Aussie skiers and snowboarders returned to their favourite Canadian ski resorts en masse this season. And with consistent snowfall, plenty of off-slope action and great hospitality (not-to-mention poutine and cinnamon buns), who could blame them?
Resorts across British Columbia and Alberta have welcomed Australians back with open arms – after all, we stay longer and spend more than other visitors, and we ski and ride hard.
Joanne Motta, Australia’s Destination British Columbia representative says, “we have 13 resorts across British Columbia and whether you’re travelling solo, as a group or a family, or even with non-skiers, you can find exactly what you’re looking for”.
Unsurprisingly, the legendary resort town of Whistler tops the visitor charts. With the most skiable terrain in Canada, one of the longest ski seasons in North America, and a cosmopolitan ski-in, ski-out pedestrian-only village, it’s easy to see why.
Those searching for fewer crowds and lighter snow have been heading further inland, hitting up the slopes at resorts such as Sun Peaks, Silver Star, Big White, Revelstoke, Banff and Lake Louise – as well as the smaller (but equally epic) resorts on the renowned Powder Highway.
There’s plenty of fun to be had off the slopes across Canada too, including dog sledding, snow tubing, sleigh rides, axe-throwing, ice fishing, or a night at the ice hockey.
“Aussies love the combination of great snow, an abundance of winter wonderland activities and great après. We also have real coffee too, a flat white goes down well before hitting the slopes”, says Motta.
Costs be damned
Numbers-wise, we’re coming back strong, according to ski wholesaler Sno’n’Ski, who is seeing TTV up on pre-Covid levels, particularly the 4-5 star market who are not so affected by the higher airfares.
“We are seeing significant demand over peak periods, even with the increased costs,” says Emily Porter, National Sales Manager at Sno’n’Ski.
“We are encouraging customers to book early to secure their preferred accommodation and ancillary items such as lessons and activities”.
Porter adds that Sno’n’Ski has scaled up their team, with little to no wait times on the phone, and as a result conversion is 50 per cent higher than pre-Covid.
“We are seeing more agents calling us with little to no ski experience, but with our help, are converting some great ski packages,” she says.
As one ski season wraps up, the booking season for the next begins. May is a key month in the ski selling calendar, with Snow Travel Expos, early bird deals, incentives, and a crew of resort reps hitting our shores for info sessions and après nights.
Keen to sell and shred some Canadian powder yourself next year? Check out the Sno’n’Ski Mega Fam 2024 Canada incentive here.
To boost your knowledge about Canada in general, become a Canada Specialist here.
