Surftech88

I kicked the tires long enough and finally pulled the trigger! I'm driving from Ontario the last week of January to my apartment in NW Calgary. I'm starting a new job but I'm going to start later in the first week of February and go boarding.
I'm definitely feeling nervous but everything fell into place and opportunities presented themselves that I'd be a fool not to take.
Any advice from anyone that has done a similar move/drive?
What to expect in Calgary?

BUT the big question is which resort should I lose my Rockies v-card to?!

I've been a long time reader and a lot of stories I've read about relocating to the mountains being the best thing they've done really helped me in making this decision.
Thank you all very much!

blunted_nose

I have the pleasure of living in Calgary, and i could only hope to live closer to the mtns. If i were to move id definitively go to canmore.

Loves2splooge

All depends on what work you're doing to be honest. I moved to Calgary from the UK in the summer and it's been great. Sure I wish I was closer to the mountains but then I'd be commuting over an hour to get into work through the week. Still - coming from a guy that used to drive 6 hours to ride fucking Scotland I'm in heaven here. 1 1/2 hrs to sunshine - 1hr 45min to LL - 3 hours to Kicking horse.

My honest opinion would be to get the RCR pass which gets you into Lake Louise, Kicking Horse, Fernie and Nakiska. I'm not sure if they do half season passes - which might start in February. Sunshine is fun - but it's a gong show every weekend - with a lot of flat and tracked out terrain. I think from Feb the snow at LL will be worth the extra 20 minute drive.

Also - I've only been to kicking horse once but I'm going back next week. It's a nice 3 hour, scenic drive and you can stay there for pretty cheap if you make it a weekend trip. The Dreamcatcher hostel is more like a B&B and it was $33 a night. If you want to splooge more there are shit loads of owner rented chalets and condo's - plus hotel style accommodation on the hill.

It's the best place I've ever rode to be honest, including a season at whistler blackcomb.

As for Calgary itself - the place has a surprising edge to it. I was expecting more of a straight laced, conservative oil town but there is a thriving sub culture here. Lot's of live music and good nights out. You get some good gigs at Republik and The Broken City.. Mid week wings nights - my favourite is 'wingo' at broken city. If you skate there's a big outdoor park downtown by the bow trail which is good through the summer. Also you're very close to excellent mountain bike terrain - in the city limits there's nose hill and fish creek park which are both pretty tame but still fun. If you drive out 45 minutes you're in kananaskis country which is come of the best mtn bike terrain in the world in my opinion.

It does have that straight laced aspect though, people here can't drive for shit, I encounter too many racists at work and I personally thought the stampede was ridiculous - but that's not all Calgary has.

Still the big draw is the snow and the hills - but there's still plenty to do on those down days.

If you want someone to ride with when you get here PM me as I'm new(ish) too and most of my friends here are either complete beginners or skiers. I recently had my brother and friend over from London for 3 weeks - I forgot how good it is to let loose and shred properly.

Hope this helps.

poutanen

Good show! I grew up in Aurora, King City, Schomberg, Toronto, then lived around Hamilton for about 6 years. Moved to Calgary a year and a half ago. Couldn't like it more...

Depending on the type of riding you do, Nakiska is a good mountain to get used to the elevation and length of runs. I know most people will say start at Louise, Sunshine, Kicking Horse, etc. but if you've only been riding blue mountain it'll take a couple days to get your legs in shape to really enjoy the "big" mountains.

My biggest piece of advice is to relax. Very few people in Calgary are actually FROM Calgary. Almost everyone you meet will be in the same boat as you, some have just moved, some moved 20 years ago, but everyone has a story and people are easy going here.

Lots to do both winter and summer so join some clubs and have fun!

edit: I should mention there's probably no reason to get a season pas anywhere unless you think you'll get out at least 25 days in Feb-May. Just go to costco and get the discounted lift tickets, they range from about $55 to about $70 a day including tax depending on the resort.

longboardsrule

Lose your rockies V Card to Lake Louise, its the biggest moutain, great terrain, most awesome scenery near calgary. Save the others for another day, but your first day has gotta be the Lake.

Losing it to COP/Norquay/Nakiska would be like getting a cheap hooker for your first time.

poutanen

And the problem with that is???

stunt66

My vote is Lake louise too. They don't get the pow like kicking horse but if youre into riding groomed runs the lake has it.


And theres nothing wrong with losing it to a cheap hooker lol

roremc

The usual rule. Who ever has the most fresh snow. SSV is ok you just need to get there early.

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So many runs so little time.

HeroForADay

Welcome to Calgary, and the best quadrant! The NW is awesome rod quick escapes out to the mountains.

ARSENALFAN

Unless your a trout fisherman, in which case you want to be in the SE

Just drove over the Bow. She looks real good today for nymphing some big rainbows and browns.