Issue. 01
 The First Cut is the Cheapest: Discover Great Ski Vacation Deals
Source: Travel Alberta
Alberta's six major-league resorts have just released early bird programs and cost-saving bonuses for the savviest of skiers. Those in the know always book now, save a mittful, surrender and go.
There's a swoosh of snowy heaven that slices through the Canadian Rockies in Alberta, from the northern spires in Jasper National Park all the way south to the border of Montana. This winter don't let those dry, fluffy flakes bask in the sun by themselves. Can't you see yourself slowly carving S-turns through them, sullying up all that silky, untracked terrain?
Sunshine Village Ski and Snowboard Resort
Bragging Rights - You won't find any snow guns blasting you with that stick-to-your-skin-and-freeze stuff - Sunshine scoffs at such fakery as it sits at more than 2,134 metres/7,000 ft. on a throne of natural snow. Sunshine also has the longest ski season in Canada, offers the only on-hill accommodation in Banff National Park and its annual spring ski party, known as the Slush Cup, was just ranked by Skiing Magazine as one of the Top 3 Spring Parties in all of North America. This zany weekend-long fest doles out prizes for the Best Belly Flop, Awesome Air, Wacky Costume and so forth.
Ski Norquay
Bragging Rights - Norquay is widely considered to be Banff's best family ski resort with a long tradition that snakes back to 1926. Not only does Norquay have the only night skiing in the Bow Valley but at Norquay, you can ride the only lit terrain park. If you are a family of four, or only have two hours to ride, Norquay is ideal as it is the only resort to offer skiing/riding by the hour.
Lake Louise Mountain Resort
Bragging Rights - Consistently ranked No. 1 for scenery in North America, Lake Louise also snared "Best Steeps," "Best Scenery," "Best Terrain Park" and "Best New Off-Piste Tour" by Ski Canada Magazine in 2006.
Nakiska 
Bragging Rights - The site of the alpine events in the '88 Winter Olympics, Nakiska is now most noted for its family friendly layout and programs. Its proximity to Calgary makes it a favourite half-day ski getaway and it is also known for its state-of-the-art grooming machines that keep slopes in buttery corduroy shape.
Marmot Basin
Bragging Rights - You'll hear how uncrowded and unspoiled the resort of Marmot Basin is long before you arrive in the sleepy little alpine town of Jasper, a short drive from the ski resort. That's when friendly locals will also dazzle you with statistics.
Castle Mountain
Bragging Rights - Castle was the only ski resort in all of North America that opened up an entire mountain last season. Yep, Mt. Haig is finally accessible to more than backcountry skiers. The new Huckleberry Chair opened up fields strewn with untouched powder. Castle is also known for its relentless fall-line skiing . . . 863 metres/2,833 feet of vertical.
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