Story Starters

WHAT’S NEW FOR THE 2011-2012 SEASON

Panorama is providing more choice for families to make the most of their vacation. Guests will receive their arrival day of skiing free if they have booked lift tickets for everyday of their stay, on packages over three nights booked direct and five nights booked with a tour operator!  The new Snow Tube Park in the base area will have guests taking a thrilling slide down and easy return to the top, thanks to the Red Carpet conveyor lift. The mountain has a few new treats in store for the more experienced skier. The Skier/Boarder X area in the Rockstar Terrain Park is doubling in size, the much loved Stumbock’s run is doubling in width and glading in the Taynton Bowl is opening up wooded sections of the terrain for wider powder turns.  

SKI RACING LEGACY LIVES STRONG HERE

Panorama has a longstanding and proud history of ski racing. This year and for the first time ever, Panorama is honoured to be hosting the IPC World Cup for para-alpine racers in March.   Panorama was awarded the “Mountain Resort of the Year” for 2011 by BC Alpine. Our resort sets the standard for race training in Canada, being recognized as a Canadian Alpine National Training Centre with the mountain dedicated exclusively to racer training for the month of November.   Panorama has hosted many provincial, national and World Cup races and has been home to many top racers over the years.

PANORAMA WEEKEND FESTIVALS

Panorama’s Mountain Snowflake Festival - January 21st and 22nd

Panorama’s Mountain Mardi Gras - February 25th and 26th

Panorama’s Mountain Stampede - March 17th and 18th

Panorama’s Mountain Spring Carnival - April 7th and 8th

Find out more here.

BEST VALUE IN THE ROCKIES

“We all know how important it is to get great value for your money, especially in today’s economy, and that is a cornerstone of our plans for Panorama” comments Rick Jensen, President of Panorama. For the 2011-2012 winter Panorama is introducing the Sensational Ski Package which is tailor-made for families.

Kids Ski for Free, Eat for Free, Stay for Free, Play for Free with this package.

Guests can also enjoy relaxing in the Panorama Springs giant slopeside hot pools after an exciting day on the slopes. More info here.

25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE EASYRIDER CUP BANKED SLALOM

Two winters ago Warren Currie, the owner of the Easy Rider Snowboard shop in Edmonton, found a new home for his weekend event which is based on camaraderie, festival atmosphere and a whole lot of snowboarding.

This year marks the 25th Anniversary of the Easy Rider Cup. The March 31st - April 1st weekend includes banked slalom, slopestyle and rail jams. First place awards competitors with only bragging rights and podium recognition. The prizing is all drawn, and thanks to the generous support of industry sponsors, none of the over 200 competitors walks away empty handed.

BC RESORT BUCKS THE TREND

While the vast majority of other vacation resorts are in troubled times, Panorama’s new ownership group is focused on development and is even looking to break new ground soon. Rick Jensen, one of the new owners and President of Panorama, has plans for a new subdivision and states: “We have pent up demand which comes from people wanting a recreation home in a dynamic resort where there is no inventory of new product.” Also breaking from the trend, the new owners have committed to reinvesting 100% of the profits directly back into the resort for the next decade.

ALBERTA SKIERS ATTRACTED TO BC RESORT

More than 60% of all season pass sales come from Alberta residents with emphasis on the Calgary and Edmonton markets. Albertans favour Panorama because there is a whole host of winter activities available in one location. Guests know that once they arrive they can put the car in park and enjoy everything the resort has to offer, without having to repeatedly load and unload the car. Panorama’s unique mix of additional offering rounds out the complete winter experience. Try heli-skiing, Nordic skiing, dog sledding, and snowmobiling all out of the pedestrianized village. "Panorama is tailor made for the family that wants it all" - Calgary Sun.

HELI-SKIING HAS NEVER BEEN SO ACCESSIBLE

With over 40 years of experience, 1500 sq kilometres of terrain and 900, runs RK Heliski is a must do experience for guests seeking the ultimate powder adventure. Specializing in day ski adventures has contributed greatly to RK’s success, especially with the Alberta market. Albertans, vacationing at Panorama, can book a single day adventure and then return to their family at night. The popularity of RK also stems from the willingness to cater to intermediate and stronger skiers/snowboarders. This makes it perfect for those new to heli-skiing and with the added convenience of flights departing right from Panorama the choice is easy.

THE DEFINITIVE SIDE-COUNTRY ADVENTURE

The in bounds backcountry style skiing of the legendary Taynton Bowl is simply incredible. The patrolled and controlled area is filled with chutes, bowls, and glades that will challenge the full spectrum of black diamond skiers. “This former heli-ski terrain is known for its ability to collect new snow based on its aspect and the direction snow storms regularly come from” according to George Duncan, Mountain Operations Manager. The family focus of the resort results in less competition for fresh lines as parents tend to ski the front side of the mountain with their children and leave the backside to the more adventurous.

FAMILY AMUSEMENT WITHOUT THE ‘THEME PARK' FEEL

Superior family activity programming at Panorama goes hand in hand with the elevated guest experience. There are big plans for this winter’s activities and some guests received a sneak peak of what is to come. “Hit family activities had guests raving all summer long” according to Sean Wall, Director of Village Operations. “Our focus is not just about running activities it is about having activities that families will run to. The activities need to be high quality, desirable and ultimately, great fun.” The family activities this winter will increase children’s involvement and crafts will be more along the line of keepsakes.

A DISTINCTLY CANADIAN EXPERIENCE PLUS

Enjoying the classic Canadian outdoor winter experience while not giving up the creature comforts is a key criterion for today’s winter vacationers. Panorama Mountain Village was built with this top of mind.  Without the restrictions of National Parks, Panorama draws many guests, even from Banff and Lake Louise, looking to do more and all at a one stop destination.
Motivating factors include:
     - activities such as heli-skiing and snowmobiling
     - the availability of a large amount of slopeside lodging
     - the opportunity to own a vacation property