Breadcrumb Path Hyperlinks
Ski & SnowboardLife
Opinions and proposals are unbiased and merchandise are independently chosen. Postmedia could earn an affiliate fee from purchases made by hyperlinks on this web page.
Article content material
We had been behaving like youngsters in a sweet retailer. Besides we weren’t in a sweet retailer. We had been in a snowcat that was purring its solution to the powder-plastered prize of Panorama’s legendary Taynton Bowl. And, as we crawled up the ridge inside the comfy confines of the cat, Colter Wall (I’m a fan) crooning on the sound system, we gazed on the pine-peppered terrain beneath us, wiggled uncontrollably in our seats, and readied ourselves for the powder pig-out that was shut at hand.
Commercial 2
Article content material
Let it’s identified: I’m a fan of the powder stash. This can’t be denied, not right here, nor wherever. Usually, my 10 ski days a 12 months (give or take) are chosen fastidiously. I’d somewhat not ski gravel, sticky crud, porridge, cornmeal, millet, or some other unsavoury cereals or grains that could possibly be plastered on prime of a ski run. And this could be the primary motive why “The Powder Freeway” is my most well-liked winter path to roll.
Article content material
In fact, no ski hill in Western Canada – or wherever else for that matter – can assure pillow-soft turns and thigh-deep fluff. Particularly this 12 months. It’s the cardboard we’ve been dealt. It’s an off-year. However, for my cash, the percentages of getting “the good things” are greatest in “The Koots” and alongside The Powder Freeway. (From what I perceive, this 12 months, the additional west you go, the sketchier circumstances are prone to be. If ski circumstances actually matter to you, it’s all the time greatest to usually examine climate and snow forecasts. Issues can change shortly, for the great or for the unhealthy … all over the place!)
In fact, snow circumstances are only one issue. The ski resorts on The Powder Freeway – which incorporates the superior hills in Fernie, Kimberley, Fairmont, Panorama, Golden, Revelstoke, Rossland, and Nelson – have many extra virtues. (For more information take a look at www.powderhighway.com. The Powder Freeway additionally consists of backcountry cat and heli-operators, backcountry ski-touring lodges, and dozens of different winter experiences within the Kootenay Rockies.)
Article content material
Commercial 3
Article content material
Cool Kootenay tradition, brief raise strains, lovely ski-in/ski-out lodges, sizzling springs, and incredible eating places are just some extra the explanation why this area is my favorite for winter adventuring. (One other key profit: a lot of the resorts are inside three to 4 hours west of Calgary.)
On my newest trek down The Powder Freeway – my 4 boys tagged alongside for an epic father/sons ski fest – one of many many highlights was taking Panorama’s Monster X Snowcat, which is a shuttle service from the summit to the outer reaches of the black and double-black terrain within the Taynton Bowl. The cozy 15-minute experience saves an extended ridge-top hike to entry this unbelievable alpine terrain. (If you happen to pre-purchase a ticket on-line for the cat it’s simply $26 per individual for one experience. A daily raise ticket should even be bought.)
Unquestionably, as a result of this terrain is at a excessive elevation and never straightforward to entry, the powder stashes final manner longer right here! And, curiously, the run we began with after hopping out of the cat was, fittingly, known as “Stash!”
It’s truthful to say that my favorite in-bounds “powder expertise” alongside The Powder Freeway is the snowcat journey at Panorama. We had a blast bouncing our manner down the steep grades and wallowing (at occasions) within the deep snow. (It ought to be famous that that is tough terrain and solely beneficial for superior skiers and snowboarders.)
Commercial 4
Article content material
By way of my different private “favourites” on The Powder Freeway, I’ve compiled a reasonably complete record. Right here’s a sampling:
Favorite Ski-In/Ski-Out Lodge: Located only a 10-second glide from the Elk Chair on the base of the Fernie Alpine Resort, the country and exquisite Lizard Creek Lodge is good for lovers of the traditional on-mountain ski lodge.
Favorite Glades: Kimberley Alpine Resort is an absolute treasure for its phenomenal tree snowboarding. After unloading on the prime of the Easter Chair, head proper and also you’ll be in one of many best gladed glory lands in North America.
Favorite Ski City: Sure, true, Panorama is a candy little mountain village with many charms. Nevertheless it’s not an official city. Fernie, with its historic downtown, nice shops, and funky vibe, is my winner. (However, actually, Revelstoke and Rossland have additionally stolen my coronary heart!)
Favorite Sizzling Springs: Owned and operated by Parks Canada, the historic Radium Sizzling Springs swimming pools are robust to beat. It’s the right place to soak your bones after snowboarding.
Favorite Alpine Bowls: The excessive alpine snowboarding in Fernie, which incorporates 5 fabulous bowls, is heaven for pow lovers.
Commercial 5
Article content material
Favorite Place To Ski For A Week: Rossland’s Purple Mountain is so large, so infinite in terrain and powder-stash potentialities, you would ski recent tracks for per week after a storm.
Favorite Restaurant: I’m pulled in lots of instructions right here, however downtown Kimberley’s Pedal & Faucet (the spaghetti balls and burgers are to die for) is all the time excellent. Honourable mentions go to Chopper’s Touchdown in Panorama and Cirque Restaurant & Bar in Fernie’s Lizard Creek Lodge.
Favorite Ski Bar: This one’s straightforward. Rafter’s at Purple Mountain, which was voted the #1 Aprѐs Ski Bar within the World by the now-gone Powder Journal, is genuine, mountain-rustic perfection.
Finest Summit Expertise: One other straightforward name! The summit at Golden’s Kicking Horse Resort, because of the unbelievable Eagle’s Eye Restaurant, which is the best place to dine in Canada, gives jaw-dropping views in each route.
Finest Household-Pleasant Snowboarding: The under-the-radar Fairmont Sizzling Springs Ski Space is good for freshmen and households. My youngsters realized to ski right here! It’s an superior little hill that doesn’t get its due.
Naturally, should you’ve spent any day out right here, you’ve found your individual candy spots and secret stashes. And that’s nice! That is why we go down this freeway! The apparent conclusion? Let’s all plead with the snow gods, do our favorite snow dance, and plan our subsequent journey down The Powder Freeway.
Article content material
Share this text in your social community