The author recently had the opportunity to visit two of the flagship luxury hotels in the world, the Fairmont Banff Springs and the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, which are located in the Banff National Park straddling the border between British Columbia and Alberta, Canada.

The castle-like architecture of these classic hotels reflects the majestic peaks that enfold them, and the service and decor inside take you back to the days of an opulence rarely experienced today.

Fairmont hotels are well-known for their luxury amenities, attentive service, and full range of amenities and activities. What distinguishes them from each other, and from other luxurious properties, is their exceptional situations.

FAIRMONT BANFF SPRINGS HOTEL

The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel is located on the banks of the Bow River. The Bow Falls, easily viewed a short walk from the hotel, are a huge mass of solid ice at this time of year and will no doubt be a marvelous display of nature’s power in the warmer seasons, particularly during the spring run-off!

This dark stone building, the first wing of which was erected in 1887, is imposing despite the towering peaks that surround it!

In winter, the quiet season, there’s cross country skiing and snowshoeing right from the hotel, as well as two alpine skiing destinations within an hour’s drive. Of course, the village of Banff offers great shopping and dining opportunities at any time of year – and sales abound during the snow season!

Summer opens up many more opportunities to enjoy the wonderful outdoors: Championship golf at the Stanley Thompson-designed Fairmont Banff Springs Golf Course, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, coach tours, tennis, water sports, swimming pool including kids’ wading pool and in/outdoor hot tubs, and sightseeing from a gondola!

The hotel’s own four-lane bowling centre is open year round for hours of entertainment!

It goes without saying that a deluxe hotel such as the Fairmont Banff Springs offers the complete package for all guests: Conference facilities, meeting rooms, spa services, fitness facilities, pool and hot tub, restaurants and in-room dining, 24-hour front desk, concierge service, weddings, etc.

FAIRMONT CHATEAU LAKE LOUISE

You’ve most likely already seen a summer photograph of the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, even if you didn’t know exactly what or where it was – it must be one of the most-photographed mountain scenes in the world! The picture probably included the lake beside which the hotel is situated. It’s quite possible that you’ve thought “The colour of that water can’t be real!” The intensity of the turquoise hue varies depending on the time of year, and with the weather – but you will have to believe it’s colour when you see it for yourself!

Of course, in winter the surface of the lake freezes, giving visitors and residents alike a natural surface to skate on, or even whistle up a game of pick-up hockey! You can cross country ski and snowshoe across and around the lake, or take a horse-drawn sleigh ride! There’s an annual ice-carving contest, the entries from which remain on display on the hotel’s frontage as long as weather permits. Snowmobiling and dog sledding tours are also available.

When the ice melts off the lake, there’s a plethora of summer activities available to visitors: Canoeing, horseback riding, mountain biking, fishing, boat cruises, whitewater rafting, atv tours and visits to the Columbia Icefield.

Starting out as a one-storey log cabin(not in any way resembling today’s version!) “for the outdoor adventurer and alpinist”, the original Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise opened in 1890. This full-service deluxe hotel offers its guests every possible consideration and amenity with impeccable service and luscious surroundings! You’d never know you were in the depths of the Banff National Park surrounded by the wilderness of the Canadian Rocky Mountains – unless you wanted to!

Compass Tours is proud to be associated with these distinctive Fairmont hotels, as well as their sisters, the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge further north in the Jasper National Park, the Fairmont Chateau Whistler Resort to the west in the Coast Mountains, and the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver and Fairmont Waterfront Hotel in Vancouver!

In honour of this relationship, we are happy to offer this flexible luxury golf vacation that includes the leading hotels and golf courses of Western Canada:

Fourteen nights’ accommodation at …

Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge – Two Nights

Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise – Two Nights

Fairmont Chateau Whistler Resort – Seven Nights

Fairmont Hotel Vancouver – Three Nights

… with one round of golf at each of the following courses …

Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge Golf Club (Thompson)

Fairmont Banff Springs Golf Club (Thompson)

Fairmont Chateau Whistler Golf Course (Trent Jones II)

Nicklaus North Golf Course (Nicklaus)

Whistler Golf Club (Palmer)

Big Sky Golf & CC (Cupp)

Furry Creek Golf Club (Muir Graves)

We offer this self-drive* itinerary, which includes 14 nights’ accommodation, 7 rounds of championship golf, and all applicable taxes, from C$2921 (approximately U$2832 / GBP1884 / E2085 / A$3144) per person based on twin-share.

Space in the hotels and on the golf courses is subject to availability. Car rental, fuel, park fees, gratuities and incidentals are excluded. Rates are based on low season for summer 2010, and a surcharge applies for high season. Prices in non-Canadian currency are subject to change without notice due to currency fluctuations. Taxes included are those which applied in February 2010 and are subject to change without notice.

Let us know your dates, and we’ll build a custom itinerary around your schedule!

*Driving yourself gives you the flexibility to explore the area at your leisure between golf destinations … you can stop when, where, and for as long as you would like, to have a picnic, to take some photo’s, to view the local wildlife, or just to stretch your legs!

Contact us today for more information about these lovely hotels, and this flexible itinerary! We can create a luxury vacation just for you, and look forward to providing a free, no-obligation quote!

You’ll appreciate our commitment to service, our local knowledge, and our experience in creating enjoyable Canadian vacation packages – see what our clients say about us!

Panorama Mountain Village

The new owners, a group of resort homeowners and local entrepreneurs led by Rick Jensen, who will hold the title of President & Chief Executive Officer, are excited to take this excellent destination to the next level with further development and growth!

While all the legalities are being finalized, it will be business as usual in the resort as everyone works hard to ensure that there’s a seamless transition. Seasons passes, SnowMax and Snow Cards will be honoured for the remainder of the winter season and, while staff may notice some minor changes, wage and benefits packages will continue uninterrupted.

Panorama Mountain Village is a Canadian mountain holiday destination located in the Purcell Mountain Range of the Kootenay-Columbia region of south eastern British Columbia, about four hours’ drive from Calgary. Not only does the resort have an excellent lift-serviced ski area, but there’s also world-class heli-skiing here! In summer the mountain switches over to a fantastic downhill mountain biking set-up, and there’s premium golf at Greywolf Golf Club and other area courses!

If you’re thinking of visiting Panorama, Compass Tours would be happy to help with the arrangements!

Contact us today to get the holiday of a lifetime organized!

Compass Tours has been in operation since fall 2004, offering its valued clients reasonably priced custom package to Panorama, as well as these distinctive destinations in British Columbia, Canada:

Whistler

Sun Peaks

Revelstoke

We look forward to hearing from you … you’ll be pleased you chose Compass Tours to create your holiday because we offer you experience, local knowledge and competitive rates!

Read what our clients say about us!

How do I find a place to live?

Staff Housing Network

Truth be known, people who’ve lived in vacation resorts for years are often stumped by the same question!

Whether you’re in Whistler, Canada, on the island of Maui, on the Gold Coast of Australia, in the Swiss Alps, or in Jeffrey’s Bay, South Africa, echos of the same cry can be heard!

Now there’s one central place that is dedicated to helping resort staff find a place to live:

Staff Housing Network

Staff Housing Network is a valuable resource for second home owners, too!

If you own property at a popular holiday resort, be it an obvious vacation spot like Honolulu, Kitzbuehel or Bali, or in a popular tourist destination like London, New York or Sydney, the Staff Housing Network is a great place to advertise that you have a place to rent!

Search for free!

Contact the advertiser for free!

Advertise cheaper than your local newspaper
and have a worldwide audience!

Hurry! Our introductory offer expires
after December 15, 2009!

Visit our website. Join us on Facebook.
Contact us if you have any questions!

Are you still looking for a unique Christmas gift for that special someone?

What could be better than giving a holiday as a gift?!

There are different ways that you can set up your gift certificate:

You could purchase any value of credit with Compass Tours, which the recipient could use towards purchasing their vacation when booking their getaway to any of these leading destinations:

Whistler
Sun Peaks
Panorama
Revelstoke

Alternatively, you purchase a gift certificate with the value of a specific package, eg:

Two nights at a luxury Whistler hotel with a his & hers massage
A day of Revelstoke heli-skiing or cat-skiing
A Panorama golf getaway with four rounds for a twosome
Lift tickets and accommodation in Sun Peaks

… the options are endless!

No matter which type of gift certificate you choose, you can be assured that because it has a cash value, it never expires … it can be used this winter, or next summer … or any time after that!

Also, the recipient isn’t required to book the package that you thought they’d like – they can apply the value of the package to any arrangements booked through Compass Tours, at any of these four great destinations!

Compass Tours is proud of its superior service, experience in these premium Canadian mountain holiday resorts, and reasonable rates!

Contact us right away to ensure that your gift certificate gets set up in time!

Today Whistler Mountain threw its hat into the ring saying that it, too, would be opening runs off three of its higher-elevation lifts, Franz’s, Emerald and Big Red, this Saturday! Blackcomb will open as scheduled, on November 26th.

Yesterday’s photo’s, taken on Whistler!

Good snowfall all over the province has all the resorts gearing up for a great ski and snowboard season … the excitement is palpable!

If you can’t head up this weekend, remember that there are lots of early bird deals and special offers still available – but many expire after November 14th, so don’t delay!

For more information about visiting these and other premium British Columbia, Canada, ski and snowboard holiday destinations, please visit Compass Tours‘ websites:

Whistler

Sun Peaks

Panorama

Revelstoke

Benefit from our years of mountain resort experience, commitment to service, and reasonable rates!

Contact us today so that we can create your dream vacation!

Early Snow!

Most offers expire in mid-November, so there are just a couple of weeks left to cash in:

Whistler, North America’s #1 winter vacation destination and host of several events at the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics & Paralympics, has lots of accommodation specials for you to consider, as well as great discounts on lift tickets and rental equipment!

Another leading Canadian mountain holiday resort is Sun Peaks, located near Kamloops in British Columbia’s interior. Special offers include big discounts on lift tickets and a variety of accommodation deals!

Panorama Mountain Village, in the powder-rich Columbia-Kootenay region of south eastern B.C., is where you’ll get a free night if you book early to stay for five nights or longer. This is a great family resort with plenty of excitement for grown-ups – and all accommodations ski in/ski out or just steps from a lift base.

Entering its third season of operation, Revelstoke boasts North America’s highest lift-serviced vertical along with epic powder conditions! Perfect for people who just want great skiing – whether you ride the lifts, or opt to treat yourself to world-class heli-skiing and cat-skiing!

Compass Tours is proud to represent these winter vacation destinations!

We have the experience, superior service and local knowledge you can rely on!

Contact us today so that we can help you get the best deals of the year!

Canada’s premier winter vacation destination, Whistler, will be hosting several events:

The Whistler Sliding centre will host both men’s and women’s bobsleigh, luge and skeleton events.

The Alpine Skiing events will be on Whistler’s Creekside: Downhill, Super G, Giant Slalom, Slalom and Super Combined, for men and women.

And Whistler Olympic/Paralympic Park will host the men’s and women’s Nordic events of Biathlon, Cross Country Skiing, Nordic Combined, and Ski Jumping.

Whistler is opening its doors to the world (not just Olympians!) this winter, and is extending all sorts of special offers and discount deals to encourage you to visit!

There will be times when there’s limited access to a small number of amenities, though, and you should be prepared to find the resort’s village area with its activities, restaurants, spas, galleries, and boutiques, busier than usual leading up to and during the event dates in February and March.

Of course, the British Columbia mountains have several other superb ski resorts that would make great alternatives:

Sun Peaks – located less than an hour’s drive from Kamloops, with its international airport, or a half-day drive from Vancouver, Sun Peaks is one of Canada’s largest ski resorts so it has something for everyone!

Panorama – with easy access from Calgary, Panorama Mountain Village in the Columbia Kootenay region of B.C. (just west of the Rockies), is one of Canada’s best-kept secrets with every accommodation either ski in/ski out, or just steps from a lift base!

Revelstoke – already world-famous as a heli-skiing and cat-skiing destination (to say nothing of its reputation for a huge reliable, reservoir of champagne powder snow!), Revelstoke Mountain Resort will be entering its third year of lift-accessed skiing and snowboarding this season, boasting North America’s largest vertical!

Compass Tours is proud to represent these four fantastic Canadian mountain holiday destinations and encourages you to contact us to find out more about them!

We can help you narrow down which resort will best suit your needs and expectations – we offer reasonable rates, superior service, and local knowledge!

Be sure to check out our Special Offers – and take advantage of discounts and deals to Whistler, Sun Peaks, Panorama and Revelstoke this winter!

Ski and snowboard helmets will now be mandatory in all lesson programs for children and teens, and the parental “opt-out” option with regard to the use of a helmet will no longer be available.

Children’s and teens’ rental sets will now include a helmet at no extra charge.

In addition, everyone participating in freestyle terrain park programs, regardless of their age, will be required to wear helmets.

Starting with winter 09/10, and with full compliance by the start of the 10/11 season, all Intrawest staff at these resorts will also be required to wear helmets when they’re skiing or boarding on duty in terrain parks, and all instructors will be helmeted when they’re guiding or instructing.

Intrawest, with the support of the National Ski Areas Association and the Canada West Ski Areas Association, will be implementing these rules as part of the company’s commitment to increasing awareness of the importance of protective headgear.

Thinking of planning a Canadian mountain holiday this winter?

Compass Tours offers competitive rates, superior service, and local knowledge!

If you’re going to be visiting Whistler, Panorama, Sun Peaks or Revelstoke, in beautiful British Columbia, Canada, this winter, contact us so that we can create your custom package!

For the 13th year running, Whistler, Canada, was ranked by Skiing magazine’s readers as the Best Overall, as well as the Best Nighlife. The World Ski & Snowboard Festival won the Best Festival award along with getting the nod for the Best $300+ Resort (Four Seasons Resort Whistler), and … Best Cougar Hunting (Buffalo Bills)!

Ski magazine’s readers, who ranked it as #2 overall, has Whistler as #1 in the all-important categories of Terrain Variety, Apres Ski, and Off Hill Activities. Whistler featured strongly in the top six Canadian mountain holiday destinations in the categories of Lodging, Lifts, Dining, Scenery, Service, Challenging Terrain, Terrain Parks, On-Mountain Food, and Family Destination.

Canada’s own Ski Canada magazine has its unique take on the Whistler scene: Whistler is now #2 in vertical in North America, and among the Best Powder in Canada! The GLC ranks as one of the Best Bars & Apres stops, while Best Grooming (as in mani-pedi!) goes to the spa at the delectable Four Seasons Resort Whistler. Gene Simmons’ appearance at the World Ski & Snowboard Festival won the Best Celeb Moment. The Best Place To Get High would be the Peak 2 Peak Gondola, of course! Whistler gets a runner-up spot in the Best Bugs category – that is, best of use of pine-beetle damaged swathes of forest, by opening up new runs! The Nita Lake Lodge is, according to Ski Canada readers, the Best New Hotel In Whistler. And Whistler is, of course, one of Canada’s Best Alpine Resorts In Summer!

With these ringing endorsements from your fellow skiers, and the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics & Paralympics just around the corner (with Whistler being the host for many alpine skiing, snowboarding, nordic, luge, skeleton and bobsleigh events), the resort’s wide appeal should be obvious!

Thinking of visiting Whistler?

Compass Tours would be pleased to assist – you’ll love our prompt, personal service, local knowledge, and mountain holiday experience!

See what our clients say about us!

Contact us today so that we can create your dream vacation!

For winter 09/10, Compass Tours is happy to tempt you with these early bird special offers, valid if you book before November 15, 2009:

Stay for 5 nights, pay for just 4 nights!

Pay for 5 nights, stay for 6 nights!

Get 1 night free when you pay for 6 nights!

As if those deals aren’t enough, we’re also pleased to offer all our clients:

- lodging discounts if you stay for more than five nights!

- up to 20% off lift tickets when you book your accommodation through Compass Tours!

- discounts on heliskiing – you don’t have to be an expert!

Panorama’s fully equipped accommodation options range from studio units (hotel room with kitchen), through one- and two-bedroom apartments, to two- and three-bedroom townhomes. The complexes are all ski in/ski out, or just a few steps from a lift base!

Recently rated by Ski Canada magazine as one of Canada’s four Best Ski In/Ski Out Villages, Panorama offers enthusiasts a 1220m (4000ft) vertical between the base at elevation 1155m (3800ft) and the peak at 2375m (7800ft).

The resort’s average annual snowfall is 479cm (188in), with 40% of the 2847+ acres of skiable terrain under snowmaking. There are 120 trails and bowls, and two terrain parks. One of those parks is the awesome Show Off (rated by Ski Canada as #1!), almost a mile long, right under the main quad chair and within sight of the village sun decks!

There are 9 lifts: The free village gondola, 2 express quad chairs, 1 quad chair, 1 triple chair, 1 double chair, 1 platter, and 2 magic carpets. The trails are 20% beginner, 55% intermediate, and 25% expert.

The ski season is traditionally from early-mid December, with the last day of lift operations being Easter Monday.

Ready to go to Panorama Mountain Village?!

Compass Tours passes along the savings offered by the resort, and throws in our superior service, local knowledge, and years of experience for good measure!

Contact us today so that we can plan your next Canadian mountain holiday – you’ll be pleased you did!