Get Social: Canadian Rockies (Winter)

This is what you came for. This place is a snow-fanatic's ultimate fantasy. And you’ve got 72 hours to experience everything this place has to offer. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned pro, ask your Trip Leader for the best slopes for you – then hit the powder! Still finding your ski legs? You can lock in some lessons if you like. If you’re here for the views (minus the effort), opt for a ride on the Peak 2 Peak Gondola. Connecting the Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains, it’s the world record holder for the longest AND highest lift. Plus, you get access to both mountains. Meaning? More take-your-breath-away views to fill your iCloud with. Tonight: gather the gang, dig into some poutine, and share all the thrills and spills of your first day.

Another group brekkie = completed. Then: this is your day, your way. So, make every second count. Our suggestion? Get involved in some optional zip-lining. There are different choices for different levels of crazy – including The Sasquatch: the longest zip-line in Canada and USA. Or take to the slopes for round two. Still ploughing the baby slopes? After a few more optional lessons, you’ll be carving in no time! Later, head to one of the local après-ski bars for a beverage with the gang – they’re some of North America’s best.

Rise and shine! It’s your last day in WWW (Whistler winter wonderland) – so get out there and do your own spontaneous this-is-what-I-came-here-for thing. Still a ‘lil wobbly on the slopes? Don’t worry if your confidence hasn’t hit 100% yet – lessons are still available, no matter what level you are. Warm up later in a cosy après-ski and get chatting with your fellow trip mates– they’re bound to have some stories and tips to share!

Hit the après-skis a little too hard last night? DW, you’ll have time to gather your strength as we take the scenic route to Kamloops this morning. This small city is a real slice of Canadian life, with plenty to explore during your free afternoon. Show off your best Bambi impression at an ice-skating rink. Top up your culture levels at Back Alley Art Gallery (all outdoors – beanies essential). And when day turns to night? Strap on those skis for an evening sesh, then round up the fam and head to The Noble Pig brewhouse for craft beer and burgers. Nice.

Today = another jaw-dropping drive through the wilderness. This time, we’ll take the Trans-Canada Highway through Glacier and Yoho National Parks, squeezing in a stop at Lake Louise along the way. You might recognise this one from your #wanderlust feeds (or Apple screensaver). One of the most stunning glacially fed lakes in the Canadian Rockies – take some time to check out allll the viewpoints and maybe even go skating over the frozen crazy-blue surface. Tick off your third National Park for the day as we roll into Banff. Tonight: get the gang together and whip out your best impersonation of a dancing sasquatch at a local bar.

Banff is National Geographic on steroids. Like serious Schwarzenegger steroids. And you’ve got THREE full days to see it all. We’ll kick things off with an orientation walk to get our bearings. Then: which world-class ski resort are you going to head to? Banff Sunshine. Lake Louise. Or Mt Norquay. Combined, they cover over 8,000 acres of ski slopes with 2 gondolas and 26 chairlifts. Play eenie, meenie, miney, mo and get going! Tonight, gather your trip mates and swap stories of epic trails (or epic fails) over dinner.

Another day, another chance to flaunt your ski moves. Prepare to shred (or not). Or ride the Sulphur Mountain Gondola for insane views over the sweeping mountain ranges. Keen for some chill time? Settle into nearby Upper Hot Springs and soak up some immense Rockie panos from the comfort of the toasty mineral pool. Later, did someone say BeaverTail? Rally the troops and grab one of each flavour. You MUST try them all – it’s the rules.

Ok – nobody panic. But it’s your last full day in the Great White North. So make it count. Confident? Ditch the lessons and hit up the beginner-friendly Strawberry Express. Or if you’re up for the challenge, head up to Lookout Mountain for some alpine skiing and incredible views (obvs). Want a memory that’s sure to last? Take to the skies with an optional heli-tour of the Columbia Icefield. Glaciers. Waterfalls. Alpine lakes. And towering peaks. You’ll see it all. Later, there's one last group dinner on the cards. Let’s give this incredible adventure the send-off it deserves.

That’s a wrap, folks. You came. You saw. You conquered (the slopes). And now it’s time to make your exit from Calgary. Sticking around? We don’t blame you. Swap those TikTok handles – you’ll need them to organise that summer reunion trip.