By MICHAEL BAGINSKI/ With the exception of my friend Terry who is already fine-tuning his snowmobile in the garage in anticipation of winter, most Canadians are still basking in this country’s too-short summer season to be feeling sentimental about snow.
Nevertheless, the Canadian Ski Council and Go Skiing Go Snowboarding are encouraging Canadians to look ahead now to the upcoming ski season, explaining that planning ahead can help travellers save on equipment, passes and beginner programs, avoid the fall rush and make winter vacations and weekends on snow more affordable and accessible.
The associations point to last winter’s strong season, which saw 19.8 million skier and snowboarder visits across Canada – 3.5% above the 10-year average, not to mention industry data estimates that there are now 2.6 million active skiers and snowboarders across Canada.
And the numbers continue to grow, as evidenced by Go Skiing Go Snowboarding’s ‘Never Ever Days’ beginner program boasting a 72% true first-timer rate with 99% of participants saying they intend to continue.
“Most Canadians don’t think about winter in (the summer) but that’s exactly why it’s one of the smartest times to start planning,” Canadian Ski Council President & CEO Paul Pinchbeck told Travel Industry Today. “Resorts, accommodation providers and ski areas are beginning to release early offers, giving travellers the best selection and often the best value before demand increases in the fall. It’s also a great time to book flights, as airfares are often lower before winter travel demand picks up.”
He added, “Planning early gives families the greatest flexibility, better pricing and more time to take advantage of the many programs available to help them get on snow.”
Examples include buying season passes and multi-area passes, which can dramatically reduce the cost of skiing throughout the winter, says Pinchbeck.
Similarly, he says, don’t overlook equipment either. Ski swaps, preseason sales and seasonal rental programs can save hundreds of dollars, especially for growing children.
It’s also worth visiting local ski and snowboard shops to ask about properly fitted used children’s equipment or whether they offer a trade-in or half-back program that allows families to exchange gear as kids grow. These options can make it much more affordable to keep children in equipment that fits properly.
Fall planning
If summer just seems too early to be thinking about winter, Pinchbeck says there are still options in the fall to take advantage of local ski and snowboard swaps, many of which are organized by ski clubs, community groups and the Canadian Ski Patrol.
For those in Ontario, the Toronto Ski + Snowboard Show is home to the country’s largest ski swap, organized by the Canadian Ski Patrol, offering a great selection of new and used equipment, with a portion of every sale helping to support the Canadian Ski Patrol’s vital on-hill safety services.
For those new to skiing or snowboarding, Pinchbeck advises looking for a destination that offers dedicated beginner terrain, professional instruction and rental equipment all in one place. Many ski areas also offer “learn-to” programs that bundle lessons, rentals and lift tickets, making it easier and more affordable to get started.
Still the CSC boss warns, “By the time the leaves begin to change, many of the best promotions, accommodations and lesson programs are already filling up. Travellers who plan ahead have more choice when it comes to destinations, lodging and beginner lesson times… A little planning now can make the season more affordable-and a lot more enjoyable.”
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