The Whiteout Ski Podcast
Beyond The Basics with Crystal Ski Holidays - Pt 3 - When Skiing Becomes a Bucket-List Trip
Feb 13, 2026
Season 5
Episode 81
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Beyond The Basics with Crystal Ski Holidays : when skiing becomes a bucket-list, once-in-a-lifetime trip
1. Why long-haul ski trips matter
- Long-haul = milestone trips, not everyday skiing
- Destinations that deliver experiences Europe simply can’t replicate
- Bigger landscapes, more wilderness, different cultures and atmosphere
- Trips people talk about for years afterwards
- Opportunity to weave in Dom & Rob’s personal bucket-list experiences
2. The long-haul planning mindset
Long-haul trips benefit from early planning. Crystal booking window now up to 18 months Early booking gives best choice.
- For Winter 26, low-deposit options help guests commit earlier
3. Destination spotlight: Whistler, Canada
- North America’s largest ski area
- Huge variety: bowls, glaciers, tree runs, cruisers
- Excellent ski-in / ski-out convenience, especially Blackcomb
- Heli-skiing access is a major differentiator
- Lively village with huge choice of dining and après
- Transfer as part of the experience:
- Sea-to-Sky Highway from Vancouver
- Coastal views, waterfalls, Olympic legacy
- Accommodation highlight:
- Fairmont Chateau Whistler
- Fairmont Gold = premium “hotel-within-a-hotel” experience
4. Destination spotlight: Banff
- A real Canadian mountain town, not purpose-built
- Historic high street, authentic atmosphere, relaxed après
- One base, three ski areas:
- Sunshine Village
- Lake Louise
- Mt Norquay
- “Trifecta” appeal: ski all three in one trip
- Transfers through National Parks feel like scenic excursions
- Wildlife sightings often part of the journey
- Lake Louise: true bucket-list ski moment
- Flexible base for multi-mountain skiing
5. Destination spotlight: Tremblant
- European-style pedestrian village in Canada
- Excellent ski-in / ski-out access
- Great for families and mixed-ability groups
- Unique extras: casino, lively village atmosphere
- Easy access:
- Around 90 minutes from Montréal
- Option to combine city + ski
6. What long-haul skiing offers beyond Europe
- Scale: bigger mountains, wider landscapes
- Atmosphere: more space, less rush
- Service: standout hospitality in North American resorts
- Experience-first travel: Wildlife - National parks - Scenic transfers
7. Who long-haul skiing is perfect for
- Special birthdays and celebrations
- Honeymoons
- Multi-generational trips
- “Big one” holidays you plan in advance
- Position as attainable with planning, not extravagant
9. What’s next
- Episode 4: behind the scenes with
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To contact us with your suggestions for further episodes at dom@InTheSnow.com / robert@ski-press.com