Weekend Travel

The Five-Point Weekend Escape Plan

Ski Virgin Slopes in Newfoundland

Home to the only cat-skiing operation this side of the Rockies, it has new charter flights, near-empty resorts, and mountains made to test skiers’ limits.

By Larry Olmsted
Published Jan 16, 2007

1. Where to Stay

From left, the Humber Valley resort and Marble Villa.

(Photo: Courtesy of Humber Valley, Marble Villa)

Spread out with friends in one of the huge log chalets (some situated on their own full acre) at the new Humber Valley resort (from $50 per person) in the mountains of western Newfoundland. The digs are posh—they come loaded with commercial-style kitchens, hot tubs, saunas, and even theater rooms—but also dirt cheap. A two-night escape package goes from just $175 per person during the low season, which includes most weekends in February and March.

If you want ski-in, ski-out convenience, the best choice is Marble Villa (from $149), located at the base of the area’s major resort, Marble Mountain. The slopes attract a mix of locals, second-home owners, and hard-core adventurers who cram into modern but basic studios and one- and two-bedroom condos.

A bit more opulent are the brand-new luxury suites at nearby Marble Inn (two-night packages with two-day lift tickets from $219 per person), which offer LCD televisions, new appliances, and gas fireplaces. The inn is an easy walk from the slopes and base village of Marble Mountain and just ten minutes away from the city of Corner Brook.