Get Social: Canadian Rockies (Winter)

This is what you came for. This place is a snow-fanatic's ultimate fantasy. And you’ve got 48 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 SD card 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.

Hit the après-skis a little too hard last night? DW, you’ll have plenty of time to gather your strength as we take the scenic route through Fraser Valley and over the Coquihalla Pass. Our destination? Big White Ski Resort. Take a stroll around the village with your in-the-know Trip Leader before seeking out a Big Feed. Later, hit up a local haunt for some live music or just sit back and savour some ‘me time’ – you’ll need the energy for tomorrow. Trust us.

Like the name so blatantly suggests: Big White is a big deal. And it’s not just a winter wonderland for the slope-bunnies. We’re talking snowshoe tours. Ice-skating. Ice-climbing. Sleigh-riding. Fat-biking (the tires are fat, not you). Or you can just do the obvious and hit the slopes to test out your mean skills. Don’t worry if your confidence hasn’t hit 100% yet – lessons are still available, no matter what level you are. Don’t waste a second. Get out there and do your own spontaneous this-is-what-I-came-here-for thing. Warm up later in a local après-ski and get chatting with your fellow travellers – they’re bound to have some stories and tips to share!

Another day, another chance to flaunt your ski moves. Prepare to shred (or not). You’ll be taking on red runs in no time. Give your legs a breather and head to the Happy Valley Adventure Park for a high-speed snow-tubing session. Your body will thank you later. Or if you fancy a change in scenery, there’s an optional snowmobile tour of British Columbia’s B-E-A-U-tiful backcountry on the cards too. Tonight, gather your trip mates and swap stories of epic trails (or epic fails) over dinner. Or give night skiing a go. This is your chance.

Today = another jaw-dropping drive through the wilderness. This time, we’ll take the Trans-Canada Highway through Yoho and Glacier National Parks. But first: a quick stop at Lake Louise. 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. After an orientation tour, 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 48 hours to see it all. First question: 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! Or you could ride the Sulphur Mountain Gondola for insane views over the sweeping mountain ranges. This is what you came for. Later, swap the adrenaline rush for a sugar rush – beaver tail, anyone?

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 Insta handles – you’ll need them to organise that summer reunion trip.