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PAGE 10 - WATERLOO CHRONICLE. WENSOAY. DECEMBER 7, by Roy McAllister Pine scented, pure air, mngttirieettt mountains. spectacular scenery, and peace and quiet ... this is what greets you at ski resorts throughout the world. There are few experiences in a lifetime that compare with the joy of standing atop a tree clad mountain ehvered with pristine snow and simply absorbing the spectacular scenery. Whistler is easily accessible from all over Canada with flights arriving in Vancouver', emeient airport. There's a twp hour scheduled non-stop transfer to the resort by coach along the entrancing Sea to Sky Highway. However, for a real treat take the helicopter service from Vancouver directly into Whistler An indescribable flight and experience. Skiing IS a healthy sport available virtually all over the world including such unlikely places as Hawaii. For your skiing pleasure, and mine. let me give you my thoughts. recommendations and opinions on where to obtain the best value. The Okanagan Valley boasts two fine resorts .r. Big White and Apex. Both are accessible by flying into Kelowna Prt you will need to transfer flights in Calgary. Both resorts offer on site accommodation and full service mountams. Canada West 'FT the premiere resort is Whistler Blackcomb commonly referred to as Whistler. It's actually two superb mountains interconnected by chair lifts with the pedestrian-only village cuddled conveniently at the base of these two huge mountains. On clear days, ski Seventh Heaven on Blackcomb or when it's overcast, ski the treed runs of Whistler, The Village. built with care, and in consideration of you, the skier, boasts numerous restaurants serving superb foods for fast service or leisurely dining. Night life is your choice ._. from quiet, and relaxing in front of your fireplace to throbbing discos. Accommodations range hom bed & breakfast to deluxe. Banff Is the perennial favourite ski destination from this central part of Ontario. [outed in the 1"i"j ""'i'i'"i"i'i'i"i":i'i'i'i"i","'i"'i", A WOf/ZZOfoiéZgz’. National Park, Banff services the resorts of Norquay, Sunshine and Lake Louise and offers accommodations from bed and breakfast to deluxe, milti restaurants and some great nightclubs. It’s not unusual to witness a display of the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) and to see elk and sheep grazing on lawns in town. Banff is easily accessible through Calgary with an approximate transfer of 90 minutes. I recommend rental of a car or van to make your ski holiday more enjoyable and to give you the independence you wish. Each resort ottertr very different skiing terram and ambiance. Lake Louise. 45 minutes west of Banff on the Trans Canada Highway, offers many treed runs on the "front side' and wide open bowl skiing on the "back side”. Numerous world cup races have been held on this mountain. The resort also boasts "Ski Friends", an organization of volunteer skiers who will happily share their mountain and their knowledge with you on they guide you over the various trails ... all for free. -iGiiiiiyG Ea}? and-Lually has lots of moguls although recent years have seen the development of more intermediate terrain. _ Sunshine resort is mostly above the tree line and has the most spectacular view from atop the Great Divide Chair. Vast snow fields spread before you in a 360° panorama. Getting to Sunshine Resort is a bit of an adventure as it is located approximately 35 minutes west of Banfrjust off the Trans Canada Highway. After parking your car, you must take the gondola to the base lodge ... a ride of approximately 30 minutes. Only then can you put on your skis. but the ride is worth it. Austria ... I skier”: dream world with resorts lining every alley. Magical name like Itutabruck, Kitzbtthel and St. Anton all have huge mums to make your ski vacation something extraordinary. -I récommend spending at lain eleven dais to enjoy your ski trip to Austria. as anything less resorts of creates too much stress. Ski a tirir two in the and offers Innsbruck area at any one elm-falter all) "torts. t to deluxe, Em coach transportation takes you too: downtown abs. It's not to the mountains and bring! you back again. By .ra Borealis day, ski the vast snow tieidg (you can even ski into eep grazing Switzerland, so you need to - your mp0") ble through and by night enjoy the historic eight; Theater and sfer of 90 concerts are readily available to quench your r or van to cultural thirst. For a real treat, ski mum] ... the and to give location made famous by the menu and ladies 'esort otferg downhill race teams and of course by our own ce, "Crazy Canucks". The town is picture perfect and s of moguls well organized with cafes. restaurant! and all types elopment of of accommodation that include breakfast for sure and many with dinner " well. The restaurants on ree line and the mountain are exceptional and lunch becomes a p the Great pleasant social event. I suggest you acquire a taste efore you in for beer as it seems to be the drink t?tdtifttxt. Austria's Gawain Valley is probably the best kept secret from North Americans. I "found" this valley a few years ago and return each year to ski the four resorts that are interconnected and all on the same ski pass. Terrain varies from tree lined to. open bowl with well-groomed runs and tho "ofr-p'urte" skiing available. During the evening at on a day off, you can enjoy one of_the t.rtrn!try spas of u“, Jo" Van claw} vs". V. un- V""'""""""". .4"... v. Europe ... located in the village of Bad Menuhin. The Gastein Valley are. is well known by Europeans, but hardly known " All by North Americans. To get to Austria, fly through Frankfurt and into Munich then transfer by coach or train to your chosen destination. By the way, distance- are short compared to Canada, so you can light... Salzburg and shop Italy during your free time. These and other tine Ski Holidlyl In available from TTI Frederick Travel at 871 Victoria St. N., Kitchener 745-1860 and Lewis & McAllilter Travel 751 Victoria St. S., Kitchener 5796140.