Day 1 – Calgary to Golden

Leave Calgary and drive west on the TransCanada Highway passing through Banff and Yoho National Parks. Without stops, it is a 3 hour drive to Golden. If you’re able to leave in the morning, stop at Emerald Lake as you pass through Yoho for a ski across the lake and around the Alluvial Fan Trail. It’s a short 7 km ski, but one of the prettiest in the Rockies especially on a bluebird day. Check out the trail report before you go here.
If stopping at Emerald Lake to ski, you can either bring your lunch to eat on the trail, or you can grab a bite at the Kicking Horse Lounge inside the Emerald Lake Lodge. It’s a great place to warm up with a hot drink after your ski as well.
Arrive in Golden and check in to your hotel or resort. See a list of accommodations on the Tourism Golden website.
Enjoy dinner at one of Golden’s diverse restaurants before winding down at your hotel and resting up for a great day of skiing tomorrow. One of my personal favourite restaurants is the Wolf’s Den, a casual restaurant that specializes in gourmet burgers and steaks. Another popular favourite in Golden is the Eleven22 Restaurant where you’ll be treated to a fusion of Canadian and Asian cuisine.