By Dallas Barnes
It was over drinks in 2007 that my friends Aaron Churchill and Mike Stansberry reminisced about ‘Friend of Dorothy’ a yearly ski trip to Marmot Basin held in the late 1990’s. Mike recalls the trip with fondness. Her remembers “riding the Red Ruby Express bus” with a great group of people. It had been a long time since the last ski trip, so these two friends decided to do something about it.
Two years ago, Snowballs was born. Stansberry explains it as a “non-profit venture that simply wants to organize a great experience and pass on the group discount savings onto you.” Attendees can expect a great time on the chartered bus with a liquor license. It leaves Edmonton with a quick stop in Calgary to pick up additional skiers and returns Sunday evening. Yes, you read right, not only is there a liquor license for the long ride, but also movies, prizes, and entertainment.
Once attendees have arrived in Banff, they can drop off their luggage at the hotel (included with the ticket) and enjoy the weekend. Several group activities are planned, including dinners, dancing, hotubbing, skiing, and snowboarding.
Along with the bus ride and hotel stay, Snowballers will also get lift tickets to Lake Louise and Sunshine Resorts which also include gondola passes, discount rentals, and ski or snowboard lessons if desired. Whether you ski or snowboard (or don’t) there is still a place for you at the Snowballs event. There is plenty to do in Banff and non-skier tickets are discounted accordingly.
This weekend promises to be more than just a ski weekend. “Ski all you want, and there’s still time for other activities. Relax in the hot tub, visit Banff’s art galleries and shops, and then enjoy a terrific dinner with new gay friends. Saturday night, the group can dance the night away at the Aurora Nightclub,” says Stansberry.
One can sense the degree of fun Snowballs promises by reading their Facebook wall. There are at least 20 posts thanking Mike and Aaron for a job well done, and a time well spent at the previous event. I can imagine that this year’s festivities will be just as fun, if not more so.
Prices for the Snowballs weekend are on a per-person basis with taxes and fees included. The prices are also dependent on double, triple, or quadruple occupancy. A $150 non-refundable, but transferable deposit is also required to reserve your spot.
The first bus is already full, but there is a growing wait list for another bus. This bus will be booked if there are enough individuals interested in attending. Make sure to get your name in fast! The quickest way is to email or simply give them a call, if there’s still time. If not, then plan ahead for a fabulous time at next year’s event!
