You're probably wondering as you ponder your Christmas or 2008 ski vacation plans: where on earth can I ski in a protected national park that is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site – and get a great deal?

Okay, maybe that's not at the very top of your list. But you can experience it all within Banff National Park in Alberta, where the Canadian Rockies provide the spine to some of the most scenic, challenging and family – friendly territory on the planet.

And oh, the really great part? You have access within the park to three major ski areas: Lake Louise Mountain Resort, Sunshine Village and Ski Norquay – known collectively as SkiBig3. You can get a tri – area lift pass that allows entry to all of them, so you can sample Canadian Rockies skiing as you wish. You'll find other deals at the mountain resort websites on SkiCanadianRockies.

We'll look at each of these areas and consider what combination might work best for you on a ski holiday – whether you're a family, an extreme skier or snowboarder, someone who likes après ski as much as being on the slopes, or all the above.

Wilderness, Wonder and No Waiting

Raw wilderness coupled with easily accessible amenities provides a Rocky Mountain playground. It is covered in dry, fluffy snow that's perfect for skiers and snowboarders. Last year brought record – breaking snow, and this year Norquay was again the first ski resort in Canada to open, with Louise and Sunshine close behind. And with high – speed state – of – the – art lifts, you rarely wait in line.

Banff National Park, just a 90 – minute drive west of Calgary's international airport, is a protected wilderness area with limited development – recognized by UNESCO as a world treasure. If you're arriving by jet, there are shuttles to the mountain town of Banff. And once there, you have access to museums, galleries, concerts and more, as well as outdoor adventures from snowshoeing to sleigh rides to ice walks to…you name it.

Wherever you are in Banff, you can see the mountains, because buildings can't go above three stories. It's common to walk in the tracks of a deer as you go to grab a morning cup of specialty coffee, says SkiBig3 spokesperson Jenna Stuckey, although most hotels provide a shuttle service right to the ski hills.

 Entertainment, fine dining, restaurants and take-out for every taste, a wide range of accommodations and more than 250 retail shops – many of them with unique local flavor – put everything within your grasp, as well as wilderness skiing.

Click here to read more about skiing in the Canadian Rockies.