{"id":241514,"date":"2024-11-30T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-11-30T13:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/milesopedia.com\/news\/ski-trip-with-points\/"},"modified":"2024-11-30T13:23:42","modified_gmt":"2024-11-30T18:23:42","slug":"ski-trip-with-points","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/milesopedia.com\/en\/guide\/destination\/ski-trip-with-points\/","title":{"rendered":"Canada: How to Plan a Ski Trip to Western Canada Using Points"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Whether we like it or not, winter is fast approaching and so is ski season! For those of you who love winter sports, here is a guide to help you save money on a ski trip<\/strong> to Western Canada.<\/p>\n

My advice focuses on the most popular resorts: Whistler Blackcomb<\/strong><\/a>, Banff Sunshine Village<\/strong><\/a> and Lake Louise Ski Resort<\/strong><\/a>. Let’s take a closer look at how these points and tips can help you reduce your bill.<\/p>\n

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The nearest international airport to Whistler<\/strong> is Vancouver, a 2-hour drive from the village.<\/p>\n

According to Air Canada’s points predictor, the Montreal-Vancouver route starts at 12,500 Aeroplan points<\/a>, for a one-way trip in economy class.<\/p>\n

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As for Banff<\/strong>, the nearest airport is in Calgary, a 1.5-hour drive away. From Montreal, a minimum of 12,500 Aeroplan points is required for an economy class ticket. <\/p>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=”Transportation of Sports Equipment” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:left” el_id=”transportation_of_sports_equipment”][vc_column_text css=””]<\/p>\n

There’s another important consideration for those who want to bring their skis or snowboards: the cost of transporting sports equipment.<\/p>\n

With Air Canada, skis and snowboards are considered as regular baggage. A boot bag is also permitted and exempt from the baggage allowance when carried with skis or a board.<\/p>\n

To get the first checked bag free on an Air Canada flight<\/a>, simply sign up for an Aeroplan credit card.<\/p>\n

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Air Canada’s loyalty program, Aeroplan<\/a>, allows its members to earn points in various ways, including by travelling with Air Canada and using a credit card affiliated with this program, such as the TD®<\/sup><\/sup> Aeroplan®<\/sup><\/sup> Visa Infinite* Card<\/span><\/a>. Among other things, this card includes travel medical, collision and damage insurance for a rental vehicle. <\/p>\n

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Skiing in the Rockies<\/strong> is fantastic. The snow conditions are exceptional and the mountains are much bigger than in Quebec. However, lift tickets can cost a small fortune if purchased on the day of!<\/p>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=”Whistler Blackcomb” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:left” el_id=”whistler_blackcomb”][vc_column_text css=””]<\/p>\n

A day pass to Whistler Blackcomb<\/strong> is quite expensive when purchased locally, so take the time to book online before your visit.<\/p>\n

Every year, there is a pre-sale of Edge passes (before December 2) on the Whistler Blackcomb<\/a> website, reserved for residents of Canada and Washington State. Skiers can choose between 2, 5 or 10 days to use during the season. <\/p>\n

As you\u2019ve probably guessed, the biggest savings are made before the season starts by purchasing tickets for multiple days.<\/p>\n

All prices are shown in the \u2018Tickets and passes\u2019 section. For example, a one-day pass for an adult costs $139, taxes included. <\/p>\n

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Fortunately, the rates for Banff Sunshine<\/strong> and Lake Louise<\/strong> are much simpler! There are no pre-sales and there are no savings to be made by buying for multiple days.<\/p>\n

The Ski Big 3<\/a> pass provides access to Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise, and Mount Norquay. This last resort is much smaller than the other two, and not as exceptional.<\/p>\n

For example, a one-day Ski Big 3 pass for an adult starts at $188, tax included.<\/p>\n

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Note: since the Banff Sunshine<\/strong> and Lake Louise Ski Resort<\/strong> resorts are in Banff National Park, you must purchase a park entry ticket. If you are driving, make sure your ticket is visible at all times or you may be fined.<\/p>\n

[\/vc_message][vc_custom_heading text=”Other regions” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:left” css=”” el_id=”other_regions”][vc_column_text css=”” el_class=”checkmarks”]<\/p>\n

Every Friday in the winter of 2024-2025, RBC Visa Avion cardholders<\/a> will be able to enjoy two-for-one ski tickets at several ski resorts in Western Canada. Here they are:<\/p>\n

In British Columbia :<\/p>\n