Winter Ski Specials at Fairmont Hotels

Photo courtesy Fairmont Hotels & Resorts

Travellers looking to hit the slopes this winter season need venture no further than Canada’s own legendary snow-capped peaks, many of which are star some of the nation’s most iconic inns, resorts and chalets.

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, known for its distinctive collection of historic and iconic properties, can be found in such premiere ski locations as Whistler National Park, Banff National Park and Lake Louse National Parks. With Fairmont Hotels, downhill skiing is just one way to chase away the winter blues. Guests can also enjoy the winter season with such activities as cross country skiing, alpine hiking, sleigh rides, ice skating and winter fishing. A few getaways to consider this season:

Ultimate Whistler Ski Experience

Fairmont Château Whistler, North America’s largest ski-in, ski-out property, provides direct access to the legendary slopes at Whistler Blackcomb. A ski valet situated at the hotel entrance assists guests with ski equipment rentals while an on-site “Experience Guide” provides tips on the best slopes and where to find the best views.

Take your adventure to the next level with Whistler Heli-Skiing. These heli-adventures unfold over 432,000 acres of mountainous terrain that house 173 glaciers and 475 ski runs. Not up for skiing? Spend the day ice fishing with an experienced local guide or chill out at the Chocolate Bar, where artisan hot chocolate is handcrafted with chunks of organic chocolate. Flavor your drink with exotic extras such as dried apricot and cherry milk chocolate or consult with the hotel’s mixologists to lace your chocolate with house-infused spirits.

The Ultimate Whistler Ski Experience includes a one-night stay and one Whistler Blackcomb dual-mountain ski resort lift pass per adult, per night. Rates start from C$585 per room per night; the package is valid through April 17, 2016.

Charlevoix Family Ski Experience

For a family getaway, Quebec’s Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu is located near 160 km of cross-country skiing trails, with heated cabins along the way. Other winter activities at this countryside retreat include snowshoeing, complimentary carriage rides, ice fishing and skating. At day’s end, warm up next to the fire while watching the sun set over the St-Lawrence River.

The Charlevoix Family Ski Experience includes accommodation, four ski lift tickets (2 adults, 2 children) at Mont Grand-Fonds, in-room cookies and milk, and one complimentary in-room movie per night.  Hotel shuttle service to Mont Grand-Fonds is also available. Rates starts from C$291 per night, and the package is available through March 19, 2016.

Ski & Save Package

With a backdrop that inchludes the Victoria Glacier and the snow-frosted Rocky Mountains, Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise entices the whole family with its winter adventures. For skating enthusiasts, the hotel team builds an intricate, skate-through ice castle from huge blocks of ice. Join a complimentary cross-country ski tours which traverse some of the nearby cross-country trails. Explore the nearby forest with a snowshoeing excursion or take in the magical silence of the evening sounds with a night-owl snowshoe trip. A horse-drawn sleigh ride is a perfect way to enjoy a romantic evening in Lake Louise.

With the Ski & Save Package, guests can skiing at one of three of Banff National Park’s renowned mountain resorts, including The Lake Louise Ski Resort, Banff's Mount Norquay or Sunshine Village. Or enjoy a C$100 resort credit towards dining, adventure activities or a relaxing spa treatment. The package starts from C$369 per night, based on double occupancy, and is available through May 1, 2016

The Ultimate Tremblant Ski Package Experience

Located at the base of Quebec’s majestic Laurentian peaks, the ski-in, ski-out Fairmont Tremblant is located in a postcard-ready setting, with access to 94 ski runs. The Ultimate Tremblant Ski Package Experience, starting from C$413 per night, includes overnight accommodations, one ski lift ticker per person and a complimentary full buffet breakfast.

Luxury Ski Package

Located less than 20 minutes from Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, Marmot Basin calls to outdoor enthusiasts with its 4 mountain faces, stunning views and reputation for small crowds and all-natural snow. The hotel’s Winter Activity Rental Shop, which provides suggestions on how to explore Jasper National Park, rents downhill skis, cross-country skis, ice skates, snowshoes and toboggans.

The Luxury Ski Package includes accommodations, schedule shuttle service to the ski hill, lift tickets to Marmot Basin, daily breakfast for two, complimentary ski/snowboard storage and special spa discounts. Rates start from C$409 per night and the package is available through May 2, 2016.

Follow @MonicaPoling