Shred the best of Banff with Slush Mag and Dustin Craven this April
Mint has partnered with Slush Magazine and SkiBig3 to offer an unforgettable spring shred trip based in Banff, Canada. Spend three days riding the SkiBig3 resorts – Sunshine Village, Lake Louise and Mt Norquay with Canadian pro rider Dustin Craven and Slush Magazine’s founder and chief Pat Bridges. Dustin grew up in Calgary and spent most of his life riding in Banff and he’ll be the perfect guide to show you around his local resorts and share his local knowledge.
Here’s what to expect:
- 3 days of riding at Sunshine Village, Lake Louise and Mt Norquay with Dustin Craven, Pat Bridges & Mint
- 4 nights staying at the Canoe & Suites in Banff
- Calgary airport transfers
- Nightly events including VIP shop night
- Hosting throughout the week.
Limited spots available, so sign up early. This tour will sell out.
Dates
4 - 8 April, 2024
PRICE
Twin Room CAD $1,680 pp
Single Room CAD $2,090 pp
TOUR TYPE
Spring session - open to everyone!
DURATION
4 nights I 3 days on-snow
WHY TRAVEL WITH MINT
In a rapidly changing travel industry it’s important to know that your travel provider is accredited, accountable and responsible. We are a registered member of AFTA and IATA and conduct business in accordance with the ATAS Charter and Code of Conduct. When you travel with Mint you can have peace of mind that you are booking with a qualified and established travel operator with over 20 years of expertise. And as a full-service travel agent, we are able to take care of your pre or post tour arrangements.
Banff Spring Weekender
Get in touch for a detailed tour itinerary and more info
Slush Magazine
Born out of the desire to provide authentic stewardship of snowboarding culture while evangelizing the "riding life" Slush Magazine brings its audience along on a sideways journey via magazines, movies, social media, and events.
Who is Pat Bridges?
The unofficial commissioner, historian, and encyclopedia of snowboarding, Pat “The Eye" Bridges has documented the sport for almost 27 years starting with E.I. then Snowboarder Mag and now Slush Magazine.
Why Banff?
With three world-class ski hills – Mt. Norquay, Sunshine Villageand the Lake Louise Ski Area– 8,000 acres of skiable terrain, deep powder and one of the longest ski seasons in North America, Banff is the place to be if you're looking for an all-time snowboard experience.
Who is Dustin Craven
One of snowboarding's biggest names, Dustin originally from Calgary Alberta, knows all about Banff and where to find the goods. Dustin would have come straight from riding at the Natural Selection Tour and hopefully with the win!
Stay at Canoe & Suites
Banff's Newest hotel on Banff Avenue has spacious hotel rooms and offering a unique mountain feel right in the heart of the township. Twin and single rooms are available.
A Typical Day
After breakfast, meet your guides and we'll make the short walk to the resort bus. Your guide will show you the spots to find the best conditions on the day. From fantastic off-piste riding to checking out the unbelievable views. Evenings are spent downtown checking out the bars and restaurants to get a true locals perspective.
ESSENTIAL INFO
INCLUSIONS
- 4 nights staying at the Canoe & Suites in Banff (twin or single options)
- 3 days of on-snow guiding with Dustin Craven and Pat Bridges
- Return Calgary scheduled airport transfers
- Nightly events including VIP shop night at Rude Boys
- Giveaways
- Fully-escorted tour, guides on hand throughout the tour
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
- Optional lift pass purchase (Ski Big 3 is on the IKON pass)
- Flights
- Travel insurance
- All meals
This tour is suitable for advanced snowboarders. You should be comfortable on black diamond runs, frequently ride off-piste at a resort or in the backcountry, can confidently navigate any alpine and treed terrain and maintain a continuous rhythm and pace, even through traverses and flat sections.
If you’re not quite up to the ability level for this tour, talk with our team and they will be able to make recommendations for other suitable tours, or how to work towards joining this tour.
When you are ready to book, we’ll ask you to self-evaluate what type of rider you are. This will help us book you on the right tour. The more accurately you’re able to self-assess your on-snow abilities, the more you (and others in your group) will be able to enjoy the tour.
DATES 4 – 8 April, 2024
Here’s a list of our most frequently asked questions. If there’s anything we haven’t covered, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
WHY TRAVEL WITH MINT?
In a rapidly changing travel industry it’s important to know that your travel provider is accredited, accountable and responsible. Mint is a registered member of AFTA and IATA and conducts business in accordance with the ATAS Charter and Code of Conduct. When you travel with Mint you can have peace of mind that you are booking with a qualified and established travel operator with over 20 years of expertise. And as a full-service travel agent, we can take care of your flights, insurance, stopovers and pre-or post tour arrangements.
WHAT HAPPENS ONCE I SIGN UP FOR THE TOUR?
After you sign up for this tour, you will receive pre-trip emails with specific information about your tour, the arrival and departure day process, information about the destination, packing suggestions, and other relevant information to help you prepare for your trip. In addition to this, you have access to our customer care team who are just a phone-call away. And as a full-service travel agent, we are able to take care of your flights, insurance, stopovers and pre or post tour arrangements.
HOW MANY DAYS ON-SNOW?
There’s 3 days in total. One of the advantages of travelling with Mint is that you have dedicated guides for your entire tour. Our guides are on-hand from the moment you arrive, until we say goodbye on departure day. They are not only with you all day on-snow, they are also on-hand each evening. They are always more than happy to share their experience with you on the mountain, and share a beer and some laughs at the end of the day.
WHAT HAPPENS ON ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE DAY?
Once you’ve signed up for the tour we will send you through a comprehensive guide with details about the tour including the airport arrival and departure day process, a map of where we meet, recommended arrival and departure times, flight options, Visa requirements and transportation information.
HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE ON THIS TOUR?
Each tour is different, but we know that by offering one of the smallest client to guide ratio in the industry allows you to ride at your preferred pace, and ultimately leads to a better experience for everyone. We have a maximum of 12 people per host on this tour. This ensures you get the most out of your time with us, and keeping the groups small means less time waiting and more time riding.
WHICH RESORTS WILL WE VISIT?
Sunshine Village, Lake Louise and Mt Norquay.
CAN I ARRIVE EARLY OR STAY ON AFTER THE TOUR?
For most tours you can arrive earlier or stay later. We can tailor the trip to suit your travel plans. Speak with one of our tour specialists when you are booking and they will be more than happy to assist.
ARE FLIGHTS INCLUDED?
No, flights are not included. If you need assistance booking flights, we can book you the best flight options for the tour, with no booking fees.
DO I NEED TRAVEL INSURANCE?
Yes. All guests on tour need to be covered by comprehensive travel insurance. Once you have booked on the tour, we strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance.
WHAT HAPPENS ONCE I’VE BOOKED?
Once you’ve booked your spot on tour, we will send you through a booking confirmation and provide updates about the tour including the arrival and departure day process, a map of where we meet, recommended arrival and departure times, flight options, Visa requirements and transportation information. We will send out a Pre Departure Guide 7 days prior to departure.
WHERE DOES THE TOUR START?
The tour starts at Calgary International Airport. We’ll provide you with a guide with details on how to get to our meeting point on arrival day and where to meet your hosts. If it’s your fist time to the USA or if you’re unsure about travel arrangements, often we can link you up with other tour guests to travel with.
HOW DO I CHECK AVAILABILITY?
Speak with one of our tour specialists. As this is a small group tour with limited availability, it’s best to get in touch early to avoid disappointment.
ARE LIFT TICKETS INCLUDED?
No. the Ski Big 3 resorts are an Ikon Pass destination. No lift tickets are included but we can upgrade you to a Banff 3 day lift ticket if required.
CAN I RENT EQUIPMENT?
We can arrange rental equipment for most destinations, however we do recommend bringing your own equipment.
WHAT EQUIPMENT SHOULD I BRING?
Banff ski areas like any ski area can experience all kinds of weather depending on the season. We recommend that guests have a good quality waterproof jacket and pants, lightweight insulated layer, merino base layers, merino gloves and waterproof gloves, goggles with low light and high light lenses, sunglasses, balaclava, beanie, and helmet. We recommend that all guests bring their own snowboarding equipment for the tour.
WHO WILL BE ON MY TOUR?
Your group will be made up of travellers from diverse backgrounds and will be varied in age. Our groups generally mix well due to a shared interest in snow sports and an eagerness to explore each destination.
PRICE PER PERSON
Twin Room
CAD $1,680 per person
2 queen beds for 2 people travelling together
Single Room
CAD $2,090 per person
1 King bed for 1 person
DEPOSITS AND PAYMENTS
To secure your spot on tour 100% is payable upon booking via online payment link.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
View our terms and conditions HERE