third of its trails are actually novice
runs, while another third are blue-
square intermediates, so there’s plenty
to comfortably explore whether you’re
with an instructor or after class.
Those classes are notably varied.
First-timers of all ages can learn the
basics of balancing on their skis or
board, stopping and changing direction
by purchasing a Discover package,
which includes a two-hour group lesson
on beginner terrain, plus equipment
rental and lift ticket. Apprentice and
intermediate kids can sign up for hour-
long, half- and full-day group classes,
and instruction is similarly
available for adults looking to
enhance their skills.
It also helps that the whole
of Jasper, with its rugged
surroundings and communal
atmosphere, seems geared
toward making ski culture
appealing and accessible. “It
feels like a ski town should,
which is definitely a big draw
for us,” Lourenco says.
A perfect ski staycation
The best way to experience
Finding an edge
Sunshine Village is to spend
the night. The last gondola
shorter runs off of these chairs, mixed
of the day departs at 5 p.m.,
with quiet, gentle blue and green runs
ending the slope-side fun for day
gives skiers and snowboarders who are
skiers. But overnighters at the posh
new to the sport lots of space to learn.”
mid-mountain lodge can continue
And learn you shall. Immersive full-
the winter revelry. There’s a noticeable
day, small-group lessons are offered
intimacy among those who remain—
for freshmen and novices age six and
a bond that comes from being “snowed
older. So confident are Sunshine’s pro
in” together and knowing that you’ll
instructors in their ability to get you
be the first to slash through the powder
comfortable on the hill, that if you’re
in the morning. No matter if you’re
not satisfied with your progress, they’ll
planning to tackle the famously steep
arrange another lesson free of charge.
Delirium Dive or looking forward to
Speaking of comfort, Scurfield
your first day of ski school, the conver-
points out that Sunshine is typically
sation flows, friends are made and
blanketed by 100-percent natural
a unique alpine holiday sets up.
snow, which is softer and lighter than
Kendra Scurfield was practically born
the machine-made variety, and more
and raised at Sunshine Village. Her
forgiving if you fall. It’s also worth
family has owned the resort since 1981,
noting that beginner and expert ski
and as Sunshine’s communications
bums alike consider the Teepee Town
manager she’s always encouraging new
LX to be among the country’s most
skiers to try out her home hill.
luxurious chairlifts. It’s definitely the
“Lifts like Strawberry Express,
only one in Canada that electrically
Wolverine Express and Jackrabbit are
warms up just before you sit down.
perfect for beginners,” she says. “The
Sunshine’s base-
area rental shop
Downhill
Discounts
ama members save
on skiing and boarding
MArMot BAsin: Save
10% on rentals and
lessons. plus, buy a four-
day lift ticket for the
price of three days
rABBit Hill: Save
15% on full-day lift
tickets, full-day rentals
and three-day lesson
packages (includes lift
tickets and lessons)
sunsHine VillAge:
Save 15% on full-day
rental packages, full-
day adult Ski and ride
workshops, and kids
kampus programs
lift tickets: members
save up to $28 on direct-
to-lift tickets bought at
ama centres—for resorts
including Sunshine
Village, marmot basin,
lake louise, Fernie,
kimberley, nakiska
and castle mountain
AMARewards.ca
AMA inSidEr
wintEr 2017
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