Ski Savvy

If snow on the streets has you yearning for snow on the mountains, it’s time to start making a plan. Skiing is a fantastic family activity (think bright shiny faces and warm mugs of hot chocolate) but keep in mind that skiing with kids adds an extra layer of complexity (thus the plan). Here is our comprehensive Savvy guide to ski lessons and on-hill daycare at eight ski resorts within a three hour drive from Calgary. 

Nakiska
Nakiska is a mere 45 minutes from the city, and with easy parking lot access, this is an ideal daytrip and starter location.
Ages: 19 months to 6 years old
Childcare rates for 3 to 6 year olds: $49 per day
Lunch: additional $9.50
Lessons for 3 – 5 year olds: add a one hour private lesson for $50
Rentals: $19 per day
Hours: 8:00 am to 4:30 pm (closed Tuesday and Wednesday)

Mt. Norquay
It’s all about value here. Drop in for $13 per hour or buy 20 hours of childcare for $135 for the season (only $6.75 per hour). Adult lift tickets are also available by the hour. Easiest parking lot-to-lodge factor if you are dragging the kids along.
Ages: 19 months to 6 years old
Childcare rates for children 3 – 6 years old: $37 per day
Lunch: $7
Lessons for 3 – 6 year olds: private lessons are $50
Rentals: $15 per day
Hours: 9:00 am to 4:30 pm

Sunshine Village
The all-in Tiny Tigers program makes it easy to organize the kids and they love to play ‘Spot Their Favourite Gondola Colour’ on the way up and down the hill.
Ages: 19 months to 6 years old
Childcare rates: $69 per day
Lunch: included
Lessons for 3 – 5 year olds: Tiny Tigers Ski & Play includes two lessons, rentals, lunch and full daycare: $114
Rentals: included with Tiny Tigers program
Hours: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm

The Lake Louise Ski Area
This daycare stands above the rest because it’s the only childcare service on our list to take infants under 18 months. Aside from that, the daycare offers a parented half hour lesson over lunch for $16 including rentals.
Ages: 19 days to 6 years old
Childcare rates for preschoolers 3 to 6 years old: $49 per day
Lunch: additional $8
Lessons for 3 – 5 year olds: add a one hour group lesson for $29
Rentals: $15 per day
Hours: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm

Castle Mountain Resort
Castle Mountain is a skier’s mountain. It’s small and personal. For example, childcare is not normally provided, but give the resort a call and they will set you up.
Ages: 18 months to 6 years old
Childcare rates: $37 per day
Lunch: No lunchtime supervision available. Parents must pick up their children and provide lunch.
Lessons: private lessons available for $30
Rentals: $15 per day
Hours: 9:30 am to 4:30 pm

Kicking Horse Mountain Resort
The Kids Club offers Friday and Saturday night babysitting between 6 – 10 pm for those families staying on the hill ($25 for two hours).
Ages: 18 months to 5 years old
Childcare rates: $75 per day
Lunch: included
Lessons for 3 – 5 year olds: Full day Ski and Ride care program costs $99. Half day costs $69. (This is separate from the daycare.)
Rentals: $18 per day
Hours: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm

Fernie Alpine Resort
At Fernie, kids can start lessons at 2 years old (most ski schools start at age 3). Kinder private lessons cost $49. Because it is so popular, this daycare takes reservations way in advance. If you have an under 3 year old and want to put them in the daycare this year, book your spot on opening day (that would be this weekend).
Ages: 19 months to 6 years old
Childcare rates for 3 to 6 year olds: $49 per day
Lunch: $9.50
Lessons: Full day Ski and Play is a great value at $69. A one hour lesson costs $25.
Rentals: $5 per day with lesson.
Hours: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm

Panorama Mountain Village
The Snowbird Lessons are an easy add-on to the daycare program. On hill accommodation is a family-friendly highlight.
Ages: 18 months to 5 years old
Childcare rates: $55 per day if booked at least two days in advance
Lunch: $7
Lessons for 3 – 5 year olds: Snowbird 45 minute lesson costs $39
Rentals: included with Snowbird lesson
Hours: 9:00 am to 4:30 pm

So, no more excuses about not skiing because you have kids. Let them ski or let them have fun while you ski. Just remember the mandatory mountain spotting in the car on the way there (it’s better than any DVD).

P.S. We have not included seasonal ski lessons registration details but many of the hills still have openings, so make haste while the snow falls if you are looking for a series of lessons for the kids.

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