leaving Calgary at 10:30 AM on 2/2/2025

Group Air Cost: $641 Round Trip

IF you are taking group air - you can purchase discounted Ground transportation from Calgary Airport (YYC) to/from Banff for $85 Round Trip

Make sure to book your ground transportation when you book your group Air - you you will be flying with Group Air.

The Discussion that follows applies to those who sign up for Group Air.. in terms of Luggage Handling/Costs and Skis.. If you book your own flights, please contact your air carrier, and tell the ground transportation company bringing you to and back from Banff, the kind of equipment you are bringing with you..

Luggage:

Those who partake in the Group Air Ticket, get one checked bag free and one carry-on. Additional bags will cost the going rate come 2025 (see WestJet Baggage guidelines at https://www.westjet.com/en-us/flights/fees#baggage). The WestJet baggage pages emphasize prepaying and registering your bags prior to coming to the Airport. This guidance does NOT apply to those signing up for "Group Air". People on the Group Air flight will need to specify their additional bags, and pay for them when they check in. This policy/guidance is subject to updates..

Please note on the Supplementary SDCSC web page, we will be asking you to specify what bags you expect to be bringing.. so we can give WestJet some idea of what to expect with regard to equipment that will be checked in..

Skis:

WestJet last year charged people for one bag, when bringing a pair of boots, and a ski bag which combined weighed 50lbs or less. This may change come next year when the trip occurs with the advent of ski bags that allow you to put your boots in your ski bag so they are physically one bag.. (that needs to weight 50 lbs).

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Shipping Skis:

The cost of shipping skis via third party companies is now getting to be in the ball park of dragging the skis on the flight with you. The idea of shipping people's skis ahead of time via a ski shipment company so to make traveling simpler, and possibly cheaper was considered as an option. After some research, it turns out, in that we are traveling internationally - this is not trival and the bulk shipment of skis would require a representative show up at customs to get the bulk shipment through the border.. so if you want your own skis there - it looks like the best way to get them there is to take them with you...

Renting Skis:

There are a number of shops in Banff that rent ski and boarding equipment. Considering the cost of bringing your own equipment ($150) RT, it may pay to simply take you boots with you and rent skis and poles... The Ptarmigan, where we are staying, is associated with a local shop in Banff, called Ultimate sports. Ultimate Sports is offering the San Diego Ski Council 10% off their rental rates (Remember to specify you are FWSA in the notes field of the Rental Agreement to get the discount)... You can check out their gear at www.ultimatebanff.com. If you rent gear for a week, you may exchange it out up to twice during that week (great way to try out new gear). They do have a rent to buy program (2 days rental applies to purchase). When looking at their pricing remember that the prices are in Canadian Dollars - you will see you can get a pretty good deal on rentals. All rental gear can be picked up after 2pm the night before you go skiing - so you can make that early bus in the Morning. Watch this section for updates, as to additional rental discounts which FWSA works out with other ski shops in Banff.

Bringing Food

In that you are flying to a foreign country it is HIGHLY suggested you not bring any fruit and nuts unless in vacuum sealed containers or wrappers.  The hotel we will be staying at is really very close to one of the largest markets in Banff... (the size of a Vons), so getting food when there should not be an issue. Beware of bringing sandwiches which have any vegetables on them... I have had mine confiscated.

Exchanging Money

Banff is a big tourist destination, and as such, most places will accept US currency. There is also a Currency Conversion place in the Clock Town Village Mall (At the entry to the Mall you will see a sign. It is part of the Jewlery Store. Generally speaking it has been "cheaper" to convert US dollars to Canadian dollars in Canada. The only time I needed coinage in Banff was at the Laundromat. Most people simply use a credit card that doesn't charge transaction fees. NOTE: The local newspaper sometimes has an advertisement for the Currency Exchange place, that will waive the processing fee - so check the local papers if you plan on exchanging currency. Some of the local maps (given out in the lobby) also offer coupons saving you the processing fees associated with exchanging money.

IKON Pass

The IKON pass can be used at any of the three mountains in the Banff area for a total of 5 times, if you have the base pass, and up to 7 days if you have the Full IKON pass. None of the mountains are owned by Altera - so there are no discounts at the dining facilities at the mountains. That being said, many of the shops in Banff display a banner that says "IKON Welcome here"... and they will give you a discount (10/15 % depending upon the type of IKON pass you have)... In otherwords, when you go shopping - bring you IKON pass!

Emergency Services on the Mountain -

Like the US, the Canadian Ski Patrol (at least historically speaking), will provide first aid and get you off the slopes at no cost (other than a requested donation). Please note that depending upon your injury (if you are brought into the Ski Patrol clinic), they may insist you take a "cab" or Ambulance to the hospital... even if you think you can make it back to Banff on the bus... Furthermore, if this happens to your buddy - your buddy may not be able to accompany you to the Hospital and they may be asked to get to the Hospital via the Roam bus system...

Electrical Power

Canada uses the same type of outlets found in the US that provides 120v at 60 Hz..  (no different than the US).

Citizens Band Radio (CBs/Walkie Talkie Usage)

Generally speaking FRS Radios/Walkie Talkies can be used in Canada…but they have different restrictions on transmitter power and frequency limits.  You probably won’t get caught if you bring your Walkie Talkie with you… but if you want to know the fine differences check out the website: https://woofthebeatenpath.com/is-gmrs-legal-in-canada-and-can-i-use-my-radio-there/

Cellular Service -

Call your cellular provider to see the cost of making calls from Canada (Alberta); Make sure to note the plan because some providers offer different capabilities based upon the plan you are enrolled in, or a travel package you sign up for. For example, AT&T works in Banff National Park (which includes parts of most ski areas), and is included for free IF you are enrolled in an unlimited plan with ATT. Verizon plans are similar (you need to be in a plan that offers Mexico and Canada).  

Maps and Apps, Mountain Tours, Ski Friends, and Ski School/Private Tours

The ski resorts in Canada do not make getting a physical map easy.. You won't usually find maps at the chairs and/or in the lodges. Some times they make you come into their "Guest Services" area or ask a guide directly... Instead of handing out maps.. the Canadian ski resorts display a QR Code on their trail maps signs, which when read by your smart phone will download a PDF map to your phone. The problem with this is that you may be conserving your battery in the cold, or you may not have a network connection (although some of the mountains actually provide WIFI on the hill). It is recommended that you actually download any maps you might need to your phones PRIOR to your leaving on this trip. The available maps and links to them are found on this trip page, in the left and right margins. In addition you should consider downloading the following Apps for the Big 3 Ski Resorts:

• Sunshine Village Banff
• SkiBig3

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Both Sunshine and Lake Louis offer a "Mountain Tour" or "Ski Friends"; Nordquay is too small of a mountain to offer a tour.

• The Sunshine Mountain Tour is offered to once a day (in the Sunshine Village) at about 11:45 AM. To get to the Tour meeting place, you need to take the Sunshine Village Gondola so leave time to get to the Village if you plan on taking the tour. The tour's primary objective is to introduce you to the layout of Sunshine Village. The tour groups, depending upon number of people working that day, and the kinds of skiers wanting the tour, can be broken down by level of expertise. The SnowHosts, as they call themselve however will limit the tour to doing at most blue-black runs.

• The Lake Louise "Tour" is actually run by an organization called "Ski Friends" based out of Canada (https://skifriends.ca), which are people who volunteer (in exchange for a lift pass) to take people of different capabilities to places at Lake Louise where they think the people will most enjoy to ski. They do NOT do a tour, per say... they go where the group votes to go. They DO limit the number of people that can join each group, so one shouldn't be late if you want to ski in one of their groups! The groups they form include Blacks and "Double Blacks" (although they won't take down a double black - they will point you at them and meet you below). This is one of the few places in the world where you can find the buddy to ski the runs you wouldn't do yourself.. It was great doing the deep powder trees with them. This is my main reason why I come back to ski Banff time again..

If you wish to take lessons (or sign up for a private tour) at the mountains out of Banff, and you don't want to use a credit card... make sure you have Canadian currency. Check with their ski school desks...

On the Mountain Dining:

Nordquay is an old fashion mountain... and at the Top of its North American Chair (which is close to 70 years old), is a bistro with an incredible view. and the chair's top features a building that some what resembles a castle (well it was last time I was there). It is currently being revamped and is scheduled for a major opening in 2026 so if it is open (the Bistro) - it is worth taking the chair up there, and checking out the view and the experience. Otherwise Nordquay has a cafeteria like feel to its lower dining facility bringing back memories of the days when we had leather boots.

Sunshine has a few places to eat on the mountain, but most of the dining experiences are out of the village at the top of its Gondola. They have a few sit down service restaurants up there, as well as ski in/out accommodations and a fireplace in the lobby (if you are really cold). Sunshine supports 3 sit down places for those who bring their own food... One is a tent like structure at the base of the village, and another real structure is out of Goat's Eye.

Lake Louise's dining facilities are both on mountain and at its very base. Lake Louise is very large, and there are a number of dining locations.. The base is basically split into two restaurants/pubs so make sure you coordinate with your friends into which half they are meeting, if they say they will meet down there.

Ski Lockers:

I believe most of the mountains have ski lockers for rent, but the locals don't appear to use the lockers. Instead Sunshine and Lake Louise have outdoor racks (cages) into which you can stuff your bags... You will see 100's of them. I suggest you take a backpack with you and some sort of lock to lock it onto one of the racks for storing your gear. It is very convenient and it seems to be what everyone does. It should be pointed out that Nordquay has always been family oriented, and many people simply stuff their bags under the chairs in the cafeteria area... (they are revamping the place - so we will see in the future). At Lake Louise, you will find the metal cages both on the side of the buildings where the buses pick you up and drop you off. If you are afraid your gear might get wet, the backside of the dining facilities offer the same kind of cages, but under the cover of a porch roof. At Sunshine Village - the bag cages are outside the main dining area in the Sunshine Village.

Ski Rentals:

We get favorable trade rates with Canada, so the price of renting gear there is not as high as here in the United States. If FWSA gets any discounts with regard to Rentals - we will post how to get them here..   As far as waxing and tuning goes... there are a number of shops in town, and there are good services available at both Sunshine (at Sunshine Village) and Lake Louise.

Heli-Skiing:

There is HeliSkiing available out of Banff, There are (2) companies that offer HeliSkiing:

• CMH Heliskiing - https:/cmhheli.com - 403-762-7100 - 217 Bear Street, Banff, AB Canada
• R.K Heliskiiing - https://www.rkheliski.com 800-661-6060

CMH actually has an office in downtown Banff..  Both HeliSkiing companies are accepting reservations for 2025 (Web sites are listed above).

Hotel Rooms at the Ptarmigan -

San Diego Council participants will be staying at the Ptarmigan Inn. Details of the hotel can be found at: https://banffptarmiganinn.com/ . The hotel has hot tubs, a sauna, and a steam room (Hot tubs are open from 7am to 11pm) . It also has a restaurant that opens at 7am and serves breakfast until 10am. There are coffee shops nearby too. Check-in time is any time after 4pm - Checkout time is 11am. There is a parking structure - whose spots are available on a first come first serve basis. The Standard Rooms have a drip coffee maker and tea kettle (not the Keurig machines - in the photos - those are in their high-end rooms) , a Mini Fridge, a Flat Panel TV, a Clock Radio, Iron/Ironing Board (on request), and Hair Dryer. Rooms do NOT have a microwave, but there is a shared microwave in the lobby. Other Frequently asked questions whose answers are not found by Google..

• Check-in requires a Credit Card and ID (Passport).. for ONE person in the room
• Ski boots can be worn in the Hotel, Skis are NOT allowed in the rooms, Lockers in the ski locker-room are $10 each for the week (fits 2 skis or 1 snow board)
• Tap water is drinkable (actually tastes good).
• Ice/Vending Machines - not on site... IGA market is half a block away.
• Fitness Center - They do have one - it is very small - An exercise bike and treadmill, There is not a place to stretch out, there are no rollers, or "balls"
• Door Keys - They utilize RFID Key cards (which can be programmed on demand - everyone in the room can have one)
• Wifi - Free Wifi is offered that is secured with a password (not an open network). Ethernet (wired internet) is NOT available in the rooms
• Flat Screen TVs - These are NOT smart TVs (cannot "beam" to them). They do have an external HDMI port but you will need to bring an HDMI cable to use it
• Each room should have a USB charging port
• Ski Waxing Room - Yes there is a Ski Waxing Room - accessible with your room key.
• Laundry - There is no on-site laundry equipment. Nearest coin operated laundry is in the Cascade Mall Coin Laundromat (1 block away).

Transportation in Banff (local and to the mountains)

There is no Lyft or Uber in Banff - This usually comes as a surprise to people... but these services do not operate out of the Banff area. There ARE two taxi companies that operate out of Banff with a central dispatch service that can be reached at (403)-762-0000. Lyft and Uber DO operate out Canada, in big cities like Calgary (where we fly in/out of). It is conceivable one could get an Uber/Lyft driver to take you to/from Airport/Banff... but I wouldn't rely on it.

This is not to say that you can't find a car service in Alberta Canada... Both Uber and Lyft appear to have service support in Calgary itself.

There are two bus companies that operate out of Banff: Brewster and ROAM. The ROAM buses are the commuter buses, and provide transportation mostly within the confines of the town of Banff, although there are 2 lines that reach out to the ski areas. The ROAM buses are integrated with the Transit App so you can tell when they are scheduled to appear. This App is available for both Android phones and Apple iPhones. It is also the same App that can be used in Mammoth to track the busses service Mammoth Mountain. The ROAM buses are not free, but you can request a code for use with the ROAM buses, at the front desk at the Ptarmigan. If you find yourself out on the town, and without the code to ride free, the Transit App can be used to purchase tickets for the ROAM bus. People at the Ptarmigan will probably not need to take the ROAM buses, as our hotel is very very close to the very center of Banff. For details on the ROAM buses see "https://roamtransit.com/"

The second bus company operating out of Banff is called "Brewster Express". The Brewsters Coach lines is the company that runs the buses that go to the Ski Areas for "free" (are paid for my the ski areas). The Brewster coaches have "Luggage areas" beneath the buses in which all the skis will be stored, with the exception of the buses that run to Nordquay which more resembles a school bus (Nordquay is really close to Banff) with racks on its sides (Not sure Nordquay buses are Brewster buses). The time schedule for the Brewster Express will be posted as we get closer to the time of our trip. Last year the buses to Lake Louise and Sunshine ran about every 90 minutes, the trip taking about 45 minutes. The bus schedules last year were staggered so that if you missed one, you could choose to ski at another area, instead of waiting 90 minutes for the next bus to the given resort.. Please note that the Brewster buses do fill up... when they do, the drivers call for a backup bus... which can appear within 15-30 minutes if one is available... so don't be surprised to see people hiking with their ski gear to an earlier bus stop on the route if there is fresh powder to be had... to assure getting a seat on the first bus to the slope.. The Brewster coaches are heated, and you can wear your boots on the bus.. Please note where you get dropped off at the ski resort as your bus will pick you up at the same location... When it comes to returning back to Banff, be careful to get on the correct Banff bus! The buses returning to Banff don't have the same route once they get back to Banff. Make sure the bus you are getting on is going to the Ptarmigan (you should see signs listing the hotels being serviced on the "corrals" defining the line of people waiting to return to Banff). The buses returning to Banff appear to run much more frequently than the interval in which they leave from Banff to the resorts.. especially at the time the mountain is closing..

The two bus companies do NOT share the same location as their base of operation.. so beware if someone tells you they will meet you at the "bus station".. there are actually 2 different "Banff" central bus stations. When referring to the bus station, outside the bounds of Banff, the term "Banff Bus Station" usually means the "Brewster Transportation Centre" (which is a block away from the train station, just off Route 1). If you ask a Banff local where the Banff bus station is, many people will give you instructions to the Banff High School Transit Hub.. (downtown Banff on Banff Avenue).

Hidden Gems in Banff.

Banff itself has a lot of underground shopping. It does not look that big above ground, but if you go inside the malls you will find that some of the malls are quite large. There are also outlet stores, and discount shops. There is a "food court" below ground, in the Cascade Mall (https://cascadeshops.com/). This mall features a Columbia outlet, and the Laundromat. Address of the Mall is 317 Banff Ave... Our Hotel is 377 Banff Ave (right down the block). Looking for a good bargain on buying a snowboard or ski apparel - you need to check out the Rude Boys Snowboard Clearance Center... at 215 Banff Ave (underground) - Near the Helly Hansen outlet store.. The IGA Market (which has a large choice of Grab and Go items) is a half block behind the Ptarmigan and is open from 7am to 10pm. Banff has a lot of pubs and restaurants which offer pretty good happy hours.. Lastly you might check out one of the local hostels, as one has its own pub with great happy hour food AND you will find local residents advertising their wares and skills (like inexpensive ski tunes).

Local Media - When looking for what to do in Banff, make sure to checkout the "Rocky Mountain Outlook" (online at https://www.rmoutlook.com). This publication is a wealth of information listing every restaurant and links to their web sites, and lists all the events going on.

Need Cash? - Most banks in Canada feature ATMs. The closest bank/ATM to the Ptarmigan is ATB Financial, on the same block as the hotel... 24 Hour ATMs are also available with a block or two (downtown Banff). You will NOT find American Banks in Banff... but most banks and ATMs will accept American Debit cards. Address of the 24-hour ATMs:

• RBC Royal Bank - 117 Banff Ave
• TD Canada Trust - 210 Buffalo St

Cellular Service - If you need help with Cellular Service in Banff (and didn't buy into a US plan offering Canadian service), you can find it in the Cascade Mall at the "Source". They sell SIMS which you can insert into your phone by which you can access their local cellular networks (usually "Rogers" or "Telus" networks). Usually One month of service is $15.. with minimal "data". If you plan on using an "eSIM", you should purchase your "eSim" prior to leaving the US and make sure you load it PRIOR to leaving the US as you will need to do it via a WIFI network.

Cannabis - Bringing Cannabis across the border is not recommended - even though both US and Canada allow for its recreational use. Smoking it in the rooms is also not permitted. Cannibus stores are within a block or two of the Hotel, and close between 9pm and midnight (depending up which one you go to).