Progress your skills by riding more vertical, more terrain and more powder
Join Mint Tours on the ultimate Canada Road trip along British Columbia’s famous Powder Highway. We kick off the tour in Calgary and finish in Kelowna. Along the way you’ll get to ride at Revelstoke, Panorama, Lake Louise, Sunshine Village and Norquay.
Your local Canadian Mint guides will get you involved in the local scene – check out a hockey game and try curling, relax at the hot springs, drink at craft breweries and hang out at local snowboard shops. This tour is hosted by our team of local Canadian guides who grew up shredding all over British Columbia and Alberta and they can’t wait to show you some of their ‘local’s only’ secret spots. Throughout the tour, you’ll stay in modern and comfortable hotels and travel in our van that’s kitted out for long road trips. With the Mint crew leading the way, all you have to do is show up and ride, we’ll take care of the rest.
From Calgary Airport we drive west along the Trans-Canada Highway to the iconic town of Banff. This place is Pure Canada, with snow-covered summits that stretch as far as the eye can see. You’ll get to ride 3 world-class resorts – Lake Louise, Sunshine Village and Norquay – while staying in the heart of town with all the restaurants, bars and nightlife on your doorstep. From Banff, we head south-east along the famous Powder Highway towards Panorama. The terrain here ranges from perfect corduroy groomers to ‘backcountry style’ runs in Taynton Bowl, which is 750 acres of patrolled, ex-heliski terrain. We then drive north-west to a place which is always a guest favourite for its cool mountain town vibe and deep powder. Here you’ll get to ride at the legendary Revelstoke resort, a place that’s hard to describe the authenticity and abundance of snow. We spend the 3 nights and 2 days riding in Revy which is barely enough time to scratch the surface as it has the most vertical in North America, four high-alpine bowls and 13 gladed areas. The tour finishes in Kelowna.
Dates
25 February - 7 March, 2025
Duration
11 Days I 5 Resorts I 7 Days on-mountain
Price
USD $3,290 per person
Ability Level
This tour is suitable for Strong Intermediate to Advanced riders
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 flights, insurance, stopovers and pre or post tour arrangements.
CANADA POWDER HIGHWAY TOUR
Get in touch for a detailed tour itinerary and more info
ABOUT REVELSTOKE
Revelstoke is a Mint Tours favourite and has always been one of the stops on our Canada tours. A big mountain playground located in the heart of the Selkirk and Monashee mountain ranges. The resort rivals anywhere for terrain and snow and is a hotspot for some of the worlds best riders and film crews. The resort is mammoth, so you'll need two full days to explore here.
ABOUT BANFF - SUNSHINE VILLAGE
Sunshine Village sits high on the Continental Divide in the heart of Banff National Park. Three sprawling mountains provide breathtaking views, uninterrupted by any signs of civilisation beyond the resort’s boundaries. Sunshine has the longest non-glacial ski season in Canada and can receive up to nine metres of light and dry snow thanks to the elevation.
ABOUT BANFF - LAKE LOUISE
Known for it’s spectacular scenery and variety of terrain from gentle slopes and long cruising runs, to glades, chutes and some of the Canadian Rockies most exciting and wide open bowls. When visiting Lake Louise Ski Resort, be sure to take your camera! The spectacular views of mountains, glaciers, lakes and forests are truly unique and befitting of Canada’s first National Park.
ABOUT BANFF - NORQUAY
Norquay continues to be the locals’ gem. Just minutes from the Town of Banff, this is the best-kept secret in the Canadian Rockies! If it’s a powder day, we’ll head for the Norquay Glades, off the Mystic Chair for perfectly spaced trees stacked with fresh snow. Or we’ll head to the North American Chair, renowned for its steep slope, this chairlift offers unlimited line choices and unmatched face-shot potential.
ABOUT PANORAMA
Panorama is one of those hidden-in-plain-sight gems. It’s been a stop on our road trips for the past 10 years for a very good reason. The terrain ranges from perfect corduroy groomers to ‘backcountry style’ runs in Taynton Bowl, which is 750 acres of patrolled, ex-heliski terrain. You can expect to find pockets of powder, long after a storm has passed. Taynton Bowl offers perfectly spaced trees, long runs and endless lines all to yourself.
COMFORTABLE ACCOMMODATION
Throughout the tour you'll stay in comfortable accommodation that's in the best location. All rooms are twin share with two Queen beds and have modern facilities.
SMALL GROUPS
We offer one of the smallest client to guide ratio’s in the industry which ultimately leads to a better experience for everyone. With just 8 people on this tour and 2 guides, our small groups allow greater manoeuvrability and ease of access to the best areas a destination can offer.
PRE-TOUR SUPPORT
After you sign up for a 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.
ESSENTIAL INFO
INCLUSIONS
✔ 4 nights accommodation, Banff (twin share)
✔ 3 nights accommodation, Panorama Mountain Resort (twin share)
✔ 3 nights accommodation, Revelstoke (twin share)
✔ 1 day lift ticket, Lake Louise
✔ 1 day lift ticket, Sunshine Village
✔ 1 day lift ticket, Mt Norquay
✔ 2 day lift ticket, Panorama
✔ 2 day lift ticket, Revelstoke
✔ 1 guided day at Lake Louise
✔ 1 guided day at Sunshine Village
✔ 1 guided day at Mt Norquay
✔ 2 guided days at Panorama
✔ 2 guided days at Revelstoke
✔ Scheduled airport transfers (arrival & departure day)
✔ Private inter-resort transfers
✔ Tips and tricks from our qualified guide and coach
✔ Fully-escorted tour, local Canadian guides on hand throughout the tour
✔ Pre tour support from your Mint tour manager
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
✘ Flights
✘ Travel insurance
✘ All meals, snacks and drinks
✘ Hot spring entry
✘ Guide gratuities
WINTER 2025 DATES AND PRICE
Arrive: 25 February, 2025
Depart: 7 March, 2025
Price: USD $3,290 pp twin room
TOUR UPGRADES
Upgrade to Ikon Base Pass
USD $489
All the resorts that you’ll ride during this tour are on the Ikon Pass. If you would like to upgrade from single day lift tickets, to the Ikon Base Pass, you’ll not only be able to use it during the tour, you’ll also get access to the following destinations:
Unlimited access at:
Winter Park, Copper Mountain Resort, Eldora Mountain Resort, Palisades Tahoe, Mammoth Mountain, June Mountain, Big Bear Mountain Resort, Snow Valley, Stratton, Sugarbush Resort, Snowshoe, Tremblant, Blue Mountain, Solitude Mountain Resort
(Blackout dates – Dec. 26 – 31, 2024; Jan. 18 – 19, 2025; Feb. 15 – 16, 2025)
Up to 5 days each at:
Aspen Snowmass, Arapahoe Basin, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Big Sky Resort, Sun Valley, Killington-Pico, Windham Mountain Club, The Highlands, Boyne Mountain, Alyeska Resort, The Summit At Snoqualmie, Mt. Bachelor, SkiBig3, Revelstoke Mountain Resort, Cypress Mountain, Red Mountain, Panorama, Sun Peaks Resort, Sunday River, Sugarloaf, Loon Mountain, Taos Ski Valley, Deer Valley Resort, Brighton, Alta Ski Area, Snowbird, Snowbasin, Camelback Resort, Blue Mountain Resort, Chamonix Mont-Blanc Valley, France Dolomiti Superski, Italy, Grandvalira Resorts, Andorra, Kitzbühel, Austria, Zermatt Matterhorn, Switzerland, St Moritz, Switzerland, Thredbo, Australia, Mt Buller, Australia, Coronet Peak, The Remarkables & Mt Hutt, New Zealand, Niseko United, Japan, Arai Snow Resort, Japan, Valle Nevado, Chile
(Blackout dates – Dec. 26 – 31, 2024; Jan. 18 – 19, 2025; Feb. 15 – 16, 2025; July 6 – 21, 2024; July 5 – 20, 2025)
CONDITIONS – WHAT TO EXPECT FOR YOUR TOUR
It snows a lot! February and March sees regular storms, however the weather is more settled which opens up more options for locations and terrain choices. Temperatures range from 0C to -25C (32F to -13F) but usually it hovers somewhere in between. Temperatures are typically well below freezing and the snow stays in good condition, even days after a storm.
DAY 1 – ARRIVAL DAY
Welcome to Canada! Make your way to Calgary Airport load on the bus and travel along the Trans-Canada Highway to the iconic town of Banff. This place is Pure Canada, with snow-covered summits that stretch as far as the eye can see. You’ll stay in Banff for 4 nights and get to ride 3 world-class resorts – Lake Louise, Sunshine Village and Norquay – while staying in the heart of town with all the restaurants, bars and nightlife on your doorstep. Once you arrive, your guides will be on hand to check you in and help you settle in and set up your equipment. Your guides will hold a ‘Welcome Session’ where they will run you through the tour, weather, equipment and answer any questions you have. After our welcome session, join your guides for dinner. It’s a great opportunity to get to know everyone on tour.
DAY 2, 3 & 4 – RIDE LAKE LOUISE, SUNSHINE VILLAGE & MT NORQUAY
Each day will follow a similar format. You’ll spend the next three days riding the main resorts in Banff – Lake Louise, Sunshine Village and Mt Norquay. These are big mountain playgrounds where you’ll find every type of terrain. Here’s roughly what you can look forward to each day:
Mornings – Enjoy breakfast at your leisure, then meet your guide in the lobby at the departure time. Load up the van and make the drive to either Lake Louise, Sunshine Village or Mt Norquay.
At the Resort – Your guide has an in-depth knowledge of each resort and will show you around the resort and let you in on some of the locals only secret spots. Your guide has spent many seasons working in Banff, and he can’t wait to show you why the Banff resorts are renowned as world-class snowboarding destinations. Each day you’ll ride to the conditions. If conditions are good, we’ll aim to spend a full day on mountain. Typically we’ll break for lunch on mountain and you’ll get to sample some of the local Canadian specialties.
Afternoons – The perfect way to top off a big day riding is to follow it up with a visit to the Banff Hot Springs. The perfect spot to relax the muscles after a big day riding.
Evenings – Your guides will make a dinner reservation each evening. You’re welcome to join or head out independently to explore. Banff has many lively restaurants and pubs to explore, all within easy walking distance from the hotel.
DAY 5 – TRAVEL TO PANORAMA VIA RADIUM HOT SPRINGS
Check out of the hotel and load your gear into the van. Today you’ll drive to Panorama Mountain Resort with a stop off on the way at the famous Radium Hot Springs pools. It’s a good chance for some rest and recovery after 3 big days riding in Banff. If hot springs aren’t your style, take a walk around this idyllic mountain town that’s nestled between the towering peaks of the Canadian Rockies and Purcell Mountains, with the Columbia River running down its spine. After the hot springs, you’ll hit the road and make the short drive to Panorama Mountain Resort, your base for the next 3 nights. At Panorama you have plenty of time to relax, as you’re staying in slope-side accommodation, just steps away from the main chairlift. After checking in, meet the crew for dinner and drinks next door at the T-Bar pub.
DAY 6 & 7 – RIDE PANORAMA
After breakfast, meet your guides. For the next 2 days you’ll be shredding at ‘Pano’ with the group. Panorama is one of those hidden-in-plain-sight gems. It’s been a stop on our road trips for the past 10 years for a very good reason. The terrain ranges from perfect corduroy groomers to ‘backcountry style’ runs in Taynton Bowl, which is 750 acres of patrolled, ex-heliski terrain. You can expect to find pockets of powder, long after a storm has passed. Taynton Bowl offers perfectly spaced trees, long runs and endless lines all to yourself. After riding, you have have some time to relax or hit the slope-side hot pools, then head out for dinner with the crew at the pub for some good ol’ Canadian fare.
DAY 8 – DRIVE TO REVELSTOKE
Check out of the hotel and load up the van. Today we depart Panorama and drive one of Canada’s most scenic routes to Revelstoke! Excitement is stirring in your chest, you can’t wait to get here and for good reason. The journey is as much a part of the experience as the powder turns you’re waiting for. Your excitement will build as you ascend the highway and wind through mountain passes surrounded by impressive, snow capped peaks. On arrival to Revy, check in to the hotel and you have some to to get set up for the days ahead. In the evening join your guides for dinner at the iconic pub, the Village Idiot and don’t forget to try their epic poutine.
DAY 9 & 10 – RIDE REVELSTOKE
Each morning, enjoy breakfast at your leisure, then meet your guide in the lobby at the departure time. Load up the van and make the short drive to the mountain. You’ll spend the next two days riding at Revelstoke which is a Mint Tours favourite. It’s the kind of place you can show up to a week after it has snowed and still find blower pow. A big mountain playground which has the most vertical in North America with an annual snowfall of 15+ metres. The resort rivals anywhere for terrain and snow conditions and is a hotspot for some of the worlds best riders and film crews. The resort is mammoth, so you’ll need two full days to explore here. Each evening you’ll head out with the crew for dinner and drinks at one of the lively restaurants or bars. Revelstoke is a thriving mountain town in winter and there’s always a party to be found on any night of the week.
DAY 11 – DEPARTURE DAY
This morning is your final day. Check out of the hotel and your guide will transfer you to Kelowna airport for your return home or we can organise for you to extend your trip to another destination.
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.
WHAT IS A FREERIDE TOUR?
Our Freeride Tours offer you the best chance to ride powder, plus on this tour you’ll get to experience a variety of different ski areas in the one trip. Our experienced guides have an in-depth knowledge of the resorts we visit, which gives you the ultimate advantage when your chasing deep, un-tracked snow. We’ll aim to ride and ski a lot of powder, glades and trees so please be prepared to ride and ski in the trees. Of course weather and conditions are impossible to predict so guests must be prepared to ride or ski anything.
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 arrival and departure day process, a map of where we meet, recommended arrival and departure times, flight options, Visa requirements and transportation information.
WHAT IF I’M TRAVELLING SOLO?
About 99% of our guests are travelling solo, so you’ll be in good company. Our groups generally mix well due to a shared interest in snow sports and an eagerness to explore all that Canada has to offer. If you are travelling solo, you will be paired with another guest to room with. The accommodation for this tour is twin share i.e. 2 beds per room.
HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE ON THIS TOUR?
There is a maximum of 8 people on this tour with 2 guides. 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 powder.
IS THIS TOUR RIGHT FOR ME?
This tour is best suited to strong intermediate to advanced skiers and snowboarders who can link turns in powder snow, can make a variety of turn shapes and can traverse and hold speed. If you’re not sure, give us a call. Weather and ski conditions are impossible to predict so guests must be prepared to ride or ski anything.
WHICH RESORTS WILL WE VISIT?
On this tour you will ride at Lake Louise, Sunshine Village, Mt Norquay, Panorama and Revelstoke.
CAN I ARRIVE EARLY OR STAY ON AFTER THE TOUR?
Yes! Mint 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. We offer all of our tour guests discounted snow specific 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 30 days prior to departure. Prior to the tour commencing we will invite you to a group chat which is managed by your tour manager and guides.
CAN I BRING MY PARTNER WHO DOESN’T SKI OR SNOWBOARD?
The Canada Powder Highway Tour is not suitable for non-skiing or snowboard partners.
HOW DO I CHECK MY ABILITY LEVEL?
The best way to check if a tour is suited to your ability is by speaking with one of our tour specialists. They will be able to determine if the tour you have selected is a good fit for your ability, as well as suggesting other tour options.
HOW DO I GET TO CALGARY?
We’ll provide you with airport meet and greet times for Calgary and recommended departure times for Kelowna Airport. If it’s your fist time to Canada 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.
DO YOU TAKE SKIERS & SNOWBOARDERS?
We are ski and snowboard friendly. This tour is led by snowboard guides.
CAN I RENT EQUIPMENT?
We recommend that all guests bring their own equipment for this tour.
WHAT EQUIPMENT SHOULD I BRING?
Temperatures range from 0C to -25C (32F to -13F) but usually it hovers somewhere in between. It snows a lot, so make sure your equipment is suitable. We strongly recommend that guests dress in clothing specific for traveling in backcountry areas. 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 & high light lenses, sunglasses, balaclava, beanie, and helmet. We recommend that all guests bring their own ski or snowboarding equipment for the tour (board, boots, bindings & outerwear).
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 all that the tour has to offer.
ARE LIFT TICKETS INCLUDED?
Yes all lift tickets are included.
HOW TO BOOK
To reserve your spot, email [email protected] and one of our travel managers will send you a quote, availability and further information for the tour.
DEPOSITS AND PAYMENTS
A 50% deposit is payable to secure your booking. The balance is due 90 days prior to tour departure.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Mint Tours terms and conditions HERE