White Grizzly Adventures
The Mountain
White Grizzly Adventures' focus is on steep terrain, as much as nature allowas, while keeping you and the rest of the group on the mountain. Think 1000 metre (3200 foot) runs of 40 degrees!
The largely northeast facing (perfect aspect for powder snow) mountain we ski is unnamed, and is situated in the spectacular peaks and high snowfall Goat Range of the central Selkirk Mountains of British Columbia. There are now over 80 runs offering primarily north and east facing slopes that are protected from exposure to sun and wind. Most runs are huge: 1,000 metres (3,200 feet) long, and we average six runs each day. Quality of terrain comes first, and we guarantee more vertical than anyone else! The terrain has incredible variety, with three massive alpine bowls, epic steep powder chutes and gladed fall like tree skiing and riding offering endless enjoyment. About 50% of the terrain consists of steep tree runs.
Our guides are intimately familiar with both skis and snowboards so they are very conscious of the particular concerns of each discipline (i.e. line choices, pointing out fun terrain features, and letting the riders know when to "point it").
Each day we convoy the short trip (20 kms/13 miles) along the majestic Lardeau River to the staging area. We then leave via snowcat from the valley bottom (550 metres or 1,800 feet above sea level), arriving at the top of our first run, between 2,250 and 2,500 metres (around 8,000 feet). We have an area of 25 square kilometers (8,000 acres, of which 5,000 are currently skiable) available to us. This represents the area of Whistler/Blackcomb combined for the exclusive use of our clients (12 people or less per day)
Ability Level
At White Grizzly we ski and snowboard primarily steep deep snow. Therefore, we suggest our clients be experienced powder skiers or riders. Those who categorize themselves as novice or intermediate with little or no experience in deep powder might find our operation's terrain too challenging, so we suggest seeking out other outfits in the province, many of which cater to less-experienced powder enthusiasts. White Grizzly's terrain is ideally suited to those who crave long rus, lots of vertical per day, deep snow, small cliff bands, and world-class tree riding.
Fitness is as important as ability. No matter how strong your technique, your time at our terrain can be frustrating if you are out-of-shape. Why waste your important quality time gasping instead of grinning? Being rested and in good physical condition for the wilderness is important for both a pleasant experience, and a safe one.
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Room Amenities |
Private Shower |
Microwave |
Telephone |
Private Bathtub |
Air Conditioning |
Fax |
Private Jacuzzi |
Electric Fan |
Minibar |
Private Toilet |
TV |
Coffee Maker |
Private Kitchen |
Video/DVD/Movies |
Hair Dryer |
Stove |
Internet Connection |
Trouser Press |
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Rates inlcude: Unlimited terrain, professional guides, all required safety equipment, cozy lodging exclusively for our guests in log lodge based on either double or triple occupancy, en suite bathrooms, central fireplace, outdoor hot tub, all meals served family style with a French Canadian gourmet touch, and unlimited deep powder mountain adventure in the Kootenays best snow belt with heated modern snowcat transportation |
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Day Program
You start your adventure arriving at the lodge the afternoon before your first day on the slopes. All guests are checked in by 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time. There is plenty to do: you get settled into your room, meet the White Grizzly team and other guests, and enjoy a gourmet meal served family style. We discuss mountain safety issues, brief on current snow conditions, sign a Release of Liability (Waiver), prepare and adjust equipment and get a good night's sleep. Tomorrow will be a glorious day on the slopes. The following morning, a hot shower and a hearty breakfast await you.
Breakfast is at 7:15 a.m., departing the lodge no later than 8:00 a.m. You drive your own vehicle as we convoy to the snowcat staging area 20 kilometers north of the lodge, where we embark in the comfy snowcat on a journey from valley floor to mountain summit. Often we travel right through the clouds to the upper elevations where we have open skies and sunshine.
We descend the mountain all day, usually six or seven times, each descent usually 1000 metres of vertical drop (3,200 feet). A normal ski/boarding day runs from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with the last run starting from the top no later thatn 3:00 p.m. (adjusted for daylight) for reasons of safety and visibility. Of course, as the days get longer in the springtime, we can safely play in the backcountry until later.
At the end of the day, you return to the lodge for a late afternoon appetizer by the fire, and relax untill supper. Spend the evening with a visit to the in house massage therapist, some time in the outdoor hot tub, around the fireplace playing games, reading a good book or sharing stories of the epic pow runs while checking out others photos and videos.
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| Required Skill Level |
Experienced
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| Required Equipment |
Included
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| Our Certificatons |
The group is lead by a professionally trained and certified guide. We provide three guides per group, allowing two guides behind to assist you with your wild powder experience. |
Ski & Snowboard Styles |
FreeStyle Boarding |
Cross-country Skiing |
Alpine Skiing |
FreeRide Boarding |
Telemark Skiing |
Carve Skiing |
FreeCarve Boarding |
FreeStyle Skiing |
Speed Skiing |
Kite Snowboarding |
Ski Jumping |
Heli/Cat |
Off Piste |
HalfPipe |
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