Bike Fest~

Banff National Park to host three bike races in June

The rubber meets the road this June at the Banff National Park Bike Fest with a triple threat of exciting events – a scenic individual time trial, a high-speed criterium, and an elite invitational road race through the wilderness. Thousands of dollars in prize money, cycling gear, and lasting glory are up for grabs but so are opportunities to explore one of the world’s most unique natural destinations – whether you bike ride casually or virtually live in Lycra.

Individual Time Trial
The individual time trial travels a 17 kilometre route past pristine mountain rivers, clear lakes, sheer cliffs, and rock formations. Up to 250 cyclists will sprint off at 30-second intervals starting at 8 a.m. Saturday, June 21st in one continuous lap of Lake Minnewanka. Time trials – or “The Race of Truth” – are all about the rider, the clock, and meeting individual and personal goals.

Criterium
The one-hour criterium will hit the streets of Banff Saturday at 5 p.m. for more than 300 cyclists. Be prepared for sharp turns, breakaway sprints, and fierce competition. Also that evening, a shortened route of the criterium course will host family bicycle events, including the HooDoo Cruiser Crit and a children’s fun race dubbed “Little Crits.”

Road Race
By Sunday at 8 a.m. 150 cycling pros in colourful jerseys will head out on the Road Race around Tunnel Mountain, the Rockies’ smallest peak at 1,692 metres (5551 ft). Teams from across Canada and the US are expected for this invitation-only event, sanctioned by the Alberta Bicycling Association. After the pace is established, cyclists take turns drafting each other before the final sprint, so the pack will cycle within a “rolling enclosure” where security temporarily closes down intersections in advance. Male riders will rack up a grueling 142.5 kms and the women will race over 85.5 kms.

Experience the Park
Bicycling is celebrated as one of the most environmentally friendly forms of transport these days and Banff National Park is the finest place in the world to explore on two wheels. Bring your mountain bike, road bike, or street cruiser, or just rent one in Banff and Lake Louise and go for a pedal. Take a picnic and stop along the way to soak in the views, read the historic interpretive markers, look for wildlife, and take a few photos.

More Guest Feedback

Here are some more guest comments on staying at the Banff Aspen Lodge:

"Your hotel is very accommodating. Your feel is more at home than a hotel. It portrays warmth and friendliness" R. Proctor

"Carry on! We are very happy with the new hot tubs and your staff are all great from the start to the end of our stay. Your hotel services are terrific" N. Gamboa

Thank you to all!

Staff Event at Mount Norquay

Employees at the Banff Aspen Lodge had the opportunity to go night skiing a few weeks ago at Mount Norquay. We had an fantastic evening that included eating some home-made Chili (thanks Sam!!!) in the day lodge, there were people trying skiing / boarding for just their first time and the chance to see our General Manager participate in a race at the hill.

Night Skiing happens every Friday night during the ski season from 5pm - 10pm. Visit http://www.banffnorquay.com/rates/lifttickets.html for more information!

Customer Feedback

The following is a review of the Banff Aspen Lodge from a past guest:

"The staff on the front desk were very friendly and helpful and the lodge was well run and we never had a problem during our stay. You get free safety deposit boxes and there is a purpose built ski storage room so you don't have to cram your boots and ski's into a wet smelly locker after a hard days skiing. By the way, the ski shuttle buses are run with military precision and are always on time and stop only a short distance from the lodge,
The rooms are very clean spacious and have a TV,fridge and tea/coffe making facilities. We got a quiet, high floor room with a fabulous Canadian Rockies veiw to the right of our balcony!!!! The bed deserves special note, it was the most comfortable that we have ever had on holiday and provided a good nights sleep.
The breakfast was more than we expected, with a selection of cereals, wonderful muslei, fresh fruit salad, yogut, warm freshly baked muffins and danish pastries, toast and a choice of fruit juices, tea and freshly brewed coffee.
A nice touch was that the lodges huge Fir tree still had it's Christmas lights on, as did the other lodges, hotels and shops on Banff Ave which gave a great atmosphere to the place. There was also an array of shops, restaurants and bars within just a few minutes walk of the lodge.
All in all, the Banfff Aspen Lodge and it's staff played a big part in one of the best skiing holidays my wife and I have ever had.When we visit Banff again we will not hesitate in returning to this great value well run lodge.
Thanks to all the team"
W&L Nottingham, England

Ski & Soak in Banff National Park

Come to the Banff Aspen Lodge for this fabulous two night all inclusive package:
~Relax in the Banff Upper Hot Springs after a long day on the slopes in the Canadian Rockies. The Banff Aspen Lodge Ski and Soak package includes two night's accommodation in a spacious guestroom, a Canadian Rockies Continental Breakfast both mornings at the hotel, a one-day ski pass to Sunshine Village, Lake Louise or Banff Mount Norquay and one ticket to soak in the Banff Upper Hot Springs.
~ The price for two adults is $388.84 (including taxes)
~ Visit http://www.banffaspenlodge.com/u/specials.phtml for more information

80's Ski Day

Just an FYI that on Tuesday February 26th, Ski Norquay is encouraging all guests and staff to celebrate the 1980's by dressing up in your old eighties gear. One piece ski suits and headbands are definately encouraged ~ see you there!

Celebrate Mid-week!

Come to the Banff Aspen Lodge mid-week to help us celebrate our newly renovated courtyard! Two new outdoor hot tubs with an outdoor fireplace now occupy our central courtyard. Unwind after a day of skiing and relax under a sparkling night sky. Check out our Special Offers wepage for more information~