When it comes to skiing and snowboarding in the Canadian Rockies, Canmore is the best of all possible worlds. There's a world-renowned cross-country ski facility right in town, with an array of easily accessible backcountry trails available in just about every direction. And Canmore is at the epicentre of five different notable downhill ski areas, including Lake Louise and Sunshine Village.

The hardest part is deciding where to start.

Sunshine Village
Only twenty minutes from Canmore, the Sunshine high-speed gondola whisks skiers up to the village at 7,000 feet. From there, numerous high-speed quads spread out all over the area - most above treeline for beautiful views and wide-open cruising.

Sunshine is renowned for its all-natural snowfall - located on the Continental Divide, the resort gets over 10 m (33 feet) of snow every year.

There's something for everyone, with 22% green, 31% blue, 42% black, and 5% double black. The famous Delirium Dive provides added thrills for those with shovels and peeps. Snowboarders rave about the terrain park and halfpipe, as well as powder stashes too numerous to count.

Sunshine offers the only on-hill accommodation in the national parks.

Lake Louise
In one hour from Canmore, you can be at the top of Lake Louise, looking over the Bow Valley and preparing for an epic day of skiing or riding.

With Canada's largest snowmaking network, and more than 4000 acres of spectacular terrain for all skier capabilities spread over four mountain faces, the famous Rocky Mountain resort will offer 10 lifts to visitors when it opens for the winter season in early November 2003.

Consistently a favorite for its incredible scenery and terrain, Lake Louise is a must for any visitor to the Rockies.

Ski Banff @ Norquay
Only 15 minutes from Canmore, the mighty Quay is where locals sneak away for 10 or 20 runs before heading to the office at lunch. It has plenty to offer skiers and riders all day long, and the only night skiing in the area every Friday.

The terrain ranges from gentle beginner runs that provide areas to build confidence and skill, up to heart pounding double black diamond runs that will challenge any expert. For snowboarders, there is a sensational halfpipe that is sure to be a hit with the experts. The park also features gap jumps, table tops, 1/4 pipes for all levels of riders. Free riding all over the mountain is a delight with glades, steeps and wide open cruisers.

Nakiska
A 40-minute drive from Canmore in beautiful Kananaskis Country, Nakiska offers a great mix of runs, with family cruisers, amazing glades, and steep corduroy runs to race down (evoking the 1988 Olympics, perhaps - Nakiska hosted the downhill events).

The Homesteader half-pipe is open right from day one every year, and the Elbow terrain park proves highly popular with skiers and boarders alike.