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A 1st time skier conquers the Canadian Rockies at resorts in Kananaskis, Banff and Lake Louise, and loves every minute of it.

Driving west along the Trans Canadian Highway, the landscape looked virtually untouched, even if there were three million tourists coming to Alberta Province's famous Banff National Park each year. I was on my way to learn how to ski, and learned that the beautiful scenery and friendly Canadians would make my stay wonderful, no matter how the skiing went. Sure, sore muscles and dressing for the weather were a little hard to get used to, but there was something about the cold and the stunning snow-capped Rockies that made the aches and a few extra layers worthwhile. Beginners of any age who become snowstars in Alberta will feel the same way.

Here's a look at what Alberta resorts offer novice skiers and riders.

Kananaskis Skiing & Lodging

Nakiska (800/258-7669; 2 Mt Allan Drive, Kananaskis, AB T0L 2H0) is an ideal resort for families who have an expert skier or rider accompanying the novices. Although there were a limited number of easy slopes, the many expert and intermediate trails at Nakiska offer wonderful views from the top. Being the location of the 1988 Olympic Alpine Events, more advanced skiers can take pleasure in knowing that these trails are the same trails that the Olympians skied down. With only 28 trails, Nakiska may seem small in comparison to Alberta’s other ski resorts, but its trails are never just a straight shot down; rather, they twist and turn around the trees, with varying degrees of steepness throughout. I quickly learned the thumbs down signal to slow down the chair lift while I was learning how to use the Gold Lift. Even if a few beginners had to get on and off slowly, the lines were very short, so no time was ever wasted at the bottom of the hill. The best part about Nakiska was the lack of traffic on the slopes. Since I was just learning, I was never scared that other skiers or boarders would be zooming past me while I made my slow wedge turns.

For first-timers, the ski school provides excellent training and a variety of different types of lessons, depending on level of skill and age. My instructor was very patient as he taught me all the basic stuff, like how to tighten the ski boots and attach them to the skis. For kids, they have programs for little ones as young as 3, where the day is split between playtime indoors at the daycare center, ski lessons, and time at the outdoor playground, “Kritter World.” Additionally, parents can ski uninterrupted since the staff takes care of dropping the kids off at their ski lessons. Day care hours are from 8:30am-4:30pm daily except during off peak season, when the day care is closed on Tuesday and Wednesday. For more information, visit the Snow School and Day Care websites.

We stayed at the Delta Lodge at Kananaskis (866/432-4322; Kananaskis, AB T0L 2H0) in the very remote location of Kananskis Village -- a great place for a quiet and relaxing vacation. Only one hour from Calgary, many Canadians from the city make the village their favorite weekend getaway. The scenic beauty offered in Kananaskis can be seen in the various films that were shot there, such as Brokeback Mountain and Legends of the Fall. In 2002, the G8 convention took advantage of its isolation and was hosted in Kanaskis Village.

The Delta Lodge owns all three buildings in Kananaskis, the first two are both for accommodations, and the third was recently remodeled as a “Creative Kids Center,” which will provide a day camp and craft center during peak seasons. In the main lodge there are nightly activities for families, like magic shows or Bingo night. At every Delta hotel or resort, children under 17 stay for free when accompanied by a parent. Babysitting is also available.

After my first day of skiing and straining muscles, the indoor/outdoor hot tub was just the right way to end the day. The Summit Spa also has many treatments and massages that could provide an entire day of relaxation for the non-athletes in your group. There is also a pool and fitness center, as well as a Eucalyptus Steam Room to indulge in after a workout. The activity desk was very helpful in planning other activities from snowshoeing and tobogganing to dogsledding and ice fishing. Skate rentals are available at the shop just outside, next to the pond.