Banff, Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada … three major resorts in Alberta – Lake Louise the best known, Sunshine Village with wide, high skiing right on the continental divide, and Norquay which is smaller but close to town in Banff. Historic Hudson’s Bay Company has a shop in Banff – the company has been going since the seventeenth century. Loads of alternatives to skiing too … snowmobiling, ballooning, Excellent dog-sledding through the Bow Valley which can be one hour, half day or even up to a five-day adventure. Lake Louise has a ten-minute lift line guarantee – they’ll give you your money back if it’s longer! There’s a green run off every mountain top. 45% intermediate, 35% expert, 20% beginners. Lots of high Alpine bowls – and no off-trail restrictions. If you’re within the boundary you can ski anywhere. Very reasonable eating at the base lodges. Sunshine Village has been hugely expanded in recent years since opening Goat’s Eye Mountain. Sunshine usually runs into June and without snow-making. Brilliant high skiing, with fabulous views. Eighty-two trails and an experience almost like heli-skiing. Norquay is just ten minutes from downtown Banff. It’s a great option for people who like to shop in the morning! Lift lines are very rare. It looks very steep from the road, but the pitch of trails eases round the unseen side of the mountain! Lots of excellent eating and drinking. I just loved the Barbary Coast for top pizzas. The Caboose is very stylish at the old railway depot, superb beef.