Alberta

Alberta is one of the few places on earth blessed with the conditions that create the legendary, airy “champagne” powder revered by skiers and boarders worldwide.  Hear the soft swish of your skis cutting brand new lines in feather-light powder. With each turn, an arc of snow shoots up as you fly down the tree-lined slope in the morning sunshine. The ice glitters on the evergreens, against a backdrop of white peaks ablaze in the sunshine. You feel like you're living a moment from a glossy ski magazine. But it's not just about skiing and boarding. Alberta is a winter wonderland with a variety of winter experiences to enjoy from dog sledding to snowmobiling or ice-skating to ice canyon walking. There is something for everyone and all bookable in resort with your Crystal Representative.

Here are some favourite winter adventures to enjoy in Alberta, with great offers to Lake Louise, Banff and Jasper…

In an idyllic setting Lake Louise has breathtaking views of the surrounding Rocky Mountains. The small village is perfectly positioned close to the skiing and also by the magnificent lake, with a handful of shops and the hotels providing restaurants and bars for evening relaxation. The tranquil atmosphere, jaw dropping scenery and roaming wildlife such as elk and big horn sheep make this a dream destination, plus endless powder and record snowfalls mean the skiing is as blissful as the area itself.

7 nights at the Lake Louise Inn from £845 per person*

Perched on the shore of Lake Louise the Fairmont Chateau is a luxury hotel with spectacular views. It's hard not to stare in awe at the lake, whether you are tucking into excellent cuisine at the restaurant, enjoying a cocktail in the lounge or even relaxing in the Lakeview Rooms, you won't be able to take your eyes off the scenery.

For the majority of the winter you can ice skate on the lake or take a sleigh ride around it and, if you can drag yourself away from the hotel, there's some pretty impressive skiing just down the road!

Read our Lake Louise resort guide on ski-buzz

Banff sits in a National Park in the heart of the Canadian Rockies receiving on average 30ft of the lightest snow in Canada. Three ski resorts are in close proximity offering an incredible range of skiing from the local area of Mount Norquay, to the expansive skiing that can be found at Sunshine and Lake Louise, just a short ride through the spectacular scenery on the free shuttle bus. The friendly Canadian town has a great choice of restaurants and shopping, plus lively nightlife, a great contrast to the secluded Lake Louise village.

7 nights half board at the Spruce Grove Inn from £985 per person*

The Spruce Grove Inn is owned and run by an Albertan family with strong local roots. The location is great - just a 10 minute walk into the heart of the town. It’s one of Banff’s newest hotels too - all rooms include air conditioning, free high speed internet (wireless and wired), cable TV, hair dryer and tea/coffee maker.

Adjoining the hotel and owned by the same family is the Voyager Inn. The inns are inter-connecting so you'll have internal access to the Voyager’s dining room where you'll take breakfast and a hearty Canadian three course dinner, daily. You'll also have use of their hot tubs and outdoor heated pool.

7 nights at the Fairmont Banff Springs from £979 per person*

The Fairmont Banff Springs is a historic hotel built in 1888 as the original railway was being laid through Canada. You can't help but be impressed, whether you are inside exploring the corridors and finding nooks and crannies, or outside looking up at this colossal castle - there is something very special about this hotel. It does not disappoint in any way, the service is excellent, rooms are beautifully decorated and it has a wealth of restaurants and superb spa.

Read our Banff resort guide on ski-buzz

This friendly frontier town is surrounded by spectacular Rockies scenery and is in the heart of nature with elk, moose and deer roaming free. The ski area of Marmot Basin, a short distance from Jasper, has uncrowded slopes, an incredible array of terrain and superb snow conditions. There is a range of dining options and welcoming bars in Jasper and we highly recommend spending a day dog sledding or snowmobiling in this charming winter wonderland.

Chateau Jasper from £855 per person*

The Chateau Jasper offers great value and cosy hotel rooms in the heart of Jasper town.

Read our Jasper resort guide on ski-buzz

Can't decide which of the amazing resorts to visit in Alberta... we have a package that ensures you can stay in all of them.

Tailor made package, including SUV car hire - 10 nights from £1,265 per person*

Experience all 3 of Alberta's best ski resorts with this special package. Stay at the Fairmont luxury hotels in each resort, and take in all that the Province has to offer with SUV car hire included in the price.

For more information or to make a booking:

Call 0871 231 5644*

*Calls cost 10p per minute at all times from BT landlines. Other operator networks may vary.

If you would like to learn more about Alberta visit the Travel Alberta website.

All offers are subject to availability, and include flights and transfers. Price is based on departures from LHR, maximum room occupancy, room only board basis, and include web booking discount. Prices are exclusive of personal insurance, lift passes and equipment hire.
Dog sledding, ice skating and other activities can be booked via Crystal reps in-resort.

Lake Louise offer: 7 nights at the Chateau Lake Louise from £845 per person. Offer priced based on 4 people sharing a Superior Queen room on a room only basis, travelling from LHR on 23.01.2013. Offer cannot be combined with any other offer unless stated and is subject to availability and change. Price includes internet discount and will only be available if booking is confirmed online. Offer applies to new bookings only.

Banff offer 1: 7 nights at the Spruce Grove from £985 per person. Offer priced based on 4 people sharing a standard room on a half board basis, travelling from LHR on either 16.01.2013 or 23.01.2013. Offer cannot be combined with any other offer unless stated and is subject to availability and change. Price includes internet discount and will only be available if booking is confirmed online. Offer applies to new bookings only.

Banff offer 2: 7 nights at the Fairmont Banff Springs from £979 per person. Offer priced based on 4 people sharing a Fairmont bedroom on a room only basis, travelling from LHR on 09.01.2013. Free upgrade to a Fairmont Mountain View Room if booked by 31.08.2013. Offer cannot be combined with any other offer unless stated and is subject to availability and change. Price includes internet discount and will only be available if booking is confirmed online. Offer applies to new bookings only.

Jasper offer: 7 nights at the Chateau Jasper from £855 per person. Offer priced based on 4 people sharing a standard room on a room only basis, travelling from LHR on either 16.01.13 or 23.01.2013. Offer cannot be combined with any other offer unless stated and is subject to availability and change. Price includes internet discount and will only be available if booking is confirmed online. Offer applies to new bookings only.

Alberta experience ski package offer: from £1,265 per person. Offer price based on 4 people travelling together from LHR on 16.01.2013 (Air Canada), spending 4 nights in one Fairmont room at the Banff Springs, 3 nights in two Fairmont rooms at the Chateau Lake Louise and then 3 night in one Fairmont room at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge (all on a room only basis). Includes SUV car hire from YYC with fully inclusive insurance (based on one driver over 25 years of age), additional insurance and services are available on request from car hire provider and will be charged locally. Does not include National Park fees, personal insurance, lift passes, ski/board equipment or tuition. Offer cannot be combined with any other offer unless stated and is subject to availability and change. Offer applies to new bookings only and only bookable via phone.