Lifts & Terrain
Whitewater Ski and Snowboard TerrainThe
Whitewater ski resort in BC Canada is most renowned for its powderhound opportunities due to the plentiful snow. The powder is award winning which includes a prize for being the best place in North America to use a snorkel! It’s not highly trafficked and is largely a locals’ ski hill, but with only 478 hectares (1,180 acres) of in-bounds terrain you won’t ever feel alone.
Within Whitewater (aka WH2O) there is something for everyone. The mountain consists of groomed runs, open bowls, chutes, steeps and tree skiing. The two retro lifts provide access to an infinite number of lines for those who are happy to traverse and be creative. The resort is also a gateway to lots of backcountry terrain.
The resort is U-shaped and can be divided into two major areas. Silver King, the sunny side, is the easier area and has groomed trails weaving down the slope. The Summit area, the “dark side”, has one beginner run and lots of black runs.
Whitewater Lifts
Whitewater ski resort keeps to its “pure and simple” motto with two very antiquated double chair lifts. The Silver King chair is painfully slow. The Summit chair is a little faster and considering that it’s not detachable you have to be an expert to even get onto the chair. There is also a new triple chair and also the Hummer handle tow in the beginners’ area. It would be rare for there to be a long lift line at Whitewater.
Lift Tickets
Standard lift tickets are incredibly cheap, and a beginners’ ticket for the handle tow is only $10. Backcountry skiers can purchase a single ride for $20 (08-09 prices).
Snow Conditions
Whitewater commonly has fantastic snow conditions with fresh powder falling frequently. The quality and quantity of the snow is what Whitewater is famous for. However even the most blessed resort still has non-powder days. During these times Whitewater becomes a bit ho hum. It’s OK for the kids and beginners, but everyone else starts praying for another snow storm.
Even though Whitewater is a small resort, avalanche control is a big undertaking for the patrollers because of the abundant snowfall and steep pitches at the top of the bowl. Take heed of any in-bounds avo warnings. Backpacks with avalanche safety gear are almost standard dress code for advanced and expert riders at Whitewater.
For the Beginner
The novice area is “out of the way” between the two lifts near the day lodge. Further beginner runs are off the Silver King chair on sunny slopes.
For the Intermediate
Forty percent of the terrain is rated for intermediates, but this only equates to 12 runs and not all are groomed. The grooming is good, but with only 396 metres of vertical drop, the runs are over before you know it. At least the quads won’t be burnt out, and if they are tired they’ll get plenty of rest on the slow lift. The blue runs on the Silver King side are generally easier, and there are opportunities here for off-piste experiments.
For the Family/Kids
Whitewater is very popular with families, partly because of the very inexpensive lift tickets and ski school. The family friendly culture is also a plus, and the compact set-up of the terrain makes it very easy to keep track of all family members.
Freestyle
There is a small rail park that has hits marked for differing degrees of difficulty. We met Brett and his friends in the terrain park who had way too much Kodak courage! A natural terrain park is under the Summit lift. Here there are lots of boulders that are ideal for hucking off.
Advanced Ski and Snowboard Terrain
The Silver King side has piste and tree skiing runs that quickly become mogulled. The Summit side generally has better quality snow and more interesting terrain. From the chair, traverse either way and pick a line that suits your fancy. The only problem is that the traverses lead to a serious case of déjà vu. In addition to this, the traverses can become gnarlier than the runs down if it hasn’t snowed for a few days. Catch Basin suddenly doesn’t seem so attractive, particularly for snowboarders.
Hike up to the Powder Keg Bowl for untracked snow on a steep pitch. Glory Basin on the other side of the lift is another great run. If you don’t like steep tight trees, traverse right to find an easier line.
Skiing for the Expert/ Powderhound
Whitewater has some good white knuckle terrain in-bounds. The celebrated double-black Diamond Glades offer some challenging tree skiing. When conditions permit, most experts head out of bounds. The ski touring opportunities abound, but the most popular route is to pop over the backside from the top of the Summit chair. This steep west facing slope offers wild tree skiing all the way down to the access road. In 2008-09 the resort provided a shuttle bus service on powder days to do picks ups from the access road.
Of course in these unpatrolled and uncontrolled areas, usual avalanche precautions should be exercised including taking a buddy or two and carrying appropriate safety equipment.